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BOLDR lent me a pre-production Expedition, and it is another home run from them.
This BOLDR Expedition was on loan as part of a reviewer tour, so it had been handled by several people, and it was still available for pre-order when I filmed. It is a 41mm field watch with a black diamond-like coated case, an inner compass bezel and a canvas strap. The Expedition is not sold on Amazon, so the button below goes to a BOLDR automatic that is.
- Coating held up well even after being passed around on a tour
- Clean, slightly vintage look with an orienteering theme
- Inner compass bezel and topographic etching on the back
- Modest 41mm size that still has presence
- Pre-production sample: the movement in my watch was not the final Swiss movement
- Pricing was not announced when I filmed
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
The canvas strap
Before the watch itself, the strap. It is black canvas with a little weathering, a leather backing so it feels good on the wrist, cross stitching, and black metal grommets to stop fraying.
The matte black buckle is wide and meaty, a little Panerai-style. Canvas bands give a watch that outdoor, orienteering look, and this one feels high quality all around.
Case, crystal and crowns
The case is 316 stainless steel with a diamond-like coating on the black model, and it was holding up very nicely. The crystal rises a little above the bezel with a nice finish.
There is no crown at 3 o’clock. Instead you get two knurled, tactical-looking crowns at 2 and 4 o’clock. One has an orange enamel ring, which helps you tell them apart, and it controls the inner bezel.
Dial, bezel and movement
The dial has an outer chapter ring with minute markings, plus compass rose points on the inner rotating ring. It reminded me a little of the Shinola Runwell Contrast Chrono: simple, slightly vintage, very attractive.
The sample had an NH35A with a BOLDR rotor and 24 jewels, but as I understood it the production watch would get a Swiss Sellita SW200 with 26 jewels and hacking seconds. The sandblasted case back even has topographic etching.
About the buy link
The Expedition I reviewed is not listed on Amazon, so the button goes to the BOLDR Venture automatic, a BOLDR automatic field-style watch that is. It is a different model, so check the listing for its size and specs.
On the wrist
At 41mm wide and about 14.5mm thick it is a modest size, at the small end of what I wear, but it looks good, and the height helps. I like the little splash of orange on the crown.
It looked like a limited edition with laser-engraved numbering. Overall, this is a nice watch for a lot of people.
FAQ
What size is the BOLDR Expedition?
The one I wore was about 41mm wide and 14.5mm thick.
What movement does it use?
My pre-production sample had an NH35A, but as I understood it the production version would use a Swiss Sellita SW200 with 26 jewels and hacking seconds.
Can I buy the Expedition on Amazon?
Not that I could find, which is why the button links to a BOLDR automatic that is on Amazon.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
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