Boldr Expedition 2019
Boldr Supply Company is quickly becoming one of the most popular microbrand watches companies out there, and for good reason. Their latest model, the all-new and redesigned Boldr Expedition is a fresh take on their field watch and integrates some elements from their Odyssey lineup yet retains much of the original Expeditions’ DNA. The brand has also kept the price affordable, $599 for all versions, all which have a Sellita SW200-1 Automatic Movement. Unlike many brands, if you opt for one of the PVD versions, you will not pay more either. The new Expeditions all have model names attached to go along with the theme, this one dubbed the “Rushmore”.
Boldr Expedition 2019 Specifications:
- 41mm Blasted or PVD Case
- 46mm Lug to Lug
- 20mm Lug Width
- 14mm Thick
- Sapphire Crystal
- Sellita SW200-1 Movement
- 200 Meters Water Resistant
- Custom Molded Rubber Strap
Price USD 599
https://www.boldrsupply.co/collections/expedition
Why the Rushmore? Well, read an excerpt from the Boldr Website:
“As far as mountains go, Mount Rushmore is in a league of its own; not because of steep faces or challenging terrain, but what it represents. A fitting tribute to commemorate US History, work on the monument situated in Keystone, South Dakota began in 1927. Spearheaded by Danish architect Gutzon Borglum and Chief Carver Luigi del Bianco, the four presidents depicted signify different stages of America’s growth, which are birth (Washington), growth (Jefferson), development (Lincoln), and preservation (Roosevelt).
Like its namesake, the Expedition is built to stand the test of time. “
Okay, that is some great marketing lingo and every brand has it. But how are the Boldr Expedition in person and real life? Well, it is easily my favorite offering so far. I love the new design, the dial is still easy to read and they did not sacrifice anything that makes this a go-to field watch such as military time, an inner rotating elapsed time bezel and copious amounts of lume. Both crowns screw down giving the user confidence when they find themselves in water and rubber strap not only looks good but is very comfortable, even if a little bit short.
Shown on 7 1/2 inch Wrist
Bolder Expedition Lume
Yes, the date cutout is not in my favorite location and to be honest, I think the double keepers on the tire tread strap is a little much and if I were to wear it long term, one of them would come off. Beyond those two little annoyances, this is a superb watch. At 41mm and more importantly 46mm lug to lug, this will be a great size for many, especially those with smaller wrists. One thing I like about the Boldr Company is that they produce watches in quite a few sizes. While the 45mm Odyssey is too much watch for some, the Expedition and Venture come in much smaller at 41mm and 38mm respectively.
The new case shape is what most are interested in though, and yes, it takes elements from the Boldr Oydessey, but unlike some, I do not consider it a bad thing. The Expedition still has a distinct look and I like the cohesiveness among models. As time goes on, it will allow Boldr watches to be instantly recognizable, and that is exactly what companies want. Well, that and more profit of course. Except for the stamped case back, the entire watch is finely bead blasted. I know some were hoping for a satin brush finish, but I feel the bead blasting works great with this design. I am not sure how it would look all brushed and think the bezel would need to be polished or blasted, at least in some areas just due to its construction. An element that carried over from the original model is the colored ring around the internal bezel crown. For the Rushmore, it is orange, along with every other version except the Matterhorn as that one is all about stealth.
The rubber strap on the Boldr Expedition is a little on the short side as I said, at least in my view, and the massive double keepers make the strap feel a little chunky. The natural rubber molded strap is very comfortable though and I love the shade of green they chose for this Rushmore. If I were to nitpick, I would say an included leather strap would have been nice, but then again, rubber straps like this are very expensive to get made and at $599, that’s wishful thinking.
I was very surprised by this new Expedition as I just did not see the brand updating this model like this. The overall footprint and style staid the same, but it is a completely new case, case back and strap, and that can get quite pricey. There was nothing wrong with the previous version but it seems Boldr is not content to just churn out the same old look each time. (At least for now). What else can I say? This is another solid offering from the growing brand. It is an attractive and well-made piece with a Swiss Movement. I imagine I’ll be seeing lots of these posted on social media very soon. I never know what the future holds, but this one might hold the top spot when it comes to Boldr watches for a long time.
