Borealis Scout Sniper Review

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The company’s name, Borealis, sits below the 12 o’clock marker and, as fate would have it, the word “Automatic” appears on the dial as well. While the dial reminds you that this is a 300m dive watch, the depth rating in feet is absent, which lends itself to a cleaner, uncluttered dial. This omission, along with lack of the 24 hour dial found in the Marathon GSAR, makes this my personal pick between the two dials. The bright white date window is positioned nicely between the 4 and 5 hour markers, which I found to be easily read at a glance.

The case is chunky and exudes a “tank like” build in heft alone. The entire 44mm case is brushed, which again, serves the Scout Sniper’s tactical look and functionality. “Bling” doesn’t exactly hide the scuffs of war well, whether you’re fighting on the front line or in the grocery line at your local supermarket. The screw down crown, signed with Borealis’ B logo, stands firmly in the 3 o’clock position and, with its textured grip, it screams “tool diver” to those who wear this piece. The flat sapphire crystal, coated with anti-reflective material, protects the dial and protecting the crystal, you’ll find a 90 click unidirectional bezel.

A company spokesperson stated the 90 click bezel choice was a logical one for this project, since a circle has 360 degrees, making 90 clicks ¼ of a complete circle. The octagon wire used underneath the bezel affords the user a better “click sound” along with bezel adjustment when compared to a 60 click bezel. While I did found some slight reverse play in the bezel, once it was set in the desired position, it didn’t move in either direction. While the claim that the click sounds are better than the latter, I can attest that they are very crisp and loud, something that sounds like horological music to my ears. If most bezels on the watch market were a person, the Scout Sniper’s bezel would be a Superman among mere mortals, as its super ridged teeth make its unidirectional manipulation a breeze.

The black bezel insert compliments the clean dial nicely, and it happens to be one of the most neat and legible bezels I have seen in any price point. A tritium tube completes the bezel’s circumference, acting as the Sniper’s lume pip.

The case back, which was buffed to a high polish, is a departure from the case’s brushed finish, but one that adds subtle flare to the overall design. Borealis’ mermaid swims within the case back and reminds the user that the Scout Sniper can play as easily on land as it can below the waves. As per watch norm, you’ll find all the pertinent information on and around your case back.

As a watch enthusiast, much like yourself, I read a lot about watches, and at times a common topic pops up as it pertains to a particular watch, or a piece of watch I should say. In regards to the Borealis Scout Sniper, the debated topic seems to revolve around the bracelet, and its partially polished links. The 5 link 24mm bracelet, which tapers down to 22mm, has two high polished rows (the second and the fourth). Personally, I would have brushed the entire bracelet and left the “bling” for a different kind of watch; one that doesn’t ooze in militaristic inspired design cues. Many have said they like it as it adds “pop” to a rather overall matte look, but the ultimate choice will be yours. If you don’t like the “bling,” five minutes with a green Scotch-Brite pad and a little elbow grease will take care of that. The sizing of the bracelet was a snap due to its split pin system, and after removing one link, it fit like a glove on my behemoth 7.5-inch wrist. The fold over clasp felt sturdy and again, its dive extension is another subtle reminder of the Scout Sniper’s sea legs.

At the Sniper’s core, you’ll find an NH35 Automatic Movement (OEM version of Seiko’s 4R35), which oscillates at 21,600 BPH. The second hand sweep has a more pronounced flutter than the Miyota 9015, but the movement has proven to be a workhorse, which I believe adds credibility, in part, to the brand’s “reliable” mission statement.

After wearing this timepiece for nearly one month, I can truly say that I love it more now than the day I received it. With every click of the bezel and every tic of the second hand, I hear the watch’s soft chant, “professional, reliable, affordable, professional, reliable affordable,” which is no wonder it became the brand’s mission statement. Place one on your wrist and it too will speak to you. Listen closely and it may whisper something we all long to hear; “your wallet is fatter today than it’s ever been,” which are words we can all get behind.