So, how much ‘watch’ does $300.00 dollars get you? A heck-of-a-lot if you’re buying Borealis’ new Scout Sniper. As of late, Borealis has created a strong buzz among watch enthusiasts looking for a timepiece that is well built, fun to wear, and most importantly, easy on the wallet. Borealis boasts on their site that they manufacture timepieces that are made with reliable mechanical movements and clean and easy to read dials using only the highest grade tools and materials. It is with that philosophy in mind that I embarked on this review.
Specs:
Case Diameter: 44mm
Case Height: 15mm
Lug Size: 24mm
Lug to Lug: 52mm
Bracelet: 316L stainless steel bracelet with split pins and diver extension clasp
Movement: Seiko NH35 (OEM version of Seiko 4R35)
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Water Resistance: 300m/ 1000ft
Retail Price: $299.00
I received the overseas package and unboxed the Borealis, which comes in a no-frills type packaging as it provides the watch only the essentials needed for transport. It’s simple, which is what one would come to expect from a watch priced lower than a pair of men’s Oakley sunglasses. So, for you “watch box lovers,” not to worry, as the real treasure is found inside next to the timepiece’s instruction manual.
The Scout Sniper’s dial is matte black, which is a great color choice for this tactical timepiece. I’ve mentioned the “elephant in the room” in previous reviews as I like to get over the “Captain obvious” hump early on. The Borealis Scout Sniper aesthetically resembles a Marathon GSAR while having a personality of its own. If you’re reading this and said “that’s ok,” then we can move on and further explore what makes the Scout Sniper one the best buys in today’s micro brand market.
T-25 tritium filled tubes serve as hour markers on this model with several more tubes riding on top of the white sword hour and minute hands. There is also a tritium tube on the red colored second hand, making this a “tritium tube lover’s” paradise. Yes, I had to word that very carefully! And we’re moving…
Personally, I had never owned a tritium watch until now, and I am pleasantly surprised on how legible the dial is at night. I can hear some of you shouting into the screen, “But tritium tubes don’t work well in ambient light,” which is true, but on the flipside, they will outlast any applied lume when needed most…in the dark! Speaking of lume, the Scout Sniper also has a fair amount of the glow-like material we have all come to sinfully covet. Underneath each tritium filled hour marker you’ll find a luminous numeral indicating the respective hour in a 12 hour format. The lume is evenly applied and, as indicated above, in abundance.
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Bill
What is the bezel insert material? it’s not mentioned here or on Borealis’ website, some of their other divers offer a ceramic insert, I’d like to see one used here too.
Ariel
Bill – the insert is made of a tough plastic, which I believe compliments the design and purpose well.
Bill
I ended up picking one up, the insert is aluminum with a tough textured coating on it. Loving the watch, would recommend for anyone that likes the style. Has only picked up about 15 seconds over 2 weeks of solid wearing. Lots of watch for the money and Borealis customer service is excessively great!
Watch watcher
Great review…not my style of watch but just may have to get one as a gift for Christmas. Great price for a quality piece.
Ariel
Watch watcher – I believe whomever you gift this watch to, they’ll love it.
nathan griff
Cool watch and outstanding pics and review, Ariel. Thanks for sharing.
Ariel
Thank you Nate, for providing your feedback.
Rhstranger
I am going to have to quit reading your pictures and reviews as you on are directly responsible for blowing my watch budget out of the water. Great perspective on this piece.
Ariel
Thank you RhStranger!
mdsaitto
Thank you Ariel, great review
usually I find “militar style” watches too much austere
not in this case, there is the right amount of “eye candy”, really a well balanced design
Ariel
Thank you for your honest feedback.
Scott
Great review. That’s alot of watch for the money. I could see myself wearing that to work on a daily basis. Thanks for the thorough review Ariel!
Ariel
Thank you Scott for stopping by.
Ariel Adams
Good to see another Ariel in watch writing. Keep it up.
Ariel
Ariel Adams, truly one of the greats. Thank you for taking the time to read my review and for visiting our site. Keep in touch!
Cy Pritchard
Nice write up and excellent pics Ariel. Thanks for posting. Happy New Year!
ariel
Thank you!
Terry
My borealis ss arrived 4 days ago and I’ve had it on since. Really cool watch. My first automatic watch and I really enjoy it. I have a Tissot PRS 516 but wanted a daily watch. It’s heavy which is a plus but not overbearing. Setting the date was a little tricky. It took several attempts but I got it. You have to get the crown just right in the first position. The manual states not to adjust the date between 9p-4a which is pretty much the rule with autos. The lume is a really cool part of the watch. The tritium lume is bright but will not disturb even a light sleeper. The polished parts on the bracelet gives form and function a touch of class. The only negative was the shipping. Once I decided this was the watch for me, it could have taken up to 5 weeks to get it. I couldn’t wait that long so I paid for 8 day shipping. I got it in 5. 🙂 You get a lot with this watch. Automatic movement, a/r sapphire crystal, tritium tube lume, stainless steel bracelet, 300m rating, and a very masculine look. I’ve seen some comparable sell for $50+ more elsewhere ex. Traser watches. And there’s did not have a sapphire crystal or was a quartz movement. I hope this helps. There was not a lot online about the watch. But if you go with it, you will definitely enjoy this watch.