Intro:
If you are looking for a robust, reliable, and feature-packed mechanical field watch that does not break the banks, then Boderry Voyager should be on top of your list. Quality mechanical field watches are often associated with brands like Hamilton, Bulova, and Seiko. Nevertheless, the watch from a micro-band, Boderry Voyager surpasses them all in terms of price and features. I’ve been using this watch for about three months now, so I can provide you with a comprehensive overview of its performance in everyday use. I have the white dial version with a beige nylon strap and will be referring to that in the review. So let’s get started.
Quick Summary:
Boderry Voyager
Pros:
- Durable sandblasted titanium case.
- Reliable Miyota 8215 automatic movement.
- 100m water resistance.
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.
- Fantastic value for the money.
Cons:
- The second hand has a stuttering issue.
- Lumed markers fade faster than expected.Â
- The nylon strap is a bit stiff.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
|
Case Material |
Titanium |
|
Case Finish |
Sandblasted, Matt finish |
|
Strap |
Single pass 3 buckle Zulu type |
|
Crystal |
Sapphire Crystal
|
|
Water Resistance |
100m |
|
Movement |
Miyota 8215 automatic movement with quick date setting and hand winding (No hacking capability)
|
|
Accuracy |
+-30 seconds per day out of the box
|
|
Lume |
Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 |
|
Weight |
Watch head is 50 grams, total weight is 74 grams
|
Design and Build:
The watch has a 40mm diameter, 12mm thickness, and a lug-to-lug measurement of 48mm. The size is versatile and should wear well on most wrist sizes. Even though the lug-to-lug length is a bit larger for my taste but that is subjective, and you might enjoy it. The dial is large enough, and the Arabic numerals are easy to read, so legibility is not an issue.
The case of the Boderry Voyager is made of solid titanium. Because of its Titanium construction, it is way lighter at around 74g compared to a stainless steel case at the same time more durable and corrosion resistant. Titanium is also hypoallergenic which is a benefit for those with sensitive skin. In my daily usage, I have bumped the watch here and there many times but the watch did not even scratch which is a good thing and shows the case material and polishing is of good quality.
The case has a matt sandblasted finish which looks good on the white dial. The back of the case has a helm printed on it which gives it an adventurous/expedition watch vibe. The crown is located at an uncommon 4 o’clock position, which makes it more comfortable to wear, as it does not dig into your hands while doing any sort of exercise or hiking, or any such activities.
The watch comes with a nylon Zulu strap which was a bit stiff in the beginning but has gotten better with time. The strap quality is good and looks sturdy as well, which is a good thing for a field watch that might go through some rough conditions.
Overall, the build is really solid and sturdy and hopefully will last for a long time before it shows any sign of wear and tear.
Below is a quick wrist shot for you guys!
Features:
The Boderry Voyager uses the Miyota 8215 movement with around 40 hours of power reserve. This is a Japanese time-tested mechanical movement known for its reliability and durability. Â
It supports both manual and automatic winding. The movement also features date complications adding to the watch’s practicality. However, the movement does not have hacking functionality.Â
The watch features Sapphire Crystal glass. Sapphire crystal is harder and more scratch-resistant than glass, acrylic, or mineral crystals used in other watches. Sapphire crystal is also expensive so having this in this price range is a big plus.Â
It has a water resistance rating of up to 10 ATM (100 Meters). You should be good while swimming, snorkeling, or doing any other water-based activities wearing this watch, but I won’t recommend diving with this. Considering a field watch this amount of water resistance is plenty enough.Â
When it comes to lume, the Boderry Voyager uses Super-LumiNova C3. Its glow remains a bright green color and lasts for a long time. However, when compared to other watches like Seiko, the brightness of the glow in Boderry Voyager tends to fade relatively quickly. Nevertheless, overall, it still provides decent luminescence, which is quite important for viewing time in the dark, making it a valuable feature for a field watch.
Performance:
The Miyota 8215 is a reliable movement. I have seen around +30 seconds of deviation per day which is decent for a watch of this price.
The only major problem that I have noticed with this watch so far is the stuttering second hand. Even the beauty of a mechanical watch lies in the smooth movement of its sweeping second hand. I find solace in observing the seamless motion of the second hand, which reminds me that it’s a mechanical watch and not a digital or battery-operated one, devoid of any life. But unfortunately, in this particular instance, this watch seems to have suffered a bit. The stuttering of the second hand can be observed, which diminishes the joy. However, it does not seem to have any significant impact on its timekeeping, which is a good thing.
Besides that, you can feel the movement of the rotor in the watch being a bit loud and noticeable when it rotates with the movement of your hand. However, this is a minor observation, but still worth mentioning, I believe.
Comfort and Wearability:
The watch is very comfortable to wear. It is neither a thick nor a heavy watch so feels comfortable to wear throughout the day. Even though I would appreciate a better strap quality initially it felt very stiff and took some time to break in. The 22mm lug width gives you plenty of strap options so you can replace it whenever you want. Style, toughness, and comfort combine to make it not just a field watch but also a good everyday watch.
Value for Money:
I purchased this watch for around 90 USD from Amazon. Considering we get a titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, reliable automatic movement, and 100-meter water resistance at this price, it feels like an extraordinary deal. I have not come across any other brand offering a watch of this quality at this price point. So, I surely recommend buying this watch if you are okay with the minor hiccups.
Conclusion:
Despite some minor issues, such as the stuttering second hand and strap quality, the Boderry Voyager watch presents itself as an excellent value-for-money timepiece in front of us. For many who admire mechanical watches but cannot afford higher-priced ones, it serves as a fantastic entry-level option. As a micro-brand, Boderry has made sincere efforts to maintain quality, and I believe that if they continue on this roadmap, they may well emerge as a reputed brand in the future. Finally, I have been enjoying using this watch and I hope you will also appreciate it.
