Boldr Venture Review : Adventure Awaits

Watches:

Straps:

Go Team Venture!
Today we are taking a look at the Boldr Venture, a recent release from this Microbrand. It's a modern day interpretation of a classic field watch, but in Titanium. Making this a small and extremely light weight quartz watch.

Its truly something to see, but unfortunately there seems to be some growing pains with the company.

Drone Footage used in Beginning (licensed under creative commons)

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, I am an Amazon affiliate so I would earn a small commission on qualified purchases. But most of the time Amazon is just the best source to link something just to get a look. I always encourage you to shop around and find the best price.

In Addition, I'm also an affiliate with AVI-8, Armilla, Aliexpress, Spinnaker, eBay, Jomashop, and Phoibos.

[RelativeTime]

So I have two apologies.
1) I mistaken said Boldr is a Chiense microbrand. I was wrong, they are based out of Singapore and Malaysia. The watch was shipped from Hong Kong, so I just assumed. But you know what they say when you just assume something...
2) I have to apologize a little for my voice. Starting to come down with a cold, so it's a little more "froggy" then normal. (Yes it's possible...)

[assaultprepper]

Nothing wrong with your voice. You have a nasal twang that gives it a distinctive and nice tone for reviews. I have come to appreciate your watch reviews in terms of filming, pace and honesty.

[salmatosjr]

Thanks for reaffirming my observations. When I first received my venture the second hand was spot on and everything looked good as far as the dial details go. After about a week of daily wear the watch experienced a slight but normal shock and I noticed that the second hand was off. Upon fur the observation the dial appeared askew to me also.
Since I got this watch as a beater I wasn't so concerned and continued to wear it. After a few weeks and a few shocks against door jams and people the dial appears to have realigned itself and the second hand is spot on.
I haven't opened this watch yet but I am of the suspicion that the dial and movement are not strongly attached to each other.

For $99 I'm not going nuts about it and will continue to wear it for work and see how it reacts to the daily knocks of police work. I love the line and clean look of the dial, a bit larger would be ideal for me but as a large worsted guy who loves a more vintage field look and Arabic numerals I can't be picky.

[JurgenADV]

So close, yet so far. Thanks for another excellent review. Yes, once seen it can’t be unseen.

[JusttheWatch]

I thought you were crazy till you pulled up their product page, now I can't unsee the misaligned dial. Also I like that you pointed out the long lugs and how it looks awkward on two peoce straps, not something I normally would have thought to consider before buying. Still would like to get ahold of an Expedition someday...

[TangoGulf]

Mine is in the mail. If it arrives with any of these issues I will be returning it immediately. Thanks for the review

[madrockwatchesadventure]

I appreciate the "knit picky" points. I'd hate to see these issues with a watch I'd purchased. Thanks for the detail, keep up the awesome videos Shane!

[bobmcmahon]

I look forward to your comparison to the bertucci. Nice job on this review!

[stevenc]

Love the no date style
I want it when it hits 40$

[TheGoodwolfe]

As always, nice review, with great production values & excellent macro photography. I understand your nitpick about the top of the dial alignment & I agree. I might live with it on a $30 watch, but not a $100 or especially $145. My other issue is quartz, which I just won't do anymore, with the exception of solar. So, as you said, with QC issues fixed & solar I'd say it's worth another look too!

[TheSweede]

Great video.

Thanks for pointing out problem with the dial. That is the type of problem that would drive me nuts.

[Bobsbargainbasement]

Nope not interested in misalignment issues! I was about to buy one but I’m glad I looked up your video, thanks!

[sublyme]

Great looking watch though. Kinda made me fall in love with my Timex Expedition all over again :)

[kini]

Look at 8:50 and the minute hand that jumps back and forth.. my Venture does this occasionally also. I assumed this was just my bad luck but maybe its just a feature not a fault :)

[Texmotodad]

Hope you feel better soon! Welcome to Winter in Texas!
I'm with you about the seconds hand and the misprint/misalignment on the 12. For example, if the little Mondaine company can align their sub $100 watches hands/dials with the dial, so can Boldr. So, no Boldr for me. Thanks for the honest review!!! How about a review of Boccia titanium quartz watches??

[PierceMcFarlane]

The automatic version of this is coming out soon!

[daviddeckert]

I like that red-maroon/gray NATO strap! Haven't run across one with that color scheme yet.

I'd buy the watch if I could afford to additionally replace the movement with anything that doesn't jump like that. I'm used to cheap watches not being aligned with indices but the inconsistency of this model is just strange.

An automatic, with it's finer motion of the hands wouldn't highlight the mismatch issue as much. Lack of date window helps a bunch here; one less thing to match up with a swap. Spacers, shims, a spot of Blu-Tack ... whatever it takes; the dial (movement, actually) mismatch with the case is likely an easy fix (for an owner with basic tools and some time.)

There's just a lot that's so right about this thing otherwise. I realize modding a watch isn't the point when considering a purchase ... it should be "more decent" out of the box, even at $99.

You reading this, Boldr?

[brucecameron]

I agree with you regarding it being "off" that would drive me crazy !!

[tsarli]

I have the Venture and enjoy it very much in spite of the misaligned dial (yup, mine has it as well). I guess I'm fortunate that it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

[TheMartialist]

Thanks for saving me money. This is a dealbreaker for me.