I’ve been a fan of the BOLDR Odyssey ever since I first laid hands on prototype back in April 2017. I liked the burly diver so much that I purchased a gunmetal gray White Storm model for myself. Since then, BOLDR has kept the line fresh with variations like bronze and forged carbon cases, and meteorite dials. For 2019, they have introduced two more: the vintage Odyssey Cali and the bracelet-equipped Odyssey Metal. They sent me a Full Metal blue dial prototype press loaner to review. Bear in mind that like many prototypes, this one has seen its fair share of use and likely more than a couple of dial swaps along the way, so pardon the odd nick or dust speck.
Like previous Odysseys, the new models use the same 45.5mm wide, 52mm long stainless steel case, which puts the watch right at the physical limits of my 6.75” wrist. Moreover, while the case itself may be 14.5mm thick, this figure grows to a mighty 16mm when measured from the case back to the top of the domed sapphire crystal. It’s a bruiser, but that is exactly the point as it is both a bold sports watch and statement piece. I love the look, but while I can get away with wearing my Odyssey on leather, the bracelet makes it appear even larger, dwarfing my relatively small wrist. The Full Metal version is really made for a bigger guy than The Bum.
As before, the angular lugs, chiseled crown guards, and Panerai Submersible-styled porthole bezel give it an aggressive, industrial look. Bezel action was good on this sample but not as tight as my production White Storm. I would chalk this up to the fact that it is a prototype rather than any indication of how the finished product might function. What will not change, is the beveled bezel edge, which steals just a little bit of grip where you need it most.
The fat, gear-toothed, signed crown also makes a comeback, and I could not be happier. I thought this peaked and split design was one of the highlights of the original watch and it is just as impressive here.
Of course, rugged looks mean nothing if the watch can’t back it up, and the Odyssey has no issue on this front. It is rated for 500m water resistance and features a triple-lock screw down crown, screwed-in case back, helium release valve, double-domed and anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal, and a 120-click unidirectional bezel. Inside, BOLDR has traded the old Seiko NH35 for a Swiss Sellita SW200-1, a 26 jewel, 28.8k bph automatic based on the ETA 2824-2 design.
The Metal model’s new dial has the same markers and handset as the original but this time on a sand-textured gradient surface. It is a solid, legible layout in traditional dive watch fashion, made all the more attractive by the deep blue-to-midnight transition. A black 6 o’clock date is a nice touch. C3 SuperLuminova on the hour and second hands and markers glows bright green and gets a touch of contrast from the BWG9 bezel pip and minute hand.
The most striking new feature is its bracelet, a heavy, brushed piece with solid end links, screws, and a ratcheting extension clasp that is signed on the flip-lock. Paired with the chunky case and all steel bezel, it is easy to see why BOLDR call this the “Full Metal” version. As striking as the blue and steel model may be, the sinister PVD black case model with the red gradient dial is a mighty tempting option.
BOLDR tends to go all out on case backs, this time choosing an embossed, fancifully illustrated compass on a matte blasted background. Yes, it does say “ETA 2824-2” back there, but again, this is a pre-production sample. You can expect the final to be factually accurate.
You may pre-order the new Odyssey for $519 USD, a $140 savings over the expected $659 MSRP. This is a jump up over the old Seiko-powered version, which is still available for $449, but the bracelet and Swiss movement do come at a price, and the new model still contains all the design elements that made the original such a treat. For more information or to place your pre-order, visit www.boldrsupply.co. ⬩
