When it comes to field watches - the classic military-inspired pieces - it’s hard to ignore the legacy of the Hamilton Khaki Field. Originally crafted for WWII soldiers, this iconic model set the standard for field watches. But what does a modern field watch look like today? Cue the Boldr Venture: a fresh, resilient example of today’s field watch at its finest.
In a recent article on watches under 10 million VND, I mentioned the Boldr Venture Automatic. If you haven’t heard of Boldr, you’re not alone. This Singapore-based micro-brand may be small, but they’re making waves with watches crafted for durability and performance. Many micro-brands pop up just to make a quick buck, but Boldr’s use of ultra-tough titanium immediately caught my attention, making it clear they’re here to stand out.
Thanks to Timezone, Boldr’s official distributor in Vietnam, I had a chance to wear the Boldr Venture Automatic for a week.
The watch arrives in a sturdy, tool-case-inspired box - a functional, recyclable alternative to traditional “throw-away” packaging. This rugged case echoes the Venture’s robust, military vibe.
Titanium is the reason behind the Venture’s matte silver tone, giving it a unique, purposeful look that’s right at home on a field watch.
This material also keeps the watch lightweight, despite its solid 38mm diameter and nearly 12mm thickness. If it were made from stainless steel, it’d be a brick on your wrist 😅. The titanium build adds durability without sacrificing comfort.
The Venture’s sturdy crown, positioned at 4 o’clock, adds to its “mechanical” vibe, designed with a screw-down feature for extra water resistance.
The dial itself keeps things classic, featuring standard hour markers, an inner 24-hour circle, and luminous dots on each marker. All three hands are luminescent, with a particularly sharp orange second hand that adds a dash of flair.
The sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating is another standout feature, making this 7 million VND watch feel like a premium timepiece. That extra scratch-resistance from the sapphire brings some peace of mind 😆.
Boldr’s NATO strap boasts quality stitching and a titanium buckle, perfectly matching the case.
Typically, I swap out straps right away because included straps are often subpar, but Boldr's NATO strap holds its own.
It seems like the Nato strap style doesn’t quite suit me.
However, on my slimmer wrist, the two-layer NATO strap adds bulk that’s not ideal for me. On a bigger wrist, though, it’d look spot-on.
Another option is a titanium strap that matches the material of the watch.
A titanium strap gives a sturdier feel.
The retail price of the titanium strap is 2.5 million VND.
The Venture houses a Seiko NH35A automatic movement with 24 jewels - a well-known workhorse in the watch world, providing reliable accuracy. During my tests, it managed around 39-40 hours of power reserve, giving you ample time to swap watches without missing a beat.
For 7 million VND, the Boldr Venture Automatic packs more than enough punch to compete with big-name brands in the field watch arena. It’s rugged, reliable, and built to impress, all while offering a unique design with modern updates to a classic look.
Boldr products are officially distributed by Timezone Vietnam. Check it out here:
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