BOLDR: The Watch Brand That Thinks You Should Actually Use Your Watch
If you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of watch collecting, you’ll know there are two types of people: those who polish their watches with microfibre cloths like they’re cradling the crown jewels, and those who wear their watches until they look like they’ve been through three world wars and a stag do in Blackpool.
BOLDR, a young and rather plucky microbrand from Singapore, clearly sides with the latter. Their philosophy? Watches aren’t meant to live in a winder or be kept “safe” in the box – they’re tools, companions, and maybe even a little scruffy after an adventure or two.
The Backstory
Founded in 2016, BOLDR burst onto the scene with the boldness (pardon the pun) you’d expect from a brand that literally bakes adventure into its name. They started off with chunky, go-anywhere field watches and have since built up a loyal following of explorers, desk divers, and people who want their wrist to look like it’s ready for anything – even if the closest thing to adventure they’ll see today is the broken lift at the office.
The Design Ethos
BOLDR watches are unapologetically robust. Think big crowns, thick cases, brushed steel, ceramic bezels – the sort of kit that laughs in the face of a scuff mark. They’re tool watches through and through, with legibility and toughness put firmly ahead of glitter and glamour. That’s not to say they’re ugly – far from it. They strike that fine balance between looking rugged enough to hack it up a mountain, but still sleek enough to wear with a jacket down the pub.
And here’s the kicker: they’re affordable. Not cheap and cheerful “your watch stopped again” affordable, but sensible, “why pay Rolex money when you actually want to wear the thing” affordable.
Credit - BOLDR
Credit - BOLDR
Credit - BOLDR
Fan Favourites
BOLDR Venture – A lightweight titanium field watch that practically begs for scratches. It’s like the Land Rover Defender of watches: no-nonsense, tough as nails, and perfectly at home in a muddy field.
BOLDR Odyssey – A chunky diver that looks like it could double as a paperweight. Waterproof to silly depths and often fitted with a bronze case that ages faster than a banana in summer.
BOLDR Expedition – Does what it says on the tin. Built for people who carry compasses unironically.
Credit - BOLDR
Credit - BOLDR
Credit - BOLDR
The BOLDR Attitude
What makes BOLDR so fun is that they’re not too serious about themselves. Their marketing leans into adventure without sounding like they’re trying to recruit you for the SAS. They celebrate scratches, dings, and patina – the little marks that say “I’ve actually worn this watch for more than just an Instagram photo”.
Final Thoughts
BOLDR isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re not promising Swiss haute horlogerie or delicate complications that only a Swiss watchmaker in white gloves can appreciate. Instead, they’re giving us watches that want to live a little – whether that’s climbing a peak, paddling a kayak, or braving a night out in Newcastle.
In short: if you want a watch that can take a beating and still look great, while keeping your bank account reasonably intact, BOLDR might just be your next bit of wrist candy.
Discover more at www.boldrsupply.co.
