BOLDR Odyssey Bronze Umber
Dive Watch / Tool Watch · BOLDR Supply Co., an independent Singaporean microbrand known for rugged, adventure-ready tool watches with enthusiast-focused specs.
Period: Modern Utility / Neo-Tool Watch (2010s-Present). Indicators include the oversized angular case, bronze material choice, and minimalist textured dial.
Type
Dive Watch / Tool Watch
Brand
BOLDR Supply Co., an independent Singaporean microbrand known for rugged, adventure-ready tool watches with enthusiast-focused specs.
Movement
Automatic, Seiko NH35A caliber; 21,600 bph, approximately 41-hour power reserve, 24 jewels. Known for hacking and hand-winding capabilities.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 45.5mm, thickness: 16mm, lug-to-lug: 52mm, lug width: 24mm. This is a very large watch that wears with significant height and wrist presence.
Description
The BOLDR Odyssey Bronze is a heavy-duty diver designed for the 'tough-as-nails' collector. Its CuSn8 bronze construction ensures that no two watches look alike after a few months of wear, as the metal reacts to the wearer's environment. The 500m depth rating and Helium Escape Valve indicate this is a serious tool watch, while the warm brown 'Umber' tones provide a cohesive, earthy aesthetic.
Key Features
Angular 'stealth' lug design, helium escape valve at 9 o'clock, CuSn8 bronze case, 500m water resistance, and the custom embossed caseback.
Dial Description
Umber brown matte dial with a slight granular texture. Features applied circular and rectangular indices with 'Old Radium' Super-LumiNova. Custom-designed blocky sword hands and a color-matched date window at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
CuSn8 Bronze with a brushed finish. The alloy is designed to develop a unique natural oxide layer (patina) over time when exposed to the elements.
Crystal Type
Double-domed sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective (AR) coating. Highly scratch-resistant and provides excellent clarity at angles.
Bezel Details
120-click unidirectional rotating bezel made of CuSn8 Bronze. Features a 60-minute dive scale in relief (embossed) with a luminous pip at the 12 o'clock position.
Crown & Pushers
Large triple-lock screw-down crown with linear knurling for grip. Features the BOLDR 'B' logo and is protected by massive integrated angular crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Custom-molded brown FKM rubber strap with a matching bronze tang buckle. FKM rubber is superior to standard silicone for its durability and resistance to oils and UV.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback (to prevent skin irritation from bronze) featuring a deep-embossed limited edition artwork of a Greek Odyssey galley.
Movement Type
Automatic, Seiko NH35A caliber; 21,600 bph, approximately 41-hour power reserve, 24 jewels. Known for hacking and hand-winding capabilities.
Water Resistance
500 meters (1,650 feet / 50 ATM). Includes a functional automatic helium escape valve for saturation diving. Entirely suitable for professional diving activities.
Origin & Provenance
Designed in Singapore, manufactured in Hong Kong/China using a Japanese-made Seiko movement. Representative of the high-quality modern microbrand movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 2018-2022. This specific bronze and umber colorway was part of the early-to-mid production runs of the Odyssey series.
Cultural Significance
A staple of the 'Microbrand Revolution' on social media, BOLDR helped pioneer the 'everyday adventure' marketing niche, catering to enthusiasts who value high-spec utility over prestige brand names.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The case is showing a light, even natural patina consistent with air exposure. The crystal and bezel are clean. The rubber strap shows no signs of cracking or 'blooming'. Grade: Very Good to Excellent.
Value Estimate
MSRP was approximately $629 USD. Current secondary market value ranges from $400 to $550 depending on the richness of the patina and inclusion of original Pelican-style case.
Care & Maintenance
Service the NH35 movement every 5-7 years. To reset the patina, the case can be cleaned with a lemon juice and baking soda solution. Always rinse with fresh water after exposure to saltwater to protect the gaskets.
Similar Watches
Zelos Mako Bronze, Steinhart Ocean 1 Bronze, or the Oris Carl Brashear Limited Edition. The BOLDR is significantly more angular and 'tactical' in design than these alternatives.
Interesting Facts
The Odyssey was one of the first microbrand watches to successfully market a 500m rated bronze diver at an accessible price point. The CuSn8 bronze used here contains approximately 8% tin, making it more resistant to corrosion than industrial brass while encouraging a richer patina.