Seiko S-Wave SKS225

Published 18 July 2022

If you’ve not seen one before, let me introduce you to the Seiko S-Wave, well, one of the many models released under the moniker during the sub-brand’s brief run. While information about this collection is limited, it seems Seiko used the name for a number of its more sporty and affordable offerings at the time, somewhat akin to the five line that would follow later. Sadly a lack of popularity meant the range only lasted a few years, and has faded into relative obscurity since.

While a great many S-Waves featured rather bold dial colours, the one I have here today is a much more subdued forest green, which can appear very dark depending on lighting conditions. In terms of overall design this is a really fun little timepiece, with the pop of red from the seconds hand and flowing curves of the stainless steel case. The contrast of the white fence post hour and minute hands makes for a very easy time reading experience. The day and date complication at four o’clock is always a practical addition, while the drilled lugs, applied logo and exhibition case back are nice touches, especially at the lower end of the market, where this model was positioned back in the day. Something that is present here that Seiko has long stopped offering with their entry-level watches is a signed crown, which rounds out what is a really rather attractive piece, one Seiko might do well to look back at and take inspiration from going forward.

In terms of specs, this watch has a case diameter of 38mm, a height of 12mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 46mm, making it extremely wearable even on smaller wrists. The original band for this one was long gone before I picked it up, but from what I understand these were generally paired with a black leather strap, so I’ve been using a fairly plain Timex equivalent I had laying around. Thanks to the standard 20mm lug width there are no shortage of more exciting options out there, but I think this works well, at least for the time being.

This model comes equipped with an ‘A’ variant of the venerable 7s26 automatic movement, the very first of its kind Seiko ever produced, making this piece just a bit special. Of course, as you may very well expect after more than 20 years the example I have here isn’t running particularly great, with it losing a good couple of seconds every hour. Still, thanks to the prevalence of Seiko’s basic movements, if I was planning to start wearing this one regularly it wouldn’t be difficult or expensive to swap in a new one, or even perhaps the 7s26’s hacking and hand-winding cousin, the 4R36.

I do really like this little watch, it’s an easy wear and looks fantastic. I’m honestly surprised it didn’t get much love back in it’s heyday, still I’m very happy to have it the collection as something just slightly unusual.

BOLDR Expedition VI

Published 10 March 2022

Today I’ll be taking a quick look at this, BOLDR’s very first Expedition model from back in 2018. I purchased this watch several months off the secondary market ago but am only covering in now, following the announcement that this watch is getting a re-release, with a limited number to be made available starting March 10.

If you’re unfamiliar with BOLDR, it is an independent watch brand based out of Singapore that began life with an initially successful Kickstarter campaign for a smartwatch, which was ultimately cancelled by the company due to unforeseen certification costs. They persisted, however, later returning to release a well-received quartz-powered chronograph dubbed the Journey, which lead to the creation of this watch and a number of other popular models in the years since.
In the marketing material covering the re-release, the company stated that this watch was the most requested to resurrected from their back catalogue, and I’m glad they finally acquiesced. I actually think this original Expedition accounts in large part for getting me into watches in the first place. I remember watching a video by the Time Teller showing off the Expedition version two next to the blue Everest variant of this and thinking the V1 was just a marvellous looking timepiece, while also wondering why on Earth they moved on to - what I think - is a fairly average-looking second iteration.

Anyway, let’s cover the specs quickly. This is a large, duel-crown field watch, featuring 200m of water resistance, a double-domed sapphire crystal and a Sellita SW200 automatic movement; which is Swiss-made, hacks, hand-winds and has a 38-hour power reserve. The 41mm bead-blasted stainless steel case has a thickness of 14mm, lug width of 20mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 46mm.

I do really love the design of this watch, there’s just something about how the matte bead-plastered case, bold Arabics and squared-off syringe hands that come together to form a rugged yet rather pleasing aesthetic. Perhaps the real standout here are the duel crowns, they’re both screw-down and wonderfully knurled making them very easy to operate. I’m also a fan of the bright orange painted in the groove of the top crown that compliments the tip of the seconds hand nicely. If you’re wondering, the bottom crown is used to set the time and the date, while the top controls the inner rotating bezel, which can be used to mark countdowns, time elapsed or even as a compass.

While I’m still on the lookout for a blue Everest model, I’m very happy to have this white Eiger variant in the collection, especially given the magnificent full-lumed dial, which as you might expect performs admirably after dark. Here’s a quick sample.

One thing to note is that this watch comes on a canvas strap, not the leather one you see here. The canvas is nice and robust, it just isn’t quite my cup of tea. Another option though this time around is a stainless steel bracelet, which BOLDR is offering for the first time on this model.

I’m glad BOLDR is finally bringing this one back, albeit in a limited fashion. For those thinking about getting in on the re-release, it seems like what I have here is very similar to the White Sands variant on offer, but not exactly. All three of the 2022 variants have a centre cross hairs on their dial, a different case back pattern and a slightly different layout to the inner bezel. Also, in the case of the white one, the new model seems to have old-radium style ‘fauxtina’ lumed hands, which I’m not sure look quite as good as the standard white on this one. Regardless, if you’re interested in one of these, each colourway will be limited to 300 pieces and will go on sale starting March 10 for $599 USD.

For more information see BOLDRS's website.

Tagged with review

Seiko S-Wave SKS225

BOLDR Expedition VI