The Boldr Odyssey MGP — A Heavyweight In A Feathery Package
Today, we’ll take a look at the new Boldr Odyssey MGP, a watch endorsing a non-profit organization that seeks to preserve ocean biodiversity. It’s also an incredibly affordable titanium dive watch in a wearable size, which should appeal to both new and existing fans of the brand. Let’s take a closer look.
Since its founding in 2015, Boldr has sought to create rugged, outdoor-friendly watches that are available at an affordable price. I had the opportunity to go hands-on with a model roughly five years ago, and I can affirm that the brand was well on its way to achieving that goal. I tested a 44mm GMT, and while it was nice, it was huge on my wrist. Today’s Odyssey MGP is far more reasonable in terms of size and weight. It also happens to be quite a looker.
The Boldr Odyssey MGP
The Boldr Odyssey MGP is a new 300m-rated dive watch within the current Odyssey collection. It takes its name from the Marine Genome Project (MGP), which is a non-profit organization focusing on ocean preservation and the genetic diversity of marine life. As we’ll see, the latter part of the organization’s mission features heavily in the watch design. MGP reached out to Boldr asking about potential sponsorship, and the discussion grew to something far greater. Namely, it inspired the watch before you.
Specs that differ from the normal Odyssey
Current Boldr Odyssey models are made of 316L steel, whereas this new piece is constructed from titanium. The result is a 40mm watch that weighs 130 grams with its full-titanium bracelet. Those with moderate wrists will also appreciate a 48mm lug-to-lug along with end links that drape. In addition to the titanium case and bracelet, the Odyssey MGP boasts a screw-down crown and 120-click unidirectional bezel in the same material and with luminous markings. Not including the domed sapphire crystal, the case measures 12.5mm thick.
Like most watches from Boldr, the Odyssey MGP relies on a Miyota caliber. In this case, the automatic 9015 sits within the angular case and is on display via a tinted light blue crystal on the back. The movement offers 42 hours of power reserve and a date function.
Z-DNA strands are a theme
The dial of the Odyseey MGP is translucent, with a greenish-blue tone reminiscent of the ocean’s waters. It darkens towards the indices, but details such as the date wheel are still visible. It’s pleasing and works well with the equally blue minute hand. The dial also features a Z-DNA strand on its left half and bubbles throughout the right side. The Z-DNA refers to samples that the MGP collects for its studies. Though Boldr did not provide a real-life lume shot, the strand and bubbles emit a green glow in the dark, while the indices, hands, and bezel use light blue Super-LumiNova. Judging from this rendering, it’s a great look, and I think that Boldr carries out its ode to the sea better than other similar “ocean cause” watches such as the Seiko Save The Ocean models. The Z-DNA and bubble pattern is also replicated on the outside of the bracelet clasp.
The Odyssey MGP is affordable and available
The Odyssey MGP is available for pre-order via the official Boldr website and should begin shipping shortly. The watches will be individually numbered, but, thankfully, this isn’t a limited edition. The pricing is also quite reasonable at just US$699. In my view, this feels like a lot of value for an all-titanium watch with excellent specs. Furthermore, it’s attractive and a great option for those who like a watch from a smaller brand. Finally, there’s the tie-in with MGP that should resonate with some prospective buyers. As I said, I’ve enjoyed watches from Boldr in the past, and this one should also prove quite satisfying in person.
What are your thoughts on this release? Share them in the comments.
