Everything you need on a diver and much more – The Borealis Bull Shark V2

Everyone loves a diver. The Borealis Bull Shark is pushing the boundaries of what an affordable watch can be. There are many specifications that I look on this type of watch. First, a ceramic bezel. The old but charming aluminum one is great, but nothing beats an un-scratchable material. Second, a wearable size, this is key and although big divers are the norm, the looks and feel of a vintage size on a modern package are the best combination today. And then, looks. The Borealis Bull Shark hits all the previous boxes and much more. Borealis is a brand that I manage to connect with recently. Originally from Portugal, Borealis is making very attractive watches at an affordable price point. Some of the designs are inspired by shapes we know but with a unique touch to make it stand out. We have the latest Bull Shark V2 in white dial and black ceramic bezel. In this configuration, you can already tell that the watch looks incredible. There are certain hidden easter eggs inside the piece and we will try to cover all of them. The Borealis Bull Shark to me, is a project that it is done with passion, well crafted and unique. Let us begin.

The Specifications

The Bull Shark V2 has the perfect size for my 6.25-inch wrist at 38mm. You will know by now that 39mm could be big for some and 37mm might be too small. This number does magic trick because of the height, 12.60mm. Most of this height is due to the double domed sapphire crystal which gives that retro vibe with modern techniques. Borealis took inspiration on vintage divers from the 60’s and it really shows. The black bezel contrast nicely with the white dial and it here we find out first detail. The dial has a texture that remember us to the Grand Seiko Snowflake ref SBGA011. The look is crisp and really stands out from the crowd. Swiss SuperLunimova fills the hands creating that lovely blue hue. A big crown adorns the case matching the style to perfection, no crown guards with beautiful transitions from bushed to polished. Under the hood the watch is operating with a Miyota 9039 automatic movement with no date, a true workhorse.

On the wrist

With a lug to lug of 47mm, the Bull Shark is a threat to wear. The watch comes with solid end links and milled clasp bracelet which give is a true luxury feel. I wore the Borealis for a full week and I still think is one of the best grab and go watches on my collection.The 300 meters of water resistance and screw down crown also make the Bull Shark a true tool watch, ready to dive or hike, ready for adventure. I like the fact that the watch wears like a true vintage piece but has all the modern capabilities. The Borealis looks great with a black rubber strap but I wont discards a grey nato, just works. add the drilled lugs and it means that you have a very versatile piece, capable of being dress down or up. The legibility is assured because there is a lot of contrast in the dial. the Black ceramic bezel clicks, snaps and aligns into place, no back play.

Conclusion

We had a great time with the Bull Shark, is an honest piece that does not disappoint on performance and at the same time it reminds you why you love independent brands. This is where the value lies. The Bull Shark is an attractive diver, but it doesn’t have to be constrained to the sea. It is a watch that can perform well in almost every situation needed. I like the fact that many established houses make great divers but they always miss the mark. Could be the size or perhaps the materials used but with the Borealis you have none of that. Precision built quality and great dials could be the flag of this Portuguese brand. I can’t wait what comes next for the Borealis, I am sure if is as well built as the Bull Shark, well, the future is bright. The Borealis Bull Shark V2 costs 325 USD, yes you read that right. Finding a watch with these materials and finishing at this price point it would be almost impossible. Coming back to the price, the value is potentially where you attracted to it. But then, you see the refinements and well, you remain hooked. I truly believe the bar is set for what it could be the one of the best divers our there.

more info at https://www.borealiswatch.com/

Technical specifications

· 316L Stainless Steel Case

· white dial with Swiss Made RC Tritec BGW9 lume applied to indexes

· Miyota 9039 Automatic Movement

· premium bracelet with clasp

· Case diameter: 38 mm excluding crown

· Lug to Lug length: 47.00mm

· watch height including sapphire crystal: 12.60mm

· 120 clicks unidirectional black ceramic bezel with BGW9 applied to numerals and markers

· Lug width: 20 mm

· Signed screw down crown with Borealis logo made of 316L stainless steel

· Water resistance: 300 meters or 30 ATM

· Sapphire crystal doubled domed glass with anti-reflective coating inside

· Watch hands filled with Swiss Made RC Tritec BGW9 lume (hours, minutes, seconds)

· Screwed Case Back made of 316L Stainless Steel with engraved mermaid

· Dial with applied markers

· Bracelet with single side screws