Built For Adventure
Daniel Banks, the man behind the brand Bōken has a very distinct approach to design. With the preliminary release of the Bōken Odyssey on both Kickstarter and Indiegogo, will this prove to be their most successful? Their second such launch on these crowdfunding sites, will the Oydessy be as popular as the Nomad, only time will tell.
A watch of this stature has many others to compete with. So let’s see what’s behind the brand. More importantly, give you our thoughts on this behemoth, that is the Bōken Odyssey.
Off the bat, this is no ordinary watch. It’s neither discreet nor subtle, this is a statement piece, and as Chandler Bing would say “Have you SEEN what’s on my wrist”? At 244 grams, there’s plenty of heft and you know you’re wearing something special.
The Bōken Odyssey is a watch that exemplifies rough, tough and adventure and one that will resonate with a large audience.
The Brand – The Man
“Bōken”, Japanese for adventure embodies the ethos of their founder, Daniel. As a former ski instructor and IT guy, Birmingham-born Dan has a clear vision for Bōken. The well-travelled Brummie wants to build a community-led brand. Choosing those within it to assist him in catapulting Bōken to create affordable, rugged watches and a legacy within its wider community.
Leaving his constrained past behind, Daniel now has the freedom to release his creativity without boundaries. In designing watches that he would want to buy and wear within the £800.00 – £2000.00 bracket. His grounded ideology is wanting to build not only a brand but to help grow those he works with at the same time.
Using proven brands like Under The Cuff for their current range of straps, Black Chest for their custom storage cases and Berkshire-based designers to assist in getting Daniel’s visions into a wearable reality is paying off.
With Bōken’s launch in September 2023, the Nomad has already proven to be a success.
A Charitable Cause
Daniel decided from the get-go, that giving back is an important part of the Bōken ethos. He decided to work with Just One Ocean to help them safeguard our planet’s precious water resources and habitats. They are committed to preserving the ocean for future generations through science, education and communication.
Such a worthwhile cause, so much so that Bōken will donate £50.00 for each watch that’s sold in both this Odyssey range and his current Nomad range. By supporting a smaller UK-based charity, the money donated will go much further.
Competition Drives Innovation
A Beefy Case
With this new release of the Bōken Odyssey, Daniel has created a watch that both he and his community would wear. The brushed 45mm 316L stainless steel case showcases an exceptionally well-designed structure. The symmetrical case has perfect proportions and the swept side lugs have a tight curve, keeping the length to 50mm.
A Cracking Dial
It sits high on the wrist at almost 16mm and does take up a lot of real estate, so perhaps not ideal for those with a smaller stature. The helium escape valve sits on its left side and an oversized crown on the right at the 3 o’clock position. It has a highly polished black ceramic insert on the unidirectional bezel. The slightly recessed crown has been well-considered and easily adjusted both the time and date.
British Design – Swiss Made
The Highlight
The version we received, was the Carbon Fibre print, which would have been my preferred choice. It has a similar look to a Meteorite dial but without the high cost. The rhodium-plated indices and hands give a nice glint to its overall appeal. The hands have a unique blended Arrow & Mil-Spec vibe to them and are bold, yet understated.
The splash of colour with the yellow seconds hand is a welcomed highlight.
Oddy The Shark
This adds to its aesthetics, and there is a white date window that sits at 3 o’clock.
The Bōken logo sits at 12 o’clock and is thankfully not oversized as this subtle addition feels reserved like its founder. Many brands get their proportions wrong, however, this just feels somehow connected and thoughtfully done. The dial has a white minute track at its extremities and white Super LumiNova hour markers. The case back features “Oddy” the Shark, perhaps a nod to diving.
The Beating Heart
Powerhouse
The matching 22mm bracelet tapers to 20mm at the signed buckle. With a fold-over quick-release clasp and diver extension (only one position) the bracelet uses a simple quick-release system for an easy strap change.
In the engine room sits the robust Sellita Sw200 automatic movement, with a 38-hour power reserve. This movement has been used across many brands and has a proven track record.
With 1000m/3280ft this is aimed at far more than your occasional diver.
The need to have a decent office watch that has the ability for so much more has been one of the inspirations of the Odyssey. This transition watch as Daniel has referred to it, may for some be over-specified. The question is “Do we need watches that go to these depths”, I’m not so sure. There is a market, but how big that is, is questionable.
Goal Options
Much has been made about British Design and Swiss Made, but for micro brands like Bōken, this has to be the most sensible route to market.
There are 6 variants of the Bōken Odyssey, hopefully, more than enough for all tastes. Currently with 3 dial options Black, Blue and Carbon Fibre Print. As well as 2 seconds hand colour choices of either yellow or blue. Depending on the goal limits within the crowdfunding, there will be other options for straps and case finishes too. A sponsorship option will be announced at some point too.
My Opinion
The Bōken Odyssey is a beast of a watch. While it may be too hefty for some, it will be a hit with those who have larger wrists. You certainly feel its presence when wearing it. I have no doubt that the Bōken Odyssey will be a success when it launches on Kickstarter and Indiegogo in July. Fulfilment will begin in August, coinciding with its availability on the Bōken website. My preference would be the carbon print version, and I hope a rubber strap option becomes available at some stage, as it would suit me better.
Daniel has developed a Bōken App, set to launch with the watch, that aims to create a community among owners. This app will allow users to form kindred friendships and contribute to the design of future releases.
Bōken has a sustainable vision, and I hope they continue to thrive and build upon their community-led foundation. Growing within these principles should ensure that Bōken endures for years and leaves a lasting legacy. I wish them every success.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 45mmx 50mm x 15.8mm
- Case: 316l Stainless Steel – Brushed
- Bezel: Black Ceramic – Unidirectional
- Dial: Blue or Black Matt or Carbon Print
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
- Movement: Sellita SW200 Automatic
- Power Reserve: 38 Hours
- Water Resistance: 1000m/3280ft
- Strap: Bracelet Stainless – Fold Over Clasp/Quick Release
- Price: £995.00 (matt dial) £1095.00 (carbon print)
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