Does This Watch Look Familiar? Borealis Adraga

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A month after reviewing the eye-wateringly expensive original, today I'm happy to show you a much more affordable alternative to the Rolex Explorer. Coloured dials, different hands and a jubilee add some Portugese flavour, but why change a classic too much? Cheers, Jody

[@douglasladowski6342]

Jody the quality of your videos goes from strength to strength. The integration of macro is seamless and really enhances the review. Hope you feel better.

[@polskiszkot21]

How I imagine the conversation going in Scotland: "Hey Jimmy, you must be well minted, you got yersel a tidy wee Explorer? Eh, no quite pal, it's a Borealis... A Bory whit?" 😂

[@lpm4994]

just got my white dial one in the other day and love it! my first borealis and am impressed by the build quality. ordered it thinking it was gonna have a ghost date and was pleased to see they changed the movement. the white dial with the black indices looks great as well (though the lume is week, but its there!)

[@mackie1567]

I Have the Smiths Everest myota high beat by Timefactors you should give it a try it is in 36mm that I have and in 40mm larger case,mine has the radium look

[@HH60gPaveHawk]

This is the version I got! 😍 I can’t wait for January. Thanks for the review, I’m just overjoyed they did the lume justice!

[@S-Ltd1000]

I picked up a sterile Parnis explorer in the last sale. It's actually well made and running at +2/3 seconds a day.

[@waris3732]

Parnis it seems have generally better QC and are better well made than your Paganis etc

[@rbemuscle6058]

Wowser 😳

[@-Dash-]

Great review as always... Agree with your points about the date and price

[@tezzanewton]

I got mine in bronze earlier this year. It’s a strap monster too and looks fantastic on a army green nato. One of my favourite watches.

[@fergiet18]

Even if I could buy a Rolex I doubt I could justify spending that amount on a watch. Good as it is Rolex is all about the marketing and hype. They are good at it. Ordered the black dial, with commando hands and like my Sea Storm it will be a great watch. Snobbery in the watch world is to be ignored. Buy what you can afford and enjoy. Great review as always 👍

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

they have their own foundary and forge and make their own magic oystersteel.

[@pranaviyer971]

True. They also have a lot of hype. But, in the words of Ben Clymer, "Rolex is Rolex for a reason". You can wear the damn thing everyday for the rest of your life. In other words, Rolexes were, and still are, built like tanks.

[@Sebastian85]

A homage will always be a homage. With a Rolex or a Seiko, Orient, Hamilton and so on you buy also a rich watch history. Imagine this conversation in 10 or 20 years. The watch people will ask Borealis? Maybe it will not exist anymore. But i bet my whole money that people will talk about the watches from Rolex, Seiko and so on.

[@matteusmag]

@@Sebastian85 Why do you care what other people will be talking about in 20 years? I do not understand why people are smitten by branding.

[@poulwinther]

@@pranaviyer971 Please, will you post something to verify that statement? Do you realize how much they charge to service the watches? Do you realize that life long AD's have verified that if you leave a new Rollie in the box for half a year, then send it in for service, they WILL replace half the parts. And once your watch starts to become vintage they will gladly charge you several thousands to steal your vintage hands and dial and replace them with brand new worthless parts!

[@whydo1needachannel]

That boxed sapphire looks so clean, I'm very tempted on this one. Nice review, as always Jody.

[@paulhelmuth6012]

Just ordered the last Adraga pre-order remaining after watching your video. Looking forward to seeing in person. Looks very nice and very similar to a watch that I just put together from parts. How long does it typically take from order to shipping? Do you know?

[@JustBlueFish]

The Lume segment was interesting. Well done.

[@henrkpc]

Could you please send me a link where to buy wall watch like the one you have in the video?

[@drwindsurf]

Thank you for sharing this one; it looks fantastic. I am amazed at how good the lume is, I love the Jubilee too...I am very interested in this watch. Thank you for such an amazing review :)

[@maitrehg]

Very nice video. The lume part was great !

[@MikeyFFA500]

Mind blowing that the lume is better on the Borealis LOL

[@nerf_herder90]

That looks incredible, I wish I were ready for a new watch!

[@richardshortman5645]

Bought the white dial without the Mercedes. Interesting that the date and vintage lume sold out first.

[@alxbly]

Thanks Jody, liked this so much I ordered the blue dial... using your link, obviously! Kind regards, Alex

[@funwithturtles6844]

430$ + 19% VAT =512$ = 452EUR... for me the price is OK, but I would rather put the money into a Hamilton or Seiko and not wait until Feb2020. Watch looks good, but a homage is a homage is a homage.

[@zackarovegothico]

Also the website is so misleading ! They put 215 $ and then you're hit with the other 215 and VAT.

[@stevengaida3746]

Personally I find Zelos the best bang for the buck micro brand. There business model is much better as well.

[@Samlowry27B-6]

Yeah it's nice but pretty steep price. I have an alpha Explorer. Much the same style but less than a hundred and fifty euros.

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

what a pisstake. It should be $200 tops. The chinese companys are really milking it. They are selling stuff really expensive now. San martin make copies of oris and other watches that they sell for $500-$600. They have one for $1100. They think they can get away with selling at western prices, but we can always buy spares of hamilton, seiko, steinhart etc. If something breaks the watchmaker can order parts from the respective companies. Good luck getting parts for your borealis.

[@limirl]

@@zackarovegothico Yeah I agree its a bit disingenuous

[@dennisberceles7387]

How can i order a borealis adraga 36mm in jubilee bracelet? I wish to have this watch come Dec 2020...help!

[@niveusgaius]

Bought the black dial, old radium with Mercedes hand. Now sold out. Thanks for the heads up; it’s a beautiful homage. You can’t buy an Explorer for $6500. Bob’s in Los Angeles has used ones for that price. Good review as always.

[@bubbab7792]

Nice Kickstarter! Good review Jody. 👍

[@willardhooton920]

By my eye the commando handset best suits the indices and dial on this one... agreed that no date is the way to go for best balance, therefore I went with the no-date, Old Radium with Commando handset combo 🔥

[@pdxlvr]

I was thrilled to see this review on the no-date, blue dial version, which I ordered immediately on getting the announcement email from Borealis last month. Also thrilled about the 90S5 movement news. Can't believe it's not sold out yet, but this video may remedy that quickly.

[@pdxlvr]

Aaaand it's sold out. Great job!

[@DarylChangs]

Would you suggest getting this or the Time Factors Smiths PRS-25?

[@Blue_3rd]

Very nice watch, thanks for your video!

[@Phil-S8]

Does anyone know how radium compares to the more modern lume types in terms of brightness?

[@glennpowell3444]

Hiya.I can't remember how bright radium was but it tended to last for hours.Cheers.

[@jonnisalvin8780]

I really like these nice variants and nice build quality 👍

[@JamesWilson-lg7bx]

I pre-ordered the blue one and also the white one good value for money good review Jordi

[@DanOehlsen]

Thanks for one more great review. I ordered the black dial, no date, old radium, mercedes hands version precisely because it so closely resembles the Rolex Explorer 1 at a mere fraction of the price. It's a tribute to Rolex's marketing gurus that they can sell a Borealis "homage" for 20 times the price. Definitely worth the difference to some, but Borealis seems to know their market as well. And in spite of the protestations from some, in the end, each is "just one more watch."

[@timefliesby-jleo474]

I want, but when will these be available!? I find it hard to navigate the website. Any help!?

[@tylerp8218]

Joseph Leo they all sold out on pre-order months ago. Sign up to their newsletter to know when they put up new watches, pay half up front, half before delivery, usually 6 months. Just got mine, beautiful watch 😍

[@drbloodsvideovault]

That is honestly the nicest looking watch you've ever reviewed. Now I want one.

[@KingGene]

Hey Jody been watching your videos and saw this one and have now subscribed. I did not realize this was an older video clicked the link and of course all these type of watched are sold out. So do they not make more or did they only make a certain amount and then that was it?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Hey mate! Thanks for subscribing! Borealis make small batches, but they will probably do a V2 if there is demand. Contact Carlos via Instagram and tell him I sent you!

[@karthikipe]

Nice video, borealis is good quality... Btw Jody FPL is back is the JOMW league back as well this year? What did the previous year's winner get?

[@JamesWilson-lg7bx]

Ordered this one also the white one with the black loom

[@calnative4904]

Nice looking sports watch 👍🏼

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

Interesting that you still have that explorer from "mr. X".

[@gregoryWalshUK]

How does the quality compare to the Tissot sea star 1000?

[@Mike-kr9ys]

Dear JOMW: Another excellent review! What a find! What fortuitous timing! My old eyes actually think the Borealis Adraga Looks better than the Rolex Explorer - that case and dial are beautiful! I also appreciate the drilled lugs. I really like the one you picked for yourself - the old lume and Mercedes hands have a classy look. The lume on the one reviewed here was awesome! I agree with you about the date vs no-date dial. I guess I better get to the Borealis site before I miss out - AGAIN!

[@mworth73]

Love the channel. Much more my budget than TGV. Lol. Totally agree with you about most things and definitely about the straps. So... here a video ode for you. .. can you do a straps video, especially affordable and best metal straps with great buckle. So i can replace the crappy ones that come with most watches, especially SEIKOs?

[@henrywest7217]

That dial color goes with the leather color that you chose really well. What's not to like!?!

[@markturboi]

Where can I get that wall clock ????

[@briancarpenter1255]

I like the Smiths Everest in 36mm by Timefactors and they now have a white dialed version. Great review Jody.

[@dennisneo1608]

Jody, can you review by Jacob & Co Astronomia, when it arrives from Ali Express?

[@dennisneo1608]

@Cool Crush Ice Killa :D

[@MikeyFraz1]

Cool Crush Ice Killa go check! There are a ton of people selling “them” on there. Kinda tempting lol

[@DS-dd7vf]

A different hour hand and another font on the arabics and I would be interested.

[@rckarrh]

Jody, I've already ordered one. It does look good. You miss the fact that it is a 30 ATM compared to Rolex 10 ATM

[@AndyDento21]

Looks absolutely gorgeous!!! Oh my lord I want one....

[@markstanton63]

Got a v2 blue fumed dial on pre-order ..... All sold out again now .... Have to get in while they're available.

[@jordancolony5677]

Hope you do the new Traska Summiteer when it's ready for the media! Love your work, keep at it.

[@RavenWindrunner]

Damn that Lume wars result was surprising.

[@the_9ent]

God, this watch looks perfect 😍

[@williamhill7312]

Nice looking watch

[@TheBadGuy1974]

Can the price be a complaint here? NTH subs with the same 9series movement $650?

[@scromp]

Now that you've pointed out your "wrist knuckle" I'm freaking out a little bit. I don't have that anatomical feature at all! As a result I always wear watches right at the wrist bend. Gotta get me one of them knuckles!

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

I have never felt such a deep and abiding desire for a Parnis before.

[@anandanil8158]

please review the lamberti orologiai chronograph with square pushers

[@chad.haggerty]

Frankly, an homage with a Miyota 9000 - may as well get a Parnis or Corgeut and save 3/4 of the cash.

[@NicholasSadlier]

Just seen the new amazing looking waffle / flag Grand Seiko style dial variant on Random Rob's channel - so came here to get your lowdown on this prototype from 2 years ago. Now very tempted!! It may not be cheap - now $450 - but it's the least expensive watch I've seen with a 4HZ movement and beat rate / hand sweep is one of the first things I look for personally.

[@sirstratalot6944]

I'd struggle with this when I could pick up a Parnis Explorer for a quarter of the price. Also my latest purchase, is an Oris Propilot 41m which although it's a non flieger pilot watch, I've found its scratched that explorer itch as well. Although Bark and Jack may choke on his (too milky) coffee at such a heretical suggestion.☕

[@cy4624]

No difference vs parnis. Borealis is custom badged chiense oem available on alibaba for fractions just like the rest of microbrands...they don't make squat.. they pick a watch from the cataligue , order it with their logo and sell it for multiples of cost.

[@waris3732]

Can I have a link to the Parnis explorer model?

[@sundin5646]

tempted to get a white dial

[@frankdirscherl2345]

I actually think the Borealis looks better than the Rolex Explorer it's homaging. Wider bezel means it will wear better on the wrist at 39mm than its more famous cousin. Better lume and water resistance as well. No date versions will have the upgraded Miyota 90S5 movement. Can't beat that value! I bought this the instant it went on pre-order. Superb looking watch!!

[@davidconnelly]

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy this in 2023?

[@bassalovitch]

Astonished by the lume comparison... the more I learn about watches, the less respect I have for the big R 🤭

[@GinoMarks]

Blasphemy! Rolex is above all!

[@bassalovitch]

@@GinoMarks Well, we certainly are under them, and they are above us 😨

[@brianbuchert6382]

Kandi Pantel other than Rolex using real gold I don’t see anymore reason they should be priced as high as they are other than just paying a premium price for the name I by no means think they are the best watch available

[@stevenwymor1398]

Wow, shocked by the lume head to head. I give it to Borealis. I wear all my watches below the knuckle.

[@DarioCruzII]

300mm water resist. I'm sold. I can wear this pretty much everywhere I would a explorer.

[@theguardian3431]

That is an impressive homage, and timepiece overall. I love the case shape, and damn, Rolex, that lume shot was embarrassing for your brand lol

[@TinBin-Craig]

wow thats a nice watch i really like it cheers

[@Colddirector]

I’d personally love to own a decent quality quartz explorer homage. Something hardy and inexpensive enough that I’d feel comfortable actually, yknow “exploring” with.

[@autonomy_]

Be N S O N sign me up for one if you ever find it...

[@Gadgetlover17]

I think timex has an explorer homage, might wanna check that out!

[@chimpninja2000]

I think vaer has one coming out soon

[@misfiresandflattires6874]

3 still available, the rest is sold out. How can a pre-order be sold out? Oh well, they're not getting my money then..

[@ConvoyGTR]

I'm shocked as well the date versions are sold out. I think having the date on a watch is a must, but not for the Explorer. Even though the price is pretty high, I have the brown one on preorder and am pretty excited. The Explorer is my dream watch and this Adraga will fill that hole nicely until I can afford the actual Explorer.

[@yacineganibardi8346]

If you're looking for an explorer homage, tisell are making one wich looks good on paper. Don't forget to chek it !

[@CocoKoi321]

this watch looks like a certain Seiko 5 which I duh cant remember the reference number lol and explorer

[@briancolyer8483]

You can't go wrong with that design, an absolute belter, perfect weight and dimensions, that lume....⌚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⌚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@nicktrnka1480]

Check out the Bernhardt Binnacle Anchor. Good micro-brand that could fit the need for an Explorer.

[@timeintheuk]

Interesting I think I need to sell a few before you get your commission

[@willardhooton920]

Jody, did your watch arrive? Mine has more of a slightly domed crystal, not as high and boxy as it looked in the video 🤔 Great quality and really like the piece!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yes! Mine arrived and looks great. Better than the proto!

[@willardhooton920]

Just One More Watch Fantastic! maybe a keeper? (don’t see myself splurging on an Explorer in this lifetime) Really enjoyed your 2019 SOTC- All the best to you!

[@wach9191]

Could you make video about Luch watches?

[@alnadaf]

Try the Armida A6, it's an absolute beast.

[@Andrew-J316]

Interesting how they are using the Miyota 90S5 which is designed for open heart watches. They must have had a deal in bulk! :} Nice watch but for the price I rather get a a Smiths or something else with more character.

[@surfitli]

Very nice. I have a few Borealis Divers. I really like them. This looks to be along the same quality. Personally, I will be passing on this. I can think of 1 other Rolex Explorer Homage, the Armida A6. Armida are Hong Kong based and I believe are part of the Same Company that makes Helson. Hey make it in 36mm and 40mm. They use the ETA 2836, so some of the models have a Day/Date at 3.

[@RyanF91W]

Jody can we please have an Aqua Terra update video?

[@jean-francoisdupuis6904]

For the price I would buy a smiths everests 36mm. You should do a review of that one. There is a new updated model coming out soon

[@a_gg]

Nice to know! Where did you read about this update?

[@SWatchik]

How do you manage to find the most accurate mechanical watches in existence?! My Eta2824 runs about 20secs a day slow, and my 4R35 runs about 20 fast and they definitely cost more than a lot of your featured chinese specials running within COSC😂

[@glenf6385]

@Tony Hill That's great. Where is your watchmaker based in London UK?

[@glenf6385]

@Tony Hill Cheers

[@markplayford5836]

Saw this around a month ago and whacked it straight on Instagram. I love it BUT just no brave enough to drop that sort of money on it. Still hunting for a used Estoril though. Another Borealis belter 👍😁

[@Cichlid_Visuals]

wow they out lumed the actual explorer! I want one of these badly

[@JungleEddie]

I love it.

[@hinchman101]

I love the Explorer I in 39mm. I'm waiting until my 50th to get mine 👍🏿✌🏿👌🏿

[@hinchman101]

@Timothy Mckee Still have to little guys in the house 13yr & 3yr. 😉😂🤣👌🏿✌🏿👍🏿 Still providing experiences for them. 😉👌🏿✌🏿👍🏿

[@UGA.D]

Better get on the waiting list now, then.

[@hinchman101]

@@UGA.D Not worried about it. I have a nice collection already 👌🏿😉👍🏿

[@UGA.D]

@@hinchman101 I've been considering the 214270 for my 50th, as well. As such, I have to do the mental math of how far in advance I'd have to start the process. My comment was a tongue-in-cheek swipe at Rolex. I'm with you, though... my current collections is just fine without one!

[@hinchman101]

@@UGA.D For me I plan to just save one year in advance. I make good money so saving 10k a year is not out of the question 😉. So if I were you do the math on like 10k so that way your safe in whatever route you chose. I plan to buy new I only need one Rolex in my collection. 😉👍🏿👌🏿✌🏿

[@limirl]

Like this watch but they are all sold out in every variant. They also have a new stunning diver the Borealis Olisipo unfortunately it won't be available until next May!!!

[@pvrettos]

You should look into the smiths everest prs-125

[@minecrafter023]

Time Factors PRS-25 Smith?

[@matt4356]

Wonderful!

[@kylebugden8939]

Hard to go this direction when you can get a Glycine Combat 6 with a more unique dial and proper Swiss movement... and for less money

[@duncanhamilton5841]

Nice. Honestly mate, you need to look at the Montres Patrouille de France Athos 5. €260 euro with the same movement and world's heaviest bracelet. Unusual design cues. As per email, you can borrow mine if you like.

[@fatkev1983]

I've been wearing a Tiger Concept 1016 homage to scratch the (36mm) Explorer itch... mostly to see if I can live with a small watch on my big wrist. Didn't cost much and is a nice little time keeper despite being a Chinese Miyota copy movement. I do have plans of getting a 14270 at some point for my first "proper" Swiss watch as they can be found for reasonable (in the world of Rolex watches... so, still costly) price. As nice as this watch is... I don't think I can accept the price point of Borealis watches. Rather pick up a vintage chrono for similar money.

[@aussie8114]

Nice but nothing available. I do fancy their white texture face dive watch that's available as a pre order. Might get that one. An interesting looking watch with a classy unique look. Neptuno white icy face no date.

[@martin4374]

I wish the explorer had a blue dial and baton hands.

[@davidhill3939]

Unimaginative? Maybe. But Borealis is delivering a quality product to a market not being served by Rolex. Plus there are many variations of the Adraga. I ordered the Black/old lume/combat hands/date version. I plan on making this watch my daily wearer and, sadly, I need to be reminded of the date (mercifully, not the day of the week . . . yet).

[@b.2221]

The watch is what it is, and not what people perceive it to be. So a very honest make you smile little timepiece, and that is what it's all about 👍 Tam.

[@scottsj4625]

I like it. Interesting how similar it is and great lume. My only gripe is the price. Tisell managed to make a near copy of the (R) submariner for 235 dollars with the high beat Miyota 9015 I think that's the right movement, and this one is like 430.00 USD. The bracelet is probably a lot better than the Tissel. But not for 200 dollars more. So I will pass on this. I appreciate the review though. Thanks for sharing it. It sure is better than the Parnis look alike.