Boderry Voyager
Quite possibly the cheapest all titanium automatic on the market. With this one, you can get a TI case, TI bracelet, and a Seiko NH35 movement for $134. Home run, or something that should be avoided?
DESIGN
Boderry is not to blame for this base design. This thing is an obvious homage to the Bertucci field watches. I know it might be a controversial look, with many struggling to enjoy the crown placement and the huge 22mm lug width. Another key point is the incredibly dull and lifeless look of the case material. Titanium looks duller than your good old stainless steel. Somehow, the Voyager seems to look even duller than other titanium watches I have had the pleasure of looking at. I think this look offers up a good contrast to the rest of my collection, although I normally enjoy the shine of a well-polished steel case.
MOVEMENT
I must have owned close to 50 NH35 powered timepieces since I started collecting. Not once have I had any issues with them. One needed adjustment, but they tend to be rock solid and decently precise. The caliber ticking inside my Boderry is no different.
BUILD QUALITY
What can you possibly expect at this price? The added material and production cost of titanium will naturally come to show in one way or another. The Voyager leaves very little to desire at $134. It feels sturdy enough and the dial and hands all line up well. There is some dust sliding around on the dial, giving testimony to an unperfect manufacturing.
Lume? Close to non-existent, and something I really miss on a watch with this much of a rugged tool-appeal.
BRACELET
Yes, titanium is more expensive and more difficult to work with. We should probably cut the Voyager some slack, but their bracelet is not good. It is jangly, wonky, and loud. The clasp is as simple as it gets, while being surprisingly hard to operate. Take the lack of braceleted photos as a sign that you might not want to pay the extra dollars.
The included textile strap is a better pairing, in my opinion. It is, however, quite thick and stiff and it will not be to everyone's liking.
The Voyager photographed on a strap from CNSwatchbands
X-FACTOR
The appeal is in the case material. A proper Bertucci costs asmuch, but titanium comes at a premium. If you're looking for pure AliExpress value for money, you should consider an Addiesdive or a Pagani Design before one of these. If you want to test whether a titanium watch might be of your liking you would need to pay a good bit more elsewhere. In this case, you can't go too wrong with a Boderry.
Want small, cheap, and with an original design? Casio MTP-B140D
Need more NH35 watches? Zelos Swordfish