Just to go into a bit more detail about the terms I agreed to. - Send them a link to the video to review for quality purposes ONLY, not the content on the review. - Allow them to use the video or parts of it for the website/advertising. - I DID NOT have to send them the raw footage. If you are interested in this, or any other Borealis watches you can use the discount code below for 15% off. Link to the watch: (15% off code 'HWR15') www.borealiswatch.com/collections/borealis-bull-shark?ref=g2kvtBy7
Curious what they mean by “checking for quality purposes” means. Assume they would have watched your previous videos and would know what type of quality to expect as all of your videos are quite consistent in quality
I talk about this briefly in the review, but will go into more detail and answer any questions you guys have during the Premiere though. So make sure you don't miss it.
Thank for the review. I've heard these terms pushed by borealis from a few other reviewers too. Also the quality of the hands on this leave a lot to be desired for the price tag.
Nice review!! I have considered Borealis watches in the recent past so I appreciate an in depth look. There are many aspects of this watch that I really like. What has held me back is the one year warranty and that you cannot return pre sale watches. Too risky in my opinion if you get a dud or don't like the fit on wrist. Most micro brands allow sufficient time to inspect and return a time piece with no questions asked. Why wouldn't they take a watch on return on a pre-sale, what are the hiding? Maybe nothing, maybe not. Not very welcoming in my opinion. Keep up the reviews, I do watch them.
Some of Borealis' watches are homages, a while back they did an Aqua Terra homage and now a Black Bay. But as you pointed out the female end links could have been executed better, it doesn't look too bad on the wrist though. The snowflake hands on San Martin watches look better executed as well, with sharp and clean looking edges. These Borealis hands have more rounded-off edges making the hands look a little cheaper imo.
The whole thing is a rather childish response to her video IMHO. They should have remained above the fray and either ignored it or simply addressed it in a factual manner. I wasn't put off so much by her initial video as I was by their response to it. Honestly had they not posted what they did on Facebook I'd have remained unaware of her video.
As I own this exact model for two months now, I can say that this review is certainly honest. IMO, the quality of the watch is a step above the Proxima, which seams phenomenal for its price: the lume on the Proxima's hands seams insufficient, and the finishing on the Borealis' case is more diversified, "luxurious", and WAY better on the case back and the back side of the lugs. In addition, Borealis' costumer service is great, and Carlos is very kind and responsive.
Agreed. Iif a company feel it appropriate to threaten people whe things get said they don't like, they can jump. Given the timing of this review, it reflects poorly IMO.
@@MrSteveESQ I don't know exactly what was said in these threats. But I've had this watch since Christmas and have just tested and reviewed it honestly... The same way I do with any other watch. I briefly address the controversy in the review and also have pinned a comment explaining the terms that I agreed too before doing the review.
I've gone cold on Borealis since the news about their review terms and conditions became public. Because of this, I can't see myself buying a Borealis. Thanks for your review.
From my understanding they have since changed their policy and no longer require any kind of review process prior to publishing reviews. Thanks for watching.
This watch looks good, but not at that price point. Maybe the quality is higher in real life, but on video it looks similar to the Proxima that costs half the price. Thanks for the review!
After you use the discount code it does bring the price difference down a bit. But I do get your point. Like I say in the video though, microbrand watches will never be able to compete with AliExpress ones in terms of price.
I thought it looked like an Oris diver 65 with snowflake hands, like the dial James, nice watch but as people are saying, probably in the 4 hundred range a bit too much, in the 3 hundred range think they would sell well.
You had me right up until you said the price. There are far too many other watches I'd rather buy leading up to that price range. Its a nice watch, no doubt, but it isn't really competitive. Not to mention their recent antics only detract from it further.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR That's cool. I just mean I think they're AE quality at premium prices. (Not saying that AE watches are bad at all, but even though they are a microbrand Borealis will inevitably be compared to San Martin, Cronos, Proxima etc. and yet they price themselves near Squale, Steinhart, etc. I understand their market positioning via pricing but... Not for me.
Hard to justify, when I could get two Proximas for the price (with a stylish capped second hand, great touch). Nice watch never the less and another nice review, thanks!
That is true, but if you take into account the 15% discount code is a bit better. Also like I said in the review, microbrands are always going to be more expensive than AliExpress watches. They have completely different business models.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR yes, also PT5000 kind of unproven as far as long term reliability, at this point anyway. I do slightly like the looks of the Proxima more, but not by much.
I would have purchased this watch but not with end links the way they are. Female end links don't stick out like that. Sticks out too far now for my wrist. Very disappointed. Female end links drop strait down allowing for a nicer fit for smaller wrists and a nicer closer fit all away around.
Beautiful watch! I think that people need to remember that each manufacturer has different reasons for pricing their watches they offer consumers. Size of the organization, buying power on components, staff, marketing and most importantly Q&A. I think a lot of us have been spoiled by Aliexpress brands and the prices they offer. Every brand needs to make money to offer more models. If a brand offers someone a higher priced watch and you don't want it. Don't get buy it. If someone else thinks it's a great deal? Cool. Buy it. But some people believe higher prices mean a better built watch. Works for Rolex, Omega, Seiko and other brands that sell watches at higher prices because of perceived quality. That being said. This watch looks. Price wouldn't deter me. Good stuff here. Cheers!
Well said. I agree with there on the comparison to AliExpress watches. I've said it before in videos, that we have definitely been spoiled by AliExpress watches and the specs you get for the price.
Not worth the asking price Maybe at 350$ I would consider but they seem to be out of stock on some of variants already as of yesterday Personally I'd go with Proxima or Rmalti for something similar Anyways another fantastic review my friend Thanks as always 👍
The trouble with a £450 price you have now entered the price margin of a Seiko or Tissot. I know what I would go for. Nothing wrong with the watch except it’s not very legible, should have used black hands and hour markers. .
I do have a 15% discount code which brings that down to £377 though. Yeah this isn't the most legible of the options. Although the polished surround on the hands and indices does help a bit with that. You can't really make them fully black, as that would affect the lume then. But black surrounds could work though.
Great, thorough review. Nice watch, solid specs but lack of originality other than the dial options does not justify cost. The watch $150-$200 overpriced.
Thanks. With my discount code you can get 15% off, so it would be $467. Granted that's not as much of a price reduction as you wanted, but it's not far off.
I watch the video for the algorithm and support to your channel. I appreciate your great work. But unfortunately, after their latest legal threats and childish move on different platforms (YT/FB) this brand is totally band from me.
I see you keep removing my comment - shame, I say nothing bad just show other people given the same conditions said no. Feeling the need to edit our comments now? Thats a direct result of agreeing to Borealis conditions...
I don't remove comments. Sometimes they get automatically removed if there are links, or swearing etc in. The only comments I have ever removed are spam ones trying to con people.
@@watch-box I was in the middle of replying to the comment and then it wouldn't let me post it... Then I refreshed the page and it was gone. Anyway this was what I was saying: As far as I was concerned it was more of a formality... As I knew the quality of the video was absolutely fine. If they had tried to push back on that I would have just mentioned all of the other brands that I have worked with, that had no issues at all. Then I would have published the review anyway. I've had brands ask me to take videos down before, as they weren't happy with them... But I've refused. The ONLY reason I would have re-edited the video was if I had made some kind of error when talking about the specs or something like that.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR weird isnt it. Anyway thanks for replying. Im sure you considered it a formality, but would they if they didnt like what you said? They had influence they would not have had if you didnt agree to their terms. You know how easily a video can be took down on UA-cam (its a problem you may have faced before). Do you see how easily Borealis could have done so? I watch your videos because I like whet you do and do consider you to be honest, I want to make that clear to everyone reading this - just go and look at the back catalogue, you will see, BUT, I honestly think its a slippery slope to agree to any terms no matter how small they may seem.
All Borealis did was make an offer. It is entirely unprofessional for a monetized channel to take that offer and publicize it. Borealis did screw up by going overboard with the threats. It is unfortunate for an otherwise well-liked brand to have been baited into such a position. Public affairs training is in order.
Missed the premier unfortunately (family duties) well done for mentioning the conditions Borealis impose. Editorial control would have to be a red line, but it sounds like they treated you OK 👍 . The watch is quite nice,but doesn't stand out and I hate Mercedes AND snowflake hands 😂
No problem mate. Thanks for watching later anyway. Yeah I'd never let a company dictate to me what I can and can't say. I've turned down 'free' watches for that reason from other brands before.
I don’t like Mercedes or Snow Flake hands, I think it makes a watch look like a homage whether it is or not. Plus $550 even after discount code is still expensive IMO
[ Just a copy of my comment at Shane's (Relative Time) community tab ] Avg Jerk (...you may choose) PS PLEASE no replies, no comments. This is MY statement and that's that.
Just to go into a bit more detail about the terms I agreed to.
- Send them a link to the video to review for quality purposes ONLY, not the content on the review.
- Allow them to use the video or parts of it for the website/advertising.
- I DID NOT have to send them the raw footage.
If you are interested in this, or any other Borealis watches you can use the discount code below for 15% off.
Link to the watch:
(15% off code 'HWR15')
www.borealiswatch.com/collections/borealis-bull-shark?ref=g2kvtBy7
Interesting , I have a 30% discount code 🤦♂️
@@islandterror5198 Where from?
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Borealis , good till end of January. SAVE30 ✌️
Curious what they mean by “checking for quality purposes” means. Assume they would have watched your previous videos and would know what type of quality to expect as all of your videos are quite consistent in quality
@@mharto456 Yeah I did wonder that myself really. Perhaps they had seen my older videos maybe, as they have more views 🤷♂️
Be interesting to know of you had to adhere to the same terms and conditions that were requested of Elizabeth Grant and Avg Joe?
I talk about this briefly in the review, but will go into more detail and answer any questions you guys have during the Premiere though. So make sure you don't miss it.
Thank for the review. I've heard these terms pushed by borealis from a few other reviewers too. Also the quality of the hands on this leave a lot to be desired for the price tag.
Thank you for watching.
For me, the Proxima for half the price is a better choice.
I probably wouldn't argue with you there. Although don't forget that 15% discount code does bring that price gap down a bit.
Nice review!! I have considered Borealis watches in the recent past so I appreciate an in depth look. There are many aspects of this watch that I really like. What has held me back is the one year warranty and that you cannot return pre sale watches. Too risky in my opinion if you get a dud or don't like the fit on wrist. Most micro brands allow sufficient time to inspect and return a time piece with no questions asked. Why wouldn't they take a watch on return on a pre-sale, what are the hiding? Maybe nothing, maybe not. Not very welcoming in my opinion. Keep up the reviews, I do watch them.
Thanks. That does seem like an odd policy to have about presale pieces.
Some of Borealis' watches are homages, a while back they did an Aqua Terra homage and now a Black Bay. But as you pointed out the female end links could have been executed better, it doesn't look too bad on the wrist though. The snowflake hands on San Martin watches look better executed as well, with sharp and clean looking edges. These Borealis hands have more rounded-off edges making the hands look a little cheaper imo.
Yeah it is a bit odd that they do homages and original design as well. Not something you normally get from microbrands.
I think Borealis are going to have a tough time shaking off the recent controversy. Unnecessary legal threats aren't a good look for anyone involved.
Legal threats? I know about the controversy, but I've not heard about that though.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Ms. Grant's latest video is about being threatened with a lawsuit for her previous video.
@@SingleTrackMined Oh ok. I've not seen that one.
The whole thing is a rather childish response to her video IMHO. They should have remained above the fray and either ignored it or simply addressed it in a factual manner. I wasn't put off so much by her initial video as I was by their response to it. Honestly had they not posted what they did on Facebook I'd have remained unaware of her video.
@@MPiKMS72 Ah ok. I must have missed those posts.
It's actually a nice looking watch, but over price when compared to San Martin.
It's definitely hard to compete with the value for money San Martin offer.
As I own this exact model for two months now, I can say that this review is certainly honest. IMO, the quality of the watch is a step above the Proxima, which seams phenomenal for its price: the lume on the Proxima's hands seams insufficient, and the finishing on the Borealis' case is more diversified, "luxurious", and WAY better on the case back and the back side of the lugs. In addition, Borealis' costumer service is great, and Carlos is very kind and responsive.
I'm glad you liked the video and agree with the points I made about the watch. Especially after having it for a while too.
Borealis is off my list completely after watching Elizabeth Grant. Bye bye Borealis
Maybe you should watch this video first, before making a decision.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR I'll watch. I enjoy your videos
@@SingleTrackMined Thanks I appreciate that.
Agreed. Iif a company feel it appropriate to threaten people whe things get said they don't like, they can jump. Given the timing of this review, it reflects poorly IMO.
@@MrSteveESQ I don't know exactly what was said in these threats. But I've had this watch since Christmas and have just tested and reviewed it honestly... The same way I do with any other watch. I briefly address the controversy in the review and also have pinned a comment explaining the terms that I agreed too before doing the review.
It looks identical to the Proxima you reviewed recently.
Can you tell me if the Borealis is better than the Proxima?
I looked on their website, and it's not identical at all (except the dial) 😅
@@XjohnjohnX88 😆
Love the date at the 6 position.
Same here.
Another solid review
Thanks.
I've gone cold on Borealis since the news about their review terms and conditions became public. Because of this, I can't see myself buying a Borealis. Thanks for your review.
From my understanding they have since changed their policy and no longer require any kind of review process prior to publishing reviews.
Thanks for watching.
This watch looks good, but not at that price point. Maybe the quality is higher in real life, but on video it looks similar to the Proxima that costs half the price. Thanks for the review!
After you use the discount code it does bring the price difference down a bit. But I do get your point. Like I say in the video though, microbrand watches will never be able to compete with AliExpress ones in terms of price.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR and you’re absolutely right about that. We’ve been spoiled by AliExpress brands.
@@WristWatching Yeah 100%
Should have gone for a brushed ceramic or aluminium insert. It just looks a bit of a naff homage as it stands
A brushed ceramic one would be quite nice. I'm not really a fan of aluminium ones myself though.
I thought it looked like an Oris diver 65 with snowflake hands, like the dial James, nice watch but as people are saying, probably in the 4 hundred range a bit too much, in the 3 hundred range think they would sell well.
Yeah I can see that.
How come it was only 12 months warranty? As far as I know, in Europe 36 month warranty is mandatory… can someone clarify?
You had me right up until you said the price. There are far too many other watches I'd rather buy leading up to that price range.
Its a nice watch, no doubt, but it isn't really competitive. Not to mention their recent antics only detract from it further.
That's fair enough. I do have a 15% discount code in the description and pinned comment though, which does bring the price down a bit.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR That's cool. I just mean I think they're AE quality at premium prices. (Not saying that AE watches are bad at all, but even though they are a microbrand Borealis will inevitably be compared to San Martin, Cronos, Proxima etc. and yet they price themselves near Squale, Steinhart, etc. I understand their market positioning via pricing but... Not for me.
@@MPiKMS72 I get what you're saying.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR BTW thanks for reviewing this and being up front about their terms!
@@MPiKMS72 No problem at all. Thanks for watching.
Hard to justify, when I could get two Proximas for the price (with a stylish capped second hand, great touch). Nice watch never the less and another nice review, thanks!
That is true, but if you take into account the 15% discount code is a bit better. Also like I said in the review, microbrands are always going to be more expensive than AliExpress watches. They have completely different business models.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR yes, also PT5000 kind of unproven as far as long term reliability, at this point anyway. I do slightly like the looks of the Proxima more, but not by much.
@@gregcarterfineart That's true. Although I do have some watches with PT5000s in that I've had for a few years now and they are still going strong.
I would have purchased this watch but not with end links the way they are. Female end links don't stick out like that. Sticks out too far now for my wrist. Very disappointed. Female end links drop strait down allowing for a nicer fit for smaller wrists and a nicer closer fit all away around.
Yeah it's odd. If you haven't already seen it, I'd recommend checking out my review of the Proxima PX1697.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Ok will do.
Beautiful watch! I think that people need to remember that each manufacturer has different reasons for pricing their watches they offer consumers. Size of the organization, buying power on components, staff, marketing and most importantly Q&A. I think a lot of us have been spoiled by Aliexpress brands and the prices they offer. Every brand needs to make money to offer more models. If a brand offers someone a higher priced watch and you don't want it. Don't get buy it. If someone else thinks it's a great deal? Cool. Buy it. But some people believe higher prices mean a better built watch. Works for Rolex, Omega, Seiko and other brands that sell watches at higher prices because of perceived quality. That being said. This watch looks. Price wouldn't deter me. Good stuff here.
Cheers!
Well said. I agree with there on the comparison to AliExpress watches. I've said it before in videos, that we have definitely been spoiled by AliExpress watches and the specs you get for the price.
Not worth the asking price Maybe at 350$ I would consider but they seem to be out of stock on some of variants already as of yesterday Personally I'd go with Proxima or Rmalti for something similar Anyways another fantastic review my friend Thanks as always 👍
With my discount code you can get 15% off, so it would be $467. Thanks for watching mate.
Dial finish looks like painted OSB board.
30 %off maybe 550 nor for me.nice looking piece though.
Thanks James
Fair enough. Thanks for watching.
The trouble with a £450 price you have now entered the price margin of a Seiko or Tissot. I know what I would go for.
Nothing wrong with the watch except it’s not very legible, should have used black hands and hour markers.
.
I do have a 15% discount code which brings that down to £377 though.
Yeah this isn't the most legible of the options. Although the polished surround on the hands and indices does help a bit with that.
You can't really make them fully black, as that would affect the lume then. But black surrounds could work though.
Great, thorough review. Nice watch, solid specs but lack of originality other than the dial options does not justify cost. The watch $150-$200 overpriced.
Thanks. With my discount code you can get 15% off, so it would be $467. Granted that's not as much of a price reduction as you wanted, but it's not far off.
I watch the video for the algorithm and support to your channel.
I appreciate your great work.
But unfortunately, after their latest legal threats and childish move on different platforms (YT/FB) this brand is totally band from me.
That's fair enough. Thanks for still watching mate. I appreciate it.
I see you keep removing my comment - shame, I say nothing bad just show other people given the same conditions said no.
Feeling the need to edit our comments now? Thats a direct result of agreeing to Borealis conditions...
I don't remove comments. Sometimes they get automatically removed if there are links, or swearing etc in. The only comments I have ever removed are spam ones trying to con people.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR seems to work now . weird
...and its gone. No links or swearing. I will try messaging UA-cam.
@@watch-box I was in the middle of replying to the comment and then it wouldn't let me post it... Then I refreshed the page and it was gone.
Anyway this was what I was saying:
As far as I was concerned it was more of a formality... As I knew the quality of the video was absolutely fine. If they had tried to push back on that I would have just mentioned all of the other brands that I have worked with, that had no issues at all. Then I would have published the review anyway.
I've had brands ask me to take videos down before, as they weren't happy with them... But I've refused. The ONLY reason I would have re-edited the video was if I had made some kind of error when talking about the specs or something like that.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR weird isnt it. Anyway thanks for replying.
Im sure you considered it a formality, but would they if they didnt like what you said? They had influence they would not have had if you didnt agree to their terms.
You know how easily a video can be took down on UA-cam (its a problem you may have faced before). Do you see how easily Borealis could have done so?
I watch your videos because I like whet you do and do consider you to be honest, I want to make that clear to everyone reading this - just go and look at the back catalogue, you will see, BUT, I honestly think its a slippery slope to agree to any terms no matter how small they may seem.
Zero chances of buying this or any other watch they sell. Good review though, like always
Fair enough. Thanks for watching anyway.
All Borealis did was make an offer. It is entirely unprofessional for a monetized channel to take that offer and publicize it. Borealis did screw up by going overboard with the threats. It is unfortunate for an otherwise well-liked brand to have been baited into such a position. Public affairs training is in order.
Well said.
The dial looks huge compared to the case.
Is that a bad thing though? It'll be very easy to read the time 😉
Looks nice
I think so too.
Missed the premier unfortunately (family duties) well done for mentioning the conditions Borealis impose. Editorial control would have to be a red line, but it sounds like they treated you OK 👍 . The watch is quite nice,but doesn't stand out and I hate Mercedes AND snowflake hands 😂
No problem mate. Thanks for watching later anyway.
Yeah I'd never let a company dictate to me what I can and can't say. I've turned down 'free' watches for that reason from other brands before.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Yours is definitely a channel I trust not to be influenced in that way 👍
@@dunderhay9169 A 'free' watch is not worth throwing away the reputation I have hopefully built up for being 100% honest.
I don’t like Mercedes or Snow Flake hands, I think it makes a watch look like a homage whether it is or not. Plus $550 even after discount code is still expensive IMO
Fair enough.
They must be smoking something if they think this watch is worth $500
It's actually $550. But with the 15% discount code that takes off a bit though. So it's $467.
$550? good luck
With my discount code you can get 15% off, so it would be $467.
I promise just save for the black bay
🤟🤟😎⌚️🔬
[ Just a copy of my comment at Shane's (Relative Time) community tab ]
Avg Jerk (...you may choose)
PS PLEASE no replies, no comments. This is MY statement and that's that.
Good to know that they SUCK! Almost got me.
I wouldn't say they suck, but there are a couple of things that they need to improve/fix.