There have been several reviews on Borealis watches on this site and all have shown that Borealis has proven themselves by make good quality affordable dive watches. From classic style divers like the Sea Hawk, to vintage inspired divers like the Porto Santo, Borealis offers a nice selection. The newest watch in their lineup is the Borealis Cascais diver which is available for pre-order. We were able to get a hold on one of their prototypes so lets check it out.
The Dial and Movement
This model is a 3 hander with a pencil handset that are floating above a matte brown dial. Large block markers are used for the 12,3,6,9 o’clock position; large round markers fill in the rest. The hands are connected to a Swiss STP1-11 automatic movement, which is equivalent to the ETA 2824-2..] All of this is protected by a double domed sapphire crystal with A/R coating inside.
The Case
The 42mm case is made from 316L stainless steel and measures in at 49mm lug to lug. The case back is of the screw-down sort, and features an engraved mermaid. The crown is also screw-down and does not have any guards.
The Bezel
I really love the look of this 120-click bezel. It’s a glossy (and ceramic!) bezel with lume applied to the indexes. While the smooth tapered bezel gives this watch a bit more of a dressy look, it still allows the watch to function as a diver.
The Lume
The lume on this watch is fantastic. All the indexes, hour makers, and the hands are filled with Swiss Superluminova, which makes for great nighttime visibility. Of all the watches I’ve looked at lately, this is one of the best I have seen in terms of lume quality (application and glow longevity).
The Bracelet
Made from 316L stainless steel, this bracelet is as solid as you would expect, and feels quite well-made. The clasp is large and features a divers extension. This is something that – surprisingly – not all dive watches with bracelets actually end up having. The links themselves are smooth and do not pull on arm hair, which is always appreciated. The only issue I have with the bracelet is that it’s too big for me. I have a 6.5in wrist and, with all the links removed, it’s still very loose on my wrist. If there were two more removable links it would be perfect.
Overall Impression
As with all their other models, Borealis have proven that they can make very good quality divers for an affordable price. The Borealis Cascais is a great looking diver that is just at home in the water as it is at the office or around town. Given that the watch has a ceramic bezel, Swiss movement, 300m WR, and a double domed sapphire crystal (all features normally found on higher-end watches) the pricing is a very pleasant surprise. You can pick up your own Borealis Cascais for only $450, which is a pretty amazing price for what you’re getting here. The pre-order is open right right now with 50% deposit; check them out at borealiswatch.com.
Review Summary
- Brand and model: Borealis Cascais
- Price: $450 with 50% deposit needed to pre-order
- Who’s it for: Divers and desk divers
- Would I wear it: Absolutely
- What I’d change: More removable links on the bracelet
- The best thing about it: The price
Tech Specs from Borealis
- Materials: 316L stainless steel
- Cathedral hands or Pencil Hands depending on variant (hours, minute, seconds)
- Movement: Swiss STP1-11 Automatic
- Crystal: Double Domed Sapphire Crystal with A/R coating inside
- Bracelet: 316L stainless steel with precision adjustable buckle
- Dial: 1-12H markers with Swiss C3 Super luminova
- Measurements: 42mm, Thickness:12.6mm,Lug to lug:45mm
- Water Resistance: Water Resistance: 300m/990ft
- Swiss Made C3 X1 grade or Superluminous BGW9 Superluminova applied to dial, watch hands and ceramic bezel
- Screwed Case Back with engraved mermaid
