Today, we’re excited to delve into a review of a captivating watch from a noteworthy microbrand – The Wildsider by Venturian WatchWorks. Boasting a 38mm solar titanium build with a compass feature, the Venturian Wildsider is primed for both daily wear and prolonged outdoor adventures. Let’s dive deeper into understanding the Venturian brand and, naturally, the Wildsider itself.
Venturian WatchWorks, founded in 2021 by the talented graphic designer and multi-sports enthusiast, Jason Strong, is a testament to the spirit of exploration and the power of design. Inspired by his transformative alpine touring experience in the Valkyr Range of the Canadian Rockies, Jason merged his passion for graphic design with his love for the great outdoors, giving birth to Venturian WatchWorks.
Every timepiece from Venturian is not just a watch; it’s a symbol of self-discovery, adventure, and timeless design, meant to accompany its wearer from the depths of the sea to the highest summits. Jason, who has previously showcased his design prowess with renowned brands like Adidas, Discovery Channel, and REI, poured his signature style into Venturian, ensuring each watch stands the test of time. The Wildsider, the inaugural watch from the LightFuel Collection, encapsulates the essence of wilderness and freedom. It’s a product of three years of meticulous research and design, resulting in a lightweight yet robust adventure watch with a unique character. The successful Kickstarter campaign for the Wildsider in November 2022 not only helped in funding its final production stages but also introduced Venturian to the global outdoor community. For those considering the Wildsider for their next adventure, Venturian extends its heartfelt gratitude and assures an unmatched experience with its timepiece.
The watch is presented in eco-conscious cardboard packaging, reflecting its appeal to travel aficionados and nature lovers who spend extended hours outdoors. Within the package, there’s a high-quality carrying case, a user manual, and Venturian stickers.
The Venturian Wildsider boasts a meticulously crafted case that measures 38mm in diameter, exuding a sleek yet robust presence on the wrist. With lugs that are 3mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 44mm, it ensures a comfortable fit. The 20mm lug width is complemented by removable spring bars, offering versatility in strap choices. Despite its slender profile with a thickness of just 10.05mm, inclusive of the crystal, the watch doesn’t compromise on durability. The monogram screw-down crown adds a touch of personalization, while the titanium case material promises lightweight strength. Ensuring clarity without glare, the sapphire crystal comes with an anti-reflective coating. The back case features a universal locking mechanism, ensuring security and ease of access when needed. Water resistance is up to 100 Meters and its equipped with an interchangeable black 20MM nylon Zulu NATO strap, accompanied by four gunmetal gray stainless steel loops.
The timepiece features a black compass bezel adorned with a textured matte finish. Engraved on its sides are the phrases “Take Back Time,” “Made For Adventure,” and “Ready To Roam.” The bezel exudes a sense of durability and strength, mirroring the watch’s overall rugged and sturdy feel.
The Wildsider watch features a dial bathed in a medium-toned red hue, exuding warmth and vibrancy. Designed for optimal readability, the dial showcases tapered indices that not only lend a sense of dynamism but also guide the viewer’s attention effortlessly. These indices are further highlighted on a raised ring, emphasizing their significance and drawing the owner’s gaze. Complementing the dial are the hour and minute skeleton hands, which are deliberately weighted to enhance visibility. Their unique design also provides a clear view of the 12-hour time, ensuring that the user can easily discern the time at a glance.
The dial showcases a date window positioned at 3 o’clock, which contrasts amusingly with the notably large hands. It appears that Venturian’s decision was to prioritize time readability. Nonetheless, the overall aesthetic of the dial leans towards a sporty-military design.
Inside the watch, we find the Seiko-Epson solar movement VS22B-07. This Epson caliber VS22B operates on solar power, utilizing a solar cell beneath the dial. This cell transforms light into electrical energy, which is then stored in a capacitor (or secondary battery). The Seiko caliber VS22B boasts precise specifications tailored for optimal performance. It has a ligne measurement of 7.75”’, and its dimensions are detailed as 18.5mm x 17.5mm x 18.36mm in diameter.
The casing diameter stands at 18.1mm. In terms of its profile, the movement has a thickness of 2.63mm, with a total height of 2.76mm when factoring in the battery. This caliber is equipped with 2 jewels, and its quartz type is a tuning fork. Operating at a frequency of 32,768 Hz, it promises an accuracy rating of +/- 20 seconds per month. Impressively, once fully charged, it offers a power reserve of approximately 6 months. Opting for a solar movement is ideal for a watch designed for outdoor adventures and extended journeys.
Venturian’s watch design and planning reflect thoughtful decision-making at every turn. The titanium body is a testament to this, offering lightweight comfort for extended wear while ensuring durability—even against rough encounters like a rock (though it’s best not to test this). The 38mm diameter strikes a balance; it’s neither too small nor too large, adhering to a “middle path” in design. Despite its size, the watch has a commanding presence on the wrist but remains comfortable for long durations. The high-quality bezel, resistant to easy rotation, with its compass design, aligns seamlessly with the watch’s adventurer spirit. The nylon strap is another apt choice, ensuring wearers can sport the watch for hours without discomfort. It’s worth noting that the reviewed watch differs from Venturian’s initial Kickstarter offering, though the price difference is minimal—rising from $300 to $339. This modest increase is justifiable, given that early backers took a risk while also propelling the project forward. In essence, the watch exudes a sporty-military vibe, making it apt for both adventures and daily wear. Its price point is attractive for those looking to expand their collection without breaking the bank. Available in red, white, and black dials—all priced the same—Venturian ships these globally for an extra fee. We’re eager to see what Venturian brings next and will be keeping a close eye on their future releases.
For more information about the watch, please visit Venturian website.
