Neuchâtel, Switzerland-based Bomberg, is a new watch brand that makes a line of audaciously styled watches that come with a unique bayonet system that allows the watch body to removed from the case and used as a pocket watch. The Bomberg Bolt-68 Chronograph collection consists of quartz and automatic equipped timepieces with a “bullhead” configuration, which means the crown and pushers are at 12 o’clock, as opposed to at 3 o’clock like most watches.
Available in a variety of stainless steel and PVD treated steel cases, the Bomberg Bolt-68 Chronograph quartz models measure 45 mm in diameter and are powered by a Ronda caliber 3540D quartz movement. The automatic models measure 47.5 mm and are powered by a Concepto caliber 99001 automatic mechanical movement.
All variations come with a stainless steel upper case with a knurled finish and a stainless steel lower case that allows the upper case to be detached for use as a pocket watch (a medallion and chain are included with all models). The glass on all Bolt-68 timepieces is a reinforced K1 mineral crystal with sapphire coating, and with a single non-reflective coating.
The caseback is stainless steel with 4 screws and metal spring. The crown is screwed-down and features a protector in stainless steel with 2 fixed screws. All dials feature applied markers with tachymeters printed on the flange. A unique curved panoramic date window is located at 12 o’clock. The hands and markers feature a luminous treatment. The central second hand has a large counterweight that is shaped like the brand’s logo.
The BOMBERG Bolt 68 series comes in both Automatic and Quartz models and for this review I got the latter. As someone who loves automatic watches, quartz movements are not high on my list of things I love about watches and the discussion as to why so many of us prefer an automatic watch is a topic for another article.
Having used and worn the BOMBERG Bolt 68 Neon Ice Blue for an extended period of time, I’m more than happy with my personal user experience (even if it is a quartz watch!). It is a functional and fun watch to use in any of its configurations and it really is a watch that gets noticed.
Regardless of the model, the Bolt 68 is an attention grabbing watch. The case has a nice solid and ‘perfectly heavy’ feel to it and the dial really draws your eyes in to explore it.