BOLDR Goes (Really) Dark With Venture Singularity

Sometimes, a simple black dial just doesn’t go far enough. In recent years, we’ve witnessed the application of Vantablack branded ultra-black coatings on the dials of watches made by H. Moser (and only H. Moser), and they are, in a word, trippy to behold in person. If you’re not a fan of the Moser aesthetic, or don’t have the coin to drop on one of their pricey creations, but still dig that black black dial, a new release from BOLDR should be on your radar. The Venture Singularity hosts a Musou Black painted dial with orange lumed hands floating across the void. Instead of a 5 figure price tag, the BOLDR (admittedly, with a few concessions) can be had for less than $500. 

Let’s first note that this is not a Vantablack coating. Surrey NanoSystems, the owner of Vantablack, works exclusively with H. Moser, so don’t expect to see it in use within other watches anytime soon. BOLDR has gone with Musou Black paint which, according to them, absorbs 99.4% of light. Compare that to the Vantablack, which absorbs up to 99.965% of light (source). If that delta is perceptible to the human eye, let alone when viewed under a sapphire crystal, it certainly doesn’t come through in photos.

BOLDR took inspiration from a rather interesting source for this one: an image of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way called Sagittarius A*, imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope in 2017 (though revealed just earlier this year). Not to put Vantablack on blast here, but I believe this black hole is capable of absorbing 100% of any light unfortunate enough to cross its event horizon. The hits of orange on the hands allude to the glowing gasses depicted around the massive object. 

The 38mm titanium case and bracelet have been DLC coated to match the black dial, though not quite as black, it keeps with the overall theme of the watch. Inside BOLDR is using the Seiko NH35A automatic movement, which we have to thank for the $449 price tag. Batch 1 of the watch has sold out but a second batch is listed as “To Be Announced” so if the concept appeals to you, keep an eye on the BOLDR website for more information.