HANDS-ON: Like a sunrise on the wrist – the Halios Seaforth

Felix Scholz

Every November/December, like clockwork, I start pondering what constitutes the perfect summer watch, due in large part to the fact that in these months the mercury begins to rise rapidly. So what makes a summer watch? To be a contender, I think a timepiece must have three essential characteristics: water resistance, weather-suitability and a fun personality. This Halios Seaforth delivers on all fronts.

Halios, if you’re not familiar, are a small Canada-based microbrand, who have risen to the top of the multitudinous mass of microbrands through their constantly strong watches, which are well built and — importantly — original when it comes to their design. Last year we looked at the second iteration of the Puck, which to me epitomises Halios’ past — tough, slightly OTT dive watches. The Seaforth, on the other hand, is a far better representation as to where the brand is going — more subdued, versatile, but still solid.

The Seaforth is a 41mm steel-cased watch, with 200m of water resistance, a range of dial and bezel options (this option is in unmissable Bahama Yellow, with a GMT bezel), a lovely, domed sapphire crystal and simple-but-striking baton indices and matching hands, filled with C3 SuperLuminova, and outlined in bold black. There’s minimal dial text — ‘Halios Seaforth’ up the top and ‘Automatic’ at the bottom — a simulacrum of the ‘Swiss Made’ text placement. Hidden behind the solid caseback is an ETA 2824-2, which is pretty good given the sub-$1000 price point. This version came on a smooth rubber strap, easily ticking the weather-suitability box. One of my favourite design details is (somewhat surprisingly) the date. Placed at six and colour-matched to perfection, it’s an object lesson in how to make this undeniably useful feature blend into the dial, a lesson many much larger brands continually fail to heed.

Really though, this watch is much more than its specs. Sure, they’re important, but not as important as the overall mood of this watch. Every time I’ve put it on over the last few weeks it’s made me happier, looking down at the tropical (and not in the vintage Rolex sense) dial, and you can’t help but smile. But beyond the dial, there’s just something about this little watch — the combination of its undeniable charms, rugged build and reasonable price that make it perfect for summer fun.

Halios Seaforth pricing

The Halios Seaforth, from $650 USD. For availability it’s best to stay tuned to their Instagram.