Tropical time with the Halios Seaforth
Bronzed bodies.
Continuing from last month's hands-on review, we're looking at a watch that is far from a new release. It's a watch I pre-ordered way back in in 2019, and it's seen much more travel then me in the last five years.
Many years ago, Felix introduced me to the colourful world of Halios Watches. Smitten with his banana-yellow Seaforth model (seen below), I knew I'd have to jump on a pre-order one day. This love was cemented when I had the chance to meet Halios founder Jason Lim at the Worn & Wound Wind-up Fair in 2016. Jason is notoriously lovely - and works very hard for the brand's fans and collectors.
If you're unfamiliar with the brand, Halios has been run via a pre-order model for some time and has a cult-like following. I remember being inundated with cash offers via email after posting Felix's timepiece to my Instagram.
All that to say, when the Seaforth in Bronze was announced, I knew it was the watch for me.
Priced at (roughly) $850 USD and much closer to parity with the Aussie dollar back then, the only thinking I had to do was dial colour, which, for me, was a no-brainer. Fast forward a few months, and the watch arrived.
I remember being enamoured by the green sunburst dial, which transitions from black to bright green depending on the lighting. It's a real treat in the Aussie sun, especially in the brassy case it calls home.
I love introducing people to Halios at any opportunity. On multiple occasions, I've lent my Halios Fairwind and Seaforth timepieces out to international friends for extended loans.
This bronze Seaforth spent over a year in the UK and touring Europe on the wrist of a friend and talented musician (and OT: ALUM), where it got its fair share of patina.
Admittedly, when I got my Seaforth back in early 2023, I didn't wear it much. That was, until recently, when a tropical holiday beckoned for a travel watch.
Felix and I discussed it on OT: and, more broadly, the criteria for an appropriate travel watch. As much as he wanted me to dust off my Casio G-Shock x HILLTOP HOODS, I couldn't muster up the courage to rock a plastic watch for two weeks straight. As I moved through my small collection, the Halios screamed out to me – the bronze case was crying out for more patina.
So on went the Seaforth to an old green Erikas Original strap I had lying around, and we were in business. I opted for the Erikas for a few reasons. It looks epic with the green dial and wears like a dream (if you've never had the pleasure, Erika's straps are famously comfortable). Finally, convenience. By design, Erikas do not have a traditional buckle and loop. Meaning they won't fall off or come apart.
After all, the trip was an opportunity to relax, so the last thing I wanted to do was worry about my watch getting damaged, lost or stolen. A nato style/fabric strap dresses down any watch, and the Halios was pretty inconspicuous in all its patina'd glory. Given its 200m water resistance and rugged design, I knew I could leave it on 24/7 without worrying about it for a second.
That's what watches should be about: they should fit your life, lifestyle, and environment.
As I finish this reflection, I am more relaxed than when I started; it's been a nice reminder of all the positives attached to this particular watch and watch brand. Supporting small/microbrands or indies like Halios is much more rewarding than some of the big corporate makers. Brands which, as Tim Mosso likes to say, 'don't love you back'.
Having affordable watches in the collection to sub in and out is handy, and sharing your watches with friends is fun (as long as you trust them to return them eventually).