by Brent Robillard
All you need for the next adventure
Watches built for adventure tend to split into two camps. There are those that chase rugged minimalism—bare-bones field watches and no-frills divers—and then there are those that try to offer a bit more: dual time zones, timing functions, the kind of all-purpose specs that suit a weekend in the Dolomites or a redeye to Tokyo. The Wayforth Voyager V1-06 clearly belongs to the latter. With its panda dial, rotating 12-hour bezel, and hybrid mechanical-quartz chronograph movement, this limited edition release from the Canadian microbrand is a compact toolkit built for travellers—whether their journeys are physical or aspirational.
Who Is Wayforth?
Founded in 2021, Wayforth Watches is a young Toronto-based brand with a mission rooted in practical elegance. Every watch is made in limited numbers, never re-stocked, and designed with versatility and durability in mind. The name itself—”Wayforth”—suggests motion, a direction, an onward path. And true to that ethos, their flagship Voyager series aims to equip the modern wayfarer with everything they might need on the wrist: a second time zone, stopwatch functionality, and a legible dial that wears just as well under a flight jacket as it does with a tailored coat.
Advertisement
Key Features of the Wayforth Voyager V1-06
The Case for Utility
On paper, the Voyager’s dimensions hit the contemporary sweet spot. At 41mm in diameter with a 48mm lug-to-lug and 11.25mm height (13mm including crystal), it strikes a balance between wrist presence and wearability. The 316L stainless steel case is polished and brushed with intent, and features a fixed tachymeter bezel paired with an internal bi-directional 12-hour bezel, operated by the crown at 10 o’clock. That inner ring, for my money, is the watch’s strongest asset—allowing for easy tracking of a second time zone without the visual clutter of a GMT hand.
The watch is rated to 100 metres of water resistance, which means it’s safe for a quick swim or an accidental downpour, though you’ll probably swap out the included Italian vegetable-tanned leather strap before you take the plunge. The strap itself—handmade in Germany—is supple, tapers from 20mm to 18mm, and complements the aesthetic with a refined, slightly vintage edge.
Advertisement
The Dial: Panda with a Purpose
The V1-06 variant is one of the most versatile in the Voyager range, featuring a panda dial layout with an off-white main surface and black twin sub-dials—one at 3 o’clock for 24-hour time and another at 9 for the chronograph minutes. The crisp red chronograph hand and subdial accents give it just enough pop without feeling overwrought.
Dial execution is sharp. The applied indices are filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova, which glows a clean blue in the dark and remains legible even in lower light conditions. The sapphire crystal with internal AR coating does a good job of keeping reflections to a minimum, though it still catches the light enough to remind you it’s there—something I actually like in a daily-wear chronograph.
Advertisement
The VK64: Quartz Meets Mechanics
Under the hood is the Seiko VK64, a hybrid mecha-quartz movement that has become a favourite among microbrands for good reason. Timekeeping is controlled by a quartz module, which ensures accuracy and long battery life, while the chronograph function uses a mechanical gear train that gives the chronograph hand a sweeping motion and instant reset—no lazy tick-tick or drifting reset here. It’s the kind of detail that elevates the user experience, especially for those who want the feel of a mechanical chronograph without the price or servicing requirements.
Limited by Design
Wayforth’s commitment to limited production runs is worth highlighting. Each Voyager V1 model is made once and not repeated. In an era of endless reissues and iterative tweaks, there’s something satisfying about a watch that’s genuinely here-and-gone. It adds a layer of collectibility—and, perhaps more importantly, a sense of narrative. If you connect with the design, you get one shot. If not, you wait for what comes next.
Advertisement
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 41mm Diameter 38mm Lug to Lug 11.25mm Thick (13mm /w Crystal) 20mm Lug Width 12-Hour Bidirectional Bezel /w Tachymeter 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Layered Dial Applied Indices Pencil Handset BGW9 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Seiko VK64 Meca-Quartz Hybrid 32 768Hz 3-Year Battery Life |
| Strap | Italian Leather Handmade in Germany |
Wayforth Voyager V1
Advertisement
Advertisement
Final Thoughts
The Wayforth Voyager V1-06 might not be a tool watch in the traditional, mud-covered sense—but it is a tool in the hands of the right kind of wearer. It’s made for those who value style and clarity, but also appreciate features that go beyond the usual three-hand formula. With its dual time zone capability, functional chronograph, sapphire crystal, and understated panda aesthetic, the Voyager is a compelling piece of microbrand watchmaking—especially given its sub-$400 USD price point.
For first-time collectors, it’s a strong entry into the world of hybrid chronographs. For seasoned enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that travel watches can still be fun, functional, and distinctively personal.
Pricing & Availability
The Wayforth Voyager retails for $519 CAD and comes in eight different colourways; however, two of these limited editions are already sold out. At the time of publication, there is a site-wide 25% anniversary sale (that’s $389 CAD). For more information, make you way over to the brand website.
Advertisement
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
Please understand that using any links to products on this site might result in us making money.
One thought on “A Chronograph with Global Intentions: Wayforth Voyager Ref. V1-06”