ISLAND INSPIRED DESIGN
The design inspiration for The Castaway came from my time living on boats in the Ala Wai harbor. The shape of the watch case represents the bow waves formed from a boat or canoe underway. In the harbor, there's a small window of time when the night overtakes the sunset and a glimmer of copper color melts into the water. As the light fades, the winds usually calm and you'd hear the gentle sound of the water on the hull of the boat. The temperature is so perfect, you can't tell where your skin ends.
A BIT MORE ON THE DESIGN...
The sailing theme continues with the moon-phase window recreating the setting of the Mahealani moon over the Pacific. The crown is shaped after a self-tailing winch on a sailboat and the second hand represents the steering paddle if your sailing should be of the outrigger canoe variety. It's these memories that this design pulls from.
Common Questions
What is the Pono Woodworks Castaway Koa Wood Watch? +
The Castaway is our sailing-inspired koa wood watch — a 45mm timepiece with historical details, for those that dream of adventure and chasing open horizons. Every Castaway features a curly Hawaiian koa wood face, sapphire crystal, Japanese Miyota quartz movement, and 10ATM water resistance. Size that has presence but doesn't overpower with its rounded shape. Hand-finished in our shop in Honolulu, Hawaii with Big Island Koa. Rated 4.8 across 3,400+ customer reviews.
Is the Castaway koa wood watch waterproof? +
Yes. The Castaway is water-resistant to 10ATM (100 meters / 330 feet). Safe for swimming, snorkeling, diving and everyday water exposure. The koa wood face is sealed within the body which protects it against moisture. If you drown it, we'll replace it.
What variants does the Castaway come in? +
All three Castaway variants share the same 45mm case, sapphire crystal, Japanese Miyota movement, and 10ATM water resistance — only the case finish differs. OG (Silver) is the original polished and brushed stainless steel. Blackout is a polished and brushed black stealth finish. Sunset (Copper) has a warm rose-copper tone. Each variant is available with silicone, brown leather, black leather, navy leather, or stainless steel bands.
How do I care for my koa wood watch? +
The idea was a tough watch that stands up to punishment. Everyday care like wiping with a soft dry cloth or washing after being in the ocean are good ideas. Avoid leaving the watch in direct sun for extended periods (like on a dashboard for days). Avoid harsh chemicals (bleach, acetone), saunas, and extreme temperature swings (although we take it in the sauna and cold plunge without issue). The koa is sealed and protected.
What size wrist fits the 45mm Castaway? +
The 45mm Castaway sits between our Surfrider (42mm) and Waterman (47mm). It has presence but doesn't overpower — the rounded case shape wears softer than a squared 45mm would. Best on wrists in the 6.75-8.5 inch range. Free size exchanges on all watches.
How does the Castaway compare to the Surfrider and Waterman? +
All three Pono Woodworks watches share the same exquisite curly Hawaiian Koa wood, hand-finished craftsmanship (in our Honolulu shop), and Japanese Miyota movements. Where they differ:
• Castaway (45mm) — Sailing-inspired design with historical details. A size that has presence but doesn't overpower with its rounded shape, for those that dream of adventure and blank horizons.
• Surfrider (42mm) — Our original surf-inspired design, everyday-wearable size, the classic Pono look.
• Waterman (47mm) — Our newer, bolder flagship. Larger case, more presence, a statement piece for larger wrists.
Different personalities, same premium parts and craftsmanship.
What kind of movement does the Castaway use? +
The Castaway runs on a Japanese Miyota quartz movement 6P24 — reliable, precise, and battery-powered. Miyota (owned by Citizen) is one of the world's most trusted quartz movement manufacturers. Expect roughly 2-3 years of battery life. Battery replacement can be done by any watchmaker or through our repair service. Our original designs are still in the wild 12 years later and working as intended.
What makes the Pono Woodworks Castaway a premium watch that lasts? +
We love high end watches.. Omega, Panerai.. they're beautiful and unique. While we don't have the in-house movements or the gigantic production facilities, we aim to use premium parts and processes to create a watch that can hold its own. Premium comes from the specifics: sapphire crystal (harder than mineral glass — only a diamond will scratch it), Japanese Miyota quartz movement (Citizen's trusted movement family), 10ATM depth rating (rated for real water use, not just splash), and only curly-grade Hawaiian koa wood — less than 1% of available koa has this shimmering figure. All hand-finished in our shop in Honolulu, Hawaii. No factory line, no mass production. We produce only a few hundred a year — now that's rare and unique.
What makes it last: the stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and Miyota movement are all engineered for decades of use with basic care. Our original watches from 12 years ago still pop up for servicing and are doing great. We build them to be handed down.
DID WE MENTION THE WOOD?
Koa only grows in the Hawaiian islands and we use only the most rare and beautiful "curly" grained Koa. It gives an iridescence and movement to the wood. We hand finish all the wood in our small shop in Honolulu which ensures the face becomes the crowning jewel. Read the full Hawaiian Koa Wood Story →
FOCUS.....THIS IS IMPORTANT
Sizing...The Castaway is a 47mm case. This fits most everyone's wrists without looking too big. It certainly won't be mistaken for a small watch but also won't look ridiculously rapper-esque big either.
GARANS BRAH!
No Worries!! We wouldn't leave you hanging. We're way too small to have angry customers. If something's not quite right...we'll make it right on our dime...whether you want to replace or return.
ONE OF A KIND, SMALL BATCH PRODUCTION
We design our wood watches and hand finish the Koa wood in our small shop in Honolulu. We've focused on small batch production so we can guarantee the best quality while providing a wood watch that is truly unique and rare. We use only the most amazing "curly" grained Koa from the Big Island...the most rare, beautiful, and expensive. We encase our Koa in an equally worthy case using a stainless body, sapphire crystal, Japanese moon-phase movement.
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
C
Ian a fan of omega swatch collections. In fact I own 4 but when I came across this model during my last visit to Oahu I was struck by the quality and affordable pricing overshadowing omega
C
Saw this at the aquarium gift shop in Maui three days ago, loved the unique, beautiful design and decent price. Very glad I got it, figured out how to size the band, looked online and saw the cool story of the company and history of the wood. Today, sitting in my cubicle in the El Paso desert I'm staring at my watch and missing the surf. Thank you!
J
I got this for my husband for Christmas. He LOVES it. So do I. The moon phase function is really cool. Note to buyers (and sure, maybe it's just me): I ordered the navy band thinking that it'd look like the blue band you see on the site, since the other description reads "blue/gray". The navy looks more like a medium gray. Still very nice, but not what I was expecting. I've emailed the company since there wasn't enough time to exchange it before Christmas. I would still buy from Pono again.
M
He loves it. It’s a beautiful watch on so many levels: the design, craftsmanship, quality. I love the moon phases window in particular and am thrilled that I found the perfect Koa watch for him made locally. Plus, the emails are awesome. I have already recommended Pono Woodworks to friends.
G
My daughter purchased this watch as a gift while we were in Kauai in September 2021. The watch is beautiful and I’ve had numerous compliments, I love the look and style. However, It may be a defect with this watch, but it runs slow. It seems I set the time at least twice a week. I’ve started to set it ahead to make sure I’m on time.
C
Very nice looking watch I was very amazed buy it not cheaply made keep up the good work your watches are amazing. I am very pleased buy your handsome watch lot of compliments on it.
B
I just got one for Christmas
From my fiance rose and I love it. It's class I bought one in
Hawaii on the big island at the queens shop the one I bought
Was called surfrider and I've been stoked on these watches ever since. I really dig the koa wood there really beautiful and I get a lot of complements
R
Really love the look and case and strap quality. Really a bummer it doesn't work as a watch. Great customer service as replaced first watch that ran slow. Second is not as bad but if I don't wear it for a few weeks will notice is significantly behind. ( See photo actual time on left watch probably 3 weeks without wearing). Question why not seeing with other reviews as can not be an anomaly as second watch. Still decided to keep but only wear occasionally due to inaccurate time as gift from wife
Aloha Rich,
Not sure how we are getting so unlucky with two that misbehaved...we do pride ourself on being on Hawaiian Time but that's only funny when it's not the watches doing it. I'll send out a new one. They are a Miyota Quartz movement so running slow isn't usually a problem. Thanks for the patience.
A
What a beautiful watch, and outstanding, personal service by Brett. We are thrilled with the gorgeous Castaway Koa Wood watch and will treasure it for a lifetime.
M
Great craftsmanship. A conversation starter for sure.
C
I received it today. Very well finished and thoughtfully designed. It sits very nicely on my wrist (large but bony). Timekeeping as good as expected.
J
The Castaway Koa Wood Watch in Chrome
A
There's no other word to describe the watch. Simply, magnificent. Beautiful watch and outstanding craftsmanship. My husband (a very picky watch collector) is thrilled with the watch!
S
Watch arrived with defective band. No reply from the company. So disappointing. Stay clear!
Aloha Stephanie,
Thanks for reaching out. I got your email on Friday and am now responding on Monday morning. The clasp with the pin opens up like a clam..then the band can be slid in and the claps closed with the pin in one of the holes. Let me know if that made sense.. Theres also video on it on the website if that helps.
Brett
S
My wife bought me this watch for my birthday with the stainless steel band. It is absolutely beautiful and lovely. There are two things which I feel it lacks; one is preference, the other is functional.
The moon phase is super cool, but I’d love to see a month and day window. This is the preference part.
The functional part is the metal clasp. The clasp is unguarded and very easy to manipulate. Often when I’m putting on a jacket or even bending my wrist so my hand goes in toward the inside of my forearm, the clasp opens and the watch flops around. This has happened while unloading groceries, throwing out trash, loading items into my truck, putting away dishes.. the list goes on.
Aloha Sean,
Sorry for the trouble.. i can take care of that for you. Just reach out through the website. I can make you a band w/ a standard buckle if you like those better.. or send a new butterfly clasp.. sometimes they get too sensitive on the locking mechanism. Hope that helps,
Brett
K
Amazing curly koa! The diaphanous grain moves in the sunlight. A piece of art and craftsmanship....Perfect fit and super fast shipping! I just love it!
K
My husband and I were married in Hawaii 25 years ago, and I couldn't have chosen a better gift for my husband than this absolutely awesome Hawaiian-made Castaway watch. Not only does it bring back personal memories, it's a beautiful, wearable work of art. Even our jeweler remarked that this was a "rad" watch! Doesn't get much better than that! Thank you so much.
J
Nothing to dislike-a beautiful watch!
W
I love these watches! It’s the fifth product I’ve gotten from Pono Woodworks. Never disappointed when the package arrives. You won’t be disappointed!
R
Watch arrived quickly and was as promised. My husband loves it!
R
I purchased this watch for my son as a Christmas gift. Although he loves the watch itself, he is unable to actually wear the watch because the silicone band is too thick for the clasp mechanism to close against. Every time he tries to close the clasp, it pops back open within 5-10 seconds. Any thoughts on how to fix this issue?
Ruben
E
I got this for my husband as an anniversary gift. Hawaii is our favorite place to visit, and this watch is a great reminder of our memories there! High quality, unique design, and love the look with the silver band.
S
Bought this as a gift for our 20 year old grandson. He loved it.
N
GORGEOUS: he loved it
M
Absolutely love this watch and I cannot wait to give it to my husband for our anniversary
D
Koa/copper/silicone navy strap great combo. May have to order other straps for different color combos to wear with different outfits. Perfect for dress up or down. Mahalo!
A
The value on the products is the best I can conceive- excellent product with unimaginably good service.