The Surfrider Koa wood watch was designed to compliment your favorite island style adventures while looking on point at your next board meeting (surfboard preferred of course). The original Hawaiians used boards made of Koa to ride the waves and became the first surfriders. When designing our surf watch, my goal was to create a beautifully simple but robust Koa watch that could keep up through your whole day...whether surfing or just lying in the hammock.
The Surfrider
The Surfrider
adventure ready
OWN THE NIGHT
OWN THE NIGHT
The Surfrider Blackout
Sunset Edition
Sunset Edition
golden-copper hues
Summer Edition
Summer Edition
evoking the endless summer
ISLAND INSPIRED DESIGN
The Surfrider's design incorporates details that bring to mind Hawaii's favorite pastime...and possibly best invention (I might be biased). The shape of the hour and minute hands are drawn from the two most famous surfboards...Duke Kahanamoku and Greg Noll's. The second hand is the classic longboard silhouette and the crown protector is the vision of a perfect A-frame wave. The details are an ode to the sport of kings...check them out below.
A BIT MORE ON THE DESIGN...
Consider it a love letter to that feeling of freedom...the endless summer. Where ironically, time doesn't matter and stress seems to melt away. No dings, no buzzing, no digital...just the simplicity of analog.
Common Questions
What is the Pono Woodworks Surfrider Koa Wood Watch? +
The Surfrider is our original koa wood watch — a 42mm timepiece inspired by the golden age of Hawaiian surf culture. Every Surfrider features a curly Hawaiian koa wood face, sapphire crystal, Japanese Miyota quartz movement, and 10ATM water resistance. Hand-finished in our shop in Honolulu, Hawaii with Big Island Koa. Rated 4.8 across 3,400+ customer reviews.
Is the Surfrider koa wood watch waterproof? +
Yes. The Surfrider 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's the difference between the OG Silver, Blackout, Summer, and Sunset variants? +
All four Surfrider variants share the same 42mm 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. Summer pairs silver with a blue tonal accent. 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 42mm Surfrider? +
The 42mm Surfrider is the most versatile size. It isn't overpowering with heft and can accommodate smaller wrists as well as larger ones. Women sometimes like its size as a 'boyfriend watch' and it fits the bill. The band fits wrists in the 6.5-8.5 inch range comfortably (measure around your wrist bone). Our silicone bands extend to 9 inches; leather bands adjust in the 6.5-8.5 range.
How does the Surfrider compare to the Waterman and Castaway? +
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:
• Surfrider (42mm) — Our original surf-inspired design, everyday-wearable size, curly Koa face, sapphire crystal, 10ATM depth rating. The classic Pono look.
• Waterman (47mm) — Our newer, bolder flagship. Larger case, more presence on the wrist. Same premium material specs as the Surfrider — a statement piece for larger wrists or those who want the watch to lead the outfit.
• Castaway (45mm) — Sailing-inspired design with historical details. A size that has presence but doesn't overpower with its rounded shape. Same premium material specs as the Surfrider, for those that dream of adventure and blank horizons.
Different personalities, same premium parts and craftsmanship.
What kind of movement does the Surfrider use? +
The Surfrider runs on a Japanese Miyota quartz movement 2115 — 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 Surfrider 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, powers watches from luxury to fashion brands worldwide), 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. Every watch is checked individually before it ships. In fact, 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 Surfrider is a 42mm case. This fits most everyone's wrists without looking too big or too small...certainly the most versatile of watch sizes.
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 movement and oversized buckle.
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
B
My wife loves her blue summer surf rider. Quick shipping and it arrived in time for her birthday. Thanks Brett.
C
From my research, Koa wood is said to represent strength and courage, & the word Koa means warrior. The use of Koa wood in the Surfrider Koa Wood Watch brings in that masculine touch that is just as unique as the wearer! I purchased this watch for my husband as a “just because” gift. He does so much for myself and our furry four legged kids! A simple gesture of appreciation! In addition, I purchased a replacement watch band of a different color & material so that he could change it up every now and again. I can confidently say, Pono Woodworks is an outstanding choice for gift purchases, or frankly, something for yourself!
K
We got engaged in Hawaii and I knew I wanted to get my fiancé something special from there for our wedding day! This watch is wonderful and so beautifully designed! I can’t wait to give it to him on our wedding day!
T
He loves the rubber straps, big face, and the quality work! Looks gorgeous and we love supporting local!
V
I love the surfrider watch !
Very stylish and wonderfully detailed.
Mahalo nui loa !
m
I realy like this watch. Only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is the rubber band. ( already added a leather one) watch feals great on the wrist and the packaging was Awsome as well. Keep up the good work.
V
I received my package even faster than was estimated.
The watch looks literally fantastic and very well detailed.
I truly can say that from the time i got my Pono surf rider I became a fan .
Thank you guys !!!
I’m very thankful with my purchase.
R
Thank you for donating the proceeds of The Surfrider Koa Wood Watch to Jeff's family. I am glad to have a beautiful watch that will remind me of Jeff everytime I wear it. Also, what an awesome company to do something like that. Next time I'm in the market for a watch I'll be checking out Pono Woodworks. God bless.
L
I love my Surfrider Koa Wood Watch! The craftsmanship is excellent. I don’t even mind that it came in only men’s size. Everything from the friendly emails to the unique packaging made this an excellent experience. I’m forever homesick for Hawai’i (lived there for almost 10 years) and this watch brings me a piece of it. The bonus is helping to support a truly wonderful co-worker and her family in their time of need. Thank you for an excellent product AND your generosity to Jeff Marquard’s family.
C
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Marquard, but I am a fellow Damage Control (Senior) Chief! I recently retired from the US Navy after 21+ years of service and I know how hard life is on military families! Thank you for honoring his sacrifice and life! And thank you for building such a fine piece of art! I’ll always wear it with pride!
M
We were married on the island 27 years ago today! Since we couldn’t travel this year, we decided to have the island sent to us.
The Apple Watch band is perfectly beautiful & my husband absolutely loves his Surfrider watch.
Thank you for making a lasting memory.
M
Aloha, Pono! Loving my Surfrider Koa Wood watch! The wood dial is amazing, and highly visible through the sapphire crystal, the surfboard hands are awesome, and both the silicone and navy/grey straps are great (though I'm leaning toward the silicone for now as it's more comfortable in the Santa Barbara heat)! It's a genuinely authentic watch/design that I will continue to enjoy as I paddle out into the day. Thanks!!
K
The style is great- koa dial goes perfectly with light blue silicone strap. Reliable (hopefully) quartz movements. Great mid size for a man or woman.
S
I love my new Surfrider Koa Wood Watch. Quality components and craftsmanship complimented by a really cool silicon band. I bought the 36mm watch since I have a light frame but I wish I bought the 42mm model.
G
The surfboard fin second hand is sharp and unique. The wood backing is also nice. Fits the surf style I was looking for.
B
Surfrider
R
Great watches!
R
The Surfrider Koa Wood Watch – 42mm
A
The Surfrider Koa Wood Watch – 42mm
S
Very happy with this piece. Will give to my husband for Christmas. Very easy and quick service! Good job! God bless you!!
C
The Surfrider Koa Wood Watch – 42mm
A
My husband loves his watch which is a 1st anniversary present, it took a few minutes to figure out the band so he could wear it, but now it is on and looks fabulous!
K
The Surfrider Blackout Koa Wood Watch
K
I love the style of the Watch face. The Koa Wood is beautiful and brings the sense of Hawaii to it's natural beauty. That being said, the Hawaiian lifestyle is easy going and not complicated, but the Watch adjustment feature (Clasp) is a bit complicated, if you ask me. I would have preferred a standard leather Watch Band. Mahalo.
D
I love my Surfrider watch, I get compliments all the time, and I think my brother Richard is ordering a watch for himself.
S
I've had this watch for about a month and, so far, it's keeping pretty good time (losing about a second or less per week), which is what I was mainly looking for. Aside from that, it looks amazing and fits great. Overall, it's a great watch, especially for its price, and I recommend it to everyone.