I bought a Zelos Horizons 39 a couple years ago. I agree they are good value for money, but I find their quirky designs don't age all that well. I rarely wear my Zelos these days. Despite all their QC issues and price increases, I still like Seiko. Their designs are a bit more timeless, and once the 25% discounts hit they are decent values. Yes, they need to improve their QC and bracelet designs, and they could do more to regulate their movements. And perhaps they could use Sapphire crystals more (though I really have never had an issue with hardlux). So, I get why lots of watch nerds have soured on Seiko. But their dial work and designs are still really strong from the Seiko 5 to Grand Seiko.
One more thing about what you mentioned in regards to people's complaints about pieces being limited (generally around 200); I agree that I'd like to see more available while at the same time agreeing with their production model. The Aurora is a great example. Between being offered in 38mm or 42mm case sizes, different case colors (material) + dial color variety; there are 20 models to choose from.
I agree. I think it's a fine line. If they were to overproduce or produce in higher quantities. Their quality might go down. And they wouldn't be able to produce as many different variants...
@@WatchChris Yeah. There is a reason most micro-brands are conservative in their production numbers. Traska, Lorier, Smiths, Nodus, etc., also tend to sell out of their most popular models and color-ways within hours or days of each release. They are small outfits run by a couple of people who can't afford to carry and tie up lots of cash in large inventories. Maybe one way to distinguish between microbrands and independent manufacturers is the extent to which they are able to carry inventory. Manufacturers like Christopher Ward have definitely long outgrown the micro brand label.
After some attempts on other models, I was finally able to get an ‘Aventurine’ dial Zelos. I would probably have preferred a 40mm version of the Aurora, but the 42mm version I bought works well with my 7.25” wrist. I think my version sold out in less than 2 minutes. I have three other Zelos watches. They are definitely some of my favorite watches.
Received my mop dial one this morning and I absolutely love it. Last time round I missed out on the 42 mop by seconds, it sold out in about 2 mins. This time round I was ready and the mop dial sold out again in about 2 mins. Quality is amazing and can't stop looking at the dial, so memorising. ❤❤❤ Definitely buy another Zelos, probably a diver, for their next release.
My Blue Meteorite GMT running the Miyota 9075 sold out in less than 2 hours. $629.00 I told my wife I could sell it for twice what I paid a month ago. Zelos made 250 of them…I got #231. Another 300 M to boot. Just like Chris said…..set alarms after going to their site etc. You will enjoy a Zelos in your collection!
I personally love the you snooze you loose but I don't appreciate people buying them just to resell after they sell out That's just nasty Always appreciate your honest reviews my friend Be well and God Bless 👍
True, sign up, set your alarm, CC in hand and hit buy immediately. Got the most expensive Zelos I know of ($629.00….they just about give these enthusiast watches away) the Blue meteorite dial Jump hour GMT running the new Miyota 9075. Exactly as Chris says: If you want one they will even email you before hand to set your alarm. Superb customer service. Get a Zelos :-)
I've ordered 2 Zelos watches -- A Blacktip GMT (Coal Black) and one of the new Auroras (Crystallized Titanium) from this launch. Both I bought a few minutes post launch and sold out a few minutes later. That said, the Midnight Blue reviewed here was up for I think 1-2 days post launch before it sold out. Was a really debate between the crystallized one and this one when I put in my order.
I completely agree with everything you said about Zelos. I used to hate this brand. They make a very limited number of watches and create a feeding frenzy when they are released. I swore I would never buy one of their watches. I had to eat my words though and recently purchased one. I was on their website and bought the watch the second it was released. I have to say it is a very nice watch but I'm not sure if I will ever go through that process again to buy one of their watches.
That is a stunning dial but I’m not sure that I would consider a blue dial a field watch. I agree that their lume is among the best! I do however mildly disagree with you about the limited runs for their watches. I’m sure it’s a great business model for them but it’s quite frustrating for me to find that they are already sold out before most of the watch buying community knows about them, plus I’m not an impulse buyer. I like taking a few weeks at least to consider a watch before actually deciding to purchase. Thank you for reviewing Zelos. Well done 🥃
I'm like you, I don't want to buy one just for the heck of it. I'm also pretty sure there are a lot of flippers out there who buy them to sell them at a premium later. It is what it is! that saves us money ;)
Nice review Chris, well balanced and informative. I have bought Zelos in the past at launch , as you say if you want one be there at launch. Zelos is a small operation and cannot afford to have large numbers to satisfy people who may or may not decide they want to purchase one "someday" ? 😂
Agree 100%. Other than the very hottest models (mad "hot" in part by would-be flippers), how difficult they are to get has been massively exaggerated. And because they do sell out, you don't usually lose money if you decide not to keep it, which rocks. Unlike you, Chris, I want a date, so I'd prefer that for this particular model, but I've enjoyed all the Zelos I have had (including, briefly, this one with the MOP dial). These all dial watches wear large though!
Nice ⌚🤙 Diameter is a tad small but since it doesn't have a dive bezel, I'm pretty sure it would work for me since the lug to lug isn't stubby. With the sub-40mm case, it looks like a bit of a chunky monkey from the side 😅 - which is fine with me. Besides, who's going to be looking at it on your wrist from the side? 🤔
Never liked the fancy dials. Too much flash for my tastes. This "field" watch with this dial is a prime example. The Miyota 9039 movement, 38mm diameter, 200m rating and titanium case are great but the dial kills it for me.
I bought a Zelos Horizons 39 a couple years ago. I agree they are good value for money, but I find their quirky designs don't age all that well. I rarely wear my Zelos these days.
Despite all their QC issues and price increases, I still like Seiko. Their designs are a bit more timeless, and once the 25% discounts hit they are decent values. Yes, they need to improve their QC and bracelet designs, and they could do more to regulate their movements. And perhaps they could use Sapphire crystals more (though I really have never had an issue with hardlux). So, I get why lots of watch nerds have soured on Seiko. But their dial work and designs are still really strong from the Seiko 5 to Grand Seiko.
One more thing about what you mentioned in regards to people's complaints about pieces being limited (generally around 200); I agree that I'd like to see more available while at the same time agreeing with their production model.
The Aurora is a great example. Between being offered in 38mm or 42mm case sizes, different case colors (material) + dial color variety; there are 20 models to choose from.
I agree. I think it's a fine line. If they were to overproduce or produce in higher quantities. Their quality might go down. And they wouldn't be able to produce as many different variants...
@@WatchChris Yeah. There is a reason most micro-brands are conservative in their production numbers. Traska, Lorier, Smiths, Nodus, etc., also tend to sell out of their most popular models and color-ways within hours or days of each release. They are small outfits run by a couple of people who can't afford to carry and tie up lots of cash in large inventories. Maybe one way to distinguish between microbrands and independent manufacturers is the extent to which they are able to carry inventory. Manufacturers like Christopher Ward have definitely long outgrown the micro brand label.
@@catlike1 Traska Summiteer is awesome..
After some attempts on other models, I was finally able to get an ‘Aventurine’ dial Zelos. I would probably have preferred a 40mm version of the Aurora, but the 42mm version I bought works well with my 7.25” wrist. I think my version sold out in less than 2 minutes. I have three other Zelos watches. They are definitely some of my favorite watches.
Received my mop dial one this morning and I absolutely love it. Last time round I missed out on the 42 mop by seconds, it sold out in about 2 mins. This time round I was ready and the mop dial sold out again in about 2 mins. Quality is amazing and can't stop looking at the dial, so memorising. ❤❤❤ Definitely buy another Zelos, probably a diver, for their next release.
Did you buy it last Friday?
@@beyond36horology yes, arrived 8 days later.
That's good to know. Where are you located? I ordered the gold carbon and I am still waiting for it to ship.
I wonder why the yellow is still available. I actually think it’s the nicest one!
Thank you for the review
I agree, I think its the nicest dial Zelos have done, I was really happy to see that it was still in stock, so I bought one. 😄
Just received the gold carbon dial today. Great watch. Not really a field watch, but a great gada in my opinion
My Blue Meteorite GMT running the Miyota 9075 sold out in less than 2 hours. $629.00 I told my wife I could sell it for twice what I paid a month ago. Zelos made 250 of them…I got #231. Another 300 M to boot. Just like Chris said…..set alarms after going to their site etc. You will enjoy a Zelos in your collection!
I personally love the you snooze you loose but I don't appreciate people buying them just to resell after they sell out That's just nasty Always appreciate your honest reviews my friend Be well and God Bless 👍
True, sign up, set your alarm, CC in hand and hit buy immediately. Got the most expensive Zelos I know of ($629.00….they just about give these enthusiast watches away) the Blue meteorite dial Jump hour GMT running the new Miyota 9075. Exactly as Chris says: If you want one they will even email you before hand to set your alarm. Superb customer service. Get a Zelos :-)
I've ordered 2 Zelos watches -- A Blacktip GMT (Coal Black) and one of the new Auroras (Crystallized Titanium) from this launch. Both I bought a few minutes post launch and sold out a few minutes later. That said, the Midnight Blue reviewed here was up for I think 1-2 days post launch before it sold out. Was a really debate between the crystallized one and this one when I put in my order.
I think one or two days is a reasonable amount of time to get the watch if you wanted it
I completely agree with everything you said about Zelos. I used to hate this brand. They make a very limited number of watches and create a feeding frenzy when they are released. I swore I would never buy one of their watches. I had to eat my words though and recently purchased one. I was on their website and bought the watch the second it was released. I have to say it is a very nice watch but I'm not sure if I will ever go through that process again to buy one of their watches.
Just got mine. Not a wow as hyped so will have to decide if I keep or not.
Decided mine is a keeper.
Omfg i think this might be the one brand that impressed me with dials more than seiko
That is a stunning dial but I’m not sure that I would consider a blue dial a field watch. I agree that their lume is among the best! I do however mildly disagree with you about the limited runs for their watches. I’m sure it’s a great business model for them but it’s quite frustrating for me to find that they are already sold out before most of the watch buying community knows about them, plus I’m not an impulse buyer. I like taking a few weeks at least to consider a watch before actually deciding to purchase. Thank you for reviewing Zelos. Well done 🥃
I'm like you, I don't want to buy one just for the heck of it. I'm also pretty sure there are a lot of flippers out there who buy them to sell them at a premium later.
It is what it is! that saves us money ;)
Fantastic watch.
👍👍👍 Nice Watch 👍👍👍
for me it is more like a dive watch than a field one
Nice review Chris, well balanced and informative. I have bought Zelos in the past at launch , as you say if you want one be there at launch.
Zelos is a small operation and cannot afford to have large numbers to satisfy people who may or may not decide they want to purchase one "someday" ? 😂
Nice.
My complaint is the Name. Field Watch - I would of thought it would have numerals up to 24hrs.
I love their watches! But I'm one of those who don't like how they sale their watches.
‼️What is your wrist size?)
Nice watch.
BIEN
Agree 100%. Other than the very hottest models (mad "hot" in part by would-be flippers), how difficult they are to get has been massively exaggerated. And because they do sell out, you don't usually lose money if you decide not to keep it, which rocks. Unlike you, Chris, I want a date, so I'd prefer that for this particular model, but I've enjoyed all the Zelos I have had (including, briefly, this one with the MOP dial). These all dial watches wear large though!
Numerals world make it nicer
All the Zelos TI i wanted to buy sold out in 30 mins so no i disagree
Nice ⌚🤙
Diameter is a tad small but since it doesn't have a dive bezel, I'm pretty sure it would work for me since the lug to lug isn't stubby.
With the sub-40mm case, it looks like a bit of a chunky monkey from the side 😅 - which is fine with me. Besides, who's going to be looking at it on your wrist from the side? 🤔
Most sell out in under 60 seconds.
Never cared for Zelos the Z logo ruins it for me .
Too much like the symbol used by the Russian army - their nationalistic/nazi symbol.
Luv the Z logo. Have the earlier Aurora with the blue MOP dial. Luv it
Reminds me of Zurg from Buzzlightyear/toystory
Never liked the fancy dials. Too much flash for my tastes. This "field" watch with this dial is a prime example. The Miyota 9039 movement, 38mm diameter, 200m rating and titanium case are great but the dial kills it for me.
A field watch with 200 m and a ship on back and no actual numerals. I think someone made a mistake. Garbage 🗑️
Someone is angry.. 😂