Zelos Spearfish Review: A fitting debut for the brand new La Joux-Perret G100 movement
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- The Zelos Spearfish project may have started as a refined Swordfish, but it's turned into so much more. Amongst many other desirable specs/updates, I have a feeling we're going to be seeing much more of the La Joux-Perret G100 in future watches. Let's dive in and explore these new waters together!
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Unboxing Video: • Zelos Spearfish Unboxi...
@DesignAtelier Reviewed the Salmon/Copper version here: • Hands-On Review: Zelos...
@watchreviews4k Reviewed the uncased LJP G100 movement here: • Manufacture La Joux-Pe...
The Naked Watchmaker showcased a disassembled version of the movement here: www.thenakedwa...
Full specs for the Spearfish are available here: zeloswatches.com
Screwdriver and Potential Strap Pairings:
Wera 1.2mm Screwdriver - This is my go to for bracelet adjustments. Very inexpensive and high quality. I recommend keeping a couple on hand: amzn.to/3jQV6pj
Alternative Screwdriver - If the above version is sold out, this Wera is great too, just a little bit more expensive - amzn.to/3spF2ho
Helm Canvas Strap - Excellent quality and sufficient rigidity for heavier watches. Highly recommend and several colors and 20/22mm available: amzn.to/3ddWD60
Ritche Canvas Strap - Many colors and sizes: amzn.to/3vyo4PO
Helm FKM Rubber Strap - Another fantastic bang for buck offering from Helm. Available in several colors and 20/22mm: amzn.to/3fKK438
I did not receive compensation for filming this review. Zelos provided the watch and I do not have to return it. The statements contained within are only my opinion.
Pics of the other colors belong to Zelos.
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Really can't speak highly enough of Elshan's excellent customer service. As for this watch, I really like it! It maintains Zelos's design language in a slightly toned down and more elegant version. I noticed how nicely it sits on your wrist with the bracelet running off the watch smoothly. The salmon is my favourite colourway.
I agree completely on all counts! There is in my opinion a reason the brand has such a strong fan base. Continuous improvement and refinements, solid value, and some of the best customer service in any industry. The Salmon does look great! I'm sure you've seen the video by @Design Atelier. Cheers
I'm not an unconditional fan of the sandwich dial but... I dreamt the Spearfish would borrow that feature from the Swordfish.
Really appealing anyway, as most of Zelos pieces!
That's definitely one of those areas I expect to divide opinions. To me, that's a hallmark of the Swordfish (despite the early meteorite versions not having it) and moves this from a refined Swordfish to a different model with Swordfish inspiration. Not a bad thing, but a significant departure. I appreciate each and don't really know which I prefer. Cheers
That dial texture of the green, orange and salmon is great and almost enough, itself, to make me pull the trigger. It's regrettable that there is not some shade of blue. To me, 12-hr bezels are a very useful feature on watches and I'll be in for one of those three...meteorite or salmon. Thanks for showing this, Jonathan.
It is a clean texture and nice way of mixing up the Mako whirlpool guilloche. It's kind of cool being a chameleon on this Frost as well where you can only see it sometimes. I was kind of surprised not to see teal or blue as well. The latter often doesn't seem to sell well and the former seems to be experiencing some fatigue, which I'm guessing was the reason. I look forward to seeing your choice! Cheers
Nice evolution of the Swordfish. Cool review as usual. Love the caliber.
Thanks my friend! I agree, different enough to be its own watch but still familiar and recognizably Zelos. I'm pumped about the new movement so far. I've been highly impressed! Cheers
Great review! This watch is close to perfect for my needs. I wish they increased the lume area a bit more by getting rid of the cathedral on the minute hand and widening the indices a little. Ordered one in Frost anyway. ...love the high contrast and matte finishes. Watches that are too shiny can be annoying in bright sunlight
Thank you! I think you'll still be pleased with the lume performance. It's not quite as punched up as some Zelos, but it's still strong in usage. Agreed, contrast is a great thing. Enjoy! Cheers
this is a cracker of a watch, may there be also a Ti variant in the works?
I agree! I haven't heard of plans for it but maybe in the future. I'm somewhat doubtful since it already has the hardened coating (uncommon for Zelos SS watches) and isn't terribly heavy in SS. Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews I found a great deal on one had to jump on it.
I think it's worth mentioning that this G100 movement is essentially a tweaked miyota 9015 (citizen owns both LJP and miyota), the construction is near identical. Is a miyota 9015 with increased power reserve and the words "swiss made" worth 3x the price? Not for me personally, but obviously that's up to each indiviudal to decide for themselves.
Thanks for your comment. I think I mentioned that in the unboxing as well but don't recall if I did in the full review. That said, there are from what I've seen a lot of upgrades to the base architecture in addition to the power reserve. Like you said, definitely a personal assessment (and I really like the 9015), but I'm pleased with this movement so far compared with its primary "competitors" in the 2824/SW200. Cheers
Nice simple look-n-feel.
Love Zelos.
Thanks for sharing this great review.
I agree, it's a clean traditional execution with nice touches to make it still unique. Cheers
Great review and camera work, as usual. I like the corrections you edited in on the few verbal miscues you made when filming :-). I disagree with those who think that just because these have gone upmarket a little, there is less value. That new movement, the hardened coating, the quick-adjust clasp, the fresh design, sapphire-glass crystal and exhibition caseback, high-quality finishing, etc., etc., provides plenty of bank for the buck at this price point. You would pay plenty more for a mainstream brand with similar spec's. That being said, my heart isn't pulling me towards it. Can't put my finger on it. I think it's because I haven't fallen hard for any of the colorways. But as a fan of the brand, I am very excited about this launch. Go Zelos. Go Elshan!
Thanks buddy! I appreciate it! I agree and have often said not all Zelos are inexpensive/affordable/budget/etc. but every one I've encountered across price points offered good value in my opinion. Between the finishing and customer service alone, they're generally tough to beat at the prices. Add to that the features, uses of materials/parts others don't offer, etc. and it makes it without a doubt one of the brands I think people should at least consider. I hear you and largely feel the same about the colorways in this batch. All are solid but I'd want to move other pieces with overlap to justify them. All in all though, still a great watch and I'm pumped about the new movement so far. Cheers
It's ok, I mean I like it but not at the price Elshan is offering.
I'm sure they'll sell well but not really the best bang for your buck
I think it's pretty solid factoring in the movement, hardened coating (pricey), toolless clasp, etc. It's inline with many 2824/SW-200 movement watches in my opinion. That being said, it does push it into the next tier beyond the Mako/Blacktip/etc. featuring similar specs excepting the movement. Cheers
Fantastic review sir. I like your no nonsense approach and super detailed style. Well done!
Thank you very much for the kind words and support! Cheers
TO ANYONE CONSIDERING BUYING THIS WATCH:
I just received my (Burnt Orange) Spearfish yesterday, and the watch arrived broken. While I was sizing the bracelet, I noticed that it hadn't started running yet and the rotor wouldn't spin. To my astonishment, I could see a small screw wedged between the edge of the rotor and the caseback. Upon closer inspection, it appears this was one of the screws that connected the 3/4 bridge to the mainplate of the movement. Not sure how it fell out (the threads appear intact), but this is a very concerning QC issue from Zelos (and LJP's new movement).
The bracelet screws are also very poorly machined and hard to work with -- they strip VERY easily.
I reported the damaged movement to Zelos yesterday, but I haven't gotten any reply yet. At this point, I think I might send it back for a full refund unless they can offer me a longer warranty for a replacement. Very distressing :(
I'm sorry to read you had issues. That's definitely a bummer. For what it's worth, I'm fully confident Zelos will send you a replacement right away. I didn't experience these issues with the one I received (and have owned many others). I totally understand being put off, but flukes can happen. Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews thanks. I'm a fan of Zelos, this was actually my fourth purchase from them (two of the previous were gifts for family members). I also have an Axios, which was itself a replacement for the original which mysteriously stopped working after I'd had it a few weeks. They didn't hesitate to replace it, but the two experiences together have left me feeling pretty anxious about their one year warranty.
I hear only but good things about Elshan and Zelos' customer service.
It's some of the best in this or any industry. Cheers
The movement is a breath of fresh air but being new kid on the block, the price is not enticing.
I'm excited to see it in use as well. Given the LJP and Citizen/Miyota pedigree, I'm pretty confident it will hold up well. I've been very impressed so far and easily would take the leap over the 2824/SW200. Cheers
Thanks for the Mako comparison! I think that pushes me over the edge to get one LOL. I'm actually liking the 12hr bezel, and I've always loved how the Swordfish bracelet plays with the light, but never could get past the sandwich dial - to me, with the yellow lume color it makes the Swordfish look like a kid's toy. I'm still not a fan of the yellow lume on these either, but with the applied indices, more elegant hands, and that awesome 68hr power reserve I think I'm in. Now - which one....mete or copper...mete or copper...
Glad I could help! I think you'll enjoy the Spearfish. It brings a lot of nice refinements. Best of luck with the decision! Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews FOMO kicked in and I went with the mete - glad I did since it sold out in about 4 minutes!
Great choice both for the aesthetic and demand! Congrats on scoring one!
1 year warranty puts me off though, not good enough in 2022
I know what you mean, but I wouldn't be concerned. Zelos has phenomenal customer service and regularly covers or significantly discounts servicing, even after the warranty period. Honestly, I trust them more out of warranty than most during the warranty. Cheers
Nice looking watch with good specs. Good vid. Keep at it!
Thank you very much for the kind words and support! Cheers
Fine review!
Thanks for the kind words and support! Cheers
Is it a hard clear coat on the steel or is the steel itself hardened?
I'm 99% sure it's a hardened coating applied to the steel. Cheers
Could you check with a timegrapher, and tell how accurate does this new movement keep time, sec/day ? Thanks
Sorry, I don't have a timegrapher. This grade of the movement is regulated in four positions I believe. In my usage it has been holding single digit gains daily, though I have not precisely kept track of it. Cheers
What's the timekeeping? How many seconds a day positive/negative?
I haven't carefully logged, but my sample seems to be sitting right around the upper end of COSC at around +6 in usage. Cheers
This was great, I was getting one of these anyway, but now this makes it a for sure purchase
Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked it! Cheers
Man , i would've loved this watch if they slimmed down the clasp... It's literally my only complaint , if they could do that i would be willing to pay 100 to 150 usd more.
I still think it's one of the better options on the market, but I'm looking forward to seeing the new clasp later in the year. Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews yeah i think it's great value , hope to see more watches with the LJP movements. 68hr powerreserve and 4hz seems extremely promising.
@@JonathanTReviews but with the new packaging and a slimmer clasps it would make the all round package perfect imo. Glad to see Zelos making moves upmarket.
I'm excited to see which watch debuts the new clasp and the movement choice as well. Perhaps it will be another G100 model. Cheers
So, Jonathan, you are saying that there is no slimmer on the fly micro adjust currently available? For those of us who love having that feature, this obviates the criticism…
I wonder if we will get an upgraded Mako with the same movement one day. That will be a buy for me I recon.
This Spearfish has a lot to like but I still find the design of the Swordfish more original and distinct.
I'd say it's definitely within the realm of possible. It's not that far of a leap from the 9015 to G100. Cheers
Two "mistakes" Elshan did is not including a true black version sun burst or matt texture like Pelagos has or piano black instead of carbon black and a blue dial version. If he wanted versatility instead of 12h bi directional bezel why did he not make a count down bezel. I associate 12h bezel only with a GMT watches. I do not like 12h. Otherwise this is something each of us truly wanted in our heart from Swordfish model to be. Slim watch and no NH35. A watch that is well rounded.
Glad you like it overall. I agree a black or blue would provide classic versatility, though they often don't seem to sell well, which I'm guessing was part of the decision. I'm not a huge 12 hour bezel guy either but honestly don't really use the bezel much anyways and didn't mind this one. I do find it to hit the mark though, like you said, with offering a more refined watch. Cheers
Do you know when this will be available for sale?
Sorry, I don't have an exact date. The mentioned timeframe in the video of mid-February is the most specific so far. More info should be coming soon. Cheers
February 15th
the bezel is useless
How so? This variant has the 12hr bezel which can be used to track a second timezone (kind of like a GMT-lite). Cheers
Why keep the watch when it only hurts integrity?
I respect your view if you feel it impacts the review feedback. Many/most review channels occasionally/regularly receive donated watches, which is one of the only means of funding channel expenses. I strive to always provide transparent and honest/balanced reviews regardless of the watch being donated or not and I never require it as a condition of review. Cheers
@@JonathanTReviews I see