Hi I'm an also affordable watch collector and enjoying your vids from the Bahamas. In one of your other videos You mentioned being a missionary. Are you still a missionary in japan?
@@JusttheWatch That's great! I am an older person but became a born again Christian less than 3 years ago. I attend a Baptist church here on the small island i live on in the Bahamas.
Can’t wait to add this one to my Zelos watch box. Yes, over the past four years I’ve collected enough of them to warrant their own box… I’ve purchased eight in all, And six are presently in my collection… I’ve never been disappointed. Thanks for a great review!
The "problem" with zelos, for me, is that as they get more popular, they kind of steer away from the entry level buyers. I have two sf40 which cost at launch 269 usd each. So, for me, the question is not whether the leap in price is justified, rather, is can i afford it, and the answer is no. Furthermore, looking at the release schedule for this year, there seems to be no plans for a watch in that 270-350 usd microbrand's "sweet spot". There are more "upmarket" movments and meterials planed. Since the swordfish is Zelos best seller, it's kind of a shame... feels like a big part of the brand's customer base are left behined as zelos pushes towards a higher end market. Off course it's their right to do so, but it would have been nice, for instance, to get a field or a dress watch for around 350 usd.
That's exactly how I feel. I was thinking about getting my father a Zelos (which would be his first Automatic watch), but apparently that will have to wait at least a year.
I completely get what you're saying. On the other hand: look at it from a watch designer's point of view: it is Zelos' way to offer a watch with a more than average movement at a still reasonable price. And i think that's where they succeed, although for me also it is too expensive. Zelos has offered one of their models with either a Seiko NH, or an ETA 2824 (or was it a 2892, don't exactly recall): Maybe they should reprise this approach.
@@RogerSartet007 It is tremendous value and those who can afford it should definitely buy it as its a bargain. Average Joe me who used to be able to acquire something like a hammerhead can longer do so because they have just positioned themselves out of our price bracket. Dont get me wrong they are certainly worth it just no longer attainable.
Yes! My RZE white lume dial is impossible to read because everything fades at similar times and the hands are skinny. Looks cool at first, but a total gimmick.
Female endlinks! Upgraded 4hz Swiss movement! Bi-directional bezel! Full lume hands and dial! Be still my heart, Zelos finally started listening to me! I'm gonna get one next payday!
Thank you for the in-depth review, I am thinking about getting one of the Spearfish variants. I had hoped Zelos had resolved the problems with the screws though, that is a real bummer. I had bought a Zelos before and I just could not get some of the screws out for resizing, I even messed up the (replaceable) tip of a high grade screwdriver. But the Zelos support is world class and they sent me a replacement, so all in all I have been really happy with my purchase. I hope Zelos will find use a better solution for the screws.
Its a lot of watch for the money, shame about the issue with the bracelet, sounds like an issue with one of my watches. I soaked the bracelet only in really hot (not boiling) water for around 30 minutes and that seemed to do the trick, but not sure if that will work with this one. But issue aside I think this is my new favourite release from them so far and btw that intro, bravo.
I picked up the Hammerhead v3 in frost and that has black hands against the lumed dial, which is my preferred combination. I added this Spearfish in the forged carbon. While the Hammerhead is a tank, this looks like something a bit more refined which I love.
The copper dial one is awesome. And with 1200HV hardening, the movement, the crystal, the overall design, $650 is not too much for this watch. It’s actually kind of a bargain.
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 :(
@@yogiyoda yeah, I got a reply after a couple of days. They're sending a replacement, but it's held up in some kind of shipping delay at the moment (not Zelos's fault). To their credit, they're actually waiting until I get it before they want me to ship mine back to them.
Really well made, slick simple beautiful design, very nice lum, bracelet and case back👌🏻. Yet in this price… I can get a Squale plus a Presage, a cool diver+a dress beauty in that price.
Looks interesting and characteristic! On Bezel, I wish they should have put dots instead of sticks that confuses 1, 10, 11 & 12. Trouble with band adjustment is shame. Overall, still a sound choice do I feel.
Fantastic review, Dave. A few minor niggles with this watch, but overall a great new offering from Elshan. The new LJP movement is going to be a winner, IMHO. The dial choices are interesting, my initial pick was the meteorite ($749), then I wanted the forged carbon. Initially I only wanted one, however, now I rewant the meteorite, plus the burnt orange (which Shane reviewed, at $650)-that one looks stunning 'in the flesh'. Worth every penny! I won't tell anyone how fast these will sell out, as if I'm not quick enough off the mark, they will be GONE! One point which you made about lumed dials I would disagree with. I have the Zelos mako V3 in frost. The lumed dial doesn't interfere with legibility of the hands and indices as it is a totally different lume (C3 X1 vs BGW9. The lume on this watch is an absolute BEAST. You could easily charge it up with your torch, turn the torch off, and use the mako 3 as a torch!
Love my V3 Mako GMT with blue meteorite dial. Fiancée saw me gawking and went behind my back and got it for Christmas. I accidentally found it so ended up getting it for my birthday(November) instead 😂
Ahhhh... I love that Citizen (who owns both LJP and Miyota) has created what is, essentially, a "swiss" Miyota 9xxx movement. I disagree - I think this is the perfect way for Citizen to get their movements into all the micros that are sitting in the incredibly saturated sub-1k market. We're starting to see NH35 movements in the $6-700 range... And now you can have a solid Swiss movement for that same cost. What I predict is that you'll start seeing Sellita based movements crawl a touch less expensive, NH35 watches will have the floor drop out, and this movement will sit right there in the miyota 9xxx slot. But at first there's going to be a pop of overpriced micros and this is the first of them. That's not to say this isn't a really nice micro - I'm impressed by the features and the look, the finishing is decent, the bracelet is more than adequate, and it's got a lot of good things going for it including the hot new movement. I question the value proposition here... But then again maybe it really is worth it? I'm just a little jaded by the movement manufacturers and their moves. I'm a fan of the Miyota movement and I very much appreciate that they improved on the well made 9xxx. I don't like that they're saying "but eet ees swees" and charging double. Shrug. Great intro btw - gave me Zoolander vibes lol.
Although it definitely seems to be based off the miyota 9xxx, I don't think it's fair to call it just a swiss version of it. There's definitely a lot of changes; almost double the power reserve, the swiss lever escapement, the tungsten rotor, the higher standard of finishing, etc. Also if it is developed and assembled in la chaux-de-fonds Switzerland the costs associated would be more than asian movements.
@@emeenattoor you may be right and I'm just feeling a little overly cynical lol. There's nothing wrong with basing it on an already excellent movement and giving it even better specifications. I'm still thinking about how this movement is going to be positioned though. Ultimately I'm optimistic about any movement that offers a quality and innovative alternative to the old standards and isn't just a tweak (like the Powermatic 80) that ends up in a trade off.
@@JoseSierradeLeste I agree, being based off an already proven movement and backed by citizen is a good thing. Will be interesting to see what price point other micros using this movement place their watches at. It has great specs but I don't think it should cost too much more than the ETA 282x and selita sw200. The one used in this Zelos is also the elaborè grade which is adjusted to 4 positions so I think $650 is very fair.
I definitely think it's worth the retail price , just wished they used the slimmed down micro adjust clasp. This one looks bulky compared to the bracelet and watchhead
Outstanding review, thanks very much! I'll probably be online for the kickoff tomorrow, and I know which one I'll be going for. I'm not a huge Zelos fanboy who owns all (or most) of their models, but I do own four of them. And the slightly smaller profile combined with the new Swiss movement will have me onboard. Will I hate it? Love it? Time will tell. But I think there's enough offered there to make me pull the trigger.
First: You really stepped up your editing skills. Second: I think the price is still fine even with the retail price, if they fix that bracelet issue of course. And is LA JOUX-PERRET not still owned by the Citizen Holdings?
Nice watch, like both this dial and the copper one on Shane's model. $650 is pretty fair for a high beat high power reserve. From a dive watch esthetic viewpoint, although it's a new movement, and interesting in itself, it's not really pretty enough to warrant a display caseback. I'd definitely prefer a nice closed one with the Zelos engravings.
Love their case designs, love their choice of movements, their dimensions: NICKEL! as we say in French. Perfect that is. However: Their dials...: Apart from the frost look on the first Mako diver or the one above, I find them too baroque. Awaiting a second issue of the Axios Pathfinder, black dial....with an NH 38 no date movement
There's a lot to like about the G100, but as an automatic it fails by only winding the watch in 1 direction of rotor spin. I'm not against spending more for an upgraded movement, but I wouldn't want my swanky new Swiss movement to be bested by the NH35 in _any_ way. I _will_ buy a Zelos, but I have to wait for a piece that feels right. I'm in no big rush, still enjoying my Phoibos Leviathan (NH35 powered & running great since it arrived last year).
After about two years into the watch and horology hobby, I definitely see prices creeping up in anything like a decent automatic watch. I have a feeling we are going to have to recalibrate what our expectations are concerning "budget" watches. $500 is the new $300.... $1000 is the new $500. Considering the years and perhaps decades of use a good watch can provide, they are still one of the very best "value for money" items we can own. Like anything else that we plan on actually using- as any other "tool"- sometimes it's better to pay a bit more than a bit less.
I agree with this. I am not sure if it is a good thing or not. I didn't bat an eye when I bought the copper colorway for this. It seems like a good value to me all things considered. Value is all relative.
The price range some small watch companies are targeting nowadays is a death valley for a microbrand. You either go a bit beyond offering something really unique/original/outrageous or make a decent, budget-range but solid crowd-pleaser in a niche big brands fail to notice. Instead of doing the latter which was Zelos (and others) core identity that forged the brand they just went to big boys territory.
Agreed, but only Zelos can do this because of their loyal fanbase, I do own a Zelos personally, and while this one is too rich for my blood, I'm sure Zelos will sell the Spearfish out quick - especially the brighter coloured dials.
Really want to add LJP G100 into my collection. It looks very gpod especially its power reserve. It would be more helpful, if you could compare every color of this model. Look foward to seeing the review.
High beat movement with 68 hour power reserve, sounds interesting. Hopefully it's accurate too. Zelos' design language is quite consistent, so this one looks 'Zelos' at first glance. It's a little bit pricey considering it's a micro brand. If I had $650 to spend, i'd go for a used (like new) swiss made watches.
Well, the movement intialy kind of weirded me out, but I really like the watch and I've been wanting a watch with more power reserve AND a higher beat, so I broke down and ordered one lol
I purchased the NTH Upholder for around the same price. I’ve had it now for two week and wear it all the time. Would like to get your opinion and comparison to this one.
I bought a zelos chronograph, which I returned. During the unboxing, the crown / stem fell out of the $1,200 watch. Unbelievable, it was not even assembled into the watch! I have never taken them seriously since, life is too short.
this one is not bad I would consider it but I have the swordfish v1 frost already, the meteorite version spearfish is so sweet. edit: ended up getting one anyway great deal could not pass it up it gets alot of wrist time
My son is graduating college in Minnesota and going to work in japan for a year or two. He never wears watches, but he agreed that he should have one for work. Any suggestions for a graduation present that would be “cool” for Japan?
I'm not so enthusiastic about the movement. For me it seems like upgraded Miyota 9015 rather than Swiss designed competition to ETA 2824. Rotor is working in one direction only while is still wobbling with noise in the other direction and other similarities to Miyota are obvious. I would say that thanks to La Joux-Perret, Miyota became "Swiss made". It doesn't surprise me since La Joux-Perret is part of Citizen Group as well as Miyota. If this surprises you, please check names of management board of La Joux-Perret ;-)
This is the upscaled SF40, but I think a comparison with their Mako line would make a bit more sense, not that the Spearfish to SF40 comparison isn't valid. This new G100 movement compared to the Miyota 9015, 4 hz to 4 hz (or the older Makos that used the SW200).
I like Zelos (got 3 so far) but at 650USD launch price you starting to get into entry level swiss made territory (i.e. Tissot PRX Powermatic) with some brand history and decent specs. When I saw the frost version my first thought was "oh it's the swordfish 40 frost again" and only at a second look I noticed the differences... Would I buy a Spearfish with an NH35 for 269 - 369 USD yes most definitely... for 650 I gonna give it a pass as its above my "affordable" limit...
The man behind this movement is also behind movements in watches that cost 10k plus. And really at a certain point the value of a movement is down to its finishing. One at a 1k price tag can also have a 10k price Tag because it was disassembled and completely hand finished. This watch is well worth the price.
It's Zelos season lol. These micros have no history to back them up. Some of them could become very collectable but most will drift off into obscurity. 650usd, way too many watches with proven track records in and around that price. They give out 10/15 watches, get a million views, and grab a piece of the market. Very smart on their part.
I am going to spend 5$ and ask local Jewelers to adjust the bracelet. I went for the burnt orange. It sold out after the meteorite dial which was gone in less than 90 seconds!
I do think this is a great offering from Zelos. I would not compare this to the Swordfish, I think it's more aligned to the Mako V3. The Mako has an upgraded Miyota 9015 movement and similar dimensions currently at $549. For $100 more, this makes it a good value proposition compared to the Mako V3. Better upgraded swiss movement with extended power reserve, slimmer and better dimensions overall.
I own a Swordfish Titanium that I got for the intro price of $329. It's well worth it BUT I think most of their pieces are a bit overpriced. The designs and quality are excellent, however.
Maybe I’m just spoiled here, but after seeing some of the other zelos divers at 300m, I didn’t wanna see this one at 200m.. it’s the only thing that would make me second guess this over some of their other divers
Dave, the intro is really amazing! It outperforms the watch being reviewed! The watch really looks nice overall but no go for the frost version. The burnt orange and copper look the best to me but I would be more interested in it with this same case shape, lower cost Miyota 9015/9039 movement and some more classic black or blue color choices at a price at or a little above the Swordfish.
I received my new copper dial spearfish yesterday. I like the watch a lot. However, im disappointed in the movement which is the selling point for the price. On my time Grapher, I'm getting plus 10 seconds, an amplitude of 285 and a .2 beat error. Good, but not great. 28.8 is nice, but the performance is seiko NH territory. I would not buy this at this premium just for the "upgraded" movement.
They don't keep stock, pretty much everything is limited. Throughout the year they'll do new production runs, often of previous models but in new colors or materials.
The movement is very interesting and made me consider the watch, but in the end, I just can't get over the design... I really don't get why everyone is calling this a version of Swordfish. The case shape is totally different and IMHO a bit more generic, while still atractive, I must say. But what really puts this off for me are the proportions of the dial and the bezel. With Swordfish, the dial is smaller and there's the twelve-cornered sharp part shrouding the crystal and making a transition to the bezel itself. Here, there's nothing like that and it all looks more generic. I mean, Zelos had done a great job with the dials, as usual, they're beautiful, but I just don't like this a bit more generic setup. Reminds me more of Mako, which is a very popular Zelos model, but for me, the most generic looking one and thus the most boring...
Love zelos but this seems a very average looking watch and nothing to get excited about. Great informative review but a pass from me. Can only own so many divers….same same.
Are these all "limited edition" references? Is that why the case back says 106/200? A watch that costs $700 US, to be worth it in pure monetary terms, would have to be 3X better than an Orient ACOK, variously called Baby Triton or Baby Neptune. Or 4X times better than a Kamasu. In my mind, having an unproven Swiss movement does not in any way make a watch three times better than a watch with a proven Japanese movement of similar spec. Higher accuracy figures aren't a difference that matters for an automatic that's going to be part of a rotation and will have to be reset each time it is selected. Having a better bracelet makes more difference to many buyers, and this bracelet is objectively better than that of the ACOK or the Kamasu, but I swap most of my divers onto vintage leather anyway. Is the Spearfish objectively "better" than an ACOK or Kamasu? Yes, I'd say so. Is it 3X or 4X better? No. Add to that the fact that a great number of people who might want one will not be able to get one, and, well, what's the point of declaring it better?
I have no problem paying more for quality maybe this is the start for Zelos to bring their brand up to a new level and get away from the under $500 junk.
Checkout the Burnt Orange version that Shane reviewed on Relative Time: ruclips.net/video/MhLePCP-S2w/видео.html
Hi I'm an also affordable watch collector and enjoying your vids from the Bahamas. In one of your other videos You mentioned being a missionary. Are you still a missionary in japan?
@@richardalbury2132 I am! I'm working with a Japanese Baptist church over here to help plant a new church. Planning on being here indefinitely!
@@JusttheWatch That's great! I am an older person but became a born again Christian less than 3 years ago. I attend a Baptist church here on the small island i live on in the Bahamas.
@@richardalbury2132 Praise the Lord!
Can’t wait to add this one to my Zelos watch box. Yes, over the past four years I’ve collected enough of them to warrant their own box… I’ve purchased eight in all, And six are presently in my collection… I’ve never been disappointed. Thanks for a great review!
The "problem" with zelos, for me, is that as they get more popular, they kind of steer away from the entry level buyers. I have two sf40 which cost at launch 269 usd each. So, for me, the question is not whether the leap in price is justified, rather, is can i afford it, and the answer is no. Furthermore, looking at the release schedule for this year, there seems to be no plans for a watch in that 270-350 usd microbrand's "sweet spot". There are more "upmarket" movments and meterials planed. Since the swordfish is Zelos best seller, it's kind of a shame... feels like a big part of the brand's customer base are left behined as zelos pushes towards a higher end market. Off course it's their right to do so, but it would have been nice, for instance, to get a field or a dress watch for around 350 usd.
This!
That's exactly how I feel. I was thinking about getting my father a Zelos (which would be his first Automatic watch), but apparently that will have to wait at least a year.
I wanted a Zelos for a long time but these days they are priced way more than they used to be... Its a pity...
I completely get what you're saying. On the other hand: look at it from a watch designer's point of view: it is Zelos' way to offer a watch with a more than average movement at a still reasonable price. And i think that's where they succeed, although for me also it is too expensive. Zelos has offered one of their models with either a Seiko NH, or an ETA 2824 (or was it a 2892, don't exactly recall): Maybe they should reprise this approach.
@@RogerSartet007 It is tremendous value and those who can afford it should definitely buy it as its a bargain. Average Joe me who used to be able to acquire something like a hammerhead can longer do so because they have just positioned themselves out of our price bracket. Dont get me wrong they are certainly worth it just no longer attainable.
You’ve really upped your video editing skills dave. Great review as always
Your producing and editing are top notch! I appreciate what you do on your channel. Stay awesome! From Bend, Oregon. USA.
Yes! My RZE white lume dial is impossible to read because everything fades at similar times and the hands are skinny. Looks cool at first, but a total gimmick.
Love the production upgrade Dave! Great editing and fun, dynamic show. So good seeing channels like yours improve.
Female endlinks! Upgraded 4hz Swiss movement! Bi-directional bezel! Full lume hands and dial! Be still my heart, Zelos finally started listening to me! I'm gonna get one next payday!
Thank you for the in-depth review, I am thinking about getting one of the Spearfish variants. I had hoped Zelos had resolved the problems with the screws though, that is a real bummer. I had bought a Zelos before and I just could not get some of the screws out for resizing, I even messed up the (replaceable) tip of a high grade screwdriver. But the Zelos support is world class and they sent me a replacement, so all in all I have been really happy with my purchase. I hope Zelos will find use a better solution for the screws.
My guess is the half hour marks on the bezel can be used for time zones that use an additional half hour vs UTC..
Its a lot of watch for the money, shame about the issue with the bracelet, sounds like an issue with one of my watches. I soaked the bracelet only in really hot (not boiling) water for around 30 minutes and that seemed to do the trick, but not sure if that will work with this one. But issue aside I think this is my new favourite release from them so far and btw that intro, bravo.
I picked up the Hammerhead v3 in frost and that has black hands against the lumed dial, which is my preferred combination. I added this Spearfish in the forged carbon. While the Hammerhead is a tank, this looks like something a bit more refined which I love.
The copper dial one is awesome. And with 1200HV hardening, the movement, the crystal, the overall design, $650 is not too much for this watch. It’s actually kind of a bargain.
Wow, some of these watch shots are absolutely stunning! Really good vid
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 :(
Have you heard back from Zelos yet?
@@yogiyoda yeah, I got a reply after a couple of days. They're sending a replacement, but it's held up in some kind of shipping delay at the moment (not Zelos's fault). To their credit, they're actually waiting until I get it before they want me to ship mine back to them.
@@illyth63 - Cool. It's a shame you had problems, but at least I've heard good things about their customer service.
Really well made, slick simple beautiful design, very nice lum, bracelet and case back👌🏻. Yet in this price… I can get a Squale plus a Presage, a cool diver+a dress beauty in that price.
Fantastic review. I’d love to see a follow up on this watch after a couple months of ownership. Thanks for the great video.
Looks interesting and characteristic! On Bezel, I wish they should have put dots instead of sticks that confuses 1, 10, 11 & 12. Trouble with band adjustment is shame. Overall, still a sound choice do I feel.
I believe that movement maker is part of the Citizen group. The movement looks very similar to the 9015 and only winds in one direction as well.
Fantastic review, Dave. A few minor niggles with this watch, but overall a great new offering from Elshan. The new LJP movement is going to be a winner, IMHO. The dial choices are interesting, my initial pick was the meteorite ($749), then I wanted the forged carbon. Initially I only wanted one, however, now I rewant the meteorite, plus the burnt orange (which Shane reviewed, at $650)-that one looks stunning 'in the flesh'. Worth every penny! I won't tell anyone how fast these will sell out, as if I'm not quick enough off the mark, they will be GONE!
One point which you made about lumed dials I would disagree with. I have the Zelos mako V3 in frost. The lumed dial doesn't interfere with legibility of the hands and indices as it is a totally different lume (C3 X1 vs BGW9. The lume on this watch is an absolute BEAST. You could easily charge it up with your torch, turn the torch off, and use the mako 3 as a torch!
Brodie, your production is A+!
Love my V3 Mako GMT with blue meteorite dial. Fiancée saw me gawking and went behind my back and got it for Christmas. I accidentally found it so ended up getting it for my birthday(November) instead 😂
Very nice. I have a swordfish frost. Maybe if they come out with a blue dial for their V2 I'll consider it. 🤔
Ahhhh... I love that Citizen (who owns both LJP and Miyota) has created what is, essentially, a "swiss" Miyota 9xxx movement. I disagree - I think this is the perfect way for Citizen to get their movements into all the micros that are sitting in the incredibly saturated sub-1k market. We're starting to see NH35 movements in the $6-700 range... And now you can have a solid Swiss movement for that same cost. What I predict is that you'll start seeing Sellita based movements crawl a touch less expensive, NH35 watches will have the floor drop out, and this movement will sit right there in the miyota 9xxx slot. But at first there's going to be a pop of overpriced micros and this is the first of them.
That's not to say this isn't a really nice micro - I'm impressed by the features and the look, the finishing is decent, the bracelet is more than adequate, and it's got a lot of good things going for it including the hot new movement. I question the value proposition here... But then again maybe it really is worth it?
I'm just a little jaded by the movement manufacturers and their moves. I'm a fan of the Miyota movement and I very much appreciate that they improved on the well made 9xxx. I don't like that they're saying "but eet ees swees" and charging double. Shrug.
Great intro btw - gave me Zoolander vibes lol.
Although it definitely seems to be based off the miyota 9xxx, I don't think it's fair to call it just a swiss version of it. There's definitely a lot of changes; almost double the power reserve, the swiss lever escapement, the tungsten rotor, the higher standard of finishing, etc. Also if it is developed and assembled in la chaux-de-fonds Switzerland the costs associated would be more than asian movements.
@@emeenattoor you may be right and I'm just feeling a little overly cynical lol. There's nothing wrong with basing it on an already excellent movement and giving it even better specifications. I'm still thinking about how this movement is going to be positioned though.
Ultimately I'm optimistic about any movement that offers a quality and innovative alternative to the old standards and isn't just a tweak (like the Powermatic 80) that ends up in a trade off.
@@JoseSierradeLeste I agree, being based off an already proven movement and backed by citizen is a good thing. Will be interesting to see what price point other micros using this movement place their watches at. It has great specs but I don't think it should cost too much more than the ETA 282x and selita sw200. The one used in this Zelos is also the elaborè grade which is adjusted to 4 positions so I think $650 is very fair.
I really like that watch, especially the clasp! I’d buy a clasp like that aftermarket if it fit my titanium Swordfish.
Pretty much any Zelos bought on introductory pricing will be a great investment. That Horizons model just looks sooo good...
I definitely think it's worth the retail price , just wished they used the slimmed down micro adjust clasp. This one looks bulky compared to the bracelet and watchhead
Outstanding review, thanks very much! I'll probably be online for the kickoff tomorrow, and I know which one I'll be going for. I'm not a huge Zelos fanboy who owns all (or most) of their models, but I do own four of them. And the slightly smaller profile combined with the new Swiss movement will have me onboard. Will I hate it? Love it? Time will tell. But I think there's enough offered there to make me pull the trigger.
La Joux Perret is part of the Citizen Watch Group.
First: You really stepped up your editing skills.
Second: I think the price is still fine even with the retail price, if they fix that bracelet issue of course.
And is LA JOUX-PERRET not still owned by the Citizen Holdings?
Nice watch, like both this dial and the copper one on Shane's model. $650 is pretty fair for a high beat high power reserve. From a dive watch esthetic viewpoint, although it's a new movement, and interesting in itself, it's not really pretty enough to warrant a display caseback. I'd definitely prefer a nice closed one with the Zelos engravings.
Admire your editing skills... good job 👍
Love their case designs, love their choice of movements, their dimensions: NICKEL! as we say in French. Perfect that is. However: Their dials...: Apart from the frost look on the first Mako diver or the one above, I find them too baroque.
Awaiting a second issue of the Axios Pathfinder, black dial....with an NH 38 no date movement
PS: Love the Vostok Case 420 sweatshirt
Great vid man, loved the details. Zelos definitely makes some cool stuff!
Without a doubt, these are a steal at $650-750 with that movement. I would have preferred the frost dial to be fully lumed.
That intro was a psychedelic experience 🤯
There's a lot to like about the G100, but as an automatic it fails by only winding the watch in 1 direction of rotor spin. I'm not against spending more for an upgraded movement, but I wouldn't want my swanky new Swiss movement to be bested by the NH35 in _any_ way. I _will_ buy a Zelos, but I have to wait for a piece that feels right. I'm in no big rush, still enjoying my Phoibos Leviathan (NH35 powered & running great since it arrived last year).
After about two years into the watch and horology hobby, I definitely see prices creeping up in anything like a decent automatic watch. I have a feeling we are going to have to recalibrate what our expectations are concerning "budget" watches. $500 is the new $300.... $1000 is the new $500.
Considering the years and perhaps decades of use a good watch can provide, they are still one of the very best "value for money" items we can own. Like anything else that we plan on actually using- as any other "tool"- sometimes it's better to pay a bit more than a bit less.
I agree with this. I am not sure if it is a good thing or not. I didn't bat an eye when I bought the copper colorway for this. It seems like a good value to me all things considered. Value is all relative.
A nice thorough review, Dave. I'm sure these will sell out.
Dave had really stepped it up another level on the introductions the past few months
Thanks! Been having a little fun trying out new things.
Great job Dave. Love you unbiased review
Thanks Ozzie!
The price range some small watch companies are targeting nowadays is a death valley for a microbrand. You either go a bit beyond offering something really unique/original/outrageous or make a decent, budget-range but solid crowd-pleaser in a niche big brands fail to notice. Instead of doing the latter which was Zelos (and others) core identity that forged the brand they just went to big boys territory.
Agreed, but only Zelos can do this because of their loyal fanbase, I do own a Zelos personally, and while this one is too rich for my blood, I'm sure Zelos will sell the Spearfish out quick - especially the brighter coloured dials.
Love my ZELOS!!! Worth every dollar!!
Really want to add LJP G100 into my collection. It looks very gpod especially its power reserve. It would be more helpful, if you could compare every color of this model. Look foward to seeing the review.
High beat movement with 68 hour power reserve, sounds interesting. Hopefully it's accurate too. Zelos' design language is quite consistent, so this one looks 'Zelos' at first glance. It's a little bit pricey considering it's a micro brand. If I had $650 to spend, i'd go for a used (like new) swiss made watches.
Well, the movement intialy kind of weirded me out, but I really like the watch and I've been wanting a watch with more power reserve AND a higher beat, so I broke down and ordered one lol
I don't get the 12hr bezel at all... It's a diver?
I purchased the NTH Upholder for around the same price. I’ve had it now for two week and wear it all the time. Would like to get your opinion and comparison to this one.
For some reason I found the end links not looking like they belonged with the lugs.
Wow, your editing skills have gone trough the roof.
I bought a zelos chronograph, which I returned. During the unboxing, the crown / stem fell out of the $1,200 watch. Unbelievable, it was not even assembled into the watch! I have never taken them seriously since, life is too short.
Would this work with a suit and tie? The orange or green may be the Zelos I finally buy.
Those end links don't seem flush to the case, is this a prototype issue?
this one is not bad I would consider it but I have the swordfish v1 frost already, the meteorite version spearfish is so sweet.
edit: ended up getting one anyway great deal could not pass it up it gets alot of wrist time
Citizen own this movement and they own Miyota so it's gonna be a solid movement.
Is the clasp also hardened, or just the bracelet?
My son is graduating college in Minnesota and going to work in japan for a year or two. He never wears watches, but he agreed that he should have one for work. Any suggestions for a graduation present that would be “cool” for Japan?
Amazing intro... did you use a green screen behind the watch?
Yeah! Well technically a blue screen. First time really playing around with it. Really opens up some I interesting possibilities.
I'm not so enthusiastic about the movement. For me it seems like upgraded Miyota 9015 rather than Swiss designed competition to ETA 2824. Rotor is working in one direction only while is still wobbling with noise in the other direction and other similarities to Miyota are obvious. I would say that thanks to La Joux-Perret, Miyota became "Swiss made". It doesn't surprise me since La Joux-Perret is part of Citizen Group as well as Miyota. If this surprises you, please check names of management board of La Joux-Perret ;-)
00:40 - Euro Techno beats begin. Raise your drinks in the air!
I agree with everything you said about the swordfish. Defiantly an incredible value prop than a SINN 105. So the swordfish is a Sinn 105 homage ? 😂
This is the upscaled SF40, but I think a comparison with their Mako line would make a bit more sense, not that the Spearfish to SF40 comparison isn't valid. This new G100 movement compared to the Miyota 9015, 4 hz to 4 hz (or the older Makos that used the SW200).
I like Zelos (got 3 so far) but at 650USD launch price you starting to get into entry level swiss made territory (i.e. Tissot PRX Powermatic) with some brand history and decent specs.
When I saw the frost version my first thought was "oh it's the swordfish 40 frost again" and only at a second look I noticed the differences...
Would I buy a Spearfish with an NH35 for 269 - 369 USD yes most definitely... for 650 I gonna give it a pass as its above my "affordable" limit...
The man behind this movement is also behind movements in watches that cost 10k plus. And really at a certain point the value of a movement is down to its finishing. One at a 1k price tag can also have a 10k price Tag because it was disassembled and completely hand finished. This watch is well worth the price.
It's Zelos season lol. These micros have no history to back them up. Some of them could become very collectable but most will drift off into obscurity. 650usd, way too many watches with proven track records in and around that price. They give out 10/15 watches, get a million views, and grab a piece of the market. Very smart on their part.
The new Tissot Sea Star 2000 is about this price and I feel like it is a better deal . always in stock and able to get under retail .
I am going to spend 5$ and ask local Jewelers to adjust the bracelet. I went for the burnt orange. It sold out after the meteorite dial which was gone in less than 90 seconds!
I do think this is a great offering from Zelos. I would not compare this to the Swordfish, I think it's more aligned to the Mako V3. The Mako has an upgraded Miyota 9015 movement and similar dimensions currently at $549. For $100 more, this makes it a good value proposition compared to the Mako V3. Better upgraded swiss movement with extended power reserve, slimmer and better dimensions overall.
Great videography Dave
I own a Swordfish Titanium that I got for the intro price of $329. It's well worth it BUT I think most of their pieces are a bit overpriced. The designs and quality are excellent, however.
Maybe I’m just spoiled here, but after seeing some of the other zelos divers at 300m, I didn’t wanna see this one at 200m.. it’s the only thing that would make me second guess this over some of their other divers
What’s the weight of the watch?
Nice watch. Well worth the price. I don’t care if it’s 12 seconds or 5 seconds.
Dave, the intro is really amazing! It outperforms the watch being reviewed! The watch really looks nice overall but no go for the frost version. The burnt orange and copper look the best to me but I would be more interested in it with this same case shape, lower cost Miyota 9015/9039 movement and some more classic black or blue color choices at a price at or a little above the Swordfish.
This vs the new Japan designed KS diver, I think I like the other better.
Great review.
USD300 more for a new movement... a bit steep actually.
Awesome video!!
Just the facts and features, no opinions, please. Thank you. :)
I received my new copper dial spearfish yesterday. I like the watch a lot. However, im disappointed in the movement which is the selling point for the price. On my time Grapher, I'm getting plus 10 seconds, an amplitude of 285 and a .2 beat error. Good, but not great. 28.8 is nice, but the performance is seiko NH territory. I would not buy this at this premium just for the "upgraded" movement.
most of the nice stuff they have out of stock, so those are limited edition or something?
They don't keep stock, pretty much everything is limited. Throughout the year they'll do new production runs, often of previous models but in new colors or materials.
nice editing
Is that a Sinn 105 ? Lol
Otherwise great vidéo as usual 😉
Ps : cause of you I pulled the trigger on a shirahama classic
Is interesting to see a new movement, but the fault with the bracelet and associated stress dealing with qa isn't acceptable.
Not really a new movement, it’s an updated fancier miyota 9015. LJP and miyota are both owned by citizen.
Yes looks to be basically the same movement to me, although they have clearly upgraded several components & increased the power reserve
@@Andrew.W75 the added power reserve is awesome, i wish it was available without the swiss made markup.
Ok video dave. X 👍👍And yes very nice watch
Best chanel for budget watches
Great taste
Thanks 🙏
The movement is very interesting and made me consider the watch, but in the end, I just can't get over the design... I really don't get why everyone is calling this a version of Swordfish. The case shape is totally different and IMHO a bit more generic, while still atractive, I must say. But what really puts this off for me are the proportions of the dial and the bezel. With Swordfish, the dial is smaller and there's the twelve-cornered sharp part shrouding the crystal and making a transition to the bezel itself. Here, there's nothing like that and it all looks more generic. I mean, Zelos had done a great job with the dials, as usual, they're beautiful, but I just don't like this a bit more generic setup. Reminds me more of Mako, which is a very popular Zelos model, but for me, the most generic looking one and thus the most boring...
$650 is not what I would consider affordable for a watch...but then again I guess I may be cheap LOL
Love zelos but this seems a very average looking watch and nothing to get excited about. Great informative review but a pass from me. Can only own so many divers….same same.
The thing is you adress this a a 'dive watch' several times in your review, while its clearly a GMT variant.
Looks like somewhat thick.
Are these all "limited edition" references? Is that why the case back says 106/200? A watch that costs $700 US, to be worth it in pure monetary terms, would have to be 3X better than an Orient ACOK, variously called Baby Triton or Baby Neptune. Or 4X times better than a Kamasu. In my mind, having an unproven Swiss movement does not in any way make a watch three times better than a watch with a proven Japanese movement of similar spec. Higher accuracy figures aren't a difference that matters for an automatic that's going to be part of a rotation and will have to be reset each time it is selected. Having a better bracelet makes more difference to many buyers, and this bracelet is objectively better than that of the ACOK or the Kamasu, but I swap most of my divers onto vintage leather anyway. Is the Spearfish objectively "better" than an ACOK or Kamasu? Yes, I'd say so. Is it 3X or 4X better? No. Add to that the fact that a great number of people who might want one will not be able to get one, and, well, what's the point of declaring it better?
Its a good watch. But to me, its not $650 good enough for me.....
the bezel just looks ugly in my opinion. But its a great movement at this price!
Too much cost for microbrand
I think $400-$450 would be more appropriate.
To me that’s too much
I have no problem paying more for quality maybe this is the start for Zelos to bring their brand up to a new level and get away from the under $500 junk.
Is it just me or Dave's watches are getting pricier and pricier? I remember when his grail was a citizen nighthawk