Zelos Swordfish | Hands On Watch Review

Zelos Swordfish

If you are a frequent reader here at Watchreport, you know that I am a big fan of Zelos Watches. Every new release, including this Zelos Swordfish, always impresses me. Now, these watches are obviously not Haute Horlogerie or some luxury watch, but for the price paid, these watches really give the competition a run for the money. At $649, this Swordfish dive watch comes equipped with an ETA 2892 automatic movement and if you are on a tighter budget, there is a Seiko NH35 version as well, for considerably less. Now, if you follow Zelos, you were able to get these watches even cheaper through an introductory price but still, even at full MSRP, the Swordfish is undoubtedly a good value.

Zelos Swordfish Specifications:

• Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm Diameter
• 22mm Lug Width
• 48mm Lug to Lug Length
• 13mm thickness
• Water Resistance: 300m
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Bezel Insert: Matte Ceramic
• Movement: Seiko NH35 (No Date) Or ETA 2892 (With Date)
• Dial: Textured with C3 and BGW9 lume
• Bracelet: 316L SS with Quick Adjust Diver Extension Clasp
• Leather Watch Roll
• Waxed ‘Vintage’ effect Horween Leather strap
• Steel Warranty Card
• Wooden Gift Box

Price $649.00 USD

https://zeloswatches.com/collections/swordfish-diver

As I stated, there are two versions of the Zelos Swordfish and really the only difference is the movement, an NH35 or an ETA 2892 in the version I have. It is not marked anywhere in the packaging or the case back to signify the movement, the only way you will know is this version has a date wheel and the NH35 version is no date. If the cobalt blue seen here is not doing it for you, there are other options available, such as meteorite dials, aquamarine dials and black dials with vintage or “old radium” colored hands and markers. At the time of publishing, a lot of the NH35 variants are sold out, but looks like most of the 2892 versions are available,e and really that is only because the latter was released a few weeks after.

One thing that Zelos has really become synonymous for is their dial work, especially on their dive watches like this Swordfish or the very popular hammerhead. It is a beautiful sunray dial and something I am very fond of, a clean dial, meaning no unnecessary text. The outer chapter ring is white, giving a nice contrast and also has yellow hash marks, matching the yellow second hand. Something you may not have realized though is this is a sandwich, meaning two-piece dial, and of course, this watch is loaded with two different types of lume.

You will notice in the picture above though, that hour hand is a little on the rough side, especially when you look up close. For the most part, and I do not want to say it will be every single watch at this price on the market, but when you have a watch that has everything the Zelos Swordfish does for well under $1000, corners are going to be cut somewhere.  Now, it could also be just my example and that happens as well, but I wanted to point it out. Back to the lume, I think I will just let the picture below do all the talking…

A movement you rarely see in a microbrand, let alone most brands at this price is an ETA 2892. Usually, you will have an ETA 2824, the workhorse Swiss auto as many like to deem it and that movement at this price would be nice. The 2892 is a thinner, smoother, more stable and overall just a better movement than the 2824 and that is why it is surprising to see it in the Zelos Swordfish, with a price tag less than $700. You won’t get to see the movement though, as this is a dive watch and as with most dive watches, you get a solid case back. Fortunately, there is a very nice stamped swordfish on the back.

When it comes to wearability, the Zelos Swordfish is a little on the chunky side. The specs would have you believe otherwise as this watch only measures in at 13mm thick, but due to the case design, it sits high up on the wrist. It also is hefty for its size at 204 grams on an un-sized bracelet. Speaking of case design, take a look at that below-this is not your standard round or square dive case, Zelos wanted something more unique and I think they did that well.

Remember when I said sometimes corners need to be cut to reach a price point? Well, as fantastic as this bracelet is, the edges of the bracelet are a little sharp. This is noticeable on a lot (not all) microbrand watches and I get it, at this price, something has to give. It is still a wonderful bracelet and easy to size with single-sided screws and of course the ratchet extension clasp. On my 7 1/2 inch wrist, it wears just as I expected it to and the bracelet really does drape and feel nice against the skin.

Conclusion-

The Zelos Swordfish is another attractive and well-built diver and even at the full retail price, they present a good value. Beyond the value, this may be the best looking Zelos to date, that is until I get my hands on the soon to be available ZX Chronograph-stay tuned for that review in a month or so. It seems Zelos continues to push forward and not only are they creating a huge customer base but they are continually producing quality pieces. This one is no different. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for 2019.

Let me know what you think of the Swordfish in the comment section below. Be sure to watch the video as well and subscribe to Watchreport on Youtube.