It’s been a stable yr since I final checked in with Zelos Watches. In that point the model has launched a number of new fashions, together with the actually slick-looking Skyraider pilot watch and the traditional ZX sequence chronographs. One of many issues Zelos persistently will get proper is the quantity of quirk and flare they put into their releases. Once I reviewed the Mako 500m Diver, I used to be struck by how distinctive it was, whereas retaining some conventional dive watch traits. Taking the subsequent logical step in mannequin growth, Zelos has launched the Horizon GMT, a really conventional two-time-zone watch (or three with the bezel) that, in typical Zelos vogue, takes benefit of high-end supplies and a high-grade ETA motion at a really cheap value level.
GMT watches are in vogue proper now — the romantic thought of strapping in your devoted journey watch and by no means shedding observe of what time it’s at dwelling whilst you’re on (insert epic journey right here) appeals to everybody. Some sensible concerns come into play with a watch like this, however we’ll get into that later. Suffice it to say that Zelos took an excellent swing on the thought, and whereas I’m undecided I’d name the Horizon a house run, it definitely bought some males on the bases (in the event you’ll permit me a careless sports activities metaphor).
Match
It all the time looks like such a cop-out to say that no matter watch I’m at present taking a look at “wears properly on the wrist,” however typically there’s simply no different solution to put it. Zelos designed the Horizon with very traditional dimensions. The 40mm case with a 12mm general thickness couldn’t be extra in my candy spot. (If something, it wears a contact on the small aspect.) The lugs have a slight downward angle, permitting the watch to wrap round your wrist and, at 45mm, it sits proportionately on my roughly 7” wrist.
Motion
The Zelos Horizon makes use of the anticipated ETA 2893 Elaboré, the most typical GMT motion you see utilized by producers that don’t make their actions in-house. For every day use, this can be a nice motion, nevertheless it has one main disadvantage: The 2893 incorporates a leaping 24-hour hand as an alternative of a quick-adjusting native hour. What this interprets into for the tip person is that, once you transfer to a distinct time zone, you need to primarily reset the complete watch as an alternative of simply adjusting the native hour.
This isn’t as a lot of a Zelos problem as it’s a lack of motion availability. If ETA or Selitta needed to do one thing actually cool, they may produce a mass-market leaping local-hour-hand GMT motion. Simply my two cents.
One good element is the sapphire show again. Zelos has modified the rotor with a laser-engraved motif of the world map and rose-gold plating. These little tweaks actually make the motion pop once you flip the watch over.
Case
Oftentimes, with watches that come from unbiased producers, there’s some give and take in relation to high-quality particulars. Having had the chance to deal with many watches on this value level, I typically know what I can count on to see — particularly when it comes right down to the floor finishes on the instances. Zelos, however, pleasantly stunned me. The case has some properly utilized brushing alongside the edges and on the tops of the lugs however what actually stands out to me is the sharply polished bevel as you transition from case aspect to the highest or backside.
Zelos opted for a roughly 6mm signed crown. It’s tastefully finished with contrasting finishes between the perimeters, the brand, and the margin. There are some glorious ridges alongside the crown’s edges that allow you to get an honest buy when manipulating it.
The bezel, as one would count on on a GMT, is a bi-directional 24-hour bezel. In accordance with Zelos, there are two totally different variations out there, relying on which coloration you order. The one I’ve has a sapphire insert, however Zelos additionally presents a ceramic bezel on different variations. The motion has a wonderful optimistic click on in each instructions and little-to-no play. The pip on the 24-hour mark is lumed, nonetheless, the remainder of the bezel shouldn’t be. I personally would have most well-liked to see it utterly lumed.
Dial
There are a number of totally different dial variations of the Horizon GMT; the actual iteration I used to be capable of check has a blue sunburst dial that catches the sunshine fairly properly. The applied-hour indices are set into the chapter ring, giving the dial a compelling sense of depth. The indices themselves are utilized, and lume-filled batons are damaged up by triangle indices at 12, three, and 9 o’clock. The date sits at 6 o’clock, and white textual content on the date wheel matches the dial.
The handset is a cultured play on baton palms. It’s what I might think about you’d get in the event you took some easy batons after which beveled the perimeters. The GMT hand is tipped with an orange arrow pointer that may be very clear and simply readable. The entire palms are full of inexperienced Tremendous-LumiNova. It’s not the brightest lume I’ve ever skilled, nevertheless it does what it’s presupposed to.
Different fashions from Zelos have suffered from being somewhat busy on the dial, however they actually tamed this one down. It’s extremely readable, and the GMT hand jumps proper off the blue background. I want the textual content on the 24-hour bezel had been somewhat crisper, however that’s a minor gripe.
Straps
The Zelos Horizon GMT comes with two strap choices; a tropic rubber strap and a Horween leather-based strap. The tropic strap comes with a considerable signed Zelos buckle. One factor I keep in mind from my time with the Mako was that the signed buckle was actually properly executed. The leather-based strap comes with quick-release spring bars and an easier buckle.
The leather-based strap itself shouldn’t be significantly effectively made, nevertheless it’s fairly obvious that the rubber is the strap the Horizon is supposed to be worn on. It’s very properly executed, snug, and substantial. Extra importantly, it appears to enhance the general aesthetic of the watch itself. I additionally suspect this piece would put on properly on a single-layer NATO.
Conclusion
When it’s all stated and finished, I believe Zelos has give you an actual value-conscious GMT choice right here for its lineup. Whereas it’s not good, I imagine a number of the compromises made had been within the spirit of preserving the watch at or under a particular value level. Among the aggressive choices that come to thoughts are:
The Monta Skyquest or Atlas at $1,925 and $1,615 respectively; they’re geared up with comparable actions and capabilities at a a lot larger price. Now, they’re out there on metal bracelets, and Monta is thought for its extraordinarily excessive diploma of ending, so there’s a tradeoff right here for the value.
One other good choice could be the Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage at $1,395. Alpina has used an area leaping hour GMT mechanism, which permits for extra correct use of the GMT motion, however the design itself is polarizing, so that you’ll must resolve which one you like for your self.
Lastly, you might all the time have a look at the Farer GMTs, once more priced larger at $1,425; they use the identical ETA motion and provide some actually enjoyable colorways.
Presently, the Zelos Horizon GMT is priced at $649 and comes with two strap choices. Zelos has an fascinating pricing mannequin whereby the watches get costlier as time passes till they promote out. The Horizon is slated to extend to $849 on Might 19th; whereas that’s a stiff enhance, it nonetheless leaves it handily beneath the competitors. I want there have been a motion different to the ETA 2893 with the independently adjusting GMT palms, however these are exceptionally effectively made. They appear nice, in my view, and Zelos as an organization actually stands behind its work. I’ve spent a while within the Fb group “Zelos Timekeepers,” and the proprietor, Elshan Tang, may be very energetic with members and solutions questions. It’s refreshing to see a model proprietor taking an energetic function together with his prospects. For extra info and present availability, head on over to zeloswatches.com.
Vital Knowledge
>Model: Zelos
>Mannequin: Horizon GMT
>Worth: $649
>Dimension: 40mm
>Would reviewer personally put on it: Sure, and I’ve been!
>Pal we’d suggest it to first: This could be an excellent first GMT.
>Finest attribute of watch: Worth-to-quality ratio.
>Worst attribute of watch: I believe the printing on the bezel might be finished somewhat higher.
