Zelos Swordfish Bronze Watch Review - ETA

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Packaging

Case

The Zelos Swordfish case is comprised of solid CUSN8 Bronze and features very wearable/proportional dimensions of 42MM x 48MM x 13MM. This is most definitely a true dive watch with a water resistance rating of 300M along with a screw down crown and caseback. You should have no issues shallow diving, swimming, boating, with this timepiece. In terms of finishing, the 360 brushed finish is definitely refined and smooth - without mistakes or blemishes. Please do keep in mind that this watch will grow a nice Patina over time, allowing the end user a truly personal watch and experience. I also really like the fact that this case design and cut is unique and does not resemble any other popular big name swiss brand timepieces. It is truly a work of Elshan and his team in Singapore. On my 6.75” wrist the watch fits just about perfectly across as expected, and reveals a bold yet tool like look.

Dial

The cobalt blue sandwich sunburst dial is quite stunning when the light hits it as you can see from the photo above. It is most definitely symmetric with a date aperture at 6:00 and an applied bronze color Zelos logo below 12:00. Some nice details include the enlarged hour markers at 12-3-6-9. Getting to the handset - they are quite bold and in tune with the proportion of the markers - which some companies fail to do. Now, the C3 Superluminova applied on the hands - markers - and brushed ceramic bezel is really some of the best I have ever seen. It is extremely reactive and lasts a bit longer than Seiko Lumibrite from my tests. To top it all of, a nice genuine AR coated sapphire crystal is included on the front AND the back. Taking a look at the back of the screw down stainless steel caseback, there is a great
view of the swiss automatic ETA 2892 movement with customization by Zelos. Lastly, the 120 Click Bronze bezel is definitely precise, tooly, and a bit stiff in my
opinion. However, it is not so stiff you cannot use it. I believe it needs a couple weeks to be properly broken in. In terms of alignment, it hits 12 perfectly with zero backplay.

Movement

The ETA 2892 is used in this model...However if you do not have the funds for this model - there is an option with a solid caseback and Seiko NH35 automatic calibre. Anyway, this ETA movement is indeed a good one and I happen to like it a bit better than the standard 2824 movements. It contains 24 jewels, 44 hours of power reserve, hand winding, and hacking. If we take a look at the rotor, there is a custom Zelos branded cut out which really struck me upon initial inspection. It is indeed in a bronze tone to match the case and bezel.

Leather Band or Rubber?

The reissue of the Swordfish comes equipped with a beautiful genuine rubber 22MM band, as well as a Genuine Horween Quick-Release strap. The quality is very good on the rubber band as well as the nice addition of the bronze Zelos custom buckle. I do prefer it on the rubber strap, because I will be getting this watch wet this summer....However, if your one that does not take their watches in the water then the beautiful and soft horween leather band can pair just fine with the Swordfish. Horween is one of the top leather materials used in high quality luxury leather bands, so it is really nice that they added this in to top it off.

Conclusion

Furthermore, the Swordfish is definitely a winner all around. The complete package packs a lot of punch for the money ( $599.99 Pre Order - $699.99 Retail ). I like all the extra goodies the watch comes with such as the wooden box, leather roll, and extra leather band. The watch itself is a rather simple tooly btonze dive watch with some decent specifications for the coin. Please do keep in mind Bronze watches are generally priced higher than steel as the material is a bit more expensive. But if you can compare this to something such as a Bronze Oris 65 - I think you are getting quite a good deal.