The Olympos Field is an expensive, intriguing, imperfect look ahead to followers of bygone design.
Zodiac Watches, based in 1882, has been making timepieces because the presidency of Chester A. Arthur. But the final century-and-a-half have been kinder to Zodiac than to outdated Chester. For occasion, this (initially) Swiss firm’s Sea Wolf line is taken into account to be among the many first fashionable dive watches, and its army credit embrace an endorsement by the United States Navy Seals.
And Zodiac’s newest, Olympos Field ($895), carries on this custom.
“Inspired by the Olympos Military watches made for the British Royal Navy in the late 1960s, this modern interpretation was designed with simplicity, utility, and durability in mind,” the model proclaimed. “Built for the modern adventurer, the Olympos Field is a more rugged take on one of our favorite legacy pieces and does exactly what it needs to — it tells time with precision and dependability.”
When the corporate reached out to supply a loaner for assessment, I used to be instantly intrigued. A near-luxury watch with a legit historic pedigree? Count me in. But as with so many issues, the story will get a bit sophisticated.
In brief: The Zodiac Olympos Field is a captivating timepiece that depends on its accuracy and the understated luxurious of its case and ending. Its excessive worth level and tough crown current a problem, however lovers of army historical past will discover so much to love right here.
Zodiac Olympos Field Watch Review
Specs
- Case measurement: 40 mm
- Case materials: 316 chrome steel
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Movement: STP 1-11 computerized
- Strap width: 20 mm
- Strap materials: Leather
- Crystal kind: Sapphire
- Lume: Super-LumiNova
Let’s get this out of the best way instantly: Out of the field, I wasn’t terribly impressed with the Olympos Field. With a retail value of virtually $900, I used to be anticipating the sound of a choir, or not less than the ticking of angels. I made a decision to deal with two questions: Who is that this aimed toward, and what are they paying for?
To assist cowl the primary level, right here’s one other blurb from Zodiac:
“Originally released in 1961, the Zodiac Olympos was a highly distinctive watch, nicknamed the ‘manta’ due to its unique manta ray-shaped case. Today’s Field reissue stays true to the watch’s heritage roots while updating the materials to suit modern trends and utility.”
So, the watch is aimed toward historical past buffs, with a nod to present manufacturing. Sounds precisely up my alley.
And after every week with the particular Worn and Wound Edition, I started to see what the fuss was about.
Comfort, Competence
The Olympos’ case has an exquisite really feel. It wears slim on the wrist, proper right down to the skinny leather-based strap. The watch is all angles and curves, from the perimeters of its chassis to the slight hook of its seconds hand.
The dial took a bit to develop on me. At this type of worth level, I usually desire utilized indices versus painted. But this can be a area watch, so the built-in numerals are more-or-less anticipated.
The utilized Zodiac brand helps add some depth, and the inexperienced end will get higher every time I have a look at it. The gold handset, too, supplies a pleasant visible pop.
The caseback, likewise, is attractive. It’s so properly polished, in truth, that it was tough to {photograph} with out reflecting all the things within the neighborhood.
Inside, the Olympos Field is working the STP 1-11 computerized motion. It permits each hand winding and hacking, and my tester ran about plus-15 seconds — per week, not per day.
That works out to round 2 seconds for every 24 hours, measuring as much as the watch’s claims of army precision. And with a charge of 28,800 beats per hour, the second hand is splendidly clean.
The Sticking Points
Unfortunately, the watch’s crown isn’t as clean. The hand winding on my tester was okay, however getting the crown to screw into place was unusually tough. I needed to apply a bit extra stress than I used to be snug with, although I admire the 200 m of water resistance the mechanism affords.
The Olympos’ nighttime visibility can also be simply ample, Super-LumiNova or not. I used to be in a position to discern the palms at midnight, however the indices fade after just a few hours.
You can nonetheless roll over and usually make out the time whenever you’re in mattress, however for the worth, I’d anticipate one thing a little bit higher.
Zodiac Olympos Field Watch Review: Conclusion
So, in spite of everything this hemming and hawing, the place do I land on the Zodiac? Let’s put it this manner — with its attention-grabbing pedigree, lux-level accuracy, and delightful palms and face, the watch is arguably value $895.
Just not $895 of my {dollars}. Personally, I’m most postpone by the crown. I’m a common fan of the screw-down fashion, however this one is fairly tough on the thumbs.
It’s a disgrace actually, as a result of I genuinely just like the Olympos Field. Once you get previous round $600 in watches, you’re paying for the little issues, like historic ties and delicate touches, versus fundamental manufacturing know-how.
And Zodiac virtually will get it proper. If you want what you see right here, I encourage you to check one out in particular person earlier than making the ultimate name. Because if yours winds higher than mine, the remainder of the package deal is fairly neat.
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