The Perfect Christmas Present..... To Yourself! The New Zelos Starfighter

[@InGratitudeIam]

The "Starfighter" F-104 was also known as, "The Widow-maker." Buying too many watches can have the same effect. Thanks for your insights, Jody.

[@bagpiper]

Also called the 'manned rocket'. Regarded by most of the pilots I know as a real bear to keep under control. But for the time it was a MAJOR chunk of very sexy hardware.

[@markgrieves1307]

Because it had rubbish aerodynamics and would drop out of the sky I believe......

[@soulsphere1749]

@@bagpiper I agree … decades later and still one of the coolest looking fighters. I like the B-58 for the same reasons but apparently it was a bear to control too.

[@jjbuckmaster7059]

I just watched a megaprojects channel episode about the 104… I was thinking the same thing when I heard the name of this watch… Lots of pilots died! Pretty cool watch though huh…

[@myklbllngsly]

Glad you mentioned the Chrono hand not lining up. It’s wild to me that they’d send you one that’s not lined up perfect. Crazy.

[@jjakiefte2165]

Better that they did, now we know why the watch should be avoided at this price.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Mecha quartz hands can be home adjusted

[@Alex-zr4yl]

Strong option. Even if spending just slightly more already gets you at Hamilton or Longines level.

[@seeker7679]

That off-centre Chrono hand is ridiculous at that price.

[@ublade82]

Can those not be reset with the buttons on an auto chrono? Quartz chrono you can reset the chronograph "home" position to anywhere you want

[@kendallgtull1592]

@@ublade82 You are correct.

[@TheMasonator777]

@@ublade82 He tried that in the video. It didn’t work.

[@henriverheyen6190]

That Spitfire is one hell of a watch, beautiful!!!

[@watchalot919]

40mm case and 20mm lug width, reduce the the lug to lug, and the watch would be fantastic. In my opinion, the Blacktip is still their best offering

[@derbagger22]

Nice features on this Zelos, but I'm not loving it enough to justify that price tag. Still happy with my almost as expensive Thresher GMT...

[@YanDoroshenko]

Jody! How mean of you! Kids deserve presents on Christmas! So just give one of them the watch for Christmas and keep it for him until he's big enough.

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

That Midnight Blue with the lumed pandas looks awesome.

[@LagerPetrol409]

Just purchased the midnight blue dial , to me from a practical point of view it is the most legible in terms of dial. I was going to get the aventurine but more for novelty.

[@red75v67]

Sort of a Zelos Daytona. Like the Spitfire dial but why not the bezel insert too? The blue one looks cheap and looking down at the Swordfish on my wrist, I prefer this bracelet. The clasp goes with this watch but not the blingy new metal on show. Thanks for a great show this year Jody and merry Christmas.

[@johncoote5134]

Thanks for the vid - I’m Zelos that you get your hands on everything! Looking forward to the other Xmas videos with the showdown and seiko videos my Xmas tv tbh

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I mentioned it when you posted a picture on Instagram, but I just can't get past those end links. I'm actually more impressed by the packaging than the watch really. Although they do have some nice dial options though. Very impressive lume too.

[@tapirdeaalex7104]

Will have to agree, it just doesnt look good.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@tapirdeaalex7104 Which is unusual Zelos.

[@greamespens1460]

In Germany that plane was referred to as the Widowmaker. As I recall I think it also formed the basis of the U2.

[@greamespens1460]

Thank Jody and Merry Christmas to you, family fans and friends.

[@rag_man673]

Stunning looking watch. End profile (with integrated looking bracelet) reminds me of my Seiko Coutura, and I love it. Beautiful piece, just a bit outside my budget unfortunately.

[@jjbuckmaster7059]

I purposely waited to watch this video… As far as the people that just buy every ceilings that comes out… I’m that guy! Six in the collection… Have purchased eight in total… I knew I would put it on the credit card so I waited! Thanks Jody!

[@timhorack5468]

Wow, these are some beautifully designed watches right down the bracelet. A little pricey but theses are not going to last long.

[@SingleTrackMined]

Nice watch for the dedicated Zelos collector. Happy Everything, Jody! Enjoy your well-earned vacation.

[@Wavewench]

I like it well enough and that’s a decent price for a mechanical chronograph. It’s easy to go cheesy with themed styles, but these do it well. I think that subtle texture on the Spitfire is a really nice touch.

[@jollyrob]

The quick release tabs appear to stick out too far. They do on my Blacktip and you can feel them on wrist a little.

[@thierrysf]

FYI, the "starfighter" plane was nicknamed "the flying coffin" in Europe because there were so many crashes involving this particular aircraft. I doubt they are going to sell many of those in countries like Germany where the "starfighters" were stationed.

[@chrispenn715]

Lockheed Starfighter was very controversial - 116 German Air force pilots crashed in them. Overall, European air forces lost about a third of all their Starfighters due to crashes....... Hope this watch is more dependable...

[@d2dahaka]

I think the star fighter is beautiful. Very decent for the price. I expect it to be perfectly aligned though:

[@markikn3183]

It's a LimEd, which will fly over to Zelos fans. But that price gets me thinking, "Save a bit more and the Longines BigEye is yours".

[@stuschkenheimer]

you know youre up late in america when a new jomw video is released!

[@Trex100]

Fun to have a look at. Not my style, but nice to see a watchmaker push the design envelope.

[@jolness1]

Interesting design. Wish micro brands would use one of the Seiko Instruments chronograph movements with the vertical clutch architecture just so the Chronograph hand can be left running without hazard to the movement. Great review, I think I will be passing on this one as much as I love Zelos, if I already have doubts, I am sure those will only increase over time. Agreed on the 50m with lack of screw downs not being a good idea to treat as actually water resistant. My benchmark is 50m with screw downs is surface swimmable as long as one keeps up on pressure testing (at least once a year, ideally twice) but prefer 100m or more to really be comfortable doing so. Wishing luck to all those who are gonna snag one of these. The misaligned chronograph hand is a *huge* letdown, Zelos quality has always been pretty damn good for the price. Maybe minor misalignment of the chapter ring or a little slop in the bezel but it is easier to stomach on a watch that is 1/3 or less the price of these.

[@satya.anandakrishnan]

Love the fact you have content for us even during Christmas Jody. Enjoy your holiday up in QLD away from the thick of Omicron in NSW!

[@foxmulder3980]

He got $2000 in watches for this review - you think he did it because he worries about you?

[@jamesblonde2271]

Ha, check the new re NSW😒

[@Lionheart732]

Style is very nostalgic and bang on. If it this came in at 899 I would consider but great watch!

[@mihailmanev5358]

That intro 🤣🤣🤣 Best watch channel on KZbin!.

[@adamkowalski889]

Hi Jody! If you were to pick the more comfortable one on wrist between vostok amphibia 710 and komandirskie GMT, which one would it be?

[@andyconnolly28]

Happy Christmas jodie. Thanks for all your output this year. Here's to 2022.

[@henrywest7217]

This may be their final resolution, both in design and price. A fantastic program in my opinion.

[@pablogonzalez8304]

I do, I see what you what mean! Merry Christmas Jody!

[@apegrasshoplizard]

I love my 2nd production run Zelos Hammerhead in titanium with blue dial & bezel. It was way too expensive for a microbrand with a simple seiko movement but I am glad I bought it as the design is unbeatable ! Truly one of the better looking watches out there, the bronze versions being nice too but lackng the amazing bracelet, the stainless steel models being too heavy (Though I suspect link screws threading is much better than the substandard/defective titanium), and the later Hammerhead 2 model being uglier with changes to dial & clasp ( and still no titanium model available). The threading on my screw down crown had also failed recently so my well used Zelos diver needs to be repaired and waterproofed. THE PERFECT XMAS WATCH that I want to purchase for myself is the SEESTERN Doxa homage with black dial and orange minute hand (oramge dial is cool too). If I had the money for this Zelos, I would buy both Seesterns !!!

[@karlsenula9495]

Yup got myself 1) my first San Martin and 2) a Lorus Lumibrite. After Christmas getting myself 1) red dial Orient Kamasu and 2) a Casioak grey dial. Then in Feb. Getting myself a Citizen World Time GMT with all the cities around the Bezel (my birthday gift to myself).

[@rickrounds5150]

My four words that strike fear, 'it's just too big'. Say good-bye to 50-70% of your market. I know it's a limited edition but still. Great video Jody. Have a very Merry Christmas.

[@icalexander]

Interesting dial on the spitfire but misaligned chrono hand is a miss. Is the dial and mechanical chrono worth it? For me I'd say no. I'd save the money towards the Breitling Warhawk

[@gamesetmatt23]

My biggest complaint with this one is I haven't had time to save up for it!! Could they maybe just give us a tad more warning in future? (Currently debating which of my collection will need to make way for this, or whether I really need a car after all 😂😂)

[@decotYT]

Is that an orange seconds tip while the text is red at the bottom?

[@johnnydangerously7186]

Treated myself to a Relio “Solstice” in teal. Considerably less expensive.

[@ConvoyGTR]

The factory should spray a little lubricant on the clasp. I do it whenever I get a new one and slides just fine and clicks fine afterwards.

[@Laz_Arus]

Crackin' styling. It would compliment my green Mako V3 Ti nicely. Pity I've spent all my Xmas money on myself already though. A MecaQ movement would be a welcome addition to this model indeed. Please consider it Zelos. Go easy on the mince pies today Jody! 🙊

[@24hourstime]

Great review Jody! I think the price is great for what you get. Not so keen the lug width. 20mm would've worked better imo.

[@James-dx9ho]

Oleg! When are you and Mr Bond making more vids??? Yours are the best!

[@24hourstime]

@@James-dx9ho thank you very much! More content coming this weekend:)

[@rover213]

the blue one, damn that looks a total beauty

[@JS-ev4xc]

Given it is an ETA auto chrono, the price is alrite but definitely a target market as not many is willing to pay for ETA auto chrono. Zelos may consider a Sea-Gull mech chrono and price at US$250?

[@khronokraze]

When first seen in early pics, I liked it, but, wasn't over the moon. However, having seen the aventurine dial version.. that got me hooked a bit. Would have loved to have seen the aventurine version to gauge whether it was one to get or pass. I think it matches, in my head, the Starfighter moniker, even though i know it is referencing the vintage jet fighter and not something actually from space or sci-fi. Perhaps not so coincidentally, I also was strongly thinking about The Last Starfighter movie when thinking about this watch. My wrist tis just a hair under 7". I reckon I should be able to pull off wearing it with just a dramatic downturn on the lugs. Though, I have to admit I think you may be right that perhaps 22mm lug width might have been a tad little too large for this one. Off bracelet, a 22mm strap does seem to be a little too dominant in relation to the watch which I can see tends to visually wear smaller than 41mm. Is it launching Christmas? I thought and see it won't be available till 12/28 to purchase.. perhaps you mean launched on Christmas to start to officially show the watch. Anyways.. have a few days or more to think about it.. but, should act soon to score one of the more limited versions. Thanks for the video!

[@commentjedi]

Merry Christmas! The only things that might get dated early are the crown and the bracelet. Otherwise, good design!

[@rioriggs3568]

Very nice watch! Merry Christmas J.

[@benh715]

Love the dial, but the lugs kind of make it look like a Vostok, but not in a good way. I feel polarised myself! Anyway Happy Christmas Jody, thanks for keeping me distracted during this “interesting “ year.

[@dunderhay9169]

Great review with valid criticisms. I usually prefer straps, but that is so much better on the bracelet. Not a watch I would buy.

[@James-dt7ky]

Merry Christmas Jody and to all the watch lovers out there.

[@Nefville]

The side profile looks like the giant helmet in Spaceballs. Speaking of the clasp, I've had three Zelos with that clasp all of them broke within a matter of days.

[@donaldhardgrove3620]

If there is a perfect dial for this watch, it's the stary night "Aventurine" dial, its as if an F-104 (or a UFO) is ingaged in battle at the the edge of the earth's atmosphere! Absolutely perfect!!

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

Hmmm.... I prefer the Guinand Starfighter II... 😉 But this Zelos sure looks great also!

[@hqz787]

Merry Christmas and Happy Hogmanay to you and yours ⌚

[@aedwards123]

They are possibly all named after aircraft - Mirage, Skyraider and Starfighter are all fighter aircraft, so is the Spitfire.

[@philspencelayh5464]

I prefer the spitfire too. The clasp very much like the Christopher Ward ones, not really a problem using the lever to adjust in both directions I wouldn't have thought. Loads of competition at that price but it looks reasonable value for money.

[@AlexRodriguez-mi1sn]

What’s your opinion on Panzera watches?

[@bauertime]

I would send back the one with hand not lining up.

[@sadaka201]

Nice waches. I've bought the "Spitfire" edition. Looking forward it.

[@sadaka201]

It just arrived today! It's no. 11 and itm looks stunning. Verything ist perfect!

[@propblast82nd]

Merry Christmas Jody and Hellooo !

[@harryalexander734]

Merry Christmas Uncle J 🎄

[@chrisr8112]

Its a thing of beauty, but too long for some people. I am just too tight to shell out at this price (must have some Celtic bloom!). Have a wonderful Christmas Jody, thanks for another outstanding years content.

[@morriemariani9646]

Hmmm that chrono hand at that cost should be spot on. Hopefully rectified!

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

Beautiful piece and not overpriced considering what Zelos delivers here. Great design, great finishing. Not a fan of that bracelet. Micro-adjustment on the fly is nice: looks like the one of Christopher Ward. 👍 Odd proportion with that bracelet design. A bit too big for me but stunning watch.

[@tofu3802]

Very nice, hope you have a wonderful Christmas 👍🙂

[@Caziques73]

I know its a homage but I would honestly get the san martin panda Chrono "BB" ... sheesh could get white and black one :) have you reviewed it yet ?

[@duncanhamilton5841]

Elshan does know how to design an attractive watch, that's for sure. The chrono hand not aligning on the spitfire would drive me nuts, especially at that price. Clasp makes no sense on this style of watch and bracelet - surely a butterfly

[@gamesetmatt23]

Something smaller and neater, kinda like the clasp on the Seiko Sharp Edged series would do nicely, I think (but I'd want more adjustability than you get with that clasp)

[@deanspeer1]

they're incredible.

[@charleshermetix3886]

Daaaaumn yo look at that bracelet..look at that DIAL!! Zelos goin places FR....

[@Nachtgedicht]

The black date disk with white numbers matches perfectly to the light dial, but with the blue one a 'regular' white disk with black numbers would have matched much better, considering the light sub-dials.

[@ThemysteriousMrP]

I wish they had refined those end links and clasp. Watch head looks magnificent. The watches effective lug to lug is just too large. I think the lug design works but maybe narrower and a fraction shorter. Great review as usual. At $1500 usd we are entering Monta and Farer and Formex territory and I think I’d prefer to spend those kind of dollars there. Too shiny in too many places for me also. I think the zelos fan boys will gobble it up!

[@MaroMarenio]

Merry Christmas everyone ✨☃️

[@JinKee]

one day zelos will be a classic watch company and the early stuff will be highly sought after.

[@rmelo5932]

I really like the look of the Spitfire. Very unique and original. I am into retro inspired designs and this one does not disappoint, but alas, the price is a bit too rich for me.

[@pauln0371]

Classic film The Last Starfighter👍👍 if your of a certain age..Mmmhum..

[@stevemoon2136]

It's unusual, but beautiful for sure, just not sure the complication justifies the future servicing costs for me.

[@AdAce21]

Truly GORGEOUS watches. I totally see the retro si-fi elements you allude to in the video. Out of my price range unfortunately, but man, they're sick! It's a shame about the chrono hand not lining up, and at this price, it's inexcusable. It's real surprising too, since I have to Zelos watches (the teal mako titanium and the "Satin" swordfish titanium) and they both have excellent finishing and QC. Regardless, at this price, it'd be hard to choose this over the Hamilton chrono.... 15:34 - if they every release a mechaquartz of this, I'd buy one immediately!

[@dukethiago1]

Gorgeous watch! A version with meca quartz or a ST19 could bring down the price a little bit

[@maxp5422]

If seiko released this whole place would be up in arms.

[@leegarnett57]

Bracelet gives off strong Seiko Coutura vibes

[@darrenlathrope2282]

Absolute beauty the Spitfire, Zelos pieces are superb I have many would buy this BUT unfortunately I can no longer be hit with Import Taxes that come with it in the UK so I'm OUT for now. Great video Jody as always 👍

[@nikkolomakaveli8295]

I really fell for this watch but that misaligned chronohand is a major QC issue.

[@lordmclovin3694]

All being well I will be waiting at launch to land a 🐼 I was on for a Chrono. The Tudor’s are on a waiting list, the Tags are well overpriced and the SpeedMaster is too expensive to wear through the week Merry Christmas

[@kimmern999]

It's a gorgeous watch, but unfortunately they have made it too small. With those lovely dials, they should have highlighted it with more presence. I wish they had either opted for a thinner racing chrono bezel, or gone with a 43mm case with the current bezel.

[@torrolindsey3459]

They will sell more 41s than 43mm.$$$

[@davemiller3027]

Dammmmmmmmmmmnit Jody…………. I’ve been a good boy and kept the Amex in the wallet but your killing me smalls! Make my Heart Swoon!!!!

[@marcusaurelius49]

I personally preferred the strap to the bracelet. The end link on those big lugs just looked really odd to me.

[@brianmsahin]

Zelos certainly know how to make a good watch! I have 2 of the less expensive ones! Impressed by hardened coating on top of Stainless Steel. That's special! I don't have a Chrono but since just getting my G-Shock Mudmaster with every bell and whistle you could imagine, I will probably skip this one though I do love everything about them. Can't decide which one I like better. Lume is great. Black date window works great on the white dial but not as good on the blue dial, I'd love that to be a matching blue. The price is good. I don't often say it, but this one is worth the cash, and yes warranty should be 2 years. If there was a meca-quartz I'd buy one as I wouldn't spend so much on a Chrono with the G-Shock doing the job better and I haven't paid for the turkey and ham yet!

[@choonseangtan1252]

Male end link works for you this round?

[@stevefox8605]

Like it, but not tried a Zelos yet as they can be a bit garish/tacky/young for my tastes & this is a bit of a pricey introduction to the brand. I'm sure I'll have a Zelos in the collection one day tho... Cheers mate, & Happy Christmas folks 🎅🏻🥳🍻☃️👍

[@23727bgk]

Much as the F-104 had issues, so does this watch. Biggest issues I have with the Starfighter are push pull crown, 50M w/r and the clasp. Personally I would prefer the Valjoux 7750 movement, even if the dial becomes more cluttered.

[@ulmen24]

I prefer the wooden box, much warmer on a dresser

[@bogrot69]

I'm Still enjoying my first gen Great White. It has the same spiral texture on the dial as the blue Starfighter. I agree pretty much point for point with this review. That misaligned hand though, ouch! 😬😬

[@hannesbornman1045]

The end links totally wrecks it for me.

[@111111111Tiger]

Happy Holidays J

[@Yoshikaable]

The main contribution here is the dial, but the date window is clearly an afterthought. Glad they used a nice movement but unfortunate that it still has this disappointing warranty.

[@lefroy1]

I've long preferred steel bezels, but that blue one is just lovely! Blue bezel on the Spitfire dial would be 👌

[@paulhiggins8774]

Lovely watches, not quite ticking all my boxes though. Merry Christmas and thanks for all you excellent reviews 🌲

[@vicenteg1990]

Was woundering when they would make a chrono

[@markplayford5836]

I really like that one however I don’t think the teal/blue dial works at all on the Starfighter. On a dive watch it makes perfect sense, in fact it’s my preferred colour way but even the whirlpool pattern does not add up. Aside from that it’s another winner although I do agree with the moans and niggles, particularly I like the crown and the thickness. 👍

[@z06cowboy72]

When will we see the Helm MIYAKO???