The Secret Threat to Seiko's Reign:

[@TheSpritz0]

Seiko's big price increase by itself was its BIGGEST mistake... it left the door open to more innovative brands!

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Absolutely!

[@DaFox13]

Zelos, Phoibos, Islander and Lorier make super cool watches.

[@matthewgates4130]

Amen!

[@Kulttihahmo]

Lorier is Seiko.. :D

[@andromedagodit2492]

Exactly... Tisell, Richard Le Grand n more... 😁

[@dukes70]

They need to make more than hundreds of pieces to knock off Seiko obviously. Too hard to get their pieces right now.

[@seattlegrrlie]

Love my Islander watch. Quality, great high beat Myota, good looking, wears comfortable

[@BulldogBadger]

“I don’t mind this one” that is sensational praise from Mrs MWC 👌

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Cheers BB!

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

These cool micro brands will never kill the likes of Seiko because Zelos and the like are in such short supply, no one can get them beyond people like us that will sit on waiting lists or register for pre-sales.

[@SampleTracks2224]

Yup. Normal people can't be bothered with all that nonsense. Only wealthier watch nerds with time to spare.

[@vedranbozicevic1111]

Not only that, they do not have any history behind the brand.

[@user-oh5ju1xv9e]

@@vedranbozicevic1111 so?

[@vedranbozicevic1111]

@@user-oh5ju1xv9e It is important, at least for me.

[@joedirt6222]

Zelos is simply on another level. Amazing watches period and an even better value. I currently have 4 of them and wouldn't hesitate to add more to the collection.

[@spookmineer]

You are so lucky :D Wish I could get the one I want.

[@MJM0000]

I'm usually bored of diver's, but I do like this one, and you are correct, i love Seiko, but haven't purchased 1 since they doubbled their prices and lowered their standards. Nice work!

[@metaltracker1723]

This brand is now on my radar. Huge Seiko fan here and I have to say these look fantastic with outstanding specs. I knew the Mrs. would have an overall favorable response! 😊Fantastic review as always.

[@orvillefindley8117]

Seiko will never die ! They will have a rethink when sales start to drop. As long as people are happy to pay lots of money for a crap watch Seiko will keep making them. The last new Seiko I bought was the limited edition Beatmaker. And that cost less than that Seiko 5 you reviewed on last show and it's a much better watch.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

You know! I really love Zelos! You nailed it woth their customer service and awesome bang for Buck! Nailed it with this one Russ! 😍😍

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

The hanks WG!!!! Hope you are back to fighting fitness!!!!! X

[@nedflanders3769]

I just got my first Zelos myself, and I'm quite impressed with the quality and comfort!

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Superb my friends!

[@mamayl8592]

Zelos is really killing it. I may have to take the dive (pun intended) in the future. They are what Seiko should be in the diver market.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Thanks for watching!

[@nathanshelby1446]

To me what would kill Seiko is if watch enthusiasts would get passed their nostalgia and realize that Seiko does not offer value for money anymore. Also I don’t understand how a company that also has grand Seiko can get away with their lower end Seiko being made so poorly Seiko needs to be making 1-3k watches at a higher quality like say at the Mido level of fit and finish. The value for money and quality is just not there anymore.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

They are certainly at a weird turning point right now! Trying to offer budget watches aswell as Luxury ! It’s difficult for someone new to the hobby to understand the brand these days!

[@dado380]

On the other hand I don't know why GS doesn't double their price beacuse the level of watch engineering and micro perfection is just insane compare to any other brand. GS passed Rolex and Omega long time ago they are now in in Vacheron league.

[@GrumpyBombayite]

Bought my first Zelos (Comet) earlier this year, and it certainly won't be my last. The quality, especially for the price, is astonishingly good!

[@Jason-hv4eu]

Great video and review! I got lucky and was able to snag the Mako Aventurine dial. As of 5/6/23 1030 hrs EST there is still availability of the MAKO 300M DIVER 'RAINDROP CARBON' LAUNCH SPECIAL $499.00 USD.

[@hgr.7857]

1:40 Agree 💯 with all the vibes, it does have a very Sinn -ish- (edit: -full? Sinnfull? 🤷🏼) profile, and looks like a fresh take on one of faves, 62MAS on the face. Great vid Russ. Any 🎾 yet this spring?

[@Taylorripsharleys]

Man these micro brands are really putting the screws to the bigger brands most take their inspiration from. Epic! Great to see enthusiasts turned manufacturers making great products that sell out fast. Long live the little guys! Great show as always Russell!

[@brianmurphy8154]

Love that you found Zelos. They seriously make amazing pieces. When I bought mine, it is clear the big brands rely too much on their name…Zelos is a middle finger to them…and it is well received by us!

[@KaranNair123]

The funny thing about the polished/scratched clasp.... it rly helps show off the scratch resistance coating on the rest of the watch.

[@timothyekern8158]

These shows just keep getting better and better.Thank you for the proper look👍😜

[@brianmsahin]

Nothing will kill Seiko Russell. There's been a long line of Seiko killers and Rolex killers but they just never die. They have too much money and brand superpowers. 😊

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

I here ya my friend but never before have we seen high spec watches for affordable prices. It’s never been so blatantly obvious how Seiko have lost touch we their product and who the products are aimed at .

[@drdesign6886]

Agree. Silly to say a micro will kill Seiko. Same as it’s silly saying anything will kill Rolex or Omega. Even Casio! These brands are enormous and people want the name on wrist. They want a brand they - and others - recognise. Very few brands offer this.

[@karlissulcs3822]

Not true. There are plenty of multi-million watch brands that have been ground into dust. Will we see Seiko die? Most likely not. Can it happen? Absolutely. If they keep up what they're doing right now. Money can sustain a company only for so long.

[@drdesign6886]

@@karlissulcs3822 like who? Which major internationally renowned watchmaker of the scale of a Seiko or Rolex for example (and with their public consciousness rating outside enthusiasts) has been killed off by a smaller up and coming brand offering no history or name cache but better specs? Frankly which major globally recognised brand has died off (again size and scale of those I mentioned in previous post) that was NOT a result of the quartz crisis? If I’m missing one then I apologise.

[@FRD-HDD]

Could it be that the ".. will kill Seiko" note was sent with the watch?

[@vaughan2203]

My love is for Ocean Crawler and Deep Blue, but I just found my mistress: the Zelos HAMMERHEAD V3 300M BRONZE 'TEAL'. Dammit. Sold out.

[@TechBaffle]

What a watch! Especially at that price. I like they've paid attention to details - and they've been creative in design too. I do agree that polishing the clasp is a no-go. Even now when typing I would be aware of scratching it on my desk. I'm considering the 'Raindrop Carbon' or 'Antique Green'

[@JanKowalski-rd7yb]

Zelos Spearfish Burnt Orange's dial made me look for my jaw, when it fell down and tumbled under the desk... Sadly, it's sold out...

[@timetowatch_francois]

Absolutely LOVE Zelos (like many of us watch fans 😊) and hope to review one at some point 😎👍🏼 … wink, wink Zelos 😬 Thanks for sharing this one my friend! 🙂👍🏼 Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

[@OskarsKaminskis]

Please review Casio triple sensor Gulfmaster GWN-1000. Though it is discontinued in Europe - I found out that it is still produced in (or for) Japan. Which tells it's value. And it is possible to buy it on e-bay from Japan.There are couple of reliable Japanese sellers who carry this model. It is nearly not possible to find it in Eirope. I bought one from one of those Japanese e-bay sellers - it was very quick and easy and this watch looks gorgeous. If japanese still produce this model for themselves - introduced first in 2015 - it means something

[@loganholmberg2295]

Zelo's are nice but after discovering what servicing on of my seikos cost me I've fone mostly solar. I'm a Casio Protrek/Gshock with a little bit of citizen solar fanboys now. I like mechanical watches but I'm also finding just as much fun in the solar arena without the fitire maintenance head aches. I still have some mechanical watches but they are all watches with a piece of personal history attached to them or just something special. Something I can still get with my solar watches. Heck I was born in 78. Quartz was the norm for me anyway. I didn't know mechanical autos existed until well into my 30s. 😂 Heck I only really got into watch collecting in 2014 because I was so bloody tired of being dependant on my phone. I'm a stickler for punctuality...I don't think I've EVER been late for anything, at least not intentionally. Heck my goal is to be 20 minutes early for everything in my life. 😂Being a part time IT guy in my engineering job actually pushed me more into disconecting my life. Being connected so much just brought the stress of work home. The simplicity and style of having a time piece on my wrist started making allot of sense to me in a way it didn't before.

[@BosunM8James]

Fantastic show, indeed one of your best showcasing an absolutely beautiful watch. I am just entranced by that awesome blue dial so much I wish I could give this video an extra like for all the great things about the watch and all the entertainment packed in this video.

[@AdAce21]

I love Zelos; I have two of them (the titanium swordfish with the titanium dial and the titanium mako with the teal dial). They're such good watches and they make such killer dials!! The ice blue version of this sold out in seconds :/

[@elliot9227]

Another cracking review mate If you get the opportunity to try a Titanium Mako, grab it. It’s all of this watch, then throw in Zelos’s anti-scratch coating that really works (unlike Seiko’s diasheild). Plus the reduced weight just makes it one of the most comfortable watches on the market! Especially at this price point

[@123ClassicRock]

Hey! I love that you do your own intro music! Checked out some of your music from a while ago, great stuff. I really appreciate that you incorporate this talent into your awesome watch reviews!

[@D3ZG1978]

Amazing video yet again! I’m waiting for my first Zelos (blacktip) to arrive and cannot wait!

[@TheBimmer74]

I had one in my basket, but didn't pay because this watch needs more AR coating.

[@michelcoulon3923]

Zelos is amazing but the limited quantities available mean it is not really a threat for Seiko. I have tried to buy a Zelos from the website at least 5 times on release date with no success. They were all gone!

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

I hear ya! But I guess if we have 10 brand disrupters like Zelos which turns into 20/50 then 100, sooner or later Seiko gotta see how much they over value their product? Seiko fan here btw;)

[@michelcoulon3923]

@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR I hope it has this effect :)

[@michelcoulon3923]

also thank you for your videos. I always look forward to the next one and, especially to what the wife has to say :)

[@BennyLlama]

I absolutely love Zelos. They make amazing watches for excellent value. They make up a good 3rd of my collection these days. The Mako v3 is phenomenal and I own 3 after last week 😅

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Superb!!

[@lyndonlouie4108]

Thanks R. Your review has definitively put Zelos on my radar. A winner in specs, finish and features. 👍

[@garethsigrist8714]

Another awesome show MWC! They seem to be coming thick and fast at the minute 🙌🎉 Absolutely incredible bang for your buck from this Zelos! I can see why Zelos are king of the micro brands! They’ve got such a strong identity and very much do their own thing which is something to appreciate and admire. Their prices seem to vary quite a bit but there’s now arguing with this bargain Mako 🦈

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Cheers Gareth!! Yes, I think different materials do mean different costs! Personally I’d love a big standard black or white dial but that’s me!!!!;)

[@ericlattanzi7671]

I would purchase a Zelos IF ….. they AVAILABLE!!! I can’t stand Limited EditionS !!!! Just stop it and produce For ALL !! Thanks for the video ! Take care and Best Regards. Eric

[@jeffrutledge5320]

Any thoughts on the brand Revue Thommen watches? Swiss made automatic divers go for under $1,000 but cant find any reviews on them.

[@cawelshman1204]

The 3rd negative? You can't buy one for love or money. But you can buy a Seiko any time you want. As long as microbrands like Zelos and Helm continue their practice of keeping inventory artificially low, Seiko will be just fine.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Absolutely I agree my friend.

[@thebrownhat1]

I have a Great White (43mm version of the Mako) that has a full lime dial and I totally love it! It was my first dive watch and it certainly spoiled me for other brands offerings.

[@mdunawaym]

I love my bronze Zelos Swordfish!

[@certainly2509]

Man, this brand exposes Seiko as the emperor without any clothes. Really shows how little value Seiko is dollar for dollar compared to Zelos!

[@Dadication3]

Still not a Seiko, but I get it, Zelos look very well made with impressive dial combos, not surprised they sell out fast. Good to see Mr. Santana is doing well. Thank you!

[@rev.waynet.oleary7387]

Another brilliant watch review...

[@thebetamaxman]

Cheesy mice, I am tried of reviewers complaining about polished surfaces and scratches. Just get some aluminum polish or even poly watch and five minutes later usually the scratch is gone. You can even use a dremal tool on slow for more deeper ones. Now try to fix a brushed surface that is scratched with green scotchbrite and get the grain and direction the same. Much easier to fix a polished surface, give it a try.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

I don’t want to polish it every day!!!

[@thebetamaxman]

@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR Lol you wear it every day? Any way I guess to each his own. The bottom line for me at least is that scratches are scratches and they with me are as bothersome on a brushed surface as they are on a polished one. It's just much easier to get rid of them on a polished surface, that is on stainless steel. As easy as getting them off or out of a plexiglas crystal. Anyway love the channel and appreciate the vids.

[@whywecollectwatches]

Great review Russ! I purchased a Zelos GMT awhile back and absolutely love it. I own two Seikos but don't have any intention of buying a third. Seiko used to produce great watches that were fairly inexpensive but not anymore!

[@DC-uf6ve]

This was excellent and you should have more subs. Only a matter of time I suspect.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Very kind DC! Thank you!

[@dennisthespeedmenace7530]

I love Zelos! I own 3 of them and won’t be the last either. The owner listens to his clients and gives you unsurpassed value. Wild cool dials and you forgot the lume on the crown on the Mako. My fav is the Swordfish 40 Titanium Salmon dial and it’s light if you know what I mean.

[@SpikeXtreme]

Looks and spec is amazing for the price and should give Seiko a wake up call ... the only minor gripe for me is the raised glass and the fear of a chip but that's my over worrying subroutine kicking in.

[@ryannewby447]

Wow, so glad you looking at these brands. Zelos have always been on my radar. So much value, really puts others to shame. Great review.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Cheers Ryan!

[@knottheory79220]

There's a big difference between a small company that makes a product that appeals to features/spec/value conscious watch enthusiasts and the merchandising/distribution machine that is Seiko. I have noted in the last few years I tend to buy microbrands using Seiko movements more often than I buy actual Seikos. I personally count them as Seikos. Though I am still getting Seikos I just tend to get them used. There are still Seikos I want they're just aspirational purchases. I find that in the lower end of the market Seiko has been supplanted by brands like Islander, where you can get the reliable Seiko movement but everything else is also much nicer for the same cash. That said I still want one of the Seiko 5 GMTs for no good reason.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

I here ya my friend but never before have we seen high spec watches for affordable prices. It’s never been so blatantly obvious how Seiko have lost touch we their product and who the products are aimed at . I want an spb143 but it’s too over valued

[@knottheory79220]

@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR You're not wrong, I think more informed people will start buying smaller brands that offer a better deal. But most people don't know enough to do that I think.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

@@knottheory79220 definitely! But if me and others make a point about it, eventually it’ll get listened to …….. one day;)

[@murph8411]

@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTORas long as you can go into any high street jeweller or department type store and pick up a Seiko whenever you want micro brands don’t really stand a chance. If they could increase the numbers they make and get themselves into more stores they might challenge Seiko a bit more but then they would lose the cachet they have due to the limited availability. What I’ve often seen is as they become more popular micro brands start to increase their prices. They may start out selling watches around £400 go to £500 and then the next thing you see is them increasing their prices to around £1000!

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

@@murph8411 I reckon very few of us enthusiasts would buy a Seiko from a brick and mortar shop. Think I did like 5 years ago! No one’s buying the 2k Seiko’s at shops as people that don’t know watches won’t understand why one Seiko is 300 quid and another is 2k ! Hell sometimes I don’t even know! All the AD’s make decent sales on entry level Seiko’s to people that aren’t clued up! That’s what Seiko are relying on more and more and more! If people were clued up…….. well …. Who knows. With all the references Zelos came out with on the Friday it must have been at least 2500 watches!?!? For a Microbrand that is nuts!!!!

[@Spongefov]

Zelos make great watches, but it won't kill Seiko until they can provide non-limited runs of their watches, and integrate the import tax issues purchasing from Singapore, so I've left them well alone till they are more established like the likes of CW

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

It’s fair enough!

[@galuhrichata6148]

Funny thing is just after Mr.Pagani gave his opinion, I always wondered whether you have the same opinion, Russell….😅😅😅

[@Solinvicti]

Anyone who thinks a watch company that makes about 500 watches a year is going to cause the death of Seiko is smoking crack.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Arrrrrrr yes but what if a hundred companies make 500 of the same standard?! That turns into 200??????? The pathway has been shown

[@richlander5874]

Wow unbelievable value. Does make you think why other brands are asking so much for the same specs 🤔

[@ladykoala208]

I have 4 Zelos watches and love each one of them. I love Seiko too but you are right, the value for money with Seiko is just simply not there. I never look forward to a Seiko release like I do with Zelos, they are just incredible

[@simonwright6882]

I have a v3 titanium with a scratch coating that really works. I Wear it doing manual work and zero scratches after a couple of years. The swordfish 40mm is excellent too with the best lume i have ever seen

[@Paperfiasco]

I still hold a lot of respect for Seiko, but no doubt, they seem to have lost some of their footing for those of us not gunning for their higher end products. The only recent piece they have that got me to pull the trigger was their Kamen Rider (Masked Rider) Seiko 5 special, but that’s less Seiko and more my love of an old school Japanese super hero that got me.

[@gary2632]

Like you say - the customer service is second to none. Very impressed 👍

[@dspserpico]

Nope. A watch needs to be actually available for sale in order to even have a shot at being a “Seiko killer.”

[@seattlegrrlie]

Zelos annoys me because they are limited edition and sell out. I'd buy the aventurine dial... except I can't so 🤷‍♀️

[@DarrinMariott]

Zelos makes an excellent watch at an even more impressive price point, but they are not going to be a threat to Seiko. I mean, Zelos makes, what, 2,000-4,000 watches per year. Most Seiko limited editions (and Seiko does an obscene amount of limited editions) run more watches than Zelos's annual output. No threat there. Never will be.

[@flextime4745]

Nice but I stick to my Seiko Samurai Manta Ray🤷‍♂️

[@the.Aruarian]

I love Zelos’ designs, buy I absolutely despise the lack of availability and resell prices. Until they sort that out, I’m passing on them. Would it kill them to restock older designs?

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

This is a great point. The trouble with Microbrands is you can GUARENTEE that the next Mako v4 will be better than this one. They aren’t scared to refine or redesign . It’s a catch twenty2 for us as we need to try and hop on the Zelos train at some point! With availability . What they are currently doing is good business?? They aren’t selective with who gets the watches it’s first come first served . If you tallied all the Mako’s and GMT’s up together you’ve gotta be talking 2500 pieces??? For a Microbrand??? That’s ridiculous amounts of watches .

[@Mark-sd7fc]

I’d love to see an interview with Mr Pagani

[@theannouncer5538]

I got desensitized to the scratches on non dress watches. They’re gonna come, so fuck it😂

[@zibel5007]

4:27 the expert's got a bezel haircut

[@stormyb3739]

Zelos watches are stunning, but you won't really "kill" Seiko if you don't make the volume. Most of their watches are sold out permanently (which in turn makes the brand more enticing, I agree). With Seiko that's not the case.

[@mocha8232]

Am a Seiko fan but price hike by Seiko along with its mediocre specs (hardlex, 6R35) and subpar QC make me walk away from this brand. It is both the push and pull factors that make microbrands becoming increasingly popular.

[@jarowinti9274]

Great show! I believe that even the crown is lumed!! Anyway, all gone in minutes...

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

I forgot to shoot it! That’s how rare that is;)

[@jarowinti9274]

@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR But very nice touch and attention to details from Zelos

[@fredcrook8228]

I've missed Santana. That may be weird. Nice watch, too.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Cheers Fred!

[@alexcaamano2085]

I bought this Midnight Blue Mako during the launch. I can't wait to see it. This video Made me glad I bought one

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Very glad to my friend!

[@darkshotz6034]

If Seiko wants to keep their current pricing, then they need to ditch that crappy hardlex, improve the bracelets and make sure the alignments are correct.

[@prags85]

Thank you for this video, I was torn between a Seiko save the ocean SPB 333, a Metal G-shock or a Tissot PRX as my first proper automatic watch ( I used to use an Apple Watch) and I’m glad to say that I have no regrets buying this watch and it was due to your video and your in-depth research and analysis, thanks again and please keep up the great work. I love watching your videos and am very grateful for your channel. P.S. Any chronographs you’d recommend ? 😁

[@squale9291]

Hamilton Intra Matic dude, best bang for your buck chronograph you can get

[@Gojo2OP]

Spinnaker has been killing it too

[@ahha6304]

The largest threat to Seiko is when Microbrands using Miyota and abandoned NH

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

I feel that’s happened already!!

[@caktaylor]

During the time it took to watch this video, Seiko probably sold more watches than Zelos will sell all year. Zelos may have better specifications, but they are a niche brand that - to now - appears unwilling to expand production to move beyond their niche. While I think it will be a long while (if ever) before Zelos matches Seiko in either units sold or revenue, Zelos could position themselves I the same space as Christopher Ward or other similarly sized, semi-independent brands. But, the owner of Zelos seems happier being a small brand that makes limited runs of watches that sell out quickly.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

It’s not just Zelos, like you said CW. There are many disruptor brands that are opening our eyes in what value can be with watches. Seiko have an amazing history full of innovation and trend setting throughout the decades!! Their case and and dials sing to me ! But they are simply over validating their products and it’s never been easier for us watch enthusiasts to see Kevin!

[@pauldevey8628]

It took me awhile to get used to your channel but I really like it now! Thanks!

[@MattSeesGray]

I got the Mako V3 with the adventurine dial. I have no idea how, because I heard that they sold out in under 5 minutes. It’s coming the mail on Monday!

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Well this one o had hadn’t sold out in 24 hours, but the one you had was quite sort after!

[@johnleonard3951]

Love zelos. I have the mako 3 gmt with the miyota 9075 on the way.

[@devesh0093]

It will take much more than a few piece of shiny metal and textured dials by microbrands, to kill Seiko. It's no joke. But at the same time, it's time that Seiko mends it's ways. Else, the inevitable may happen.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Well said

[@smgeraldo]

All very well, great watches but are always sold out on their website, given up trying to buy one. Very frustrating. Rolex anyone….

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

I hear ya! Although this isn’t because of an elitist imaginary list like Rolex AD’s Zelos simply do t make enough of one variant and need to sort that out

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

Look at Scurfa watches too, UK owned and designed at great prices.

[@kypekka]

Well, for 200 more this should be a better watch. And technically it is, even has my favourite movement in it. I would still go for the Seiko. It looks better, it's smaller and more fun to wear. The Zelos is nice, but in the end just another chunky blue run of the mill dive watch. And it certainly will not kill Seiko.

[@willmarshall4685]

Laughing….you crack me up….love your videos.

[@abdelouahedelamrani7456]

Very good watches. Excellent

[@BulldogBadger]

Zelos is insane value for money, I might have to dip my toes and scoop one up at some point👍👏

[@JeeGee114]

I much rather wear my SKX 007j than any of these gaudy "limited" edition Zelo's.

[@drdesign6886]

Think of the big brands (proper watch makers) most ppl recognise - Citizen / Casio / Timex / Seiko / Rolex / Omega / Hublot / Tudor (maybe) / Longines etc. etc. people buy these brands not for specs only - but the brand on dial and the history/heritage (or in some luxury cases the flex!) - that will never be killed by a micro brand no matter how awesome the watch. Same as Monta etc will never kill off a Rolex. Vast vast majority of watch sales, no matter what we enthusiasts tell ourselves, from these big big behemoths are to folk with no major interest beyond the brand name itself. And no-name brands can’t compete with that bigger picture. Maybe unfortunate - but it’s the truth nevertheless. Seiko finally recognising their name carries weight that you need to pay extra for - like Rolex did many years ago!

[@stuartheyburn8741]

I own a Ventus Northstar, Ventus are the sister company to Zelos and honestly the quality and case finishing for the price is unbelievable! The styling is also quite unique, (although it is probably borrowed off a 1960s watch I am unaware of)!!!🤣 It is one of my favourite watches and that includes an omega, IWC, Longines and Squale. Zelos have not quite brought out a watch that has the looks that grab me but their quality seems to be right up there, and I couldn’t agree more that they are knocking the socks off Seiko at the moment. Great watches. 👍

[@nejcn]

Nothing can kill Seiko. There are hundrets of brands who offer better watches at same price range but you cant buy the Soul of Japan. There is something diferenet when wearing Seiko (or some other big brand) compared to other small microbrands.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

It’s a great point ! Their designs sing to me!!!

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

A bit unfortunate that Zelos has that big Z on it's watch as it is used by the Russian government as a pro-war propaganda motif, and has been appropriated by pro-Putin civilians as a symbol of support for Russia's invasion. However, Some have snidely suggested that the symbol stands for other words such as "zhopa," meaning ass in a reference to stiff Ukrainian resistance. I doesn't bother me personally, I'm just saying and I don't want to get political. I will get back to comment on to watch which looks fantastic at a great price. Very entertaining review as per normal, it always brightens up my day.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Thank you for watching my friend! Well that is unfortunate!!

[@jamesnicol3831]

Would never trust a product nor anything from Russia. Gangster Economics

[@Tom_H327]

It seems that everyone is still making the exact same watch.

[@andyconnolly28]

Another great review. Added to my ever expanding wishlist 😊😊

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Hahahaha thanks for watching my friend!

[@ronnienes]

I thought Mr Pagani said a different C word and nearly dropped my phone. Turns out it was just my prurient mind.

[@tdugong]

Very cool, but until they make them in 10,000 batches Seiko can still breathe easy, I think. *Grumbles as I missed the cutoff for the sale*

[@maxpaws3977]

Good to see. I personally find Seiko's bezels and general case build quite low quality, the only real thing which makes Seiko good is the history and lume.

[@khairyalonto]

I hope you review the RZE ascentus GMT soon! Its also another Singapore brand specializing in titanium tool watches

[@salty5402]

Zelos make a great watch, but it could only be a tentative substitute for a Seiko - if that is what you are after. Example, I bought a Steeldive 1970 to see if I liked the case design/fit in my wrist before spending Seiko money for the Prospex Captain Willard, and while it was awesome, it was buying the Seiko that scratched the itch.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Absolutely! The look of a Seiko imo can’t be beat!!! Favourite brand!!! But it’s the materials and movements used, overcharging and overvaluing I don’t like:(

[@benferris3252]

Dead on, started as a Seiko fan ended up with Zelos being my favorite brand, Rze being up there as well