The Zodiac Olympos! Perfectly Imperfect

I've been obsessed with this one since I first saw it. The Zodiac Olympos. It's a blast from the past that's hard to describe. Originally produced in the 1960s, it was a funky watch that felt right at home with its retro sci-fi design and quadrant dial. Yet ultimately it was a watch that wouldn't survive the decade.
However, when Fossil was resurrecting the Zodiac brand they went looking for inspiration in their back catalog. And Inspiration they found with this 37mm gem. I debated on which one I should get until I finally picked up this steely blue version.
A few different places to look for this one, but one I'd recommend is Mark over at Long Island Watch.
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00:00 Intro
00:29 Specs
01:19 19mm Lugs
01:43 Why I bought it
02:30 On the Wrist
03:03 Batman or Manta Ray
05:28 Quirky Quadrant Dial
07:20 Design Concerns
09:47 Movement
10:25 Straps, Straps, Straps!
11:18 Value
11:55 Perfectly Imperfect

[@4gegtyreeyuyeddffvyt]

If the Zodiac was good enough for The Zodiac Killer then it’s good enough for me!

[@devia1988]

That brown strap you put on with the white stitches oooofffff what a combo

[@jackmcclary2136]

An eye-catcher of a dress watch for festive occasions though perhaps a little too colorful for more restrained or somber special occasions where flashiness might not work as well. Your great aftermarket strap choices (the rally!) tone the lux factor down all the way to near perfection for Friday casual workwear or weekend cultural event funwear. Nice to see you mentioning Mark as you’re two of the few I trust.👍🏻

[@16rumpole]

yes, this is definitely not a daily wear watch; it is most definitely a special occasion watch.

[@nakazatotakeshi4286]

I have a Beige one which is arguably the most muted colour of them all and I gotta say it is super quirky yet very sensible. After wearing it for a while I tend to forget about the unusual case shape which may or may not be a good thing but I digress. I definitely agree with the small flaws of the watch, the most apparent flaw to me is the microscopic crown. It is virtually impossible for me to manually wind the watch without having my skin covered in bruises hahahah. It's still a fantastic little watch though!

[@RelativeTime]

Quirky yet sensible is a good way to describe it.

[@MghHauer]

Absolutely a great product that fits the Zodiac's heritage Olympus

[@javierjimenez786]

Yes, yes, and yes! I agree 100% to this review. Such a beautiful watch even with its flaws. Would have loved black ink for the date numbers just for a little more contrast and readability, or even more a circular six o'clock date window. Shane, I would personally try a bracelet, a black leather strap, and a black nato with aqua accents on this watch... It really is that versatile. Excellent review!!! 🎉🎉

[@RelativeTime]

I'll have to try that. Even if it's just a 18mm mesh to test out.

[@joniden2215]

I literally think of the shape as a shield. Great review. I have been keeping my eye on the Olympos.

[@16rumpole]

Damn, this the Monica Belucci of watches; classy and simply stunning.

[@5ifty_cow997]

Watching this as i am now back into mu watch kick. Just bought a watch after a 2 year hiatus. Used to only want 40mm+ watches but ive come to realise (and i suppose jump onto the bandwagon) of sub 40mm watches

[@MementoMorituri]

Relative Time: "Don't get me wrong. Zodiac makes some fantastic divers, but so does everyone else." Zodiac: "Ouch."

[@Nefville]

That is definitely my favorite Zodiac and my favorite colorway of it. Its almost normal, but not quite.

[@BetamaxBabe]

I really like how unique the case is; it's different without being too out there. The blue one looks nice, but I'd go with either champagne or gold. Guess I need to start saving up!

[@BetamaxBabe]

Welp, I just ordered this very one today! Looking forward to it!

[@brianmsahin]

That's a stunning dial and a very unique case design. As we spend our winters in Antalya, southern Turkey, a 10 minute walk along the beach to Mount Olympos, maybe I should buy one! I've noticed that it's using the Turkish spelling Olympos, rather than the Greek Mount Olympus. Both mountains have stories about the Greek gods mythical activities.

[@you_cant_see_me_3000]

"If you lose one, you're probably screwed." 😂😂😂

[@halfpastblog]

I didn't know much about this one until you brought it to our attention. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍

[@Fandoorsy]

I have the LE Military Olympos. Love it! The watch world seems to have slept on it but I've rocked it for years. The manta ray shape is so unique.

[@RelativeTime]

Yeah, there is so much focus on the same company and the same models, that when something unique comes out it tends to slip through the cracks.

[@monologic4806]

Another great review Shane and another cool watch for your collection 👍

[@RelativeTime]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@JS-ev4xc]

The case shape is like a mellow version of a bullhead chrono. Very unique watch.

[@simonwright6882]

I really appreciate the case shape and design. I totally agree about the date at 6 working far better 👍

[@EricMiller]

This is one amazing looking watch!

[@KBosch-xp2ut]

Stunning watch!

[@gregs.8895]

Love the dial and mix in with the teal. Still can't get over the case, just not for me, but doesn't have to be.

[@eric21881]

Wow that’s on the list now Really lovely

[@peetfj]

I bought the blue one also but couldn't get past the muted and almost unreadable date. Loved the look and color but the date kept bothering me so I sent it back. Delete the date and I would love it! Looks great with the tan leather strap.

[@garydworshak5329]

Great looking watch; you picked the right color. And you’re right about the blue band being too much… That beautiful dial pops a lot better with the two-tone brown band.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. It's very cool and unique.

[@ronaldbrands7318]

There is also the 40 mm with a quite different dial also very nice but not that very shiny. With the hour numbers around.

[@Intelligence3]

These colors are perfect

[@anthonydevono8833]

Very cool looks on this out of my budget but I like it a lot

[@deangibbons9351]

I like it! I always wanted a Hamilton Ventura, but I think this is cooler and maybe a bit more value for money.

[@Box_13]

The case shape looks like. the Star Wars snowspeeder. Sorry, I must have Star Wars on the brain from your Vader video. Sharp sleeper. Especially love that side profile and the date window

[@RelativeTime]

I can see that, maybe squished a bit. Or maybe Ewok sized.

[@ScottAlanAnderson]

I'd go for it. It's definitely something a little more unique than a typical circle or rectangle on the wrist. And as a collector, unique is a good thing. I'm always considering ways to add variety.

[@devia1988]

By the way, what do you think putting this on a bracelet? Milanese maybe? Beads of rice?

[@fnformllc865]

love it! great band ideas.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@paulhiggins8774]

Love anything retro, I agree about the strap it doesn’t do the watch any justice, guess it would be hard to find a strap the same colour as the second hand but I think I have some leather that colour. Love your photography and the use of props Shane 👍

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks, glad you liked the video.

[@FlaneurSolitaire]

I discovered the Olympos some time ago, and it has really stuck with me. I do like this blue colour way. However, I'm also considering going vintage and getting one of those original 1960s mystery dials that take the quirkiness up another notch. Originals in good condition are about the same price as a new reedition model. I really haven't decided yet. But it is a very fun and beautifully eccentric watch, a perfect time capsule from the 60s.

[@RelativeTime]

I thought about that too. I think Zodiac had a limited run of a new mystery dial when it first came out, but haven't seen another.

[@niallvbrennan6629]

A very interesting find,Shane☘

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@johnmonachelli5256]

Very interesting piece seems to be great value

[@pmimagery1295]

I've always wanted a Zodiac!

[@larryleyba6496]

I am digging that one, just not on my wrist. Id love ro see one in the wild

[@jaimerivera2545]

I had the same problem with my blue Tissot Visodate. Lots of glare and very small or very close to the case crown. I replace the sapphire glass for an acrylic and what a difference!. I also replaced the crown for a bigger one, I am very satisfied on how it looks now. I would do the same thing with your watch, at least change to the acrylic glass. Since is kind of a dress watch, it won’t get as many scratches.

[@Furniture121]

If I hadn't just picked up a C65 Dune, an Olympos would be on my radar.

[@RelativeTime]

Which Dune did you get?

[@Furniture121]

@@RelativeTime I picked up the black three hander. It's a great alternative to my white C63 three hander.

[@drakett145]

Ditch the date give it a screw down crown 100 m of water resistance, and some top-notch lume and I’d be all in

[@CowCatwithafancyHat]

Loving it!

[@chadbailey7038]

I’m watching from Long Island, NY. So I will definitely check out that store u linked 👍🏾. I see there’s a separate metal bracelet available also. I wonder how that would look on it!

[@SubCapt]

That bracelet is meant for the Super Sea Wolf, not the Olympos...

[@andyholton7959]

I’m a fan looks good 👌🏻

[@larrydalton2205]

That's an interesting if unusual case shape, and I like it. In some picture angles, the blue dial looks fantastic and a good color match for the strap but in others the strap color looks mismatched. I would probably choose either a contrasting strap or the black dial watch. I think I know what watch you're wearing at the end but it would be cheating to say it.

[@RelativeTime]

It really depends on the angle and the light with this one. In some angles, it looks duller, and in others everything pops.

[@AdAce21]

this thing looks cool as hell! I love the look/design of that dial and I totally agree with your strap choice! Could you provide a link to it?

[@RelativeTime]

I got it from a strap company called Babu's Handmade straps. Based in Vietnam, I randomly ran across them. babuhandmadeleather.com/product/brown-vegetable-tanned-leather-watch-band-sw097/

[@chuckmontgomery7571]

Heading out to a dealer Monday shopping for a birthday present for myself. Might have a look at this one while I'm there. If I like it enough, I'll want to know where you got that 19mm two tone strap. That was the stunning combo for sure.

[@RelativeTime]

It's from a strap company called Babu's Handmade straps. I think they are based in Vietnam, and randomly ran across them. babuhandmadeleather.com/product/brown-vegetable-tanned-leather-watch-band-sw097/

[@thomashiggins5555]

Good review. Could you tell me where you picked up the two-toned leather strap ?

[@jowjowosv]

beautiful... 😍

[@metaldetectingthenortheast1294]

These are really cool. Idk why I don't own a vintage one.. there's a vintage ladies version too. Wondering if a modern autographic is going to come out?

[@RelativeTime]

That would be really cool, they should. Zodiac made more then divers, they should tap into all that history.

[@Tom_Kowalczuk]

Nice, very nice. Looks like I need dress watch at the end ! Any chance for a link to a two-tone leather strap ? Have old Seiko with 19mm lug size and this one would suit it.

[@RelativeTime]

It's from a strap company called Babu's Handmade straps. I think they are based in Vietnam, and randomly ran across them. babuhandmadeleather.com/product/brown-vegetable-tanned-leather-watch-band-sw097/

[@shinkim414]

I think the date number would look better in a dark blue to better contrast with the turquoise.

[@jeffhaas9168]

Where did you purchase the tan leather band with the decorative holes in it?

[@RelativeTime]

I think this is the one. strapsco.com/product/dassari-distressed-leather-rally/

[@asruz87A]

what is the point of the unique case of watch if there is impossible to read time due to hands colorness...

[@matyasd007]

Only on videos

[@BryanO92]

That looks lik it could be a Solas Starlight.

[@RelativeTime]

Correct, good eye.

[@durandsimon5221]

As much as I love their divers, I'm not so convinced by this kind of watch from Zodiac.

[@stephaneduweb8573]

Hi, I've a question. Does someone can tell me what is the meaning of the balance on the back off the watch ? FYI I've the black one for few months and the glare is not that bad, the shiny silvers hands never disappear on black background. For me the only flaw is the grip issue with the crown... I also agree with you 6o clock date windows would be better... But on the black one it's a match color so you usually don't notice it. The original strap you need to change it like in 95% of the cases. If you think at it like a 3 handers it's too expensive. If you think at it like an unique, original yet elegant watch (like I do) it's perfectly faire.

[@RelativeTime]

I'm guessing it has to do with the Zodiac. Like the scales are the symbol for Libra. Although I don't know why they picked that over any of the other symbols.

[@stephaneduweb8573]

@@RelativeTime yes me to, but I've never seen this kind of zodiac sign in the back of other zodiac...

[@dparis2172]

Interesting watch but I’m not digging the asymmetry. I immediately thought of the Ventura (again, interesting but not my cup of tea), but I’d argue that the Ventura is more symmetrical than the Olympos, as it’s basically perfect along it’s x axis, save for font.

[@RelativeTime]

I can see that with the Ventura. I still want to get one to check out first hand.

[@mikepurdy3952]

It's a Cool Watch, and I would Definitely wear It, but not for the price They are asking. I would be a Buyer at around $400 bucks, therefore, I don't expect This Watch to ever find it's way on My wrist.

[@candeladelacancan]

I feel that 2 hour crown position just unbalances all the watch simetry

[@jaer.6540]

I actually think it does balance it out perfectly

[@BlindTom61]

Please don't hate me, but your voice is exactly the same as Bevis in Beavis and Butthead.

[@RelativeTime]

I AM CORNHOLIO! But no... thats a lit more skreetchy and high pitch. Most of the time people say I sound like Christian Bale in American Psycho.

[@Peter-2704]

It's definitely an interesting watch. I don't dislike it but I don't love it.

[@piotrszmidel]

Im waiting for an updated version of this watch,with lume(even small printed dots would last) and 100mWR and a screw-down crown.I know theres military/field version with it,but this one is much more nicer with these applied indices and quartered dial🥲Overall,its my favourite brand,I own 3 so far,2 SeaWolfs and a SeaDragon.Would like to add an Olympos too.😊

[@RelativeTime]

I've been tempted to check out a Seawolf or two myself. Maybe later this year. I've heard they wear great.

[@RickDeckardMemories]

I have a question which doesn't have anything to do with this video, sorry. Is ’’tohesale’’ a fraud? Anyone have any info?

[@RelativeTime]

Tohesale?? What's that?

[@finesse49]

Lovely apart from the case shape.

[@jayeyesacks1604]

Those STP movements consistently have poor ratings online. As an example, this post from a Reddit thread entitled: "Widespread issues with Zodiac movements?"--"I have had multiple STP watches sent to me for issues. After the first 2 came back to me again with the same issues I starting replacing the movement with ETA's.Good luck." Granted this post is from a 3 year old thread, so perhaps things have improved, but it's enough to give me pause

[@tylerrodman3408]

This exact review has given me pause. I have read many reviews that havent had any problems, but i think those negative reviews speak louder. Im 50/50 on getting a new zodiac.

[@Bob_Smith19]

18 or 20mm. Seiko made the same stupid 19mm decision w/ 1959 Alpinist reinterpretation. Perfect watches in all but one aspect.

[@piotrszmidel]

You definietely can choose from hundreds of straps.Barton make every strap possible in 19mm for example,plus You can get one of great Forstners bracelets😉I have mentioned cream Alpinist and I dont feel limited by any means

[@Bob_Smith19]

@@piotrszmidelselection has gotten better. But most people don’t have 19mm straps laying around. I have hundreds of watches, and not a single one is 19mm because I don’t play stupid games. Brands need to get w/ the times and realize people are changing straps often. 18/20/22 should be the sizes they choose.

[@michaelkilbride2927]

Lovely watch to small it's like a pimple on your arm

[@jonworkman1700]

Nice dial, shame about the case.

[@16jan1986]

Nice musik reference

[@ethorii]

These are fine except its impossible to access the mainspring for service. The mainspring barrel cap is not removable without damaging the barrel. I wont work on them for this reason. Never understood this dumbass design. Literally no other company used this method. I'm referring to the 1960s and maybe 1970s models.

[@RelativeTime]

Interesting, any idea how serviceable the new versions are?

[@ethorii]

@@RelativeTime no I haven't seen one.

[@rodneykinnaird7613]

to much glare

[@RelativeTime]

That is one of the issues.

[@jerrymackin6288]

Let’s see Paul Allen’s watch

[@RelativeTime]

It's got a beautiful ivory collored dial.

[@thegorn]

Zodiac are a Fossil fashion brand. Unlucky.

[@nakazatotakeshi4286]

Who gives a damn. Zodiac still makes their watches in their own factory

[@piotrszmidel]

What an ignorant,lol.Almost every watch is a reedition from the past and in the past Zodiac was in same league with Rolex and Blancpain.

[@gerardoresendiz6731]

I have a vintage one gold