What's Black & Blue, & Bronze all over? Zelos Bronze Swordfish Review Cobolt Blue Edition

[@RelativeTime]

One word about the Stainless versions clasp. As I mentioned in the unboxing it's short, and some may have an issue even putting it on. Yet if you can, I think it is really comfortable, so kind of a give and take. But if you have large hands, you might want to wait until the new clasp is available for it. Which is supposedly coming soon.

[@bifflee3603]

Some have received the new clasp already so they are getting shipped out 👍🏻

[@firefighter387]

Yes same small size outer clasp with a bigger inside sissor hinge.

[@robertb925]

I just received my stainless Swordfish yesterday (9-24-19) and it came with the longer clasp preinstalled.

[@TheMartialist]

You're still one of the highest quality watch review channels on youtube and only getting better! Don't stop!

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

Zelos achieving a niche among fine divers. Classy design. Impressive lume. Thank you for show us that challenger.

[@woodyamsterdam]

Got mine today (the ETA version) I'm amazed about the presentation and the quality of the watch. I immediately put it on the leather Horween strap which, IMO looks much better than the rubber one. Thanks for your video which helped me in choosing for Zelos. Love the Bronze as it stands out more than stainless steel. I have a few s.s. watches already, so this one is a nice addition to my collection.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

One of the nicest looking bezels I've seen. When combined with brown leather it's absolutely stunning! Thanks for another great review.

[@Miklos667]

Perhaps the hard bezel action is because of the patina/rust. I've heard other youtubers recommend to often give bronze bezels a spin to avoid hardening. Great vid! Cheers!

[@RelativeTime]

Thought about it. But it's so new I'd be surprised. That and I've turned it a lot. Maybe I should squirt some dw-40 in it.

[@bertybiffins]

@@RelativeTime Mine started as a real struggle but loosened up over a few weeks, I'd give it a bit more time if I were you. If you lube it it could just end up gathering dirt but if you decide to go ahead use something more inert like silicone spray rather than WD40.

[@williamj3459]

I got the black bezel and dial/no date/Seiko movement version and to me, it matches much better than the blue bezel. I don't see a need for the upgraded movement, as I've also been getting +/- a few seconds. I've had it since mid-July and the bronze has aged very handsomely. I would like the hour and minute hands to come to more of a point, but their high polish continues to make them extremely legible in low light. From this perspective, the wide hands actually help. The lume they're able to achieve with the sandwich dial is second to none in my experience. I intended to put the leather strap on for the cool weather, but I found it too thick and the color to clash a bit, so I put it back on the rubber strap, where it may just stay indefinitely. Keep posting this very high production-value content! I agree with others who posted here. It's the best!

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you. I appreciate it. Does that one have the textured dial?

[@williamj3459]

@@RelativeTime Yes, a textured dial and patina lume. I love the color combination. The lume appears as orange in the light. It all works well together.

[@niallvbrennan6629]

Lovely review of a watch Im very interested in. The bronze does it for me, there are already a zillion stainless divers floating around the sea and offices☘

[@Robert_Lindsay]

I think you expressed some fair reservations about the Zelos bronze swordfish. I pondered the various other choices for quite a while and finally went for the bronze with cobalt blue face as shown here. The copper hue has mellowed now into a warm golden brown in just a few weeks. As a bronze on rubber strap it stands out in a subtle way. The style was what I found a bit hard to get used to. Perhaps you could compare it to other bronze watches at some point in the future to give your thoughts on how the design specifically compares to others.

[@RelativeTime]

I happen to have the Phoibos eagle ray in bronze that was just released. So if I get some extra time I might do a comparison. Price wise they are a little close.

[@steven3379]

Thanks for the video and review, I currently have a Zelos Great White 1000m Bronze, I really like it it developed a very nice patina! And wears great for a 44mm case!

[@saintdave1877]

I've got quite a similar Seiko 5 sports , the SRPB96k1. Like the bronze and blue combination on the zelos.

[@alexanderderyabin1193]

Thanks for the review. The bronze version is gorgeous.

[@johnc1848]

I bought the bronze sand version with the 2892 movement and found the bezel,action to be far too restrictive to dive with. So, I removed the bezel and did two things, I bent the tabs down a small amount, then actually filed down the underside of the bezel to smooth out the ridges. It now has a great action with no backplay. It took me about an hour to do and I was very careful to file from outside inward so as not to disfigure the ridges on the underside of the bezel. Elshan suggested debris may have gotten under the bezel, but that was not the case.

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

Mmmmm, that patina. Edit: Oh my goodness, a no date dial!

[@jacklaporte472]

Glad to see there’s another movement option if you get the date version. I’m in total agreement regarding pricing for this watch with a Seiko movement. That brown Horween strap would be perfect if it had bronze hardware.

[@RelativeTime]

I think I can swap it, and probably will. But would of been nice if they had included it.

[@d3xmeister]

Not really into bronze, but Zelos has such great design I might pick up the SS version

[@thefuzz119]

Been binge watching your videos and I like the content you've put out. I like seeing the different types of watches and the unique features each one has. Some on the more expensive sides for my tastes but on the lower end I think you should give bertucci a review. Would like to hear your thoughts on them.

[@RelativeTime]

I did a bit ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZrKdmiIppaIgbc Some point I'd like to get another, but only so much time.

[@tag243]

I like this watch very much, hope one day I get bronze in my collection.

[@curtisxxu]

Just an FYI, my bronze zelos also has a crazy stiff bezel, super hard to turn. It's not just you

[@RelativeTime]

Good to know.

[@internettroll7497]

Damn that maroon nato at the start clashes beautifully with all the colours.cool👌🤘

[@RelativeTime]

Doesn't it. Sometimes you never know until you try it.

[@sebastian5132]

Did you see new Phoibos bronze watch ? I think they are great for the money, meteorite dial and SW200-1 movement.

[@RelativeTime]

Got one. A sort of unboxing attempt is at the end of this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3y9qpyFm71rnK8 So far I really like it. I think it's more comfortable to wear than this one. So far I think the weak link for it is the straps. it comes with 3, they are each ok. Yet I think they would have been better off to just provide a one really good one.

[@sebastian5132]

@@RelativeTime WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DO A REVIEW ON THAT WATCH ? REALLY INTERESTING TO HEAR YOUR OPINION. THINKING OF BUYING IT NEXT MONTH.

[@RelativeTime]

Hopefully in the next few weeks. I'm actually wearing it right now. I put it on a blue green leather strap from Armilla. instagram.com/p/B2u7ZH2HuVV/ Might do a quick video on what happened with the Akura Wayfarer for the end of this week (long story). And my next video should be the GMT Steinhart and the 10k giveaway. So I'm planing Phoibos right after that. But feel free to ask any questions. Zelos has the advantage of having a better selection of dials. Yet personally, I would buy the Eagle Ray over this one. It's just really comfortable to wear. A little smaller width-wise, and slimmer lugs. It's taller at 14mm, but doenst wear like it. As its only 12.5-13 to the top of the bezel.

[@ceeb2275]

Another good review. On the maroon and blue grey Nato's the watch looks stunning. As for the scratch on the stock leather. That's just character. I would like to see this in a year's time on a distressed leather with the change in patina. I love bronze watches. But never punted for one as I don't think they would suit me.

[@RelativeTime]

There is a guy on the Phoibos Facebook group who got one of their new bronze Eagle Rays. Supposedly he's keeping it outside and taking a photo of it everyday to track the patina. Kind of overkill, but curious to see what happens.

[@surfitli]

Nice review. as usual, Zelos did a excellent job. Personally, I have no interest in bronze. Personally, I just think its a poor choice for a watch case. Plus, if you like bracelets, you are basically out of luck. I have a steel version of this with the white full lume dial. It’s very nice. It’s actually cost less than any Seiko Samurai new. Personally, I would like Zelos to start using larger screws on the bracelet, the next size up would make it much easier to size. Interesting that you bring up the movement. Most Seiko movements have a very large acceptable range. The 4r35, which is the same as the NH35 in this watch, is rated at -25 to +40 a day. I also have heard that it varies greatly depending on position. However, at this price, what are your other alternatives. All I can think of would be the Miyotas that recently received hacking. I have heard Miyotas are more consistent.

[@RelativeTime]

Well often times mioyta movements seem to be more accurate, yet that could just be my luck. As oftentimes Seikos aren't for me. I was thinking that with microbrands this is sort of the higher range. So you start to wonder if you should spend a little more and get something else with a Miyota 9015, or even some Selittas. The new Phoibos Bronze Eagle Ray is an example. It's a little more ($420 ) but has a Selitta SW200-1. The very different style though.

[@surfitli]

Relative Time you could say the NH35 is not up to being in this watch. Everything on the watch is done so well its deserving of something better. I imagine they want to keep the price at a certain level. It could be better just to charge more and have the Selitta SW-200 standard and forget about the ETA 2892 version completely.

[@stusims6567]

I love the bronze model myself. I just worry about that patina and how it developes. I might not like what it turns into. I might have to wait and see how things turn out. I might have to wait on the Nautis bronze after everyone else fights the bronze style watches and we can see how they turn out. I understand they have a tendency to stick the bronze bezel to the bronze body of the watch after a while. You just have to keep turning that bezel to keep it moving freely.

[@RelativeTime]

Thats what I've heard. You can also clean off the patina every once in a while as well if you don't like the look. But that sort of defeats the purpose.

[@stavros_katsopr]

Sorry mate but the ss version is a way better combo in my eyes. Guess i see the blue ring on the bezel like been squeezed and flat down, plus it shows tad narrow/slim in this bronze combo. It's uneven as i see it. Told you in the ss review that 3 (colour) is an unbeatable way to go, especialy when the 3rd part comes in surprise (=lume)/ unexpected. Oh, and black is not a colour, so here is like a 2 tone thing. Btw, both straps are ...off, your nato vermillion red is is spot on for my taste. Anyway, keep this one you loved, send me the azure, still got time to swim in Mediterranean sea, colours are matching 110% ; ) LOL Ikr how bronze is becoming after just 4000 years, that excellent dark greenish/brownish thing, - lots of statues around here - but won't wait for it. I'm with ss (gosh, even typing ss is creepy) LOL PS Cmo'n, who cares about accuracy? wtf, are we using watches, or looking at them???? HAHAHAHAHA Be well m8/ another good one/ keep on.

[@RelativeTime]

LOL Thanks. I like the stainless version is better. I think it just looks better with the case shape. Plus it looks more complete with the end links in it.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

As I have said before, I hope they have stock when I get my Christmas bonus.

[@RelativeTime]

Thats the thing with these microbrands. You never know.

[@Malagon194]

I can see why they would limit the Date function to the ETA version as they would likely want to offer something more for those who pay the extra fee but I think its pretty shitty of them to use the NH35 movement with the date complication and simply use a dial without the date cutout just to separate the 2 price tiers. I think that people who buy the ETA version are in it for the movement upgrade(or because the NH35 version sold out) and it just seems messed up to leave that extra functionality untapped for the purpose of making the customers pay more. Regardless, I still own the NH35 version and find it to be a very enjoyable watch and an easy way to get into the bronze genre of watches without having to drop an exorbitant amount of money.

[@RelativeTime]

This is true. It's there they, already have the dials you might as well use it. Or at least offer an option.

[@P_Ezi]

Actually EVERYone does not necessarily appreciate quick releases on leather straps. I would rather have more leather and not a weak point at the cut-out where it will eventually break. We all have strap pin tools, and removing a leather strap is not usually a problem. I do, however, appreciate quick release on steel bracelets.

[@RelativeTime]

This is true. I like them for when you are traveling, if you want to change from say silicone to leather for going out to a nice dinner. Much easier to swap without bringing a tool.

[@steveinflorida773]

I would have liked the bezel blue to be the same as the face, like the black sand version and why is the date version sooooo much more. Close but not perfect.

[@RelativeTime]

Date version is more because it has ETA movement. So makes sense. But they could of had a date version with this movement as well. Don't know why they didn't.

[@bifflee3603]

I have the ss v2, a great watch however mine was losing 16 seconds a day which I couldn't live with so I'm currently trying to regulate it

[@RelativeTime]

I'll have to do the sameon the ice blue one. This one however was suprisingly good. I usually have bad luck with Seiko movements.

[@bifflee3603]

@@RelativeTime all my other seiko movements have been around +1 to +5 a day and I was very disappointed with my first zelos. It didn't stop me from getting another 1 though :)

[@RelativeTime]

As long as it's within spec they usually don't mess with it. A few companies will regulate, but that usually comes with a higher price tag.

[@LamarFaciane]

Does the the bronze buckle fit the Horween strap? That would complete the look.

[@bertybiffins]

The bronze buckle does fit the Horween and the silver coloured buckle is drilled which makes it even easier swap.

[@RelativeTime]

I haven't tried it yet, but I'm planing to swap them soon.

[@Andrew-J316]

:P YAZ (Yet another Zelos) They seem to all look about the same IMO. Thanks for video though!

[@RelativeTime]

Case shapes seem to look the same, but dials can change on the models.

[@eronavbj]

I would have liked prices and sizes.

[@RelativeTime]

More than what I have at 1:14 ?

[@eronavbj]

@@RelativeTime Sorry, Shane, I have nothing at 1:14.

[@RelativeTime]

@@eronavbj More like 1:15, but you don't see the text on the left half of the screen that lists the dimensions? Width 42, With Crown 45, Lug to Lug 48, etc, etc, Price $349? Or were you talking more about the entire Swordfish lineup as a whole at Zelos?

[@flavio2169]

What about a 40mm?

[@RelativeTime]

In bronze?

[@flavio2169]

@@RelativeTime in any model

[@bertybiffins]

@@flavio2169 The Zelos Mako is 40mm and comes in bronze (or would do if it wasn't sold out!).

[@RelativeTime]

Most around this price range seem to be just over. Any particular price range your looking at?

[@flavio2169]

Right now, a San Martin 40mm, ceramic and Sapphire for $250 is at the top of my list.

[@darrensmith6999]

Very nice love bronze watches . I have 2 Bronze Invicta pro divers and they are great Mod no 25644 & 25642 check them out !

[@RelativeTime]

I've seen them around. Been curious how they compare to the stainless versions.

[@TinBin-Craig]

nice watches .. not a fan on bronze steel looks better cheers

[@RelativeTime]

I agree.

[@manicsithnick]

👍

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

Cigar shaped hands?

[@RelativeTime]

I really want to make a Bill Clinton joke... But this is a family friendly channel. 🤪

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

@@RelativeTime I bet Larry Nichols knows every Clinton joke.

[@cedarcanoe]

This Zelos is too much in your face imo

[@RelativeTime]

Case shape or the dial?

[@cedarcanoe]

Relative Time the case shape is very thick and looks sturdy.