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If you’ve found yourself watching the entry-level tool watch space over the past couple of years, you will almost certainly be familiar with Zodiac. Having made quite a strong comeback, the brand now brings out its latest offering, celebrating 140 years of Zodiac watches. The watch in question is the limited-edition Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver Titanium. Like many of Zodiac’s watches, it has the charm of a quirky microbrand offering, but (as the anniversary indicates) also the heritage of a long-standing watchmaker. Zodiac’s recent success has come from its faithful reissuing of some of its most eye-catching models from the ’60s and ’70s. And looking at the path Zodiac has set for itself, I can’t help but get excited about the brand’s future.
Now, I used the term “entry-level” for lack of a better word. Really, it’s the segment occupied by brands like Seiko, Doxa, Sinn, and many others — a space where the value proposition still exists. These brands are all making rugged watches, equipped with perfectly serviceable movements that you could happily wear for the rest of your life (with proper care and service, of course). Are they “luxury” watches, per se? Well, the term “luxury”, other than slightly gross, is a relative one. One person’s luxury might underwhelm another, whereas another person’s luxury might be thoroughly unattainable for some. That said, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver Titanium is certainly not an entry-level watch. For what it offers at its price, though, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more solid, better-looking alternative. And if Zodiac’s comeback is only getting started, I say, bring it on!
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver Titanium
The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver Titanium celebrates the brand’s 140th anniversary. As such, the production of this watch will be limited, but to how many pieces, we do not know at this point. Nevertheless, the model sets a precedent for a regular-production model in titanium for Zodiac’s future lineup. The 42mm Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver comes in a beautifully machined titanium case. Its quirky pale green, orange, and black colorway falls nicely in line with the Super Sea Wolf lineup. Most (if not all) of these colorways find inspiration in vintage Zodiac watches from the ’60s and ’70s. However, the Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver sprinkles in some modern improvements. It has a fully lumed bezel, a more rugged case design, bigger and more legible hands, and a fresh spin on the brand’s classic dial design.
The watch comes in a fully bead-blasted finish. In my opinion, this is always the way to go with titanium. It gives it a darker, more tactical look. The 20mm lug width means you’ll be able to enjoy this one on the matching titanium bracelet, the nylon strap that it comes with, and many other straps that you probably already own. The case measures 42mm across and 14.3mm tall. The rugged titanium outer shell hosts a COSC-certified chronometer-grade Sellita SW200-1. And that’s not the only title that this watch can proudly claim. It is also an ISO 6425-certified diver rated to 300m of water resistance.
The final cherry on top is the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver Titanium’s price tag, which is approximately €2,480. All things considered, that’s a lot of watch for the money! And if titanium isn’t your thing, the watch is also available (albeit in a different colorway) in steel for just over €1,500.
Final thoughts
There you have it, my dear Fratelli. Zodiac is killing it and has been doing so for the past couple of years. So take this as a PSA to keep your eyes on the brand’s next moves, as you may be in for a pleasant surprise. And should you be in the market for a funky and fun yet capable dive watch that sets itself apart from the usual suspects, you should definitely have a look at the Super Sea Wolf lineup on the Zodiac website. But if you’re easily charmed, be careful; it may be better to stay away unless you want a Zodiac-sized hole in your bank account.
Take a minute to share your thoughts on the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver in the comments below. Do you see yourself spending hot summer days poolside with this one on your wrist? Or is it too bright for comfort? Finally, looking at Zodiac’s lineup, what’s your favorite watch on offer? There are no wrong answers, but I’d love to know what you guys and gals think.
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