Zelos: A great microbrand to start your watch collection!
After viewing a ton of watch videos, I realized that there are some great starter watches to learn the hobby. My journey began with Orient and Seiko, stables in the affordable watch collecting world. Yet newcomers will soon discover that to get the best bang for buck, you must explore the world of microbrands. When I first discovered Zelos, I thought the watches were average yet large. To confess, I thought some of the Ali Express brands were on par to my ignorance (To note, some of the Ali express brands are okay but generally lack originality and movement choice). Now, I pretty much collect watches based on the movement as well as collecting the perfect watch for every occasion. If you are like me, Zelos is the perfect option for a patient buyer. They release a ton of different watches each year (Divers, Chronographs, GMTs, Dress, Field) and use both Japanese and Swiss made movements. Check them out if you haven’t already, the owner is amazing and is a young guy which is pretty cool. I love owning watches and knowing the actual person behind it. Just my thoughts. Good day everyone!
My name is Antwan and I have been collecting watches since 2020. I am here to gain knowledge and to learn more about watches in general, as well as vintage pieces.
Zelos is a good one to start with. I would say one should go with some of the more established ones with big followings, IMO. So Zelos, Farer, Baltic, Christopher Ward, and Islander are some good ones to start with.
I'm sure there are more that fit that criteria, that's just for starters.
I have three microbrands in my sights namely phoebus, Vario and Island watches.
I haven't considered Zelos before but I'm about to research them so thanks for bringing it up!
This is why I gifted my nephew a Great White bumble bee for graduation. I was so tempted to give him the empty box and keep it for myself. Zelos is the real deal.
I have three microbrands in my sights namely phoebus, Vario and Island watches.
I haven't considered Zelos before but I'm about to research them so thanks for bringing it up!
Phoibos is nice
I like their Mako and Horizon models. The new chronographs look pretty handsome too. But if I'm honest, most of their catalogs don't appeal to me that much. Always great value though.
I agree that you tend to get more bang for your buck with microbrands, that’s why I’ve currently got three of them with three more on the way. The main argument against them seems to be if something gies wrong with them they’re hard to fix, but I think if they’re a respected micro like Zelos and use one of the standard movements: Miyota, ETA, Selita etc. it shouldn’t be a problem.
Haven’t really looked into Zelos that much as I’ve always thought if them as more of a dive watch brand but maybe I’ll check them out next time I’m looking to get a new micro.
I like their Mako and Horizon models. The new chronographs look pretty handsome too. But if I'm honest, most of their catalogs don't appeal to me that much. Always great value though.
I feel the same way about Phoibus. While there is tons of value in their watches, they styling does not speak to me. I will have to say, their designs have been getting better over the last 2 years though.
I agree that you tend to get more bang for your buck with microbrands, that’s why I’ve currently got three of them with three more on the way. The main argument against them seems to be if something gies wrong with them they’re hard to fix, but I think if they’re a respected micro like Zelos and use one of the standard movements: Miyota, ETA, Selita etc. it shouldn’t be a problem.
Haven’t really looked into Zelos that much as I’ve always thought if them as more of a dive watch brand but maybe I’ll check them out next time I’m looking to get a new micro.
Recently (over the last year), it seems they are incorporating more watch styles than just the typical dive watches they are known for. I would check them out. I think they will have some nice dress and GMT pieces coming out soon. I cannot wait until Zelos makes a GMT with the new Seiko NH-34 movement.
Recently (over the last year), it seems they are incorporating more watch styles than just the typical dive watches they are known for. I would check them out. I think they will have some nice dress and GMT pieces coming out soon. I cannot wait until Zelos makes a GMT with the new Seiko NH-34 movement.
Thanks I’ll keep an eye on them. I like dive watches but I’ve already got 3 I really like (2 of them micros), so hadn’t been paying them enough attention.
I love the Micro watch movement. Here is a great resource for anyone looking.
https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/microbrand-watches-complete-guide
Cheers!
Phoibos is nice
Yes a fantastic looking piece. Right up my alley!
I completely agree that Zelos is a really great microbrand that makes many interesting watches. I've been waiting on the Teal Mako in the next restock run or next version. Strong lume, beautiful dial, hardened titanium, hi beat movement. So much to like.
Zelos is a fantastic brand. The Mako V3 bronze meteorite is absolutely stunning. I was able to order it and am very much looking forward to enjoying it when it arrives.