Zodiac Red Dot - My Daily Watch

As a diver watch guy, it might come as a surprise that this is my GADA watch. Though not technically a diver watch, it stands up to the challenge with a robust 100m water resistance, a secure crown, and even a diver extension on the bracelet.

What sets this watch apart, and the reason it’s my daily choice, is how it just ticks all the right boxes. Its neo-vintage appeal hits the sweet spot - not too fresh, yet not too dated, allowing me to wear it without constant worry or care. It’s powered by the reliable Valjoux 7750 caliber, a workhorse that stands the test of time without breaking the bank for upkeep. The size is just right, neither too big nor too small, and the bracelet is a standout feature, striking a perfect balance between aesthetics and comfort.

And now, the “red dot”.

The Zodiac Red Point series is part of a broader collection known as the Point series, fondly referred to as the “Dot” series among collectors. The Point series was designed to create a tiered system of technical watches, particularly focusing on divers and chronographs. The three tiers were Red, Gold, and Silver, each being distinguished by a colored dot on the dial​​.

The Red Point watches were designated as the “Professional Sports Watches” line and were available in both men’s and women’s styles. These watches were considered the workhorses of the line, with many being divers, available in both automatic and quartz variants. Their design took heavy inspiration from vintage ref. 980 Heuer divers and what would eventually become TAG’s 1000 Professional series. There was a variety of case finishes, including stainless steel, two-tone, and gold, and dials came in several colors like black, white, blue, and even fully lumed variants​​.

A popular piece in the Red Point line was the Valjoux 7750-powered chronograph, exemplifying good 90s design. They came in black, blue, and white versions, with either a diver’s or tachymeter bezel. Today, these watches are highly sought after, with some commanding prices around the 1.5K mark, with high asks nearing $2,000​​.

The Silver and Gold tiers were known as “Professional Divers Watches” and “Elegant Sports Watches,” respectively. While the design of the Silver Point collection was a bit more adventurous than the Red Point series, the Gold Point watches were a bit more ostentatious, many borrowing from some of the older Aquaracer and Formula 1 designs​​.

In addition to the Red, Silver, and Gold tiers, there was another color generally not associated with this family—Blue Points. These were reserved for what became of the Sea Wolf line, labeled as “Ultra-Resistant Professional Divers Watches.” These models were also available in both quartz and automatic variants and in a variety of styles​​.

The Zodiac Point models were in production through much of the 1990s before being discontinued in 1998. Today, all four colors can be found regularly on the vintage market, with the Red Points being the most common and most desired.