While there may be debate as to which brand released the first modern diver’s watch, it’s safe to say that Zodiac was one of the first three. The Sea Wolf debuted in the 1950s. 1957 is likely the watch’s release year, but this is still up for debate. And its original design still stands strong today. So does Zodiac. Founded in 1882, the brand went bankrupt in the 1990s, but since 2001 it has been part of the Fossil Group. While the “Sea Wolf” name didn’t survive the bankruptcy and the vision of the new owners, the “Super Sea Wolf” survived, and the successors of those watches are thriving. The new 18K gold-plated Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compression Diver is a great example. It’s a gorgeous celebration of the watch’s history, and it looks like the “OG” in shiny gear.
No, the gleaming Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compression Diver (ref. ZO9308) with its 18K gold-plated case and bracelet is not a sparkling homage to the original Sea Wolf from the 1950s. Zodiac doesn’t adorn the watch with its iconic gold medal or claim that it’s the first of its kind. Instead, the press release states that the watch “reflects the moment when the sunrise meets the sea.” Ok. Now, let’s talk price. Some say the sunrise is one of the few things money can’t buy, and the watch equivalent of this everyday natural phenomenon costs $4,995. Only 300 of the “sunrise watches” will be available, though. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether that price is fair for a sunrise.
Shine, the crazy Zodiac Super Seawolf Compression Diver
Say what you will about the price, but if you’re after a gleaming gold look, the latest Super Seawolf Compression Diver rivals watches eight times more expensive. Yes, the diver’s watch I’m referring to is also from the 1950s and has a solid yellow gold case and bracelet, not gold plated. But from afar, gold is gold. By using 18K gold as a plating instead of a base material for the case and five-row bracelet, Zodiac was able to create the look without skimping on the cost. And the use of a very thin layer of 18K yellow gold, which is 75% pure gold, makes it more luxurious than gold-colored PVD coatings that mimic the hue of precious metals.
A yellow gold dive watch on a yellow gold bracelet has mixed reviews. Some consider it vulgar, while others see it as camp, a status symbol, or luxury. Pick the term that best suits your opinion. Either way, the 18K gold-plated Super Seawolf Compression Diver is certainly provocative.
Stimulate opinion
It’s impossible not to have an opinion about the Super Seawolf Compression Diver in its 18K gold plated outfit. When I first saw it, it made me laugh. It felt a little strange on my wrist. I can’t imagine ever owning or wearing a yellow or rose gold watch with a matching bracelet. And it made me a little giddy. So, after the initial mental awkwardness, I smiled and slowly but surely began to understand the appeal of this watch. If you want a watch that’s a little flashy, outspoken, a little obnoxious, fun, but well-made enough to wear anywhere, this might be the watch for you.
Is this gold-plated Super Seawolf for dive watch aficionados? No, it’s not. If you’re interested in the brand and value its features, this gold version could be the pinnacle of your collection. Also, keep in mind that Zodiac has made more exotic models in the past as well. Take the Super Seawolf GMT with its pink and white bezel insert. With this light-hearted watch in mind, let’s also take a look at this 18K gold-plated timepiece. It’s almost like the Joker said, “Why so serious?”
Wearing a gold Super Seawolf compression diver
On the wrist, it feels the same as any other Super Seawolf Compression Diver. The design is the same, not revolutionary, but it takes inspiration from vintage models and is reliable. For example, I like the long, angular lugs. The case is 40mm wide, 13.6mm thick (including crystal), and 48.5mm lug-to-lug, so it should fit most wrists comfortably. At least, it did on my 18cm wrist. The five-row bracelet with a spring-loaded (expandable) butterfly clasp was also nothing to complain about.
Zodiac proves once again that they know how to play with color. This 18K gold-plated watch has a unidirectional diving bezel with a black ceramic insert, and the dial is dark blue instead of black. It doesn’t work in theory, but in practice it does: two colors that are too close to each other to be right, but are placed in a golden microcosm, giving it depth and movement. Dive watch purists might say something about the sunray finish on the dial, but this gold-plated Super Sea Wolf is no drab tool watch. Still, with a water resistance of 200 meters, this shining creature is up to the task when you need it.
A final word on the gold-plated Zodiac Super Seawolf Compression Diver
Inside the gleaming Super Sea Wolf is a Swiss Technology Production (STP) automatic 1-21 movement. STP is the Fossil Group’s movement manufacturer, and the 1-21 is based on the ETA 2824-2 and Sellita SW200-1. It’s a no-nonsense 4Hz movement with a 40-hour power reserve. There’s not much to say about the caliber. But, fortunately, this watch has the power to generate some discussion. We’ve had some discussion here at HQ, and we’re sure you’re all eager to leave your thoughts in the comments section by now. Hold on while we wrap this up. The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compression Diver in 18K plated gold is a love it or hate it kind of watch. You either love it or you don’t.
But apart from not taking this watch too seriously, it should be seen as a logical extension of the collection. There are plenty of other gold diver watches in the ocean. For example, two other famous diver watches born in the 1950s are available in much more exclusive and expensive gold references. It was about time for Zodiac to join the club, and now they have done so with a watch that shares the luxury look but is much more affordable. Zodiac also recognizes that 300 pieces is the right unit number for this limited edition. No doubt Zodiac has done some well-thought calculations and evaluations to ensure that all 300 pieces reach the dedicated OGs who “understand” the watch and can buy it. I understand that too. It took a while, but the gold-plated Super Seawolf Compression Diver made me smile. Are you smiling?
