Zelos Skyraider 40 Skeleton Titanium

Buffy Acacia

For the micro-brand born on Kickstarter, Zelos has achieved incredible things. I often get praised for Zeros as one of the main supporters of met stone dials, powerful luminous markers in multiple colors, and as a massive facet case found in many brands now. And while Zeros still makes incredible backer dive watches that sell out as quickly as they’re released, their value extends to the more expensive end of the catalogue. The Skyraider 40 Skeleton Titanium is just another example of its unique brand power, and goes against all expectations of what you get for under 2,000 US dollars.

case

Zelos’ recognizable style was not limited to watch dials, as the case has so many personalities. The Skyraider 40 Skeleton Titanium is one of the more traditional cases, but still breaks through with harsh angles and brutal trembling. Very close to standard pilot watches, it has maximum dial space and a thin bezel for less focused acute lugs. Its large crown with its cone-shaped facet also affects its veins, helping to wind the movement of the hand-winding inside. If you are concerned about the relative softness of titanium, this case cures to 1,200 hV, giving it a scratch resistance right next to the ceramic.

The dimensions are on point for pilot watches that are worn on a daily basis, yet designed to be noticed. It has a diameter of 40mm and is from 46mm lugs to lug length, which should fit perfectly on the average wrist. What’s even more impressive is the thickness. This is only 8.2mm before taking into account the box dommy sapphire crystal. It’s definitely within the range that slides under the cuffs, but comfort is your number one priority. The titanium case and bracelet ensure that it is light on the wrist, giving the watch a dim gray shade. The 50m water resistance is a bit disappointing for what could otherwise have been a swimming sports watch, but it is a fair sacrifice to make the case thin.

Dial

The most affordable skeleton watches tend to look the same, as they all use the same few moves and tricks to hollow them out, but Zeros adds to it to set it apart from the rest We will take measures. I’ll return to the movement details later, but the way the upper layers of dial skeletonization were treated is very special. The emphasis is placed on the curve as the bridge worms across the dial and the clear arms ranging from left to right. Nearly 3 o’clock, the section is engraved with the Zelos logo to avoid the need for printing that distracts from the overall appearance. At 12 o’clock, there are only a few sparse struts to allow for a complete view of the skeletonized main spring barrel.

At 6 o’clock, there is a run-second sub-dial, highlighted by a semi-floating red hand. It would be cool in its own right, but what’s cool is that the second track is completely framed the gear carrying the hand. To allow you to read the time, a pair of modernized alpha hands points to the ring of chapters around the dial. The 12 o’clock index is a triangle with two dots that links the watch to the pilot’s tradition.

Movement

There is not much information about the Marvin 700 that Zelos used for the Skyraider 40 Skeleton, but here’s what I can connect with. Its architecture is closely related to the ETA/Unitas 6498, but has been effectively reduced. However, Marvin was founded in 1850 and even things like early Rolex had quite a long success, both in manufacturing and in selling watches in other movements. The claim to fame was a Flying Dutchman model of the 1950s and 60s, and was affiliated with airlines and luxury car companies to wear Malvin watches. The company was largely abandoned during the quartz crisis of the 70s. That’s where the supply of Marvin 700 Caribour was born.

Other Marvin 700 moves are used by Longines, but it appears that Zeros has gotten a small supply of them for renovation and skeletalization. While some may say that doing all this work in the NOS movement is heretical, I admire Zeros’ courage. The result is a complex, hypnotizing movement that can be studied for hours, especially considering the etching and decoration of some components. You can roughly measure the watch’s power reserve by checking the main spring from the front of the dial.

bracelet

Some of the Zeros clocks are not boring. Certainly, the 20mm lug width and quick release spring bar means you can place all the straps you need in a Skyraider 40 skeleton titanium, but the supplied titanium bracelet is attractive. The single link style becomes the BioMech style where Zelos thrives, just as if it were the spine of Android. The brushed finish is softer than expected, leading to an incredible otherworldly divergent radiance. Additionally, the clasp includes integrated fly micro adjustments than what you can find on most luxury watches. The tapered bracelet also helps to lose overall weight and improve its comfort.

verdict

Sometimes, watches that present great value for money can feel like they’ve compiled a list of specifications. The price is the only thing that I find appealing about it. That’s not the case with the Zelos Skyraider 40 titanium. It just happens to be an incredibly attractive watch with the serious vision behind its design, with the preferred specifications as well. When you bring in a renovated vintage movement with custom skeletonization, some other brands are almost trying to sell for USD 2,000 or twice that. It’s no surprise that these watches are sold out quickly, and only five remain at the time of writing. Go quickly or be aware of future versions of alternative materials.