So, you’re thinking of getting a watch and you’ve come across the Zodiac watch brand. No doubt, Zodiac watches look impressive, but you’re a little bit skeptical, right? It’s a brand most people are not familiar with; because it’s not one of the household names in the watchmaking industry. However, the fact that a brand is not as popular does not mean it is not reputable or trustworthy.
Hence, are Zodiac watches any good? Zodiac watches are a great brand of watches, as it fulfills all the necessary criteria any quality watch should have and much more. The bare minimum standard of any good watch includes the following:
- Quality watch movement; either quartz movement or a certified mechanical movement quality glass, Sapphire glass
- Water-resistance; at least 10 ATM
- Durable materials for the casing and strap
- Beautiful design and finishing
Besides, being a standard watch in areas of functionality, Zodiac watches are a reputable brand of Swiss-made watches; with a long history of watchmaking. Zodiac watches are by all standards a good watch and a great investment.
However, other factors influence what draws one to watch the brand. Let’s consider some of the things you may need to know about the Zodiac watch brand.
How Good are Zodiac Watches?
Since the inception of Zodiac, it has been recognized for its precision and craftsmanship that the Swiss watchmaking industry is known for.
The company favors high quality bold, and functional watches. To this day Zodiac watches stays true to their traditional designs. Every watch produced throughout its history maintains the same sense of scale and authenticity, but with constant innovations in the areas of functionality.
The base plates and bridges of their mechanical movements are decorated with perlage that hints the company’s love for and attention to details. The movements also feature a 44-hour power reserve capacity. Zodiac’s movements are produced to withstand the rigors of the principal activities on land, on the sea, and in the air.
Also, the existence of the Zodiac watches for over 130 years gives it a lot more credibility. Though Zodiac has not always been in continuous operation throughout its history, the constant revival of its operations hints at the value of the brand itself.
In answering the question, Zodiac Watches are not only high-quality timepieces by all standards, but they also carry a rich history and repute, making it highly desirable for collectors.
Brief History of the Zodiac Watch
The company is now known as “Zodiac” has not always been known by that name. At the inception of the watchmaking firm with Ariste Calame establishing it in 1882, the firm, in turn, took the name of its founder which was a common tradition for most watch founders in that era.
The manufacturing of Calame’s watches took place in Le Locle, Switzerland. And it was not till 1908, that the name Zodiac was officially recognized and registered as the new name of the watchmaking firm. It was in that same year that the Zodiac was newly brought under the leadership of Louis Ariste Calame (Camale’s son).
The company has since expanded and thrived, especially in the 1900s, with the introduction of several iconic zodiac watch models. Models like Grandville, Grandrally, Olympos, Astrographic, Jetomatic, Sea Dragon and the popular Sea Wolf. Currently, the company is under a new administration after facing major financial troubles in the late 1900s.
Where are Zodiac Watches made?
Although Zodiac watches started in Le Locle, Switzerland. Currently, the timepieces are being manufactured in Biel/Bienne at the Antima headquarters also in Switzerland. Where expert watchmakers ensure the Swiss legacy of precision, quality, and innovation of its timepieces are maintained.
Who Owns Zodiac Watches?
Ever since the Zodiac watchmaking brand was started by Ariste Calame in 1882, and the subsequent hand over to his son Louis, the company has faced a series of changes in ownership and acquisitions.
In 1990, when the company faced major financial issues the owner could no longer retain its family ran ownership and was acquired by Willy Gad Monnier. The name of the company was subsequently renamed as Montres Zodiac SA. However, this new leadership did not last as long as expected; as it went bankrupt under seven years.
In 1998, the leadership of the company was thrust under control of the Genender International Inc. which gave it total control over Zodiacs management, rights, and assets.
Zodiac, later on, was formally under the control of Fossil Inc. after acquiring the total rights to the Zodiac brand on the 1st of October 2001. With this new leadership of the Zodiac brand, the company experienced a resurgence of every aspect of management, production, and marketing.
This resurgence was most visible with reintroduction and revamping of the some of the discontinued watch models like the Sea Wolf, Grandrally, and the introduction of the Basel World watch show in Switzerland.
Up to this day, Fossil Inc. has demonstrated that it is dedicated to persevering the rich history, and values of quality, originality, and functionality, that Zodiac is associated with.
Are Zodiac Watches Accurate?
The quality of the movement of a watch determines the accuracy, and functionality of the watch. Zodiac mechanical movements are manufactured in-house i.e. they manufacture their movements.
The mechanical movements are made under the STP name and are certified by the COSC, which is the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. This institute is in charge of endorsing and guaranteeing that a Swiss watch meets the functional standard (precision) that Swiss watches are known for.
COSC chronometer testing performs several tests as part of the certification. One of the generally known COSC tests is the “mean daily rate” test. This test sets the standard that, a men’s watch size mechanical movement must maintain accuracy within -4 to +6 seconds variations per day; approximately +99.994% accuracy.
That’s pretty accurate by any standards, and Zodiac watches maintain the same level of accuracy i.e. Zodiac watches are as accurate as mechanical watches come.
Best Zodiac Men’s Watch?
Zodiac watches under the ownership of Fossil Inc. has revived the brand, making it suitable for both the young and old. And the recreation of classic designs from Zodiac archives with slight improvements to make it suitable for the modern market. All the watches made by Zodiac now, maintain the high-quality and standards of their former Swiss heritage, with added innovations.
Let’s consider some of the finest and the best Zodiac watch models available now.
Zodiac Astrographic
The Astrographic was originally introduced in 1969, was the first major release to relaunch the Zodiac brand. The Astrographic model appearance remains as striking and intriguing as it did when it was first launched in ’69.
What makes this timepiece so unique? Is it the hands of the watch? Yes. Because the hands appear to be floating over the dial. These hands are graphics that are printed on rotating transparent disks, achieving the unique floating effect. The result is intriguing and aesthetically pleasing.
It is almost as futuristic-looking as it did in 1969 when it was first launched. The casing retains the same rectilinear barrel shape, with a dial layered so that it pronounces the floating effect. Making the watch almost hypnotic if you stare too long, especially with the red orbiting dot that signifies the passing of the seconds.
These features are balanced with the strong and masculine casing. The watch comes in a tapering steel bracelet, to temper the size of the watch, as it is noticeably a large watch.
Without a doubt, the Astrographic is a unique watch that just might not appeal to everyone, but it’s worth is undeniable.
Zodiac Sea Dragon
The Sea Dragon design is a mix of sporty, casual, and office wear. This model is very versatile, like many classic watches from the ’60s. The sea dragon is available in stainless steel bracelets or leather straps.
The casing is a 39mm barrel-shaped case with faceted lugs and beautiful finishing. The crystal is slightly domed that blends with the polished oblique edges and lugs. The timepiece is remarkably thin, and that makes it very comfortable on the wrist.
The Sea Dragon dial retains its vintage appeal but also appeals to the modern watch enthusiast, with the vibrant color detailing on the hands and hour markers. Surely, colors play an important part in the Sea Dragon’s design. And each watch dials comes in a variety of colors that match or contrast.
The outer edge on the dial features a contrasting ring with a minute /second’s index that adds to its sporty appeal. The Sea Dragon is your go-to daily wear watch to the office, sports events, or just a casual occasion.
Zodiac Sea Wolf
This is one of the most iconic watch models from Zodiac. The Sea Wolf watch is a specialized line of professional sports and divers watch. This model is what Zodiac has been popularly associated with ever since.
The Zodiac Sea Wolf was introduced in 1953, and it was the world’s first commercial divers’ watch to be made. It was released a year ahead of the Rolex Submariner.
The timepiece remains largely unchanged through decades, with only minor additions like the date complication. As with the Sea Dragon, Zodiac intends to spice up the collection with colors, both vibrant colors and drab colors. And it retains the original dial, case, and bezel design of the Sea Wolf.
Zodiac Grandrally Chronograph
The Grandrally Chronograph is another of Zodiac’s original designs from 1975, purpose-built for professional drivers.
Recently, it has been modernized to suit the gentlemen racers whilst still retaining the Zodiac heritage. It features a date complication, domed sapphire crystal, luminous markers, a padded leather strap, and a polished finish.
Zodiac Olympos Automatic
Based on the original design from 1961, the Olympos Automatic is one of Zodiac’s watches with a dressier appeal.
It features a manta ray shaped stainless steel casing, with a black dial and silver accents to complement its look.
Finally
Zodiac watches, though it watches are more specialized for the working men, men of action or passion-driven men, it is not limited to professional risk-takers. Zodiac watches are very stylish and elegant.
Its beautiful timepieces can be worn by anyone, and everyone from the race track driver, scuba divers, and pilots to anyone who relies on the impeccable performance of precision timing.
