In Review: Zodiac Olympos

If you recall, we just told you about the Field Watch version of the Zodiac Olympos (seen here), which itself was another version of the watch design we saw reintroduced earlier this year (and covered here). Since that original launch, we’ve been spending time with the most intriguing color option of the Zodiac Olympos.

That, of course, would be the royal blue with the hits of teal showing up on the seconds hand, date window, and lower text on the dial. Before we get into the colors and such, though, we need to really start with that case. The Manta Ray shape is definitely unique, and the first time you see the watch, that’s definitely what hits you. As you wear it, however, the contours you just get used to. And given that they’re done on a smaller case (officially a 37mm diameter) they’re not digging into your wrist. So, you get some good visual interest that’s not distracting.

We also really dig the fact that the case is only 10mm thick. When we think automatic watches, we’re just accustomed to stuff that’s 12-15mm thick, so 10mm just feels absolutely svelte. But you don’t have to take my word for it. My oldest took an immediate shine to the watch (she likes these shades of blue as well) and the the case sizing fit her wrist quite well. Perhaps a little large, but it still works, and it’s actually been on her wrist more the last month or two than my own.

Which is ok, because I do have one nit to pick with the Zodiac Olympos, and it has to do with the design feature that drew me to this specific model – the teal date window. Between the brighter color, the thinner white font used for the numerals, and just the overall smaller date window size, I had a heck of a time reading the date. I’ll admit, I need reading glasses more and more, but even with those, it was trickier. For my daughter, though, she reads it no problem. So, if you’ve got some vision issues, this may not be the one for you.

Fortunately, using the Zodiac Olympos as a timekeeper was no problem at all. Sure, there’s no lume, but the polished hands and indices stand out sharply so long as you’ve got a little light. And if you’ve got a lot of sunlight, well, they still stand out against the sectored sunray dial quite sharply. In other words, in a “you had one job” view of wristwatches, the Olympos gets it done and done well.

Those polished elements on the dial (indices and handset) extend to the bezel around the sapphire crystal, while the rest of the case and lugs have a brushed finish. I rather like this approach as the brushed finishing cuts down on smudges, while the polished elements give that bit of sparkle that allow a watch to come across as a bit dressier, when you need that sort of thing.

Oh, and out of the box, the included leather strap for the Zodiac Olympos is instantly comfortable (though why they didn’t go with teal for the contrast stitches, we don’t know). A note for you strap changers out there – it’s just a 19mm lug width. It fits with the overall dimensions of the case, but you won’t be able to slip your wealth of 20mm straps on there.

In the end, I (and my daughter) really like the looks and utility of the Zodiac Olympos. It’s vintage feel without hitting you over the head, and gives you a look that is unique to what you’re going to see from other brands. We’d put it also as firmly dressy casual, easy to mix across a variety of scenarios (and even more so if you go for a more conservative color combo). And while I hadn’t thought of it as a good “my first automatic mechanical” watch, that’s precisely what it’s turned into for my daughter. So, if you want to get one for you – or that responsible kiddo in your life – they’re going for $895 over at zodiacwatches.com