Microbrand Spotlight: Zelos Horizons 39mm with Miyota Inside
Big brands like Seiko or Rolex may be popular thanks to their tasteful watch offerings, but microbrands deserve some attention too. In the ever-evolving landscape of watchmaking, microbrands have emerged as a breath of fresh air, offering enthusiasts a unique blend of creativity, quality, and value.
One such microbrand that has been getting attention is Zelos Watches, and their Horizons 39mm model is a prime example of the brand's commitment to delivering an exceptional watch-wearing experience. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Zelos and their impressive Horizons 39mm with a reliable Miyota movement beating at its heart.
About Zelos
Zelos Watches is a Singapore-based microbrand founded by Elshan Tang, a passionate watch enthusiast with a vision to create timepieces that combine bold designs with exceptional craftsmanship and value. Driven by a love for horology and a desire to offer something unique, Zelos has quickly garnered a dedicated following among watch collectors who appreciate the brand's attention to detail and commitment to quality.
From the very beginning, Zelos has focused on creating watches that stand out from the crowd, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The brand's designs are characterized by a bold and distinctive style, often drawing inspiration from the natural world and incorporating unique color combinations and intricate dial patterns.
The Horizons 39mm
Source: Zelos Watches
The Zelos Horizons 39mm is a prime example of the brand's ability to create watches that are both visually stunning and highly wearable. With its 39mm stainless steel case, the Horizons strikes a perfect balance between presence and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes.
The watch's design is a masterclass in understated elegance, featuring a sleek and well-proportioned case with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The dial is where the Horizons truly shines, with a range of colorways that showcase Zelos' commitment to creativity and attention to detail. From the deep blue of the "Ocean" variant to the rich burgundy of the "Dusk" edition, each dial is a work of art, with intricate patterns and textures that catch the light in mesmerizing ways.
The Horizons 39mm is also highly customizable, with a range of strap options that allow wearers to personalize the look of their watch. From supple leather straps to rugged NATO-style nylon bands, there's something to suit every taste and occasion.
The Miyota Movement
Source: Pardwin
Beating at the heart of the Zelos Horizons 39mm is a reliable and accurate Miyota movement. Miyota is a Japanese movement manufacturer known for producing high-quality, affordable calibers that are widely used by watch brands across the globe.
The specific Miyota caliber used in the Horizons 39mm is the 9015, a robust and proven automatic movement with a beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second) and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. This movement is renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and ease of serviceability, making it an excellent choice for a watch designed for everyday wear.
One of the advantages of using a Miyota movement is the balance it strikes between performance and affordability. While it may not boast the same level of prestige as some of the more luxurious Swiss movements, the Miyota 9015 offers a level of quality and reliability that punches well above its weight class, especially when paired with the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail that Zelos is getting known for.
Value Proposition
The Zelos Horizons 39mm represents an exceptional value proposition for watch enthusiasts seeking a high-quality timepiece without breaking the bank. With prices typically ranging from $500 to $700 USD, depending on the specific variant and strap option, the Horizons offers a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is often associated with watches costing significantly more.
When compared to offerings from larger, more established brands in a similar price range, the Zelos Horizons 39mm stands out for its unique design language, customization options, and the use of a reliable and accurate Miyota movement. Moreover, by supporting a microbrand like Zelos, watch enthusiasts are not only getting an exceptional timepiece but also contributing to the growth and success of independent watchmaking.
Miyota Watch with a Personal Touch
As you may already know, we recently released Miyota parts on our store so our modfam can have a go at a more premium, personalized watch. The Zelos Horizons 39mm that we covered is an impressive watch, yes, but you can make your own that’s equally impressive or more. Especially since you can make it yourself, according to your exact specifications!
If you want to build a Field watch style mod with Miyota inside, you can get our NMK949 Case, clocking in at a slim 38mm case diameter and just 9.15mm of thickness. It’s substantially thinner than any watch you can mod with an NH movement, making it a great choice for those looking for an understated watch.
he dials on the Zelos Horizons are a big selling point, so you will have to use a patterned dial for your mod. Some good choices would be GS Wave Dials with a pattern that emulates the gentle waves of the sea. The GS Dress Sunburst dials are another recommendation, which although they don’t have a pattern, their reflective look that plays in the light is a sight to behold.
Conclusion
The Zelos Horizons 39mm is a shining example of the incredible value and creativity that microbrands like Zelos Watches bring to the world of horology. With its stunning design, reliable Miyota movement, and exceptional attention to detail, this timepiece is a must-have for any watch enthusiast seeking something truly unique and exceptional. As the microbrand revolution continues to gain momentum, watches like the Horizons 39mm serve as a reminder that exceptional craftsmanship and value can be found outside the usual luxury watch brands.
And we hope shining the spotlight on this microbrand watch has given you an idea of the kind of timepieces that are possible with Miyota movements. Their higher beat rate, better power reserve, and slimmer profile, puts them ahead of the Seiko NH. And while we know that nothing can beat the NH in terms of accessibility and popularity in the modding scene, we want to show that for those looking for something new, there is a worthy alternative.
We currently offer two Miyota movements, four compatible cases, and tens of dials and hands that you can mix and match for a unique and personalized Miyota build. Be sure to check them out and get ideas for your next premium mod!