Last year, I spent some quality time with the Zelos Chroma. I liked this everyday dress watch, declaring it to be “a refreshing twist on the modern minimalist theme.” Since then, Zelos has tweaked the initial design to create the Chroma 2, and has just released three Limited Edition models in carbon fiber, bronze, and Damasteel.
The Chroma’s essential elements are unchanged. It retains the 42mm lugless case, front and real sapphire crystals, anti-reflective coating, and sunray dial with cutaway markers. Perhaps the most significant improvement is the addition of luminous paint to the hands and markers. It is a subtle change that addresses one of the few complaints about the original model, whose polished hands sometimes disappeared against the dial. Inside, the old Miyota 8215 automatic movement gives way to a Miyota 821A4 with improved finishing and a PVD gold rotor. The Chroma 2 comes in Cream, Rose Gold, and Sport models, selling for $269.
Chroma 2 Limited Editions use exotic case materials to take the line to a new level. The Bronze edition pairs a CuSn8 bronze case with gold hands, a black dial, and a brown leather strap. Bronze has become a popular choice for sport watches and I am pleased to see it used for a more formal style. The mellow patina should be a pleasant contrast to the otherwise sleek and modern design. Full price will be $349, but are on sale now for just $299, making this one of the more affordable bronze options out there.
The Carbon Limited Edition uses the same black and rose gold color scheme as the Rose Gold model, but instead of the standard model’s PVD coated stainless steel, the Carbon’s case is milled from a solid block of black carbon fiber, revealing the layers within. The result is a strong, high-tech, and about half the weight. Pricing is identical to the Bronze.
Bronze and carbon are cool choices, but they are not uncommon in the watch world. Damascus Steel, on the other hand, is a whole other story. Damascus Steel was an alloy developed in the near east used for making blades and swords. It is strong, resilient, carries a sharp edge, and has a distinctive swirled and mottled pattern. The original process was lost by the mid-18th century, but modern reproductions exist like the pattern welded stainless steel by Damasteel of Sweden. The case is machined from a solid rod of the stuff and lightly acid washed to produce a deeply grained finish. It is a beautiful effect and not at all common in the watch world. Because of production challenges, only 25 were produced. Full price is $649 but it is on sale now for $499.
For more information see www.zeloswatches.com.
All Photographs courtesy of Zelos Watches
