A review is just one individual’s opinion. Take it. Weigh it. It may inform, irritate, entertain, or none of those things. In the end, make up your own mind if a timepiece is for you. The watch I am reviewing has multiple reviews, most of them extremely positive. So please, don’t just take my word if you are in the want to buy this watch. If you are familiar with Zelos, then you know this is not just a brand, but a passion of Mr. Elshan Tang. For the past five years I have owned the Abyss (v2). This watch is a handsome, well-constructed, bronze work of art that I love. Recently, I added the  Zelos Swordfish 40mm TI to my horological stable. It is the best watch I regret buying. There is a strange dichotomy in this watch. The features I really like, also hold a lot of disappointment.

Let me start with the specs. It has a 40mm diameter, is 46 lug to lug and is a trim 12mm tall with a 200m water resistance rating. Lastly, and stop me if you have heard this before, it is powered by an NH35. Now let us get down to some nitty gritty.

First example is the watch face/head. It has angles that may remind some of a smaller Seiko Samurai. But I believe with the quality, size and titanium case/bracelet construction, it easily separates itself from being confused for previously mentioned watch. The color is unlike anything else I own. The warm, subtle nature of the brushed titanium with the textured Desert Sand colorway is just superb. The color matched date wheel keeps the aesthetics clean, but, at times and under different lighting, the date gets lost. I have no doubt, most of this has to do with my choice of colours for the Zelos Swordfish 40mm TI.

Back to the face, add the bits of red and it has a pleasing toasted smoke appearance. I have seen many watches try and fail using the fautina lume. Not so with the Zelos Swordfish 40mm TI. Unlike some of their other offerings, it will not be mistaken for Indiglo, it definitely is plenty capable. Zelos has a signature of using different colors/types of lume (C3 and BGW9) together on a dial. This may be strange to say, but when glowing, it has an immensely satisfying look. Then alas the disappointment. The face of the watch gives a visual itch I cannot scratch. The gaps between the dodecagon keeper around the crystal and the bezel make the watch look ill thought out or incomplete in some way. It is like listening to Miles Davis play with hiccups.

Second example is the bracelet. The signed, milled clasp is smooth to operate. With the case shape, lug angle and the way the links move, the Zelos Swordfish 40mm TI allows me to get the best fit I have ever with a watch on a bracelet. Factor in the svelte 114g (post sizing) weight, and this is one of those timepieces that is a pleasure to wear. Forgive the cliche, but it can, at times, truly disappear on the wrist. And then it reappears. A great fit has a caveat, the bracelet is a wee bit of a hair nipper and pincher. Not an aspect you expect with a quality timepiece. Two other negatives with the bracelet: First, it has sharp edges that are noticeable when you put the watch on, but not while wearing. Second, it is a squeaky little thing at times.

I know they are vastly different watches, but the contrast in my first Zelos and my current Zelos Swordfish 40mm TI is a bit jarring. Do I regret buying it? Yes, a bit. It will definitely make me think twice before another purchase from this company. In the end, will the neutral color and wearability of this lightweight diver, with some great dimensions, overcome some deficits of design? Time will tell. Stay safe, stay well and thanks for reading – FuzzyFur