3.0 out of 5 stars
value to watch, 15 Aug 2010
This review is from: Zodiac ZO8006 Gents Oceanaire diving watch with anti-allergic rubber strap (Watch)
This is a good value mechanical time piece and looks good on the wrist.
Zodiac are a long serving Swiss watch brand and have produced some great products in the past.
The company has taken some flack since being purchased by the American group fashion group Fossil Inc.
One of the main digs by the watch industry was the use of a large number of Chinese parts in their "Swiss Made" movements. In fact this watch uses (as I understand) the CL888 movement which is in fact a Chinese movement refinished by the the Swiss based manufacture and finishers Claro-Semag (also owned by Fossil I believe).
The movement itself runs fairly smooth and the second hand has a wonderful sweeping motion with the watch keeping good time during the few weeks I have owned it.
The only issues that I have found with the watch is reflected in the origin on the movement. Firstly when setting the watch from stopped if you need to adjust the date a full month (i.e. from 14th all way round to the 12th say) when you get to the 1st it won't go past this point and you need to pull the crown out to the second position (hands adjust) and rotate the hands a full 24 hours to move the date to the 2nd where you can then use the first crown position to adjust to the appropriate date.
The second thing is the auto wind mechanism (which is not the smoothest thing in horology) has a slight annoying "feel" as it spins with your wrists movements. It serves its purpose but the sensation and sound when it spins lets you know that it's not a Patek Philippe!
My last minor gripe is the superb antiallergic rubber strap. It is great looking and comfortable and without doubt performs its antiallergic task. The only thing is that it gets unbelievably dirty unbelievably quickly and is unbelievably difficult to clean.
Apart from these minor issues I do like the watch and it is extremely good value. I have not tested its water resistant qualities but both the crown and the back seem exceptionally well sealed.
I would recommend this watch not just for its performance and looks but also its reasonable price. In my opinion it has many advantages over products much higher in price.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No