Zodiac...

It seem lost momentum, So what ever happened to them?

Still around. They have not lost momentum as far as I can tell. They have lost direction, though.

My understanding is that Metro Watch, the "factory" dealer on ebay, is no longer active, leaving a gap in online affordable sales. Zodiac has gone fashion/Swiss, now really only available at retail prices $700+ at places like Saks and Neiman Marcus. This has allowed the brand to gouge the casual upscale shopper who doesn't know better.

The models have become giant sized and over the top. The Oceanaire line is still attractive to me, but not at the current prices.



I also like the design on this one, but it is sadly oversized, 52mm including crown I believe:

Their prices have gone frickin nutz...........

I have second thoughts about letting this one go...they don't make them like this anymore

That Zodiac is major coolness, Eddie and I love my Dragon Wing.

A couple of years ago, I thought that Zodiac was right on the verge of a very major low-mid level market breakthrough with their quality control and design team...and then (my opinion) they totally blew it by trying to fight oughtta their weight class.

They could have been a major force on the affordables type forums. Great value, very inventive styling...

I'd say hang on to your Zodiacs. My thinking is that the brand is in a total transition right now, whether or not it intends to be. To go from offering a huge variety of styles, sizes, and price ranges to now only several styles in only much higher price ranges (while staying 95% quartz) is a huge shift. They'll lose the eBay crowd for sure, but hard to tell if they'll gain a crowd in the brick and mortar retail world.

Anyone seen any of these on forums? I've seen maybe 1 or 2 new Oceanaires but that's about it.

My own experience with the brand was "taking a chance" with a watch from Metro for $85 shipped - the Dragon Wing. Still wear it a lot, best quartz chrono i've ever owned!

eddiea wrote:I have second thoughts about letting this one go...they don't make them like this anymore

There's two reasons I didn't take you up on your offer last year. One the person I was buying for wouldn't understand what he was getting and the other is I think you might regret getting rid of something not easily replaced at this time.

FreeDive wrote:I'd say hang on to your Zodiacs.

Agreed , it makes sense...
One of the best quartz chronos I ever have, is my ZMX...a keeper.

there there but i think their prices are dumb.

got an email though a couple weeks ago and they are making a new oceanaire. some chronos and autos.

Zodiac is a disappointment to me these days. They used to make decent quality watches for a few hundred dollars. The style was unique and cool. But now their styles are over the top with prices to match. I guess the oversized styles they have today will appeal to some young buyers.

I have owned about a dozen Zodiac watches. I still have 3 that I intend to keep long term. Here are some I have had.

One of yours have a similar case that my ZMX-01
diffent dial and movement, I see.

Yep. I found that one at a TJMaxx for $30. I don't have it any more. But I do wish I had a ZMX-01.

I had a Dragon Wing, a diver, the name of which escapes me, it had a little red dot on it at 4, an Aerospace GMT, an Astrographic, and this one, the Calame Sport, the only one I kept. It was made to honor the founder of Zodiac, Ariste Calame who started the company that would become Zodiac in 1882.

It's still on the original leather strap and has an ETA 2824 movement with a Dubois Depraz 2020 chrono module totaling 51 jewels and runs as smooth as silk. Gets a lot of wear time, as you can see it is in serious need of a workout with a Cape Cod Cloth. I wish I still had my Astro Eddie- that's a cool watch.


Sorry for the giant pic- IDK what happened to it in the transporter on the trip from photo bucket

Of all that I owned, these were my faves, other than the DW

the sst


blue oceanaire

This is a very small sample of the Z's I've owned. I wish I kept the pictures,mind you my PB account would be full if I did.



I still have my Dragon Wing, awesome watch!!

Impressive...like the yellow .

Don, I always liked that white on white.

SynMike wrote:Zodiac is a disappointment to me these days. They used to make decent quality watches for a few hundred dollars. The style was unique and cool. But now their styles are over the top with prices to match.

Your very beautifully illustrated post shows exactly what I was meaning in my post. Gorgeous stuff, well priced.

SynMike wrote:

In my view, a shockingly good, very inventive world time design.

eddiea wrote:I have second thoughts about letting this one go...they don't make them like this anymore

I'm digging this watch Eddie, rotating discs I presume? What is the case size?

My one and only Zodiac is my 46mm Deep Reef which I picked up new for $160 in 2009. Great build quality for the price. The current line up is way too much $ IMO.

Hater wrote:

eddiea wrote:I have second thoughts about letting this one go...they don't make them like this anymore

I'm digging this watch Eddie, rotating discs I presume? What is the case size?

Rotating discs indeed ...
Made by Genender ( that owned Zodiac for a couple years ) for only 18 months case is 38mm, with surprisingly lots of heft to it...very, very well made and I mean, they have a high end feel to it , it has been said, that a top grade ETA was fitted to the Astro 2000, never opened mine but is well within COSC accuracy ...200meters W/R.