Zelos utilizes colors, textures, and materials like no one else in horology, all the while offering incredible value. Premium materials, outstanding fit and finish, and an instantly recognizable design language, all at an accessible price. Following up on the success of the Zelos Horizons GMT (a 40mm GMT watch featuring a Swiss ETA 2893 movement and 200m of water resistance), Zelos has released three new models in the Horizons line. Founder Elshan Tang designed the Horizons line as a vintage-inspired series of watches “meant to be fun and vibrant, much like watches in the 1970s.” Mission accomplished. The new collection consists of three new models — one with a dive bezel, one with a 12-hr bezel, and a field watch – each in three unique colorways. The Horizons 39mm range all come in a slim, versatile new case, are powered by Miyota automatic movements, and debut at a launch price of only $449.

Each watch in the Horizons 39mm collection shares an exceptionally wearable case that measures in at 39mm in diameter, with a 44mm lug-to-lug distance, and a svelte 10.5mm case topped by a 2.5mm box sapphire crystal that evokes the vintage charm of acrylic crystal. The dimensions – especially the exceptionally thin case – make for a watch that will wear comfortably day-in and day-out. Despite its slim dimensions, the Horizons collection remains as capable as ever with 200m of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and solid caseback. The 316L stainless-steel case is paired with a matching stainless-steel three-link bracelet that features quick release spring bars that make changing straps a breeze and eliminates dreaded scratches from strap changes. To make this watch as practical as possible for all-day wear, the bracelet also features a quick-adjust clasp for resizing the watch on the fly.

Zelos has a reputation for producing watches with outstanding lume, and the Horizons line is no exception, with amply-applied Super-LumiNova C3 X1 or BGW9 across the lineup. Both the 12-hr and Diver models combine vintage cues with modern materials; bezel inserts on both are sapphire with luminous markers and numerals (and in a couple of instances, fully lumed bezels. The luminous material on the bezel is complemented by large, luminous triangles that adorn the 3, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, while broad, distinct hands make time-telling instantaneous.

As with all Zelos watches, color and texture are at the heart of each design. The 200m Diver is available in three colorways: Ocean Blue, Dusk, and Vintage Grey. The Ocean Blue features a deeply textured, sunburst blue “fume” dial complemented by a blue and white 120-click bezel. The Dusk and Vintage Grey both utilize the same dial style, but in different colorways, with Dusk featuring a gradient grey dial and matching grey bezel with a bold burnt orange 0-15-minute track. The Vintage Grey also showcases a grey dial, but to a completely different effect as it’s paired with a creamy vintage luminous material encapsulated in gilt hands and markers. The bezel on the Vintage Grey is more subdued with a faded “ghost” bezel and cream markers. A date window sits at 6 o’clock, providing functionality while maintaining symmetry.

The Horizons 200m 12-hr collection is built on the same blueprint as the 200m Diver but offers a different form of bezel functionality in the form of a 12-hr rotating bezel that provides a second time zone with a quick turn of the bezel. Rather than simply offer the 200m Diver with the option of a divers bezel or a 12-hr bezel, Zelos opted to create three distinct colorways that distinguish the collection. The 12-hr is offered in Cobalt Blue – a deep blue sunburst colorway with gilt and cream accents; Teal – a teal fume dial with white bezel and blue markers; and Frost – a fully lumed white dial and bezel with black PVD hands and indices and a splash of orange.

Rounding out the Horizons 39mm collection are the field watches. While the design of the field watch will be familiar to fans of the genre, the execution is all Zelos. The dials on the field watches feature a textured finish unlike anything else on the market. The dials are all stamped from brass and it took numerous tries before Zelos settled upon the exact texture that would produce this one-of-a-kind finish. As with the other models in the Horizons 39mm line, the field watches come in three unique colorways – Granite, Lunar Frost, and Moss Green. The Lunar Frost dial is fully lumed with ample application of Super LumiNova BGW9 lume; combined with the textured dial, it produces an effect like nothing else. Each features a no-date dial with Arabic hour markers executed via a cutout sandwich dial. The field watches are at once familiar and distinct – a hallmark of all Zelos watches.

The Zelos Horizons 39mm collection is powered by a Miyota 9015 (Diver and GMT bezel) or 9039 (field models) movement. Both automatic movements beat at 28.8kbph with 24 jewels, feature hacking, hand winding, and a 42-hour power reserve. The sibling movements are differentiated by the lack of a date wheel in the 9039 movement featured in the field models. The Miyota movements are time-tested, reliable, and accurate movements that will work flawlessly for years to come.

Regardless of which model you choose, each watch in the Horizons 39mm collection is delivered in a travel watch roll and wooden gift box. The watches are all currently available for a special launch price of $449 with prices increasing by $100 on Nov 15 (prices include shipping). For more information and to order online, go to zeloswatches.com.