Reviewer: Mike W aka UKWolfeman
Watch Purchased by Reviewer
Watch Being Reviewed: Zuriner Depth Charge ZV-01 V10
Company Website: http://zuriner.com/
Email: sales@zuriner.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Zuriner?ref=ts
History/About (Direct from website): "Founded by Canadian Watch Connoisseur Dave Simmons whose passion for precision-built timepieces stemmed from his youth . Simmons later relocated to Hong Kong for work, but his passion for creating the perfect watch only grew stronger. After years of planning, Simmons and his business partner in Hong Kong finally joined forces to create the Zuriner line, created to take the watch world by storm. To reach a world class standard, Zuriner® utilizes Swiss movements and other high quality precisions parts, coupled with leading edge technology such as CNC and DLC, elevating the combination of classic design and Swiss manufacturing to an art form. Zuriner®'s unique design conveys a sense of elegance and strength, classic design and modern technology. A fine example is the Zuriner® Crown Guard, which marries contemporary design with outstanding protection of the crown and internal movements by reducing unnecessary pressure. Zuriner prides itself on developing a new line of watches that can be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts, as well as by men who appreciate the design and quality excellence."
Specifications:
Swiss UNITAS ETA-6497 Movement, 17 Jewels, 21,600 BPH (3 Hz)
Manual winding, 46 hour power reserve
Stainless Steel (ASI Standard 316L), brushed finishing case
Stainless Steel (ASI Standard 316L) Rotating Bezel
Sapphire Crystal
Flip-Open Stainless Steel Crown-Guard
20ATM (200 meters, 660 feet) WR
48mm excluding crown guard, 15mm thickness
24mm lugs
Black or Brown leather
Stainless Steel (ASI Standard 316L) buckle
Weight: 215 grams / 7.6 oz
2 year International Warranty
Consumer Cost: $1249 USD
Watch Purchased by Reviewer
Watch Being Reviewed: Zuriner Depth Charge ZV-01 V10
Company Website: http://zuriner.com/
Email: sales@zuriner.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Zuriner?ref=ts
History/About (Direct from website): "Founded by Canadian Watch Connoisseur Dave Simmons whose passion for precision-built timepieces stemmed from his youth . Simmons later relocated to Hong Kong for work, but his passion for creating the perfect watch only grew stronger. After years of planning, Simmons and his business partner in Hong Kong finally joined forces to create the Zuriner line, created to take the watch world by storm. To reach a world class standard, Zuriner® utilizes Swiss movements and other high quality precisions parts, coupled with leading edge technology such as CNC and DLC, elevating the combination of classic design and Swiss manufacturing to an art form. Zuriner®'s unique design conveys a sense of elegance and strength, classic design and modern technology. A fine example is the Zuriner® Crown Guard, which marries contemporary design with outstanding protection of the crown and internal movements by reducing unnecessary pressure. Zuriner prides itself on developing a new line of watches that can be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts, as well as by men who appreciate the design and quality excellence."
Specifications:
Swiss UNITAS ETA-6497 Movement, 17 Jewels, 21,600 BPH (3 Hz)
Manual winding, 46 hour power reserve
Stainless Steel (ASI Standard 316L), brushed finishing case
Stainless Steel (ASI Standard 316L) Rotating Bezel
Sapphire Crystal
Flip-Open Stainless Steel Crown-Guard
20ATM (200 meters, 660 feet) WR
48mm excluding crown guard, 15mm thickness
24mm lugs
Black or Brown leather
Stainless Steel (ASI Standard 316L) buckle
Weight: 215 grams / 7.6 oz
2 year International Warranty
Consumer Cost: $1249 USD
Packaging: When UPS dropped the Zuriner off at the office I thought someone had sent me a briefcase the box was so large. I can only think of one other time having a larger package. After opening the box I found an outer cardboard black box wth the Zuriner name/logo on the lid. Inside the outer cardboard box was a leather case with a push button opener. The leather case is signed with Zuriner name/logo in mutiple spots as seen in the photos below. Inside the case the watch, extra strap, spring bar tool and a nice screw diver rested in various compartments. The case is velvet lined and very soft providing excellent protection for the Depth Charge. The watch tray actaually lifts out thus the case itself could be used for jewelry storage which is a nice feature.
Overdone maybe but one of the best if not the best presentation I have ever seen.
Overdone maybe but one of the best if not the best presentation I have ever seen.
Case (Crown Side): The case is constructed of ASI Standard 316L stainless steel and this particular model has a brushed finish throughout the case itself. A flip lock crown guard is installed on this side of the case. The crown guard is a separate component screwed into the case. The flip lock secures firmly in place with just the slightest play or wiggle. Under the protection of the flip lock crown guard is a signed push/pull almost 9mm crown. The crown deploys and secures well and is firm in both positions. The edges of the crown itself are polished providing some surface finishing contrast with the the rest of the watch. While the specifications indicate a 48mm diameter the Depth Charges actually measures a massive 56mm including the crown guard. I also measure 50mm 10 to 4. Measuring across the bezel itself you find the reported 48mm. The case is a confirmed 15mm thick. I really appreciate the detail and construction of the crown guard. Many companies the crown guard isn't a separate component but part of the overall case. In case of crown guard failure one it would be fairly easy to acquire a replacement part. I also appreciate that the crown itself is massive to go along with the massive case. Very well done by Zuriner.
Case (Non-Crown): Like many watches there isn't a lot to discuss about the non crown side of the case. You will again see the nice brushed finish to the case and gain a better overall profile of the height of the watch. The watch measures a massive almost 60mm from lug to lug and weighs a substantial 215 grams. One of the only faults of the Zuriner may be that there are no lug holes for either quick release for spring bars or screw in lug bars. Earlier productions of the Depth Charge did use screw in lugs. Personally I view lug holes for quick release on spring bars or for screw in lug bars to be an upgrade and more appropriate for the vision behind this particular watch especially at $1250. My preference would be holes for releasing spring bars easier while limiting scratching the case which the current setup and screw in options present.
Bezel, Dial and Hands: The almost 5mm thick bezel is quite different from what one would see on a typical dive watch. There is no insert as on many others. The bezel looks similar to a Porthole or like that found on a certain Submersible model costing quite a bit more. The bezel is 120 click and is extremely firm/tight. I find it not one of the easier bezels to rotate as there really isn't anything to grasp easily. Instead of the bezel insert found on many divers on the market the Depth Charge uses raised indecies which give it that porthole type appearance. The 15, 30, 45 and 60 are marked while the others are not. The markers have a high polished finish to add contrast to the brushed finish of the bezel. Some efforts might still need to be made in the area of grasping the bezel for easier rotation.
The dial opening measures in at 36mm. This particular model of the Depth Charge has a massive slighly raised and slightly domed 4mm thick Sapphire crystal installed. There is no AR coating on the crystal. Beneath the sapphire crystal rests a black and tan sandwich style dial. The sandwich style is perferct for this style of watch and the colors utilized are perfect for pretty much any strap combination. Markers are placed at every hour position with with the 12, 3, and 6 positions being numbered. The markers all contain Superluminova. The small second hand is positioned at the 9 position and is designed as appearing almost like a scope sight on a submarine. The company name is painted on the dial above center and the model name just below center. The "Swiss Made" designation is noted on the dial surrounding the 6 position. The dial is massive and extremely easy to read. I am pleased with every aspect and believe Zuriner did a great job in the area.
I would classify the hands a baton shaped. Each hand hour, minute and second hand are lumed and correspond in color with the overall dial colors utilized. Overall I belive Zuriner did very well in these three particular areas. Good lume, color combinations, etc. However, some additional thought needs placed on the ease of bezel rotation.
The dial opening measures in at 36mm. This particular model of the Depth Charge has a massive slighly raised and slightly domed 4mm thick Sapphire crystal installed. There is no AR coating on the crystal. Beneath the sapphire crystal rests a black and tan sandwich style dial. The sandwich style is perferct for this style of watch and the colors utilized are perfect for pretty much any strap combination. Markers are placed at every hour position with with the 12, 3, and 6 positions being numbered. The markers all contain Superluminova. The small second hand is positioned at the 9 position and is designed as appearing almost like a scope sight on a submarine. The company name is painted on the dial above center and the model name just below center. The "Swiss Made" designation is noted on the dial surrounding the 6 position. The dial is massive and extremely easy to read. I am pleased with every aspect and believe Zuriner did a great job in the area.
I would classify the hands a baton shaped. Each hand hour, minute and second hand are lumed and correspond in color with the overall dial colors utilized. Overall I belive Zuriner did very well in these three particular areas. Good lume, color combinations, etc. However, some additional thought needs placed on the ease of bezel rotation.
Summary: The Depth Charge is Zuriner's first production model and is a strong first attempt. This model provides for that popular Submersible/porthole appearance supplied by another very popular brand but at a much more affordable cost. The Depth Charge pays homage to the Panerai Radiomir Egiziano which was even bigger at 60mm in diameter. The Panerai Radiomir Egiziano was created for Egypt and their Naval forces in the 1950's so it ended with the nickname "The Egyptian".
The Depth Charge comes with great features such as being Swiss Made, Sapphire Crystal, quality case construction, Swiss Unitas movement and an overal great appearance. Zuriner has upgraded from a mineral crystal to sapphire so the company is obviously willing to improve. Each model is also a limited production of 300 which may or may not impact long term value but nice nonetheless.
Some further attention to upgrading the lugs, lume and bezel rotation should be researched with caution. For those with smaller wrist sizes a mid-size version would be very interesting. I applaud Zuriner on their first production as well as their continual upgrades with this model from initial releases. I look forward to seeing future releases. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments as always.
The Depth Charge comes with great features such as being Swiss Made, Sapphire Crystal, quality case construction, Swiss Unitas movement and an overal great appearance. Zuriner has upgraded from a mineral crystal to sapphire so the company is obviously willing to improve. Each model is also a limited production of 300 which may or may not impact long term value but nice nonetheless.
Some further attention to upgrading the lugs, lume and bezel rotation should be researched with caution. For those with smaller wrist sizes a mid-size version would be very interesting. I applaud Zuriner on their first production as well as their continual upgrades with this model from initial releases. I look forward to seeing future releases. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments as always.
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