Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation “Blaze” ZO9509 Watch Review

roadwarrior

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2020, Zodiac released the Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation reference ZO9509

JAN 21, 2020 — BY ARIEL ADAMS

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/zodiac-super-sea-wolf-68-saturation-blaze-zo9509-watch-review/



The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation watch collection isn’t brand new, but for 2020, Zodiac has released my favorite model so far in the collection with the Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation reference ZO9509. Internally at Zodiac, they call this Super Sea Wolf 68 watch the “blaze,” given its fiery orange hour markers and minutes hand. The heat is certainly up on this traditional-looking diver’s-style watch with its “liquid hot magma” markers that add some welcome personality. Actually, according to Zodiac’s design team, the orange colors on this and other Super Sea Wolf 68 watches that came before it (this is just my favorite model with the tone) are inspired by orange-colored reef-dwelling invertebrates such as corals and sea anemones. Another good way of looking at the ZO9509 is as a more accessible Omega Planet Ocean. Both timepiece collections have traditional steel, black, and white diver’s-watch looks with hints of orange and deep water resistance ratings. At not much over $1,500, the Zodiac ZO9509 offers the appeal of this look with its own character for an entirely different audience than the very mainstream Omega Planet Ocean.


The 44mm-wide case is in satin-finished steel (pretty uncommon, actually) and the bezel is in brushed steel. The tonneau style of the case is distinctive of a subset of 1960s- and 1970s-era dive watches. Each company had its own twist on the theme — including Zodiac. The “68” part of the name refers to the fact that the watch is inspired by original Zodiac Saturation diver watches from 1968. Compared to the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53, the 68 has much more water resistance and, of course, a different look. The 16mm-thick case is meant to be water resistant to 100 meters. Over the dial is an AR-coated sapphire crystal.

This is the first (or one of the first) non-limited-edition Super Sea Wolf 68 watches to include a COSC Chronometer-rated movement. Until now, only the limited-edition models came with the certificate that helps add value, both real and perceived (the label on the dial), to the watch — a further reason Zodiac watches should be considered a lot of product for the money. Inside the watch is the Swiss-made STP 3-13 automatic movement, which operates at 4Hz with two days of power reserve. A distinguishing feature of the STP 3-13 (also made by Fossil Group-owned STP in Switzerland) is its ability to be more finely regulated by a watchmaker and thus able to be more accurate and serviceable.

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Fans of Zodiac can probably see that the ZO9509 is an extension of a similar Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation watch that was a limited edition that is no longer available (because it sold out). Limited to just 82 pieces, the Zodiac ZO9500 was a design the company felt needed more attention. So, they did the smart thing and actually made some material improvements over the limited edition, while producing more pieces of the watch — at a lower price point than the limited edition was sold for. Owners of the original limited edition will be assured that both models have enough differences for each to be distinguished from the other.

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The bracelet is well-made with unique parts and nothing off-the-shelf. It is, however, basic, lacking a fancy micro-adjusting clasp or anything like that, which most more expensive watches have. It is, however, comfortable and a pleasure to wear, as I think it makes the Super Sea Wolf 68 not only more stylish but look visually smaller when compared to wearing the same case on a rubber strap.

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Necessary Data
>Brand: Zodiac
>Model: Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation reference ZO9509
>Price: $1,595 USD
>Size: 45mm-wide, 50mm lug-to-lug distance, and 16mm-thick
>When reviewer would personally wear it: As a classic and also durable daily-wear sporty dive watch with versatility but also a little funkiness.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Fan of the 1970s who wants a watch for today that hints at the era more than screams it.
>Best characteristic of watch: Good value when taking into consideration the built quality, durability, movement, and COSC-Chronometer rating — not to mention the competition at this price. Well-manicured design for this particular model of watch case and dial.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Design is not for everyone. Bracelet can still feel narrow for the case size at times. Sits high off the wrist. (It is water resistant to 1000 meters, after all.) A micro-adjust in the bracelet would make it even more appealing.
 
A very sharp, and impressive, mid size, automatic, three hand. Super Sea Wolf, Pro Diver, from Zodiac.:wink: Thanks for posting this up, Mike.:hat:
 
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