Zelos Watches - a relatively new Singaporean brand, was founded in 2014 by watch enthusiast Elshan Tang. In this short time, more than twenty models have been released, including over 100 different color variations. The brand features an impressive number of innovations and industry firsts, such as the use of Timascus (a lightweight, non-magnetic, and corrosion-resistant titanium alloy) and meteorite bezels. The Zelos Mirage 2 Eight-Day Skeleton, a continuation of the limited series of tourbillons, stands out with its exotic case materials and a custom Swiss movement from La Joux-Perret.
The case measures 42 mm in diameter and 13 mm in height (48 mm lug-to-lug), with a water resistance of 50 meters. There is a subtle turbine theme starting with the knurling on the conical crown. All models feature sapphire crystals on the front and back with internal anti-reflective coating. The dial itself is also made of sapphire crystal, creating a floating effect for the hands, indices, and sub-dials (hence the name, Mirage). It slightly reminds me of the Dietrich SD-1 Skin Diver.
Applied Arabic numerals and indices feature Super-LumiNova inserts, along with partially skeletonized hour and minute hands. The sub-dial at the '12 o'clock' position displays the power reserve, while the small seconds hand is at the '6 o'clock' position. The power reserve indicator shows the full eight days, made possible by the dual barrels visible at the 1 and 9 o'clock positions. The barrels also resemble turbines, continuing the theme. However, all four case materials truly catch the eye.
Variants for Zelos Mirage 2
Titanium with matte and sandblasted surfaces, including a matching five-link titanium bracelet. The metal is hardened to 1200 Vickers for superior scratch resistance - five times harder than regular titanium - and features the natural titanium color.
Zirconium / Ti Damascus Made from titanium and zirconium, forming unique patterns. The metals are repeatedly folded and forged to create a wood grain pattern, reminiscent of traditional samurai swords (Damascus steel). Additional hand firing produces unique colors. Patterns included blue zirconium/titanium with blue titanium and black zirconium, creating an almost rainbow-like aesthetic, and yellow zirconium/titanium with dark grey zirconium and natural titanium veins. Zelos was the first to apply this to watch cases.
Tantalum is a dense rare metal, commonly used for medical purposes and in capacitors. It is hypoallergenic and highly corrosion-resistant, featuring a blue-grey hue. The metal is rarely used for watch cases due to its expense and difficulty in processing (photo not available yet).
Sapphire is rarely used for entire cases, and Zelos is one of the few brands attempting this. The skeletonized Mirage 2 movement is fully showcased from all sides, and this intricate production requires diamond-tipped cutters and meticulous polishing (photo not available yet).
Powerful Swiss Movement
The skeletonized manual-winding movement is crafted by La Joux-Perret and is based on the LJP7500 caliber. It features a simple yet appealing finish with curved textures and main plates with black PVD coating. La Joux-Perret was founded in the 1990s in La Chaux-de-Fonds and produces high-quality movements with advanced complications and tourbillons (recently became a subsidiary of Citizen Group in Japan). The Mirage 2 caliber comprises 33 jewels, runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), and has a substantial eight-day power reserve. Functions include central hours and minutes, a small seconds hand, and a power reserve indicator.
Availability and Price
The Zelos Mirage 2 series is limited to 25 or 50 watches. Prices for such a unique collection are $3,900 USD for titanium, $4,900 USD for zirconium/titanium Damascus and tantalum, and $8,900 USD for all sapphire. For more information, visit the Zelos website.