Color has a truly transformative impact on design. What might seem flat and uninteresting in one shade can become complex and dynamic in another, and few modern watch lines can demonstrate the impact of color on form like the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf series. Thanks to color, this line of dive watches has been interpreted as something different - from a precise recreation of 60s sports watches to a soft and verdant canvas for tropical escapism, and in its latest novelties, the brand gives this cornerstone series a decidedly vibrant and futuristic character. The new Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon and Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon models bring ultra-modern freshness to this mid-century design, and the bright color combinations are sure to stand out on the wrist.
Both the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon and Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon models share the same basic 40mm stainless steel case design. This simple dive-style case has been a hallmark of the Super Sea Wolf series since its revival, and the cylindrical mid-case, straight lugs, and glossy bezel inserts return here. Although they may seem identical at first glance, both cases differ slightly from each other due to the lugs. The three-hand Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon features bright and clean polished tops on the lugs, while the sides of the case are brushed from lug tip to lug tip. On the other hand, the Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon model employs a sportier and slightly more complex approach, with linear polishing on the tops and sides of the lugs, complemented by a tapering polished bevel. Naturally, the more noticeable difference between these two models lies in the deep and reflective bezel inserts.
To mimic the distinctive polished look of vintage bakelite bezel inserts, Zodiac uses a painted stainless steel ring topped with a domed and tempered layer of mineral crystal. The effect is striking, but the choice of mineral glass might raise eyebrows, especially considering that the main crystal is sapphire. Nevertheless, each of the two new models interprets the bold new white and green color scheme in its own way. The bezel of the Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon predominantly features a snow-white base tone, while the dive scale is mostly in deep black. The electric lime green, characteristic of these models, is used here as a sparse accent. For the 24-hour bezel of the Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon model, on the other hand, Zodiac splits the insert in half between two colors. With more colors, the effect is undoubtedly bolder, but in early images, it remains balanced. Both Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon and Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon models have a water resistance of 200 meters.
Zodiac maintains the green-white color scheme on the dials of the Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon and Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon models but visually balances this execution by using color on each bezel. In the Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon model, the sparing use of green on the bezel is complemented by generous use of lime for the outer minute track, applied rectangular indices, and minute hand. The main dial surface and luminous coating contrast with a pure matte white color, while silver-tone accents in the form of an applied Zodiac crosshair emblem at the 12 o'clock position, the seconds hand, and the ladder-style hour hand add a strict look to the dynamic flashes of imagery.
In the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon model, more intensive use of green on the bezel leads to a lighter dial design. Here, the optically white matte dial surface with neutral polished baton hands and faceted applied indices comes to the forefront. The GMT hand becomes a natural focal point in this design as the only bright green element, organically highlighting the complication and visually balancing the two colors in the design.
Zodiac equips the Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon with the automatic STP 3-13 movement, manufactured by parent company Fossil Group. The STP 3-13 offers respectable performance with a 44-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. In the Super Sea Wolf 53 GMT model, the brand uses the automatic Soprod C125 GMT movement. Although some enthusiasts lament that this movement is not a "true GMT" due to the 24-hour rather than local hour hand set with switching, the C125 is a reliable movement with a 42-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Both the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon and Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon are equipped with stainless steel bracelets. The Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon model uses a five-link jubilee-style bracelet, which adds brightness to the design with polished central links. In contrast, the Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon model features a simpler and sportier three-link oyster-style bracelet, which still adds visual complexity thanks to polished central links and unique stepped finishing on the outer links.
Eschewing traditional color design conventions and embracing a new simple yet impactful vision, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon and Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon models stand out at first glance among the other models in the diverse Super Sea Wolf series.
Both models are now available at authorized dealers: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Neon priced at $1,395 USD, and Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT Neon priced at $1,795 USD. For more information, visit the brand's website.