While GMT complications are undoubtedly useful for travelers and international business people, there's nothing better than a world timer for global travel functionality. The ability to check and compare time across 24 time zones simultaneously is a powerful tool, but in the modern world, these useful instruments are mostly confined to the upper echelons of the market. Conversely, relatively few options are offered in the more accessible segment of the industry. Zodiac aims to change this with its latest releases, expanding its cornerstone Super Sea Wolf series and reviving a pair of original 1970 models. The new limited edition Zodiac Super Sea Wolf World Time continues the Super Sea Wolf's record of stylistic versatility, presenting a pair of models that bring additional practicality to the line while carrying the visual charisma of the early 70s.
The 40mm stainless steel cases of both Zodiac Super Sea Wolf World Time models are executed in the familiar vintage style of the Super Sea Wolf. The overall design represents a classically simple and straightforward approach to the skin diver formula, with a large unsigned crown and sharply tapering bevels on the long descending lugs. The Super Sea Wolf World Time model is slightly thicker than the standard three-hand model at 13.6mm, but thanks to the deep bowl-shaped case back, the thickness is practically unnoticeable on the wrist. The real visual distinction of the new models lies in the bezel inserts. Executed in classic black or bright brick red, these inserts contain a list of 24 global destinations corresponding to each of the 24 time zones.
By rotating the bidirectional bezel to align the current location with the current time on the inner 24-hour ring, the user can quickly and effectively determine the time anywhere on Earth. It may be a less technological solution than some world time complications offered in high horology circles, but this simple bezel-based system is intuitive to use and feels appropriately vintage in practice. Like their three-hand siblings, both versions of the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf World Time are rated for 200-meter water resistance.
Like the cases, the dials of the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf World Time series remain close to the original formula but with iterations of the basic design supplemented by new unique ideas. For those seeking a more restrained look, the obvious choice is the model with a black bezel, but this calmer model adopts some creative stylistic decisions.
Instead of the standard black dial surface, these Super Sea Wolf World Timers use a matte dial in slightly warm gray, giving the 70s design a fresher, more modern appearance. The rest of the design should be familiar to fans of the brand: square baton hands, low-profile beveled applied indices, and somewhat tense Zodiac script-style dial text. The use of white for the tight outer 24-hour ring helps visually compress the rest of the dial on the wrist, making this version appear slightly smaller than the numbers suggest.
Zodiac's use of bright red for the GMT hand also adds a natural focal point to the monochrome design. The model with the red bezel represents a larger personality on the wrist, with a heavily grained sunburst silver dial finish and a deep black outer 24-hour ring, adding stronger contrast and visual depth to the overall layout. At the same time, this sunburst design is more firmly rooted in the aesthetic roots of the Super Sea Wolf World Time of the 70s, giving this version a much more pronounced vintage impression.
Both versions of the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf World Time use the automatic GMT Soprod C125 movement. The C125 is a relatively new platform in the realm of movements with a decade-long history, but since its debut in 2016, this powerplant has already become a staple for many brands. Purists may criticize its "caller" GMT layout, with a quick-set GMT hand rather than a adjustable hour hand. Nevertheless, the C125 offers reliable and affordable performance with a decent 42-hour power reserve at a frequency of 28,800 beats per second.
Zodiac equips both versions of the Super Sea Wolf World Time with a unique three-link "oyster" style stainless steel bracelet. With elongated matte central links and sharply stepped outer links, the overall look of the bracelet echoes early extended link bracelets with rivets but offers a more robust construction from solid links. This is a versatile look with a vintage twist that will look good in a variety of situations, but given the adaptability of the Super Sea Wolf, an optional tropical strap would be a welcome addition.
The limited edition Zodiac Super Sea Wolf World Time, with its intuitive functionality and a pair of new models that harmoniously blend vintage and modern visual elements, once again demonstrates the impressive stylistic adaptability of the Super Sea Wolf line. Only 500 pieces of each variant will be produced, totaling 1,000 watches. The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf World Time is available now from authorized dealers for $1,795 USD. For more information, visit the brand's website.