The Olympos returns, in work clothes
By Julien Moreau, Geneva ยท
The Olympos is one of Zodiac's oddest and most charming designs from the 1960s, a faceted, cushion-shaped case that catches light like a cut stone. Here Zodiac has dressed it as a field watch: a grey textured dial, Arabic numerals in aged lume, a brown leather strap.
The pairing works better than I expected. The case is the star, 40 mm and polished on its facets, and the field dial keeps it from looking precious. Inside is the STP 1-11 automatic with 44 hours.
My reservation is the identity. Purists will say the Olympos was always a dress watch, and putting military numerals on it muddles the story a little. Zodiac's 20 ATM rating is generous, but nobody buys an Olympos to swim.
At $995 it is the most affordable way into Zodiac's back catalogue, and a pleasant curiosity on the wrist. One for collectors who like the overlooked chapters.