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Watch Review: Zuriner Depth Charge ZV-01  Rate Topic 
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 Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2012 06:20 pm
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UKWolfeman
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Reviewer: Mike W aka UKWolfeman

Watch Purchased by Reviewer

Watch Being Reviewed: Zuriner Depth Charge ZV-01 V10



Company Website: http://zuriner.com/
Email: sales@zuriner.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Zuriner?ref=ts

History/About (Direct from website): "Founded by Canadian Watch Connoisseur Dave Simmons whose passion for precision-built timepieces stemmed from his youth . Simmons later relocated to Hong Kong for work, but his passion for creating the perfect watch only grew stronger. After years of planning, Simmons and his business partner in Hong Kong finally joined forces to create the Zuriner line, created to take the watch world by storm. To reach a world class standard, Zuriner® utilizes Swiss movements and other high quality precisions parts, coupled with leading edge technology such as CNC and DLC, elevating the combination of classic design and Swiss manufacturing to an art form. Zuriner®'s unique design conveys a sense of elegance and strength, classic design and modern technology. A fine example is the Zuriner® Crown Guard, which marries contemporary design with outstanding protection of the crown and internal movements by reducing unnecessary pressure. Zuriner prides itself on developing a new line of watches that can be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts, as well as by men who appreciate the design and quality excellence."

Specifications:

Swiss UNITAS ETA-6497 Movement, 17 Jewels, 21,600 BPH (3 Hz)
Manual winding, 46 hour power reserve
Stainless Steel (ASI Standard 316L), brushed finishing case
Stainless Steel (ASI Standard 316L) Rotating Bezel
Sapphire Crystal
Flip-Open Stainless Steel Crown-Guard
20ATM (200 meters, 660 feet) WR
48mm excluding crown guard, 15mm thickness
24mm lugs
Black or Brown leather
Stainless Steel (ASI Standard 316L) buckle
Weight: 215 grams / 7.6 oz
2 year International Warranty

Consumer Cost:  $1249 USD

Stock Photo:



Packaging: When UPS dropped the Zuriner off at the office I thought someone had sent me a briefcase the box was so large. I can only think of one other time having a larger package. After opening the box I found an outer cardboard black box wth the Zuriner name/logo on the lid. Inside the outer cardboard box was a leather case with a push button opener. The leather case is signed with Zuriner name/logo in mutiple spots as seen in the photos below. Inside the case the watch, extra strap, spring bar tool and a nice screw diver rested in various compartments. The case is velvet lined and very soft providing excellent protection for the Depth Charge. The watch tray actaually lifts out thus the case itself could be used for jewelry storage which is a nice feature.

Overdone maybe but one of the best if not the best presentation I have ever seen.









Case (Crown Side): The case is constructed of ASI Standard 316L stainless steel and this particular model has a brushed finish throughout the case itself.  A flip lock crown guard is installed on this side of the case.  The crown guard is a separate component screwed into the case.  The flip lock secures firmly in place with just the slightest play or wiggle.  Under the protection of the flip lock crown guard is a signed push/pull almost 9mm crown.  The crown deploys and secures well and is firm in both positions.  The edges of the crown itself are polished providing some surface finishing contrast with the the rest of the watch.  While the specifications indicate a 48mm diameter the Depth Charges actually measures a massive 56mm including the crown guard.  I also measure 50mm 10 to 4.  Measuring across the bezel itself you find the reported 48mm.  The case is a confirmed 15mm thick.  I really appreciate the detail and construction of the crown guard.  Many companies the crown guard isn't a separate component but part of the overall case.  In case of crown guard failure one it would be fairly easy to acquire a replacement part.  I also appreciate that the crown itself is massive to go along with the massive case.  Very well done by Zuriner.





Case (Non-Crown): Like many watches there isn't a lot to discuss about the non crown side of the case.  You will again see the nice brushed finish to the case and gain a better overall profile of the height of the watch.  The watch measures a massive almost 60mm from lug to lug and weighs a substantial 215 grams.  One of the only faults of the Zuriner may be that there are no lug holes for either quick release for spring bars or screw in lug bars.  Earlier productions of the Depth Charge did use screw in lugs. Personally I view lug holes for quick release on spring bars or for screw in lug bars to be an upgrade and more appropriate for the vision behind this particular watch especially at $1250. My preference would be holes for releasing spring bars easier while limiting scratching the case which the current setup and screw in options present.



Bezel, Dial and Hands: The almost 5mm thick bezel is quite different from what one would see on a typical dive watch.  There is no insert as on many others.  The bezel looks similar to a Porthole or like that found on a certain Submersible model costing quite a bit more.  The bezel is 120 click and is extremely firm/tight.  I find it not one of the easier bezels to rotate as there really isn't anything to grasp easily.  Instead of the bezel insert found on many divers on the market the Depth Charge uses raised indecies which give it that porthole type appearance.  The 15, 30, 45 and 60 are marked while the others are not.  The markers have a high polished finish to add contrast to the brushed finish of the bezel.  Some efforts might still need to be made in the area of grasping the bezel for easier rotation. 

The dial opening measures in at 36mm.  This particular model of the Depth Charge has a massive slighly raised and slightly domed 4mm thick Sapphire crystal installed. There is no AR coating on the crystal. Beneath the sapphire crystal rests a black and tan sandwich style dial.  The sandwich style is perferct for this style of watch and the colors utilized are perfect for pretty much any strap combination.  Markers are placed at every hour position with with the 12, 3, and 6 positions being numbered.  The markers all contain Superluminova.  The small second hand is positioned at the 9 position and is designed as appearing almost like a scope sight on a submarine.  The company name is painted on the dial above center and the model name just below center.  The "Swiss Made" designation is noted on the dial surrounding the 6 position.  The dial is massive and extremely easy to read.  I am pleased with every aspect and believe Zuriner did a great job in the area.

I would classify the hands a baton shaped.  Each hand hour, minute and second hand are lumed and correspond in color with the overall dial colors utilized.  Overall I belive Zuriner did very well in these three particular areas.  Good lume, color combinations, etc.  However, some additional thought needs placed on the ease of bezel rotation.













On 7 1/2 - 7 3/4 inch wrist: As mentioned previously I am normally not a fan of watches over 46mm as they tend to feel unbalanced on the wrist. Not the case with the Depth Charge at all. Very well balanced and comfortable on my wrist. I'm not sure what the comfort level would be for anyone below a 7 inch wrist size but would speculate it may be a bit too large.



Case Back:  The case back is solid and doesn't reveal the Swiss UNITAS ETA-6497 Movement.  The case back is screwed into the case using 6 screws.  Like many watches quite a bit of the specifcation information is notated on the case back such as company name/logo, Model and Serial Number, Water Resistance, Case Material and the Swiss Made designation.  Nothing fancy to note about the case back.  No nonsense across the board.  Being a new brand Zuriner may need to consider a case back with a thick sapphire revealing the Swiss UNITAS ETA-6497 Movement.  Of course that is if they can maintain the 200 meters of water resistance in the process.  I for one would love to see the movement. 



Movement:  The Depth Charge comes standard with a Swiss UNITAS ETA-6497 Movement.  The movement has been extremely accurate since arrival and the power reserve has been as advertised at 46 hours.

Straps: As a consumer you have two strap choices either Black or Brown leather.  The straps are extremely soft and measure in at around 3.5mm - 4mm thick depending on where you take the measurement..  The strap will come with a signed ASI Standard 316L stainless steel buckle.  The buckle is the screw in variety measures 3mm thick and is well made.  Zuriner is using high quality straps and a great buckle but as always I would love to see a bracelet option for this particular watch. 











Lume:  Zuriner uses C3 Superluminova on the Depth Charge.  Each hour marker and all the hands are lumed.  The lume is fairly strong initially as with most Superluminova.  The afterglow lasts well into the night and viewing the time is still rather easy early in the AM. I would rate the lume overall as average to good but I'm also not really sure how Zuriner can improve in this area with the current dial setup. Possibly the use of applied markers would allow for greater lume application. However, applied markers on the dial would take away from the beauty of the sandwich diall which is perfect for this watch.



Summary: The Depth Charge is Zuriner's first production model and is a strong first attempt. This model provides for that popular Submersible/porthole appearance supplied by another very popular brand but at a much more affordable cost. The Depth Charge pays homage to the Panerai Radiomir Egiziano which was even bigger at 60mm in diameter. The Panerai Radiomir Egiziano was created for Egypt and their Naval forces in the 1950's so it ended with the nickname "The Egyptian".

The Depth Charge comes with great features such as being Swiss Made, Sapphire Crystal, quality case construction, Swiss Unitas movement and an overal great appearance. Zuriner has upgraded from a mineral crystal to sapphire so the company is obviously willing to improve. Each model is also a limited production of 300 which may or may not impact long term value but nice nonetheless.

Some further attention to upgrading the lugs, lume and bezel rotation should be researched with caution. For those with smaller wrist sizes a mid-size version would be very interesting. I applaud Zuriner on their first production as well as their continual upgrades with this model from initial releases. I look forward to seeing future releases. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments as always.

    
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 Posted: Fri Sep 7th, 2012 01:50 pm
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soberdave09
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niccccccccccce review bro,always thought about buying one too,just couldn't pull thge trigger.



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 Posted: Fri Sep 7th, 2012 02:02 pm
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Caddymon
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Very cool beast of a watch Mike! Great review!



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 Posted: Fri Sep 7th, 2012 02:57 pm
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UKWolfeman
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While the factory straps are really nice I just thought the Micah French Canvas would rock the Depth Charge. Hopefully give you guys some more ideas.

Zuriner + Micah = great combo IMHO


    
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 Posted: Fri Sep 7th, 2012 03:10 pm
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SOUTHBOSTON1975
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I never heard of Zuriner, However I like this watch And I've never seen nicer Packaging.

    
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 Posted: Fri Sep 7th, 2012 03:52 pm
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Tattoo Chef
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Mike.....really good review. As far as content and pics, one of your best.

As far as the watch, I love it. I know its an homage to a 1950's Panerai, but I love the case and bezel design, and the sandwich lume dial.
I know it is huge, but keep in mind the Panerai it homages was 60mmm, so at least this a sized down version.



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 Posted: Fri Sep 7th, 2012 03:54 pm
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Mesh Guy
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It looks fantastic for someone into a huge timepiece. I like the look on the cavas a lot, too. Enjoy it, Michael.



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 Posted: Fri Sep 7th, 2012 08:00 pm
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Time Traveler
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Great review, thanks! The watch is massive, imho. Great face though!



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 Posted: Fri Sep 7th, 2012 10:52 pm
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UKWolfeman
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Tattoo Chef wrote:
Mike.....really good review. As far as content and pics, one of your best.

As far as the watch, I love it. I know its an homage to a 1950's Panerai, but I love the case and bezel design, and the sandwich lume dial.
I know it is huge, but keep in mind the Panerai it homages was 60mmm, so at least this a sized down version.


Just so everyone understands in case I didn't make it clear in the write up this watch while big is extremely well balanced and comfortable on the wrist. Not at all like many others its size. You'd be surprised.

Also some background on the watch the Depth Charge pays homage to:

http://www.paneristi.com/archives/egiziano/index.html

(Photo credit to above link)

    
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 Posted: Sat Sep 8th, 2012 05:31 am
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Rava
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UUUUUUU Beautiful timepiece

:c

Last edited on Sat Sep 8th, 2012 05:31 am by Rava

    
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 Posted: Sat Sep 8th, 2012 08:07 pm
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ataurus76
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Hey Mike ,
Great review. Enjoy that beast of a watch...



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 Posted: Sun Sep 9th, 2012 03:06 am
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primerak
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Thanks for reviewing but no not for me but I'm not into homages in general.

    
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 Posted: Sun Sep 9th, 2012 02:08 pm
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ericf4
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Great lookin watch no doubt but I can't even begin to understand how Panerai doesn't sue them as its not even as if it pays homage, it's really more of a replica in that it's virtually identical.......do I love it, YES it's killer, but so is the Panerai..



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 Posted: Sun Sep 9th, 2012 08:43 pm
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UKWolfeman
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ericf4 wrote:
Great lookin watch no doubt but I can't even begin to understand how Panerai doesn't sue them as its not even as if it pays homage, it's really more of a replica in that it's virtually identical.......do I love it, YES it's killer, but so is the Panerai..

Good question. I'm sure they are aware of its existence based on an issue I had not too long ago with a legit Victorinox piece I own. Those companies have watch dogs for certain. Maybe they just don't care.

It is incredibly well made. May be the best chance many will ever have to have something with the look and quality without paying Panerai money.

    
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 Posted: Mon Sep 10th, 2012 12:36 am
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ericf4
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It looks frickin incredible....



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 Posted: Tue Sep 11th, 2012 12:35 am
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Mesh Guy
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For some reason, I was drawn back to this thread. The watch is cool but I think I just had to see the Micah strap one more time. It looks so nice, Michael.



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 Posted: Tue Sep 11th, 2012 04:27 am
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Nice review Mike. Great pics and info.



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 Posted: Wed Sep 12th, 2012 12:57 am
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bigjamesdean
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Ivlike thebPam subs that being said this comes closer to a copy that a homage imo and steep tag to boot nit to mention its clownish proportions and ya i know the Pam prototypes were bigger but srill to
close to Invicta territory for me. Nice review as always but not my cup of tea.



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 Posted: Thu Sep 13th, 2012 08:57 pm
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Tattoo Chef
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Really like this watch.

I shouldn't, as its huge, and I stopped wearing huge watches along time ago, but still Im drawn to it.



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 Posted: Sat Oct 27th, 2012 08:05 pm
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arnie11
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Never realized that you did a review on this piece Mike until I went to "News" on Zuriner's site.  As you know, I recently purchased one (DLC Version) and i'm wearing it today on the brown strap ... 10/27).  I feel the straps on these are about as good as it gets and the watch is built like a freegin tank !!!  The quality of the DLC and the overall assembly of this piece in general are top'a the line.  If this were a Panny it'd be at least 15K and probably more, IMO. 

Do you still own this piece ????? 



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