Zelos – Passion and Innovation in Modern Watchmaking
Zelos is one of the most exciting independent watch brands to emerge in the last decade. Founded in Singapore in 2014 by Elshan Tang, the brand started as a passion project driven by a love of watches and engineering rather than boardroom briefings and marketing decks. The name Zelos comes from the Greek word for zeal and passion, which feels perfectly on brand once you spend any time with their watches.
From day one Zelos set out to do things differently. Bold designs, adventurous materials and limited production runs quickly earned them a loyal following among enthusiasts who wanted something a little more interesting on the wrist. These are watches designed by a collector for collectors, with a strong focus on value, originality and proper mechanical substance. Here’s 3 of our favourites from a vast range…
Credit - Zelos
Hammerhead
A dive watch with real bite
The Hammerhead is arguably the watch that defines Zelos. It is a serious dive watch that takes inspiration from classic tool watches of the seventies while firmly planting itself in the modern era. Big bold and unapologetically functional, the Hammerhead is built to feel indestructible.
The case is substantial and purposeful, often crafted in materials like stainless steel or bronze. Bronze versions are particularly popular thanks to the way they age and develop patina over time, meaning no two watches ever look the same. Thick sapphire crystals, strong lume and impressive water resistance all underline the Hammerhead’s tool watch credentials.
Despite its rugged nature the Hammerhead never feels crude. The finishing is excellent for the price point and the dials often feature textures and colours that elevate the design beyond a simple diver. It is the sort of watch that feels equally at home strapped over a wetsuit or paired with a jumper and jeans.
Case: 44mm Titanium Damascus Case and Bezel 49mm Lug to Lug length
Movement: Seiko NH35 Automatic
Water Resistant: 1000m
£1500.00
Credit - Zelos
Mirage 8 Days
Mechanical theatre on the wrist
If the Hammerhead shows Zelos at its toughest, the Mirage 8 Days shows the brand at its most ambitious. This is a watch that leans heavily into mechanical artistry, featuring a skeletonised dial that reveals the movement beneath in all its glory.
The headline feature is the eight day power reserve, driven by a high quality Swiss movement. That kind of endurance is impressive on its own, but combined with the open worked architecture it becomes a real talking point. You do not just glance at the time on the Mirage, you get lost in it.
Zelos also uses some seriously exotic materials for the Mirage cases, including advanced titanium alloys that give the watch a futuristic edge while keeping it lightweight and wearable. Produced in limited numbers, the Mirage 8 Days is very much aimed at collectors who enjoy something different and are not afraid to let their watch do a bit of showing off.
Case: 42mm Diameter, 48mm Length, 13mm thick
Movement: Twin Barrel 8 day Power reserve with indicator, Sub Seconds subdial, Handwound
Water Resistance: 50m
£8900.00
Credit - Zelos
Vitesse Chronograph
Classic timing with a modern twist
The Vitesse Chronograph rounds out the Zelos range by offering something a little more traditional but still unmistakably on brand. This is a chronograph that balances vintage inspired design with modern build quality and reliability.
Clean dial layouts make the stopwatch functions easy to read, while the overall design keeps things versatile enough for everyday wear. It is the kind of watch that works just as well at a desk as it does on a weekend drive, offering practicality without sacrificing personality.
As with all Zelos models the Vitesse delivers strong value, with solid movements and thoughtful finishing that punch well above its weight.
Case: 40mm Forged Carbon with inner steel case
Movement: La Joux Perret L100 Bi-compax with column wheel
Water Resistance: 50m
£1499.00
Why Zelos matters
What really sets Zelos apart is confidence. The brand is not trying to copy heritage icons or chase trends. Instead it experiments with materials, embraces bold design choices and produces watches in limited runs that feel genuinely special.
Whether it is the rugged charm of the Hammerhead, the mechanical spectacle of the Mirage 8 Days or the everyday versatility of the Vitesse Chronograph, Zelos proves that independent watchmaking is alive and thriving. These are watches built with enthusiasm and intent, and it shows every time you strap one on.
