nicolasbdive
3T WIS
| Joined: | Tue Aug 4th, 2009 |
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| Posts: | 119 |
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Gentlemen (and a few ladies), allow me to introduce you to the Zodiac Dragon Wing. Watch is Swiss made, quartz powered, and a chronograph with an aviator theme. This is my first watch review and I'm neither a highly skilled watch reviewer or photography expert, but I have tried, and at least one individual has requested this watch to be reviewed on arrival, which I'm pleased to do. As is customary I'll start with packaging/paperwork. First there's the outer carton of white plastic with manufacturer logo, inside is the watch box which is made of hard black plastic. Here they are in one shot:
They are quite adequate for securing the watch for travel, I'm not a packaging nut but I've always been pleased by Zodiac's boxes. The instructions/guarantee paperwork are in a small booklet with a glossy cover, inside you'll find the directions for zodiac's line of watches. The first forty pages are in English and the rest of the manual is in foreign languages. The manual explains the functions and usage clearly. I did not take a picture of the manual.
The prize is inside, I've popped the top and removed the plastic crystal protection. Here's what we've got:
Now certainly we'll want to get a good look at the dial so let's get that watch out. Here we are:
I'm well pleased with the layout which is clear and readable. As an Air Force member I have to say I think the aircraft silhouette is especially cool, but I also like everything else about this dial. The dial is blue and is not matte but has the quality to reflect and shine with movement. The hands are sword style, and are the correct size as they reach the hour and minute marks. There is a 'big-date' style date displayed at the 6, sub-seconds is to the right, and the chronograph minutes and hours hands are to the left. Also notice the tachymeter scale, minutes and seconds chapter, and manufacturer's markings. The chronograph has split-time capability. The Zodiac cross, Zodiac name, and 1882 are all applied and have a lustrous chromed steel finish, the other markings are printed in white. A few more dial shots:
 
I really like the dial, markings and hands. The unidirectional bezel ratchets smoothly into place, is easy to grip and remains tight and secure. Next we'll see the case, bracelet, and bezel from side view. They are quite substantial, and feel fantastic. There are brushed and satin finishes. Also have a look at the crown and chronograph pushers. 
The bracelet does not taper, and has solid end links secured to the case by spring bars. Split pins are used on the removable links. 
The case to bracelet fit is perfect with no movement.
The foldover clasp and hinge are solid ss, no flimsy or tingy pieces here.
The caseback is engraved and is a real standout to me. I absolutely love it. I'd wear this thing inside out once in a while if I could.
As you see above, between the lugs is squared out, I always like this look since when it comes time to try out a strap, the gap is filled in more between strap and case. Looks neater to me. You'll also note the double row of crown 'bumps' for lack of a better word, which work well to enhance grip for ease of use. The screw down crown is extremely smooth to actuate, and the stem is quite robust, there is no crown wobble in the out positions.
The mineral crystal is domed and without AR coatings.
I'm not a lume nut but the next pic illustrates the intensity after 1 min charge under a 60w light bulb. While it probably doesn't 'take the cake' in the world of lume, it looks pretty darn good to me.
I'll wrap it up with a couple side by side's with an Invicta Pro Diver automatic to give you an idea of overall size, I'll finish strong with a couple wristie's to show ya' I'm bad@$$ enough to wear this 46mm beast despite having a 6.5" wrist.
My boxer "Lucky" wants partial photo credits throughout as the dog hairs are his . I'm sure I managed to photograph some dust/smudges,etc, and those are my fault, there's not a speck on the dial and overall the fit/finish is without flaw or blemish.
In conclusion, I'm extremely happy with the Zodiac Dragon Wing. IMHO it really looks and feels great, I can't believe I snagged it for next to nothing as a Watchdoddy deal. I definitely think it is worth the $$, even if at full retail. Although I'm sure I've forgotten something, I enjoyed doing this review and would be grateful for your feedback. 
Thanks for looking.
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