Zelos has sent us details on the new Skyraider, due to launch online on the 20th November. It’s powered by the ETA 6498 movement, with some models also featuring a skeletonized mainspring barrel. Plus skeleton dial variation for those who love that under-the-bonnet look. Personally, I like that teal coloured dial moel in the range, it just looks the business. The Skyraider 2 is a trad handwinder, with sub-second dial – that’s the only detail I’m not keen on. Too vintage for me, prefer the classic three hand look of a 60s Tissot, Rotary or Omega.

The case is 42mm, so perfect compromise, with a sapphire crystal and details like blued screws visible through the caseback. There is some superb engraving on the main plates and the mainspring barrel too, it’s a beautifully detailed job. The top of the range $1499 model has a fully skeletonized dial, and there’s a watch nerd’s eye view of all the crucial components to keep your watch addiction fed and watered every time you glance at the time. The carbon/slate dial and blue dial options are very attractive too and about 500 bucks cheaper.

Zelos has plenty of fans, with their dive models usually selling out rapidly online. Buyers of the brand will already know the quality is there, and with an ETA-derived moveement inside, an asking price of about 900-1000 dollars is very fair value. More info here.