Many of you guys know I have been a long time fan of Zinex / Zixen watches from their very first dive watch, the Nitrox. Over the years I have had the opportunity to handle or own many of the dive watches produced by Joe. It is the interesting vintage inspired designs and consistent high level of build and finish quality that has made me a huge fan of the Zixen brand. The new DSR-SP1000 line of watches continues the high level of quality and very interesting high-tech yet vintage vibe design. I recently had the opportunity to shoot some of the watches for Joe at Zixen and thought you guys would like to see some of the pics here.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 46mm diameter, 14.5mm thick
- 24mm lug width
- Movement: SL 28800 high beat Miyota 9015 Automatic
- 1000m depth rating
- Sapphire crystal with interior AR coating
- Internal rotating bezel (bezel adjust crown at 2:00 poition
- C3 lume on dial markers, hands and bezel markers
- Leather strap or optional Zixen mesh bracelet
- SS or black PVD finishes
Machining and finishing is typical high-level quality as in other Zinex watches I have experienced. The large sapphire crystal on the DS-SP1000 is extremely optically clear from all angles. The dial is a classic design and the bold "bar" hands make the dial extremely legible at a glance and in low light conditions. The internal bezel rotates in both directions with the crown at the 2:00 position. The bezel crown is a tight friction rotation to hold the inner bezel in position when set. A detail that is really eye catching is the very precisely machined knurling on the bezel edge and crowns. This detail gives the watch a very high-tech look that works well with the overall design of the watch. The caseback is relatively flat so even though this is a large proportioned dive watch, it rides the wrist very stable and comfortably.
The watches were supplied on both the Zixen mesh bracelet and a thick black leather strap with SS/PVD buckle. I have to say, the Zixen mesh has always been one of my favorites. It is thick yet flexible and is constructed of very nice quality, no sharp edges. The black leather strap is thick but very flexible and soft. Both options are excellent choices. With the hooded lugs of the case design, many straps, ZULUs, NATOs and bracelets will work very well with this watch.
OK, let's get to the photos. The next several posts will be of the different watch models including wrist shots, lume shots and photos of the new packaging.
Cheers.
