Zelos · Swordfish
Swordfish 40
The Zelos Swordfish 40 is a Singapore-based microbrand's 40mm automatic dive watch offering 200m water resistance, a 120-click unidirectional ceramic bezel, sandwich dial construction with dual-lume application, and a Seiko NH35A movement at sub-$500 pricing. Released in limited batch drops, it is offered across a wide range of dial colorways and frequently sells out.
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Water res.
Thick
Lug-to-lug
Overview
| Brand | Zelos |
| Collection | Swordfish |
| Category | Dive |
| Price guide | Entry-level · Under $600 |
Full specification
Specs
Case & dial
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 46 mm |
| Thickness | 12 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm |
| Water resistance | 200 m |
| Crystal | sapphire, flat with inner AR coating |
| Case material | 316L stainless steel |
| Bezel | 120-click unidirectional dive, ceramic insert |
| Case back | solid |
Movement & furniture
| Type | Automatic |
| Caliber | Seiko NH35A → |
| Functions | Date |
| Power reserve | 41 h |
| Jewels | 24 |
| Lume | Super-LumiNova C3 and BGW9 |
| Strap / bracelet | 316L stainless steel bracelet, screw-pin links, female end links, flip-lock and microadjust clasp |
Bottom line
A well-proportioned, bracelet-forward 40mm diver that punches well above its price in build refinement and lume execution — ideal for microbrand enthusiasts comfortable with batch-drop availability.
Highlights
- 200m rated with 120-click unidirectional ceramic bezel
- Sandwich dial with dual-lume C3 + BGW9
- Compact 40mm / 46mm lug-to-lug
- Seiko NH35A, 41h power reserve
- Bracelet with female end links and microadjust clasp
Who it's for
Buyers with wrists roughly 6.25–7.5 inches seeking a capable, well-finished 40mm diver under $500, especially those who enjoy microbrand batch-drop culture and the choice of multiple dial colorways from classic black and teal to holographic and meteorite finishes.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need an immediately in-stock watch rather than waiting for the next batch drop, require an ISO 6425 certified diver, or prefer a case larger than 40mm.
Before you buy
- Current Swordfish listings are sold out; Zelos says it does frequent drops of new colorways and models via newsletter alerts
- Bezel insert material and lume color vary by specific variant; confirm the product page before ordering
- Official Swordfish 40 dimensions are listed as 40mm diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug and 12mm thickness
- Variant pages identify models primarily by size, case material and colorway name
FAQ
Is the Swordfish 40 automatic or quartz?
The Swordfish 40 is automatic. The Seiko NH35A winds itself from the motion of your wrist, so it needs no battery. A full wind holds roughly 41 hours, so it keeps running overnight off the wrist; left longer it stops and restarts once you wear or hand-wind it.
What movement does the Swordfish 40 use?
The Swordfish 40 is powered by the Seiko NH35A from Seiko, an automatic caliber with 24 jewels, a 41-hour power reserve, and a 21,600 bph beat rate. Being automatic, it winds from the motion of your wrist and needs no battery.
Does the Swordfish 40 have a date?
Yes — the Swordfish 40 has a date display on the dial. The date advances automatically as the movement runs, so the current day of the month is always visible at a glance, and you can set it from the crown after the watch has been left to stop.
How water resistant is the Swordfish 40?
The Swordfish 40 is rated to 200 m. That is true dive territory: fine for swimming, snorkelling and recreational scuba diving, as well as all daily wear. Whatever the rating, avoid operating the crown or pushers underwater, and have the gaskets checked periodically to keep it reliable.
How big does the Swordfish 40 wear?
At 40 mm across with a 46 mm lug-to-lug and 12 mm thick, the Swordfish 40 wears as a modern medium-to-large watch. Lug-to-lug is the measurement that really decides fit, since it sets how far the case spans the wrist — 46 mm suits most wrists, and smaller wrists especially should check that figure.
How does the Swordfish 40's build quality compare to other microbrands at this price?
The Swordfish 40 punches above its price tier, particularly with the bracelet (solid screw-pin links, female end links, microadjust clasp), the sandwich dial construction, and the dual C3/BGW9 lume — features that typically appear on watches costing significantly more.
Is the Swordfish 40 related to the original (larger) Zelos Swordfish?
No — the Swordfish 40 is a distinct, smaller model with a 40mm case and 200m rating, while the larger Swordfish is offered as a 42mm model. They share a name and general aesthetic language but differ in dimensions and case details.
Does Zelos restock the Swordfish 40, or is each drop final?
Zelos periodically restocks and releases new colourway variants of the Swordfish 40. While individual colourways may not return, the model line itself is active. Signing up for Zelos email alerts is the most reliable way to be notified of new drops.
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