This Unique, Affordable Everyday Watch Is Just Way Too Pretty for Its Price

Straight out of Singapore, Zelos takes CNC guilloché to another level with the best of its fast-selling new Helica line.

zelos helica wave mop watch macroZelos

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If I ask you to name a Greek deity, what’s the first one that comes to mind? 

Probably Zeus or Athena or Apollo or Aphrodite. Probably not, say, Zelos (also spelled Zelus). 

zelos helica wave mop full
Of the four Helica watches, the ‘Wave Mop’ is perhaps the most stunning, not to mention the priciest.
Zelos Watches

For those unfamiliar, this lesser-known mythological figure personifies dedication, emulation and the English word derived from his name, “zeal.”

Just as this “winged enforcer” might sneak up on you, so too might the burgeoning watch brand of the same name. 

The irony is that while CNC is often associated with modern industrial machining, the undulating iridescence of the Wave Mop’s dial is a study in seemingly organic aquatic vibes.

But thanks to Zelos’s stunning yet affordable new Helica line — and the ‘Wave Mop’ edition in particular — that might not be the case much longer.

Rising star

In an industry where the oldest brands date back to the 18th century — we see you, Blancpain — Zelos is a relatively new player. 

Founded in 2014, the brand emerged from then-recent National University of Singapore mechanical engineering grad Elshan Tang’s passion for watches and desire for something new and different.

zelos helica steel blue watch
The ‘Blue Steel’ edition of the Helica sold out quickly but should return (for $599) in June.
Zelos Watches

Though he was quite young at the time, Tang had been collecting and trading luxury timepieces since the age of 15, giving him an understanding of horology far beyond his years.

While Tang has now been designing watches for over a decade, it is his latest line that may be turning the most heads.

Catch the Wave

The Helica line consists of four different everyday watches, distinct in their own ways but united by a few key features. 

With prices starting at $499, each watch features a 39mm stainless steel case and matching 5-link bracelet (with different finishes). 

zelos helica slate grey watch
The ‘Slate Grey’ edition of the Helica line is still available at the launch special price of $499.
Zelos Watches

More notably, however, the watches boast dials that belie their price tags, courtesy of CNC guilloché patterns that are quite stunning.

The ‘Wave Mop’ edition makes perhaps the biggest impression, thanks to an almost hypnotic Blue Mother of Pearl dial, complemented by silver hands and indices. 

zelos helica salmon edition
Like ‘Blue Steel,’ the ‘Salmon’ edition sold out quickly but should resurface after the launch period.
Zelos Watches

The irony is that while CNC (short for “Computer Numerical Control”) is often associated with modern industrial machining, the undulating iridescence of this dial is a study in seemingly organic aquatic vibes.

Like its siblings, the Wave Mop features solid technical specs for its price. 

zelos helica wave mop lume shot
When the sun sets, the Wave Mop replaces those undulating waves with an equally attractive minimalist lume.
Zelos Watches

Featuring a Miyota 9015 movement with custom date wheel and a power reserve of 40 hours, it offers 100m of water resistance and, when darkness falls, Superluminova C3 and BGW9 X1 Grade lume delivers with aplomb.

A Sapphire Crystal with ‘Box’ Shape and a steel bracelet with quick-adjust clasp round out the watch’s appeal, especially for the next month, when it’s available at a discounted launch special price.

Affordability and pricing

At press time, the Zelos Helica ‘Wave Mop’ Launch Special is still available for $529. After May 31st, the price will rise to at least $599.

zelos helica wave mop watch embedZelos Watches

Zelos Helica ‘Wave Mop’

In an industry where the oldest brands date back to the 18th century — we see you, Blancpain — Zelos is a relatively new player. Founded in 2014, the brand emerged from then-recent National University of Singapore mechanical engineering grad Elshan Tang’s passion for watches and desire for something new and different. The Helica line consists of four different everyday watches, distinct in their own ways but united by a few key features. With prices starting at $499, each watch features a 39mm stainless steel case and matching 5-link bracelet (with different finishes). More notably, however, the watches boast dials that belie their price tags, courtesy of CNC guilloché patterns that are simply quite stunning.

Specs

Case Size 39mm
Movement Miyota 9015 with custom date wheel
Water Resistance 100m