Swordfish 40

Entry-level Under $600

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 since 2020, it is offered across a wide range of dial colorways and consistently sells out within hours of each new drop.

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40mm

Case

200m

Water res.

12mm

Thick

46mm

Lug-to-lug

Overview

Brand	Zelos
Collection	Swordfish
Category	Dive
Released	2020
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, fully lumed
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, quick-release pins

On the wrist

At 40mm across and 46mm lug-to-lug, the Swordfish 40 sits flush and purposeful on medium to small wrists, and the chamfered edges running the length of the case and lugs catch light in a way that makes the 12mm profile read thinner than it is. The sandwich dial lends the watch genuine depth — the layered construction means the indices and hands float above the colour field rather than sitting flat against it, which is a detail you notice most on the coloured dials like the teal or crimson red.

The bracelet is the quiet highlight of the package: solid links with screw pins, female end links that close the gap to the case cleanly, and a quick-release system that makes strap swaps genuinely effortless. The dual-lume approach — C3 green on the dial layer, BGW9 blue-white on the hands — creates a two-tone glow at night that reads as enthusiast-level attention to detail. The 120-click ceramic bezel is firm enough to resist accidental rotation but not punishing. The only friction point reported by some owners is a lug geometry that can feel subtly unbalanced on certain wrist shapes, which is worth investigating if you have an unusually narrow or wide wrist.

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 fully-lumed 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 quick-release pins

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

All variants sell out very quickly — monitor Zelos newsletter/social for upcoming drops
Bezel insert material (ceramic vs. steel or titanium) and dial lume colour vary by specific variant; confirm before ordering
Official dimensions are rounded: independent review measured 46.1mm lug-to-lug and 12.3mm thickness vs. the listed 46mm / 12mm
No manufacturer reference numbers assigned — variants are identified by colourway name only

FAQ

Is the Swordfish 40 automatic or quartz?

It runs a automatic movement.

What movement does the Swordfish 40 use?

The Seiko NH35A (Seiko).

Does the Swordfish 40 have a date?

Yes.

How water resistant is the Swordfish 40?

It is rated to 200 m.

How big does the Swordfish 40 wear?

40 mm wide with a 46 mm lug-to-lug.

How does the Swordfish 40's build quality compare to other microbrands at this price?

Reviewers consistently rate it above its price tier, particularly praising the bracelet (solid screw-pin links, female end links, quick-release clasp), the sandwich dial construction, and the dual C3/BGW9 lume — features that typically appear on watches costing significantly more. One reviewer called it 'the best value automatic diver I've ever reviewed.'

Is the Swordfish 40 related to the original (larger) Zelos Swordfish?

No — the original Zelos Swordfish was a 42mm / 300m watch. The Swordfish 40 is a distinct, smaller model launched in 2020 with a 40mm case and 200m rating. They share a name and general aesthetic language but differ in dimensions, water resistance, 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.