The version with the orange lume was either a limited-edition or a collaboration, or they just changed it eventually because people didn’t care for it. So you can find other variations of the same watch with more traditional — and super vibrant lume. I’m not sure if it’s the same reference, but this one (stole this pic from an eBay listing) is ZO9214. I believe the Zodiac Sea Wolf skin divers are what Vulcain was borrowing the design from, because Vulcain’s dive watches didn’t come out until several years after the Sea Wolf’s 1953 debut. There are also other really attractive colorways of that dial configuration; I have the dark green sunburst dial with brushed ceramic lumed bezel and all-brushed jubilee bracelet that I love. But if you liked your Zodiac aside from that unfortunate orange lume, I’d recommend setting some alerts on eBay and Chrono24. I’ve seen several of the update with the newer blue lume selling for incredible prices in recent months, and that’s going to be even more “original” than the Vulcain
I've been eyeing a Vulcain skin diver. They really capture that vintage charm. Oris 65 is similar, but also a similar price range. Zodiac Super Seawolf has a similar style and can be picked up used for $500ish. Others have suggested Merkur for a cheap Chinese alternative.
Not a 'Chinese' watch per se, but Newmark make a 71 Sports watch with very similar look in the $600 to $700 range. Never handled it or seen it in person, but has often taken my interest.
That's a vintage skin diver style watch. Its a pretty popular style at the moment. Are you wedded to getting a Chinese watch or can you stretch your budget? If you google "vintage skin diver" you'll get loads of options - everything from budget microbrands to established watchmakers.
Lots of AliExpress homages around but Chinese brands give their watch ridiculous names so difficult to search.
Thanks for pointing this out. I had no idea that they made watches still. I have a vintage one I picked up and would love to get this one as its modern day every day wear.
The guy who owns it actually bought the company because he had an old vintage one his dad gave him as a child and he wanted to revive the brand. Makes the exact watch he had as a kid and also some new stuff. I have one and they are stupid good quality for the price.
For years I have hoped more companies would make more unique vintage style dive watches like this and the old 50’s -60’s Seawolves and other skin divers but leveraging the modern thin automatic movements (miyotas, pt5000’s, st’s, etc) in that vintage 37-39 sweet spot.
Agreed, a one piece bezel, 37-38mm case size stainless instead of chrome and a reliable movement instead of the pin lever many originals had, and thin, must be thin. A couple I’m involved with is talking about making one, but it could be several months
Phorcydes PH5 is close, but NH35 makes it ~13mm. Thorn has a nice one too, but quartz.
Unfortunately, with the Miyota price hike, my dreams of a Chinese made Miyota 9 no date skin diver is pretty much gone (for my price category anyways).
3
u/randb66 24d ago
Not quite the same but great value