Zodiac Unveils a new Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation, Inspired by Coral Reefs

Zodiac has launched the latest watch in their Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation family, their professional dive watch line. This series is characterized by large, oval cases, tons of water resistance, and a playful use of color inspired by that period in the late 60s and early 70s when watch brands were just a little bit more adventurous in style. We last brought you an update on this line when Zodiac released the limited edition Andy Mann designed version of the 68, which was notable for the many personal touches of the designer while still incorporating a very professional, toolish feel to the overall package. The newest Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation (reference ZO9509) has an altogether different visual presentation, but is still very much a pro dive watch. Let’s take a closer look.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial: Black
• Dimensions: 45 x 16 x 50mm
• Crystal: Sapphire   
• Water Resistance: 1000 meters  
• Crown: Screw down          
• Movement: STP 3-13
• Strap/bracelet: Stainless steel 3 link bracelet 
• Price: $1,595
• Reference Number: ZO9509
• Expected Release: Available now 

This version of the Super Sea Wolf 68 is dominated by orange highlights, taking its inspiration from coral reefs. Against a lightly textured black dial, the hour markers really pop with bright orange outlines and liberally applied lume. The minutes and seconds hands are both retro in flavor, with sharp geometry at the tips and, again, plenty of color. The thin black dive bezel is helps keep the large watch from looking too gargantuan, providing a subtle frame for the dial while still highlighting, by contrast, the somewhat unusual case shape. 

The dial, it should be noted, has a great deal of depth. The dial floor, as mentioned, is subtly textured, and on top of the base sits the series of large applied hour markers. Above that level is a separate minutes track, and still further up is the rehaut, which connects to the bezel and crystal. This type of “colosseum” effect can be really impressive when done well, and aids legibility when looking at the watch from a sharp angle.

The Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation appears on paper to be a hard watch to wear, but the 45mm diameter is more forgiving than you might be expecting. This is essentially a heavily rounded cushion case design, and the ease in wearing a watch like this comes in the short (almost nonexistent) lugs. At 50mm from top to bottom, this watch is big but not at all out of step with other modern divers.

Of course, you don’t put the word “Saturation” in the name of a dive watch if it can’t handle some depth. The Super Sea Wolf 68 is rated to 1000 meters, which is way more than most will ever need, but speaks well of the watch’s engineering. At 11mm thick, the watch is surprisingly thin for a tool that can withstand such depth. A look at the watch in profile reveals its multi-level construction, inside of which beats an STP 3-13 automatic movement.

The new Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation is available now direct from Zodiac with a retail price of $1,595. Zodiac