CWhatWatch

On today’s Focus Friday, we are taking a look at the Zodiac Grand Hydra. More specifically, we want to take a close look at the tool-less adjust links of its bracelet. Timex has been making some waves recently with the release of their $1950 Galli S2Ti, which features a very similar link system on its bracelet, but for around 10 times the cost. Granted, there are other aspects of the watch that raise the price, but you get the point.

Here’s the scenario: it’s 2020 and you just ordered the Zodiac Grand Hydra. You’re clearly too excited because you bought it on the bracelet and you forgot you don’t have any means of adjusting that bracelet. The watch arrives and you ruminate on ways to get that watch on your wrist. But then you realize, there aren’t any pinholes on the bracelet. That’s where the magic happens – you try to move one of the links and it flips up, revealing a pretty well engineered adjustment system.

Each adjustable link has a tube with what seems like a spring loaded bearing that allows the outside link to rotate and lock in place. This means you can freely adjust your watch as needed. This is a great feature, especially for newer watch enthusiasts that do not have the necessary tools to adjust a bracelet at home. While you realistically wouldn’t need to adjust the system more than a couple of times, especially with the 4-holes of micro adjust on the clasp, it is a great example of overengineering for the sake of overengineering. The best kind of engineering.