ZIXEN Nitrox II Sneak Peek

ZIXEN Nitrox II
Last Thursday FedEx delivered two prototypes of the new upcoming Zixen Nitrox II. Joe sent me these two watches for evaluation and photography. I was lucky enough to see and handle these two watches being one-off prototypes.





The New Nitrox II continues in the vintage inspired heritage of previous Zinex/Zixen watches. The dimensions of these new watches hit all the right numbers IMO, 44mm diameter (excluding crown), 15mm thick, 54mm lug to lug. The lugs have a downward angle so they fit nicely on the wrist.

There is a new presentation package Zixen introduces with this new Nitrox II model. There is a new matt black outer box with a nicely embossed ZIXEN logo. The inner presentation box is a heavy, beautifully wood grained box with black velvet lining. Included are two screwdrivers, essential for sizing the mesh bracelet, and the Zixen manuals and warranty card.





The dial is a classic design and has raised hour markers to give it a nice dimesional appearance. The dial graphic picks up the "crosshairs" element seen on the previous Trimix models which tie the product line together. I am really liking the choice of hand design on these new Nitrox. The long minute hand with it's color accent and the "arrow" hour hand make for very legible quick time reference. The hour hand has a nicely brushed metal finish on the black dial version and a gloss black finish on the silver dial version. The silver dial has a radially brushed finish similar to what is seen on the Doxa Searambler.

The finish on the new Nitrox II watches is a little different than previous models. The brushing is a very refined finish, very classy and similar to the finishes on swiss watches. All surfaces have the brushed finish on these watches.

The Nitrox II will be supplied on the Zixen mesh bracelet as shown in the photos. Joe was originally thinking that the watches would come on the link bracelet but after much consideration decided on the mesh. This is a decision IMO I'm glad he went with. The vintage characteristics of this watch work so well on the quality Zixen mesh, the two just go together visually. Plus the mesh has the fold-over diver's clasp with micro adjustments.



What really surprised me and put a big grin on my face is when I flipped the watch over to view the caseback. In true characteristic of this watch there is a vintage dive helmet logo. It is nicely done in 3D relief, not etched and adds to the overall character of the watch.



Zixen has really been on a roll of incredible new releases lately. These new Nitrox II models have really impressed me and fit perfectly in the Zixen line up.

Nitrox II Specs:
Case: Antimagnetic; double O-ring, brushed stainless steel, 44mm width (excluding crown), 15mm in height.
Movement: Swiss made ETA 2824, self-winding, hacking second function, 42 hr power reserve.
Crystal: Anti-reflective coating (interior), 4.5 mm domed sapphire.
Bezel: Unidirectional, Sapphire insert, with luminous markers.
Bracelet: 24mm wide Stainless Steel Mesh or natural rubber professional grade diving strap.









Typical amazing Zixen lume


For reference I have a 7 1/4' wrist