of the Trintec ZULU-01 GMT Aviator  Ricky Lee March 28, 2010 10:33PM

Registered: April 2005 Posts: 6,969 (2010-04)

First, a disclaimer: While I am not officially nor financially affiliated with Trintec, I most definitely am a fan of their products, and consider the owner, Brendon Nunes, a friend. So, yes, I do have an informal affiliation. However, for that very reason I have consciously tried to keep this review unbiased and objective, and I believe I have done so. Indeed, no wristwatch is perfect, and it may well be that in compensating for my emotional attachment, I've been more unflinchingly critical of the ZULU-01 than I might otherwise have been.

I've been a Trintec fan since the summer of 2005, when I bought one of the original 9060W Altimeter "Cockpit watches". Ironically (you'll see why in a moment), the Trintec caught my eye because I'd seen photos of the Bell & Ross Br01 upon it's introduction at Basel in the spring of '05, and found the styling intriguing. No way was I going to drop the kind of money that B&R commands, though, so the Trintec seemed an ideal ulta-PMW alternative. Imagine my surprise when research revealed that the Trintec in fact pre-dated the B&R! So when Invicta, Debaufre, et al began releasing similarly-styled "cockpit instrument watches" and they were immediately labeled "Bell & Ross homages", I took exception. To me, they were Trintec homages, as was the Br01 itself! This vocal opinion eventually paid off, as it was one of my posts declaring the Br01 to be "a Trintec homage" which caught Brendon's eye last fall. This led to a great deal of further correspondence, in which my opinion was vindicated when I learned that the Trintec "cockpit watches" were released in late 1992, more than a decade before the Br01. So whether you consider the B&R to be a Trintec homage or no - and I admit that it's possible that the Br01 was developed with no awareness of Trintec (not likely, IMHO, but possible) - it is still an unequivocal fact that Trintec originated the design.

Here it is next to The Original, the 37mm 1st-generation Trintec 9060W Altimeter:

..it simply does not apply. Mind you, when the upcoming Trintec ZULU-05 chronograph is released, all bets are off , and I'll certainly have more to say on the subject at that time.

OK, on to the nitty gritty.

Sorry about all the dust specks. Rest assured that the coating is evenly and uniformly applied, with no blemishes whatsoever evident on my example. I can't yet vouch for the long-term durability, obviously, but I can tell you that I managed to give the watch a fearful smack against a metal cabinet the first day I wore it to work , along with several more minor collisions, and {knocks on wood} there is no evident damage at all.

The screwdown crown is very crisply machined, and features a double row of knurling which makes for a dead positive purchase. There are approx. 2-1/2 full turns of thread engagement to full lock, and the action is buttery smooth and positive, with none of that teeth-gritting feel that the threads are liable to strip like you get with some watches.

The screwdown caseback..

..and we find that it's a "clean build" with no dust or debris in evidence.

A couple of niggling eccentricities with this movement, though:

* When it comes to the seconds hand hitting the markers precisely, it's a bit inconsistent. On my example, the seconds hand "leads" the markers by a fraction from 1 to 10. From 10 to 45 it hits 'em spang on. But from 45 to 60 it "lags" just a smidgen. Not a big deal to me, mind - certainly not a deal-breaker - but I know it's important to some of y'all, so I thought it worthy of mention.

* There's a bit of a trick to achieving dead-on synchronicity of the GMT hand. If you hack the watch and set GMT precisely, you'll find that it takes a bit for the GMT hand to get a-goin', and next hour it will be laggin' behind local time. The trick is to "lead" local time by ~ 10 minutes when setting GMT, and you'll get it synched perfectly. Again, no big deal to me, as every GMT watch in my collection ( and that's a bunch! ) displays this behavior to some degree. But it can be disconcerting to a GMT newbie, so fair warning.

OK, let's button 'er back up, and move on to the strap. You've seen the front, so let's take a look at the buckle and keepers:

Now, I'm not the world's biggest fan of resin/rubber/silicone straps. They're not particularly comfortable IMHO, especially in hot sticky weather. Indeed, I detest the thick, stiff examples (such as found on the average G-shock), and simply won't wear 'em. This one, though, is extremely supple, despite being quite thick. It's made of silicone, I think, and perhaps that's why. It may be THE most comfortable such strap I've ever worn, but I still have one pretty major problem with it: It is a dust magnet of unparalleled proportions. I cleaned the strap right before I shot these photos, and yet in mere minutes.. well, just look at the dust and lint it collected:

Just fit the Ricky Lee Standard Combat NATO! WooHoo!

Mind you, the doing so revealed yet another niggle. You thought the watch uses flat head screwbars, right? Nope. The "screws" are purely a decorative affectation, and in fact the strap is attached with standard telescoping springbars. This is my most serious disappointment with the ZULU-01. Sure, I can live with "decorative complications", even a tachymeter scale on a non-chrono. But given the choice, I'd much rather do without them. Mind you, black-coated PVD screwbars are a Bad Idea to begin with, as they're bound to get buggered up, no matter how durable the coating. That won't happen here, yet you've still got The Look, so perhaps it's a good thing. But, if it were me, I'd have specified drilled lugs (convenient AND functional, and also a Good Look) vs. ersatz screwbars.

But..

But, I must admit, the lume's another niggle. Obviously is pops great out of the gate. But the hands are a bit brighter in comparison to the markers than I consider ideal. Worse, the lume is not particularly long lasting. The hands will glow through the night (though they'll be quite dim come the morn), but the chapters are effectively dark after a couple of hours. Again, not a deal-breaker, but a definite Opportunity For Improvement. Are you with me, Brendon?

And sure, we need a shot showin' the NATO:

I love it!

So. To sum it up: I find the overall fit, finish, and function of the ZULU-01 to be excellent, far in excess of what you might expect given the modest $299 MSRP.

But there's room for improvement. Upgrade the lume, lose the faux screwbars and substitute drilled lugs, and add a bracelet option for starters. Better yet, a "Deluxe Set" that includes bracelet, silicone strap, and NATO, along with a springbar tool & packaged in a nice presentation box. But never let it be said that I "let perfect get in the way of great", and make no mistake the ZULU-01 is a great watch just as it is.

If I've piqued your interest (and I truly hope I have ), here's how you can get your very own Trintec ZULU-01 GMT Aviator:

Quote
Ricky Lee
..there will be a time-limited introductory offer for PMWF members, in advance of the Official Release, with a deep discount off MSRP. If ye're really itchin' for a ZULU-01, and won't be denied, I suggest that you call the Trintec order line at 800-567-2039, ask for Brendon personally, and tell him that Ricky Lee from the PMWF sent ye.

Quote
Naviator
OK guys I have sat on the side lines long enough and promise I'm not trying to get Ricky to do all the work for me. First of all I have a great respect for this forum and the rules. Like I said when I first joined I am new to this and still am. I appreciate all the feedback I have seen and I will make good on my promise to support this Forum and its members for all the feedback. Ricky has already given you my 800 number and in addition I will be placing an ad shortly on the landing page of PMWF. The ad probably won't be up until next week some time. PMWF is the official launching pad for my new watch line. I cannot publish the price or the special for obvious reasons but I don't think anyone will be disappointed. Thanks to everyone for your support.

Thanks for your time and attention, dear Constant Reader!



-Ricky

 watch, and great , RL! (n/t) (Views: 23)
Dave Murphy -- March 29, 2010 01:58PM
Nice job with the review, Ricky  (n/t) (Views: 27)
Chance -- March 29, 2010 04:39AM
Great review RL. (n/t) (Views: 29)
Dave P -- March 29, 2010 03:05AM
Nice watch, great review tx  nt (n/t) (Views: 32)
sharkfin -- March 29, 2010 02:35AM
Re: subject smiley 51! of the Trintec ZULU-01 GMT Aviator (Views: 60)
Naviator -- March 29, 2010 01:26AM
OK everyone Ricky has spoken and I have to be honest his review is spot on. I have been out of this game for quite a while now but I'm coming back with a vengeance. The ZULU-01 is the first new watch project I've done since about 2003 when we were still producing to 9060 Altimeter Watch. The ZULU-01 definitely falls short of my expectations in exactly the areas that Ricky has identified. We will address all of these issues in the second production run. In the mean time the special that I am offering PMWF members should accommodate the issues raised by Ricky. like I said before I take all criticism in a positive light, I intend to make changes to address all the shot comings of the ZULU-01 raised by Ricky. I want to thank all the members and PMWF for providing such a valuable resource. It is truly a privilege to be part of this forum. Thanks to everyone for your support.

--Brendon, Navigator.

NOTE : ZULU-05 COMING SOON!

You're welcome here (Views: 34)
Sfnewguy -- March 29, 2010 05:23AM
I really like the looks of the Zulu PVD - it reminds me of a Fortis but hopefully at an very un Fortis like price - is it possible to PM me with the actual price of the watch after the PMWF discount?



Thank you! Brendon! Glad you're back in the game! All the Best!  (n/t) (Views: 30)
Riddim Driven -- March 29, 2010 02:24AM

Re: Thank you! Brendon! Glad you're back in the game! All the Best!  (Views: 28)
Naviator -- March 29, 2010 03:12AM
Thanks I'm planning to stay in it this time appreciate the support!
--Brendon

Thanks for the response Brendon! I am.. (Views: 35)
Ricky Lee -- March 29, 2010 02:06AM
..relieved that you find the review accurate (though not surprised, given the forthright nature of our private correspondence).

To the forum at large - Brendon just sent me an e-mail taking me to task for missing his main private niggle with the ZULU-01.

He considers the action of the unidirectional rotating bezel "too soft", and the backlash excessive. Skimming back over my review, I see that I failed to mention the bezel at all , so point well taken, Brendon!

I just spent a few minutes playing with the bezel, and I must say that I do not find the action too soft. Indeed, it seems spot-on to me - not too stiff, yet not so soft as to be rotated by mistake. However, there is indeed a significant amount of backlash. Not enough that I find it annoying, but it could definitely be tighter.

The real surprise came when I counted the clicks. I had assumed it to be a 120-clicker, but whilst exercising it just now something seemed a bit out of kilter, so I counted. Turns out it's a ninety click bezel! I don't believe I've ever encountered one before. Being halfway between 60 and 120 clicks, I suppose it makes more sense than, say 80 or 100 clicks. But I still don't quite get the logic of 90 clicks?

Quote
Naviator
We will address all of these issues in the second production run. .. I want to thank all the members and PMWF for providing such a valuable resource. It is truly a privilege to be part of this forum.

Well said Brendon! I must say that it's refreshing to see a manufacturer who respects the forum, and actually listens to the feedback. Most whom I've seen participate here.. well, let's just say that's not the norm.

Quote
Naviator
NOTE : ZULU-05 COMING SOON!

Wohooo! And eagerly anticipated, at least by this ol boy.



-Ricky

Re: Thanks for the response Brendon! I am.. (Views: 31)
Naviator -- March 29, 2010 02:53AM
My pleasure honestly and thanks again for taking the time to do such a thorough job. The photos are great! One interesting point about the dust magnet silicone band. The dust washes off very easily with tap water, it will look like brand new after a just quick rinse.

It IS a really cool looking watch, and your attitude toward development is awesome. I wish you all success! (n/t) (Views: 32)
DJM -- March 29, 2010 01:42AM

Re: It IS a really cool looking watch, and your attitude toward development is awesome. I wish you all success! (Views: 28)
Naviator -- March 29, 2010 03:00AM
Thanks I appreciate it very much
--Brendon.

Congrats Ricky, great review on your long awaited watch  (n/t) (Views: 30)
jeremd676 -- March 29, 2010 12:49AM
Very good & forthright review RL  I know we can't have everything... (Views: 39)
Riddim Driven -- March 29, 2010 12:26AM
for $299 MSRP -- Thanks for the lume report! Very important to me, especially with such an apparent "all business" design. Water resistance to 200m would also be nice, though I gather it's not for diving, but perhaps extended periods belly down in the shallows. An upgraded quartz movement would be appealing in the future too. I have an older basic Luminox 3000 ($100.00) series that utilizes a Ronda 4 jewel "gilt" quartz. The second hand hits dead on & 200m WR -- never mind the tritium. I do know Luminox are made by the thousands, which many don't take into consideration when comparing with small solo ops, so I get it.

I think I would be compelled to get that beautiful dial of the Trintec re-lumed pronto

The Trintec is a hellava nice looking watch, though adding the updates mentioned, would really put it in the running and ad to desirability across a wider spectrum of WIS -- It seems well constructed as you declare, and I must reaffirm, very strong looks!

Thanks RL --- You're in the lead on this one! Congrats on a watch!

RD

A great review, Ricky. And a very nice looking watch. Congrats. (n/t) (Views: 31)
Mark C. -- March 29, 2010 12:17AM
Nice job, RL!  I like pretty much everything, except the price!  (n/t) (Views: 27)
MCV -- March 28, 2010 11:46PM

+1 (Views: 28)
Chance -- March 29, 2010 04:38AM
There are lots of other choices out there for the same money or less that ace this watch features-wise. Without better lume, a higher-grade quartz movement and improved water resistance, quite frankly I don't see this one going anywhere fast at its advertised MSRP.

Looks GREAT Ricky. Thanks for the . (n/t) (Views: 30)
DJM -- March 28, 2010 11:09PM
Excellent review and photos! (n/t) (Views: 30)
carlos x -- March 28, 2010 10:39PM
I am really jazzed about this one Ricky!! Great review too. It's a winner IMO.  (n/t) (Views: 30)
jinxed -- March 28, 2010 10:38PM

Dunno why it took so long for me to try this combo. I must be slippin'!

I've worn the ZULU-01 every day since it arrived, 2+ weeks, and it continues to perform flawlessly. Accuracy checks +9 sec after 16 days.. not my most accurate quartz, but nothing to sneeze at, either. It's been 'treated' to several additional bangs and bumps and (knocks on wood}, not a scratch so far. So a big for the PVD coating.

I know that the concensus here is that it's a bit over-priced. And no doubt my long history with Trintec products, not to mention having a small (tiny!) part in the inception of the ZULU-01 colors my opinion. But, honestly, I don't know when I've ever been this over-the-moon in love with a wristwatch!

And even more so now that it's on the Ricky Standard NATO.

-Ricky

Good combo   (n/t) (Views: 20)
Adam in NYC -- April 10, 2010 07:53PM
Crazy, you must be slipping in your old age. The Trintec is made for the R.S.N (n/t) (Views: 24)
jeremd676 -- April 10, 2010 07:12PM