Zodiac
Le Locle, Switzerland · Est. 1882
Founded by Ariste Calame
Zodiac was founded in Le Locle in 1882 and was known during the 20th century for its Sea Wolf dive watch — one of the first commercially available dive watches — and distinctive cushion-shaped Aerospace GMT. Owned by Fossil Group since 2001, the brand continues to produce re-editions of its vintage classics.
- Founded
- 1882
- Headquarters
- Le Locle, Switzerland
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Sea Wolf — Zodiac's legendary dive watch, first introduced in 1953 as one of the first purpose-built commercial dive watches, predating the Rolex Submariner.
- Super Sea Wolf — Evolution of the Sea Wolf from the early 1970s, rated to 750 metres and used by US Navy SEALs, now the brand's core modern collection.
- Aerospace — GMT watch introduced in 1960 inspired by the Sea Wolf design, featuring a dual-colour bezel and red GMT hand for travellers.
Timeline
- 1882 — Ariste Calame founds a watch workshop in Le Locle, Switzerland, originally under his own name.
- 1908 — The name 'Zodiac' is officially registered as the brand name.
- 1930 — Introduces the Autographic, a self-winding watch with a power-reserve indicator, unbreakable crystal, and water resistance.
- 1953 — Launches the Sea Wolf, one of the first commercially produced dive watches, ahead of the Rolex Submariner.
- 1960 — Releases the Aerospace GMT, expanding beyond dive watches into travel-oriented timepieces.
- 1971 — Introduces the Super Sea Wolf rated to 750 metres with a patented crown system, adopted by US Navy SEALs.
- 2001 — Acquired by Fossil Group, which revives heritage models while maintaining Swiss manufacturing in Bienne.
- 2015 — Under Fossil Group, Zodiac relaunches heritage models including the Super Sea Wolf, tapping into the vintage dive watch revival.
- 2023 — Launches the Sea-Chron diver's chronograph, combining the brand's dive heritage with chronograph functionality.
- 2025 — Parent company Fossil Group files Chapter 15 bankruptcy in October 2025. Zodiac identified as a core brand to be preserved. Massive clearance sales see watches at up to 85% off retail. Restructuring finalised November 2025.
- 2026 — Releases the Zodiac x GiantMouse Pro-Diver Automatic watch and dive knife set, a cross-category collaboration blending horology with EDC culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zodiac
- Is Zodiac a Swiss brand?
- Founded in 1882 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Zodiac is now owned by Fossil Group (USA) but manufacturing remains in Bienne, Switzerland, maintaining its Swiss Made heritage.
- What is the Zodiac Sea Wolf?
- Launched in 1953, the Sea Wolf was one of the first commercially produced dive watches. It predated the Rolex Submariner and remains Zodiac's most iconic model.
- Who owns Zodiac today?
- Fossil Group acquired Zodiac in 2001. The brand continues to produce Swiss-made watches focused on its dive-watch heritage, particularly the Super Sea Wolf line.