ZULUDIVER x Vertex: A British-Built Collaboration

Now and then, a collaboration lands that just clicks, the right people, the right heritage, and the right piece of gear built for real-world adventure. That’s exactly what happened when ZULUDIVER teamed up with Vertex Watches to create a special edition OctoPod strap, designed to pair perfectly with the rugged Vertex M100.

This project kicked off at the British Watch Makers Day, an event buzzing with energy and passion for homegrown craftsmanship. That’s where we met Don Cochrane, Chairman of The Vertex Watch Company. Don took one look at our OctoPod system and instantly saw the potential for something unique. As he put it,

For this collaboration, we started with our dependable ElasticFlex material — a favourite among outdoor adventurers for its comfort, breathability, and trail-ready flexibility. The chosen colourway, Chinook, brings a striking green tone with a thin red centre stripe: a bold, confident nod to British military history and the adventurous spirit both our brands share.

But the real showstopper is the upgraded OctoPod buckle.

Made from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel, the buckle is deep-etched with the Vertex emblem, which is then filled with Swiss-made Super-Luminova C3. When the lights go low, that logo comes alive — glowing with an unmistakable presence that feels right at home on the cockpit dashboard, in the field, or around the campfire after a long day outside.

As always, OctoPod remains a registered ZULUDIVER design, celebrated for its easy adjustment, rock-solid security, and fast-fit versatility. It’s a system that’s become our number-one bestseller for good reason, and pairing it with Vertex’s design cues feels like a natural evolution.

ZULUDIVER is part of the Geckota Group, and through WatchGecko we’ve built a strong relationship with Vertex over the years — reviewing their watches, exploring their history, and connecting with their passionate community. Both brands draw heavy inspiration from British military timekeeping, and both believe that gear should earn its keep out in the wild.

That shared DNA is exactly why this collaboration feels so authentic. Two British makers, both grounded in function-first design, building something that respects the past while being ready for whatever adventure comes next.

This special Chinook edition OctoPod strap is available exclusively through Vertex, making it a fitting upgrade for owners of the M100 — a watch born from military roots and built for modern explorers.

Whether you’re navigating a trail, piloting through cloud cover, or simply heading out for a weekend escape, this strap is designed to go wherever the adventure takes you.