Underwater Wednesday is a series that explores a perennial favourite amongst mens watches, the diver. And watch forum favourite Helson is an ‘in the know’ brand which offers excellent quality at a realistic price. The truth is, while many ardent watch lovers like nothing more than to gaze at high-end watches on watch blogs, when it actually comes to the point of parting with money for one, every dollar counts. So to be a watch forum favourite means Helson has passed some crucial tests, which are, in no particular order, good looks, robust build, proven reliability and realistic pricing. If they were no good they would have been found out long ago.
Their ‘About us’ page confirms what I just said: HELSON is a young watch company founded by enthusiastic divers and sports fanatics from Europe and Asia. It is our aim to create reliable and yet reasonably priced diver watches, combining the best materials with long-lasting and for many years proven technology.’
So, having just booked a flight to Palawan in the Philippines, God’s gift to snorkellers and scuba divers, I am now looking very seriously at giving my trusty G-Shock a well earned rest and opting for a Helson.
But which Helson? The choice is dazzling, though no matter which range you choose from you’re getting a lot of watch for the money. They’re made from 316L stainless steel – with water resistance to at least 300 metres and some with 1000 metres – far deeper than most will ever dare to go. They’re coated with Swiss SuperLuminova.
As for the movement, although there are some models with the trusty ETA 2824-2, most models use the reliable Toyota of the watch world, the Miyota 9015 automatic, the same movement that powers many Citizen watches. You’ll be bored with the watch before the movement gives up on you.
Here are some of the specs for the watches in the Helson range.
Helson Speardiver
Case: Brushed 316L surgical stainless steel – Ø 41 mm – height 12.5 mm – length 47.5mm – lug distance 20 mm.
Crown: Screwed
Crystal: Sapphire 2.5mm – double domed – inside AR coated.
Water resistance: 300m/1000ft
Dial, hands and bezel triangle coated with Swiss SuperLuminova
Bezel: unidirectional 120 click
Bracelet: 20 mm mesh bracelet and 20mm rubber strap
Movement: 24 Jewel Japanese Miyota 9015 automatic
Helson Stingray US$599.00
Case: Brushed CuSn8 bronze case -Ø 47 mm – height 13.9 mm – length 56 mm – lug distance 24 mm.
Crown: 10mm
Sapphire crystal: 3.30 mm thick – inside AR coated.
Water resistance: 500m
Dial, hands coated with Swiss SuperLuminova C3
Strap: Comfortable 24 mm natural rubber Sharkfin with 22mm
removable screwed bronze buckle
Movement: 25 Jewel ETA 2824-2 automatic
Case back: titanium
Helson Sharkdiver 42mm Miyota 9015 US$599.00
Case: Brushed 316L surgical stainless steel – Ø 42 mm – height 14.5 mm – lug distance 22 mm.
Screwed crown with side protection
length, lug to lug 51.5 mm, weight incl. full lenght bracelet 253g Automatic helium escape valve
Sapphire crystal: 3 mm thick – inside AR coated.
Water resistance: 500m/1640 ft
Dial, hands and bezel coated with
Swiss SuperLuminova
Bracelet: Comfortable 22 mm stainless steel bracelet with
removable screwed end links / double locking clasp with diver extension.
Movement: 24 Jewel Japanese Miyota 9015 automatic
Helson Buccaneer US$1,299.00
Case: Brushed Bronze CuSn8
Ø 47 mm – height 18 mm – lug distance 24 mm.
Automatic helium escape valve
Sapphire crystal: 4 mm thick – double domed – inside AR coated.
Water resistance: 1000m/3.300 ft
Dial, hands and bezel coated with
Swiss SuperLuminova
Strap: Comfortable 24 mm rubber strap
Movement: 25 Jewel ETA 2824-2 automatic
Helson Tortuga US$599.00
Case: Brushed and polished 316L surgical stainless steel – width 43 mm – length 50.5 mm – height 16 mm – lug distance 22 mm.
Crown: Screwed crown 6.5mm 3 gaskets
Automatic helium escape valve
Sapphire crystal: 3 mm thick – inside AR coated.
Water resistance: 1000m/3.300 ft
Dial, hands and bezel coated with
Swiss SuperLuminova C3
Strap: Comfortable 22 mm rubber strap plus a brown leather
Bezel: bidirectional 120 clicks – 2 designs incl. bezel change tool -black bezel is on the watch – steel bezel is in the box
Movement: 24 Jewel Japanese Miyota 9015 automatic
However, there are several other options in the Helson range and each one comes with a 12-month international warranty.
