Discussion
Afternoon,
I've been hunting for a suitable everyday dive watch. Originally I was after a WatchCo SM300 but I can't seem to get hold of a used example, and new they're out of my price range.
However I've just stumbled across Helson, as US make that uses ETA movements - nice looking watched in my opinion and I can get one for a shade over £400!
Has anyone got one?
I've been hunting for a suitable everyday dive watch. Originally I was after a WatchCo SM300 but I can't seem to get hold of a used example, and new they're out of my price range.
However I've just stumbled across Helson, as US make that uses ETA movements - nice looking watched in my opinion and I can get one for a shade over £400!
Has anyone got one?
Helson are very decent watches at reasonable prices
Do take a look at the Precista's especially the PRS18-A available here
http://www.timefactors.com/precista.htm
or the Seiko SKX range for even less money via Creation
Do take a look at the Precista's especially the PRS18-A available here
http://www.timefactors.com/precista.htm
or the Seiko SKX range for even less money via Creation
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Meter-Pr...
Used one for 2 years now, solid watch, strong bezel and a decent strap. No battery to worry about either and looks OK too.
Used one for 2 years now, solid watch, strong bezel and a decent strap. No battery to worry about either and looks OK too.
Rich_AR said:
Nothing wrong with ETA great workhorse and can be serviced by most watch makers. I do not think Steinhart modify them.Edited by hilly10 on Thursday 17th April 08:33
I've got a steinhart ovm and it has an ETA movement and is really good, I would recommend one.
It's a bit cheaper than helson at about £300 and since it's from Germany there is no import duty etc.
However, when I was looking at buying a watch, the helson skindiver you have shown was also on my list and I still yearn for one everytime I see a photo of one! They also did a model called blackbeard, and the 2nd generation version had a nice black dial... Ps not the current white dial one with the skull and cross bones. You may consider one of those which is a homage to one of the later models of the blancpain.
It's a bit cheaper than helson at about £300 and since it's from Germany there is no import duty etc.
However, when I was looking at buying a watch, the helson skindiver you have shown was also on my list and I still yearn for one everytime I see a photo of one! They also did a model called blackbeard, and the 2nd generation version had a nice black dial... Ps not the current white dial one with the skull and cross bones. You may consider one of those which is a homage to one of the later models of the blancpain.
I have a Skindiver Numbers Orange Date. #97 of the previous 'batch' - the current Skindivers available are 20mm lug width as opposed to the older 22mm.
The Miyota movement is extremely smooth, and I whilst I was intrigued enough after seeing numerous references to it across the web, and in particular the Worn & Wound article, I was definitely smitten when my order arrived. It's been extremely durable, accurate and for those who like that sort of thing, garners attention. Every now and then, someone will break the ice with, "...by the way...can I have a look?"
Don't quote me on this, but I think the first batch had an ETA movement, with the production number marked between 20mm lugs, then the second batch (of which mine is one: 22mm, Miyota and production detail on the caseback) and now the third set, which just like the original Fifty Fathoms came with indices or numerals.
I'm guessing that Helson makes them a hundred a go, so it's not like the world is flooded with the pieces. Personally I would always hold out for something new straight from Helson as opposed to 2nd hand - the 'vintage' double domed sapphire does protrude, so if you're getting it pre-loved as it were, be prepared for it to be marked up. That may not bother you. Without aiming to do some sort of personality deconstruction, watches like this will tend to be picked up by those who are into watches. And watch people tend to have a few. And for some, at this price range, a beater is a beater and gets treated as a beater...
[References: Victorinox Dive Master 500m & Brietling Superocean Steelfish]
From new, you receive the watch in a nicely unusual, cylindrical case. The watch also comes with a classic Isofrane strap. I've tried it with numerous sailcloths from Bradystraps, however hankered after the original Swiss Tropic Rubber strap look and went to Otto Frei (Ofrei), based in San Francisco. Excellent value.
The original Fifty Fathoms is a design classic. The phrase 'design classic' is bandied around too loosely these days, but in the case of Blancpain's diver, is certainly not misplaced. After all, amongst dive watches, it is the progenitor. Now, you could easily blow £20k on Chrono24 or with Antiquorum on a '53 FF, if you want, but then would you wear with the same abandon?
One of my pals, who I can talk watches all day, is also into trying out some of the micro-brands and boutiques. I went to Helson. He went to Benarus and picked up a fairly rare - 1/50 - Mil-diver. We're both happy. There's lots of quality and interesting companies out there across the price ranges. Hope this helps.
The Miyota movement is extremely smooth, and I whilst I was intrigued enough after seeing numerous references to it across the web, and in particular the Worn & Wound article, I was definitely smitten when my order arrived. It's been extremely durable, accurate and for those who like that sort of thing, garners attention. Every now and then, someone will break the ice with, "...by the way...can I have a look?"
Don't quote me on this, but I think the first batch had an ETA movement, with the production number marked between 20mm lugs, then the second batch (of which mine is one: 22mm, Miyota and production detail on the caseback) and now the third set, which just like the original Fifty Fathoms came with indices or numerals.
I'm guessing that Helson makes them a hundred a go, so it's not like the world is flooded with the pieces. Personally I would always hold out for something new straight from Helson as opposed to 2nd hand - the 'vintage' double domed sapphire does protrude, so if you're getting it pre-loved as it were, be prepared for it to be marked up. That may not bother you. Without aiming to do some sort of personality deconstruction, watches like this will tend to be picked up by those who are into watches. And watch people tend to have a few. And for some, at this price range, a beater is a beater and gets treated as a beater...
[References: Victorinox Dive Master 500m & Brietling Superocean Steelfish]
From new, you receive the watch in a nicely unusual, cylindrical case. The watch also comes with a classic Isofrane strap. I've tried it with numerous sailcloths from Bradystraps, however hankered after the original Swiss Tropic Rubber strap look and went to Otto Frei (Ofrei), based in San Francisco. Excellent value.
The original Fifty Fathoms is a design classic. The phrase 'design classic' is bandied around too loosely these days, but in the case of Blancpain's diver, is certainly not misplaced. After all, amongst dive watches, it is the progenitor. Now, you could easily blow £20k on Chrono24 or with Antiquorum on a '53 FF, if you want, but then would you wear with the same abandon?
One of my pals, who I can talk watches all day, is also into trying out some of the micro-brands and boutiques. I went to Helson. He went to Benarus and picked up a fairly rare - 1/50 - Mil-diver. We're both happy. There's lots of quality and interesting companies out there across the price ranges. Hope this helps.
Thank you all for your replies and information, as always, very helpful.
My quest for a dive watch took a surprising turn yesterday.
I'd originally been after an Omega SM300, probably one by WatchCo in Australia, on the basis an original was, for now, not justifiable. A surprise trip to a watch dealer yesterday with my wife, one early birthday present later, I am now the very proud owner of an original 1968 SM300, authenticated, refurbished and serviced by Omega. The dealer has supplied a 2 year warranty. Dodgy phone picture below.
My quest for a dive watch took a surprising turn yesterday.
I'd originally been after an Omega SM300, probably one by WatchCo in Australia, on the basis an original was, for now, not justifiable. A surprise trip to a watch dealer yesterday with my wife, one early birthday present later, I am now the very proud owner of an original 1968 SM300, authenticated, refurbished and serviced by Omega. The dealer has supplied a 2 year warranty. Dodgy phone picture below.
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