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Helson Skindiver back in stock - pulling the trigger!

Lagunax

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Helson Skindivers are back into a slightly different rerelease production - "300m automatic" Miyota 9015 instead of "300m incabloc" and sapphire crystal now,
I'm pulling the trigger on the one below, orange numerals without the date (I've broken too many date wheels...):
NOND-1.jpg.opt408x408o0%252C0s408x408.jpg

http://www.helsonwatch.com/skindiver.php
 

Lagunax

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Family reunion photoshoot, LOL. Noob BPFF, Gen Ocean7 LM-5, Helson Skindiver V2:
image_zpsdr0g7opf.jpeg

image_zpskoi9sjdg.jpeg

image_zpsd8gkq99u.jpeg
 

Champagne iH

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The only bad part about the Orange Lume us it's almost unreadable within an hour. At least so on my Blackbeard. Other than that they are just amazing watches. The steel mesh straps included and premium rubber make the Helson a great choice. You also have no worries when taking it into the salt water at any depth you will be diving at, even if it is just a snorkel. I think Helson makes a great watch. I like the Miyota 9015. It's very accurate and reliable. The only time I don't wear it is when I'm wearing a Noob no date sub, because it's just so comfortable I forget it's even there. Besides my reading vision is getting bad enough that I can't see the date wheel regardless.

I don't think I would buy the FF unless it was an all SS bracelet, but both Gens are money well spent. I think they all represent the best in deeper water divers watches and sport that unique look.

Congratulations on your acquisition. I've looked at the Steinhart Ocean 1, but if I was to get another diver, I think I would lean towards Helson as this 9015 movement really is something reliable and crafted specifically to knock out the ETA 2824-2 and clones, in simplicity and accuracy. Japanese can design movements that leave no doubt that they can stand at least tie to toe with Swiss movements regarding reliability and accuracy. The Grand Seiko have shown that repeatedly. Helson customer service is also amazing and fast.

Nice collection.


"What should we start with?"
"An '82 Margaux."
"Is it good?"
"Good? It will make you believe in God!"
 

Champagne iH

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Family reunion photoshoot, LOL. Noob BPFF, Gen Ocean7 LM-5, Helson Skindiver V2:
image_zpsdr0g7opf.jpeg

image_zpskoi9sjdg.jpeg

image_zpsd8gkq99u.jpeg

Do the Ocean 7 come with sapphire bezel? I have to admit that it does have a very nice dial. We're costs comparable?

I really like the Helson rubber, but that's not a deciding factor. Prior to acquiring the Helson, I used a Quartz Luminox that was PVD, and had to replace the gen rubber within the first year. I still like the tritium for no light situations, but the elegance of the three shown here can't be duplicated.


"What should we start with?"
"An '82 Margaux."
"Is it good?"
"Good? It will make you believe in God!"
 

tommy_boy

Athletic Supporter
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Nice family photo, there. Congrats!

The Helson's my fave, but it's a close call. The bezel edge is more to my liking.

I'd have it on the mesh, since rubber straps never seems to fit me. The micro adjustable clasp is a great feature.
 

JAFO

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Gorgeous watches but the Helson is my fave out of the bunch. Man that's just such a bad ass piece. Congrats!!
 

Lagunax

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Do the Ocean 7 come with sapphire bezel? I have to admit that it does have a very nice dial. We're costs comparable?

I really like the Helson rubber, but that's not a deciding factor. Prior to acquiring the Helson, I used a Quartz Luminox that was PVD, and had to replace the gen rubber within the first year. I still like the tritium for no light situations, but the elegance of the three shown here can't be duplicated.

I bought the Ocean7 LM-5 at an eBay liquidation so got a substantial discount, but I think the price is within $100 of the Helson. Yes, the bezel is sapphire.

However, the lume isn't great on the LM-5...the shots were after exposure to a tactical g700 flashlight.

As as far as the lume, the Noob BPFF is incredible, the Helson is very good, and the Ocean7 is kinda weak.
 

Champagne iH

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I peeked at gnomon watch brands last night. It floors me how much manufacturers are charging for bronze cases these days. A very inferior metal to good stainless steel.

I bought my Blackbeard right before Christmas as it was 10% off delivered. It came in the hardest time for deliveries, but arrived within 48 hours to the moment if purchase on the day before Christmas before 10:30am. Considering it went from Hong Kong to New York City, through customs and delivered to Western upstate NY in such a tight frame was impressive as are all the details Helson included from great buckles on the steel mesh and rubber strap. I like that they also include a great watch screwdriver that is comparable to my Swiss screwdrivers that sit in my workbench. The Helson and others look very nice. Steinhart and the Noob never fail to impress. I wouldn't take the Noob into deeper saltwater, only because you don't get a warranty on the rep, but it's a beauty. Squale has some nice offerings as well but I'm very happy with the Heldon purchase. I'm sure you are too. Nice to have a serial number under the 300 mark.


What shall we have? An '82 Margaux! Is it any good? Good....?, It will make you believe in God!
 

Tucker

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I don't want to hijack the thread but there are alot of good, reasonably priced divers available.

 

Lagunax

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Nice Tempest.
They all seem to be in the same price range, $700-800.
Gens under a grand!
 

Tucker

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That's the way I looked at it when I bought the Tempest. I've spent that much on reps...with no regrets. However, I wanted to use the same money to buy a genuine, solid, reasonably priced diver.
 

lrbk

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12/2/16
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That Helson is stunning.

Thanks for posting [MENTION=100947]Lagunax[/MENTION] - another one for the ever increasing wish list

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
 

lethalspectre

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No, under $1000 - for me it was under $800.
but I think you had a typo as it is the Gens under $1000 category.
Okay great!
I saw one on ebay this morning for $798.
They stated it to have a Miyota movement?
Not sure if a watch with that movement would be worth the money in my opinion
 

Lagunax

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Okay great!
I saw one on ebay this morning for $798.
They stated it to have a Miyota movement?
Not sure if a watch with that movement would be worth the money in my opinion

What's the point of buying used on eBay for more than the price of new unless the color or style you want is unavailable?
No worries with the Miyota 9015 - it is a rock solid movement found on a lot of lower cost gens.
 

lethalspectre

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What's the point of buying used on eBay for more than the price of new unless the color or style you want is unavailable?
No worries with the Miyota 9015 - it is a rock solid movement found on a lot of lower cost gens.
thats what I figured. Just for me if I'm spending $500 or more on a watch I usually expect an ETA or another Swiss equivalent