The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this watch company and their pieces. Judging from their website, the watches themselves look pretty nice, especially the Shark Diver. The lume is downright awesome on that watch too. But has anyone had any hands on experience with them or know anything about the company?

http://www.helson-watch.com/

Any help is appreciated.

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

I checked them out and came "this close" to getting the Shark Diver, but opted for the Benarus GMT Worldiver. One common thing is the mesh bracelet which I'd wager is from the same manufacturer on both watches.

I checked out some dive watch sub-forums on other sites. Seems the Helson is well liked.

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SHARKMAN

So what made you fall off from purchasing the helson? Also, any good reviews you find on the other forums?

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

Still not sure I made the correct choice. But a simple email system of ordering with a guy in the states and next day delivery helped. And I like gmts.

Check the dive watch sub forum on WUS.

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SHARKMAN

is there much of a difference between the miyota movement and the eta movement? Im really considering one of these and there is a $150 difference. But is there much of a difference in quality and/or reliability of the movements?

thanks

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

The Japanese movements are pretty solid, but don't have the reputation of the Swiss. Parts can also be harder to source.

And aren't they indirect instead of direct? In other words doesn't second hand have the tendency to stutter instead of move consistently, although it always catches up and keeps good time. I saw a watch with one - maybe it was just THAT particualr one - and the second hand was somewhat unpleasant to watch.

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SHARKMAN

Yeah, the movement design isn't quite so well designed, but if the watch is well assembled and maintained it shouldn't be a practical problem. I would certainly consider the ETA to be better though.

Thanks for the comments and turning me on to a new brand I've never heard of! I think they look great and could talk myself into one at some point.

I have a few rookie questions if I may: what are people's thoughts on amount of servicing needed? Every 5-7 years? More/less? Could be done locally or better to ship back? Is this the type of watch that will last a few generations? Thanks.

Well an ETA movement is an ETA movement - servicing shouldn't be any different from any other watch using a standard ETA movement. Likely closer to 5 than 7 as it is only standard, but not bad. Not sure on the Miyota.

The watch isn't as well built as a more expensive watch in terms of case, etc so I'm not sure that you are going to get "a few generations" out of it, but it will certainly last a couple of decades with some careful ownership.

Many thanks that's very helpful.

And any good watch guy can service it locally. It's a $650 watch, so sending it back would be a bit excessive to me. With a basic ETA movement the local guy whould be able to handle it fine and if parts are needed they are readily available to him.

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SHARKMAN

Yes that makes senese too! Thanks. Pretty smart and simple looking watches I think.