Helson Quality? What do you think.

[djmundle]

Hello,

I am looking at the Helson Sharkdiver 45mm with the eta movement. I am wondering how the quality of this watch is compared to Seiko divers?
Have you opened the back of yours and what does the internal build quality look like? Metal spacer or plastic spacer in back? Does anyone know
where these are made. It is hard to tell how large this watch is by looking online but I would like to see a picture of this compared to a Seiko skx series watch. I have a skx-175 and would be able to tell actual size by photos.
Thanks for all the help.
Dale

[E8ArmyDiver]

Hi Dale.While I never opened my Helson Sharkdiver to look inside, the exterior workmanship is very good,I would say it is a tool diver,not up to finish standards of the high end makers like Omega to be sure.Helson watches are manufactured in China under Peters strict control.His quality control is excellent as is his customer service in the unlikely chance you should have a problem.The 45mm Sharkdiver is BIG & will dwarf the Seiko in length,width & thickness!If you do not have at least a 7.75" wrist or larger(or like the ridiculous look of a huge watch on tiny wrist) then trust me & look to something smaller,or at least not as thick & with much shorter lug to lug length.Hope this helps.Good luck...

[malarky_hk]

I got a Skindiver and I love it. Never opened the case but the exterior finish is great. I've had it for 3 months now and no problems so far and keeps great time.

Watches are made in Hong Kong and subcontracted to manufacturers in China just across the border from Hong Kong.

[Eric L.]

It is a metal movement holder, and these watches are definitely a few notches above the Seiko SKX divers in terms of built quality, materials, and overall feel. The size is 45mm but wears even larger due the thick lugs.

[Brisman]

Helson quality is excellent for their price point.

[Crazy Cajun]

Helson quality is excellent for their price point.

Agree, top-notch quality, could easily cost twice as much.

[nozh2002]

I have two SharkDivers steel and titanium - both are perfect in terms of quality.

Only thing I wish for - additional bezels, faces, bracelet to buy in company store.
I saw some pictures there with different color lumes (red, gree, blue, orange, white etc...)
on old models - I like to switch bezel to one with different lume etc. But I will not buy
second watch for that. But this is just my wish.

Also I like to buy titanium bracelet - I have first model which came without one...

[Navitimer]

On my bronze shark diver I can confirm that fit and finish are not quite up to Seiko standards. The crown is a little 'gritty' against the tube threads, the sides of the watch are left completely unfinished from the pressing process and the hands are fairly crudely made. I can't comment about the steel or titanium models though.

It is however completely fitting for the tool style of watch. I absolutely love my Shark Diver and it has displaced my Panerai 112 as my weekend watch. I go snorkeling 5 days a week and it's the perfect tool for the job. I only need a maximum of 8 or 9 meters water resistance but I do appreciate the thick chunky bezel and sapphire crystal which easily soak up bangs against metal steps and rocks.

The watch is big though. Very big. Looks acceptable on my 7.25" wrist in casual or swimwear - wouldn't wear it to the office.

I'd opt for a 42mm if I was having my time again (and the 42mm bronze was available).

[vokotin]

Not a FANBOY of any brand here!
China, Swiss, German simply i don't care where the watch is made, all i do care is the final quality and based on my personal experience Helson's rocks and Peter's CS is second to none!

[bigwatch13]

Not a FANBOY of any brand here!
China, Swiss, German simply i don't care where the watch is made, all i do care is the final quality and based on my personal experience Helson's rocks and Peter's CS is second to none!

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