Helson Turtle available for purchase NOW........

[stumpy1972]

Beautiful watch! Great pics folks!

Wondering why the caseback has to be that thick? Those thick casebacks keep a watch from hugging the wrist properly, and in my experience they tend to flop around more (I wear watches just loose enough so they don't flop around my wrist bone). I've been eyeing one of these up, but I'm on the fence about the caseback. Is the crystal slightly domed or flat?

[iinsic]

Beautiful watch! Great pics folks!

Wondering why the caseback has to be that thick? Those thick casebacks keep a watch from hugging the wrist properly, and in my experience they tend to flop around more (I wear watches just loose enough so they don't flop around my wrist bone). I've been eyeing one of these up, but I'm on the fence about the caseback. Is the crystal slightly domed or flat?

The crystal is flat, not domed. The watch has the same dimensions as the original, which was quite unusual for its time in that it had a 1000m WR rating (5 times the typical rating). The very beefy case conferred that water resistance. Perhaps modern technology could make the watch thinner and still 1000m WR, but then it wouldn't be an homage.

I also wear my watches loose, and I don't notice the head slipping any more than other watches which are a lot thinner (e.g.-my Sub-C).

[stumpy1972]

The crystal is flat, not domed. The watch has the same dimensions as the original, which was quite unusual for its time in that it had a 1000m WR rating (5 times the typical rating). The very beefy case conferred that water resistance. Perhaps modern technology could make the watch thinner and still 1000m WR, but then it wouldn't be an homage.

I also wear my watches loose, and I don't notice the head slipping any more than other watches which are a lot thinner (e.g.-my Sub-C).

Cool! Thanks for the info.

[lambstew]

Number 12 showed up this morning and here are some quick & dirty pics of the Turtle alongside my RAN original. I have to say I'm really impressed and Rob's review pics are bang on as far as representing what the Turtle really looks like in hand. The fit & finish are superb and the new watch now reveals what the original looked like brand new since my original was very well used in it's service life which was rather rough..my Certina RAN restoration story here: Resurrecting A RAN Certina Dive Watch From The Dead - The Military Watch Resource - Community Fora

The one detail which Peter attempted not to re-make was the very complicated push-to-turn bezel arrangement which you can see in all it's various parts in my restoration review. I'm quite happy with the bezel as it is and the Turtle's turns and clicks very smoothly indeed.

Another observation is that the hour hand is slightly larger than the original as is the rectangle on the tip of the sweep second hand. The crown also sits a bit prouder from the recess at the side of the case but I very much doubt Peter's intention was to make a 1:1 perfect replica. All the other important case details are present however which includes the nicely sunken dial & the beveled date window. I currently have the watch on the included mesh and say the bracelet really "ups" the look and the heft which isn't for the faint hearted. I'm wearing the Turtle on a 7 1/4 wrist and NEEDED to add one extra link.

Anyhow, I hope the further comparisons are helpful for those who are still undecided or wondering..

Peter hit a home run with this one and really who else is going to take on such an iconic beast and do it justice??

Cheers,

Konrad

[Beano]

Great comparison pics Konrad and for the link to your restoration story.

My Turtle spent 24hrs moving between FedEx locations here in the UK, but should be at my door sometime today......

Here's hoping.

Regards

Beano

[johnnmiller1]

I've got number 5 in the mail. Can't wait. Seriously can't wait. To me Peter has made a homage of one of the best divers of all time and I for one can't wait to wear it. It looks like a winner.

[Beano]

#54 arrived. No pics yet. I'm too busy sizing the mesh.... Will post up later.

Looking good so far.

Regards

Beano

[exc-hulk]

Great watch, great pics here !

More pics please !

[DEMO111]

Really enjoying #4.

[Brisman]

Anybody bought the orange dial yet?

If so, what do you think and any pics.

Also, does anyone know if the original Certina came with an orange dial.

Thanks