As Obi-Wan may have been tempted to say: “Helson – now there’s a name I’ve not heard in a long time.” That’s because it’s been almost 9 years since we last talked about the brand. Doesn’t mean that they’ve closed up shop or have stopped producing watches – quite the contrary. In fact, they just recently released a new watch, the Helson Shark Diver 38 Brass.
While you might find the naming of the watch a touch wordy, I appreciate the fact that it tells you exactly what you’re getting – a brass-encased dive watch in a very tasty 38mm diameter. Dive watches – especially from smaller independent brands – tend to subscribe to the “more is more” ideology, which means watches that can easily overwhelm a wrist. Not so with this design – you’ve got classic dive watch looks (even a lumed bezel), just in a more compact look that should be rather comfortable on the wrist (full dimensions listed below).
Though the case of the Helson Shark Diver 38 Brass is smaller, that does not mean legibility has been sacrificed on the dial of the watch. You’ve still got generously-sized indices (including a massive triangle at 12 o’clock), and a hefty sword for the minute hand, making it clearly differentiated from the slender hour hand. These hands are also done up in brass, mimicking the case.
It’s not just the looks, either – the Helson Shark Diver 38 Brass will be more than happy to go diving with you. It carries a 300m WR rating, which should be more than sufficient for a dip in the pool or your local lake. Just bear in mind that brass is going to develop that patina (aka oxidization) as it encounters the environment, so watch for it to take on a darker color. The caseback looks to be of steel, however, so you should not have to worry about it turning your wrist green. The Helson Shark Diver 38 Brass is available in six different dial colors for $349. helsonwatches.com
Tech Specs from Helson
- Case: Brass, Ø 38 mm – height 13 mm – lug distance 20 mm – lug to lug 46 mm – weight 96g with rubber strap
- Screwed crown w. side protection
- Sapphire crystal: 2.2 mm thick – inside AR coated.
- Water resistance: 300m
- Dial, hands and bezel coated with swiss SuperLuminova
- Strap: Comfortable 20 mm rubber strap with 20mm brass buckle
- Movement: 24 Jewel Japanese NH35 Japan automatic
