Zelos Helmsman replica watches

These days, there are many companies that are funding their watch projects through Kickstarter. This is how Omega Replica Watches received their funding, and was extremely successful as they were able to produce their first model, the Helmsman.

I have been following Zelos’ progress for some time, as the Helmsman looked intriguing to me as it’s not like every other diver or micro brand out there. I don’t exactly remember what the Kickstarter prices were to get in on the watch, but this stainless steel version sells for $420 on their website.

They also produced a bronze version for $490, and one that is bronze with a black DLC bezel for $590.

What initially piqued my interest the most was the milled out part of the case, and the different finishes used. The outer part of the Helmsman is all brushed, the milled section and crowns are sand blasted, and on the top and sides of the fixed bezel are polished. It gives the watch extra dimension and some contrast. And lets be honest, not many companies or micro brands are doing multiple finishes with more complex cases these days, especially in the $400 price range.

The Zelos Helmsman overall is a very nice first model from a new company. The Helsman has a lot to offer for its price point, but there are some things that stood out to me that I think could have been done a touch better, but also many things were right on target as well. Lets take a look the full specifications and discuss.

43mm Diameter Case

Three different finishing used on each watch: Sandblasted, brushed and finally polished to bring out the highlights

24 Jewel Automatic Movement Miyota(owned by Citizen) 9015: Japan made and holds comparable reliability with Swiss movements.

Sapphire crystal: Cartier Love Bracelet

Water Resistance of 100m

Internal divers bezel: compute the duration of the dive. Operated by crown at 2 o’clock

Exhibition caseback with sapphire crystal to showcase the movement and laser engraved/PVD rose gold rotor

Engraved logo as well on crown, buckle

C3 Superluminova on hands and markers

Wooden gift box, leather watch roll and 3 straps included along with strap changing tool

1 Year international warranty

There are many things about the Zelos Helmsman to make the watch stand out and avoid being classified as a “cookie cutter” brand. Multi level and engraved dial, internal dive bezel, milled out case, a buckle to match the design of the case and more.

The case of the Cartier replica watch measures a total of 43mm and has a lug width of 22mm. With a trend towards more normal, or average size watches these days, the size is really great. It’s not too large to be cumbersome, but not too small for my 7.5 inch wrist. Sitting at just about 14mm thick, with a lug to lug of 52mm and weighing 117 grams, it is right at or in between the sweet spot for most. The milled section of the case, or cut outs, are attractive and make what is otherwise a round diver case look and feel industrial. You will notice design was important here, as they machined the buckle with cutouts as well, (though it is a flow through design) to match the case.

Hublot King Power Miami Heat Chronograph Watch

OK come on, this watch is cool. I am not even a basketball or Miami Heat fan, but this replica watch is really cool. It doesn't take a lot of thought to understand why Hublot is doing well with the aspirational youth audience or wealthy individuals who wouldn't take a Patek out for a night on the town in fear that they might fall asleep at 9:30pm from a lack of visual excitement. This watch is really what Hublot is doing best. The designs we see might sometimes be redundant or predictable, but they are still cool.

I talked about Hublot and the Miami Heat a while go here in an enjoyable article. First they produced a limited edition watch for Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade, then announced that they would be the official watch maker and timer of the Miami Heat, and here is the first Miami Heat watch. It is called the Hublot King Power replica Miami Heat Chronograph and will be produced as a limited edition of 200 pieces.

The number 48 appears three times in the watch. The 18k King gold (red gold mixed with some platinum I believe) case is 48mm wide, the power reserve in the movement is 48 hours, and the special chronograph measures 48 minutes. Why 48? Not sure actually. The chronograph has two centrally mounted hands. One measures 60 seconds and the other measures up to 48 minutes. That is sorta cool and quirky. Hublot said it is to measure the "four quarters of a basketball game." I thought Basketball was two halves. Maybe I missed something... You also get the date on the dial. UPDATE: I feel silly as people keep telling me NBA games are four 12 minute quarters. Has it always been that way?

On the omega replica watch dial you see the Miami Heat logo, and a plate before the exposed movement that is supposed to look like a swoopy basketball net. On the rear of the watch located on the sapphire exhibition caseback is another Miami Heat logo. One of the nicest basketball themed feature is the texturing on the rubber strap that is meant to look like the surface of a basketball itself.

The case is further constructed of rubber, resin, and black ceramic (for the bezel). The Cartier LOVE Bracelet with the Hublot logo appears particularly nice in this watch. Black and gold color combinations tend to look good in my opinion and with the Hublot style and hints of red this makes for a nice high-end sports watch. It is glitzy and loud, and just how many people like it.

Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic Hublot movement. The skeletonzied dial shows elements of the movement in action and the piece has a unique rotor for the King Power watches. Limited to 200 pieces each, the watch will come in a rather neat looking basketball style box and each piece will come with a Miami Heat team jersey signed by Udonis Haslem. Price is $42,400.