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.