Helbros

I shall light the bat signal for people who may be able to help...

@Aurelian

@Porthole

Lmao thank you.

Just to warn you, @Porthole's first question will probably be 'Have you popped the case back?'

I can't help you on any of the watches information but I can help you by recommending getting it off that twistoflex bracelet. A strap refresh will bring this watch a new look.

Today was the first time I did pop the case since I’ve owned it. Oddly enough, there’s no serial number. Only number is on the movement and the Swiss makers mark stamp. It’s an A. Schild movement 1650. Nothing else 🤔

I am not aware of any website that has collected serial numbers on Helbros. It looks to be mid-1950's. Helbros introduced the Invincible line in 1949. With a Schild movement this will be one of the better ones.

Hahaha I’ve thought about doing that many times but for some reason I like the simplicity of this stupid stretchy band. Once I find the right strap for this little guy I’ll pull the trigger. But for now I’m gonna keep it on here 🤣

Thank you for your help and info.

There is no AS1650, and the AS165x were automatic…

Chrono 24 has a watch scanner app, and a collection sorter for free on their website or Play store or Apple store. This might help you identify it more.

🤔🤔🤔

I’ve had that app for a while now and haven’t even thought about using the app. Unfortunately it still didn’t work. Thanks for the suggestion though

Very cool looking watch, I love the font on the Arabic numerals but not sure if I agree with the shape of the bracelet end links

How odd, I stand corrected, there is an AS1650… I did a deeper dive, and I can find technical sheets, but I can’t find any records of it on Ranfft; I’ll email him later and ask why. However, it confirms my suspicions that it is a 7 jewel movement.

There are 7 jewel versions of ébauches that were imported to the US to avoid paying as much in customs, and they were cheaper in general. They are functional, but it means that there are not fully-jewelled, and there could be issues when it comes to repair down the line, bear that in mind. I have a nice Invincible that I should wear more, so yeah, I rarely follow my own advice.

Love this one

Thanks for posting it!!

First of all I am waiting for the right answer as I also have a vintage Helbros that was my father's watch and needs a service to keep it running. From what I have been able to gather without doing much work is that Helbros used many different movements and had a wide range of quality in their pieces. However, more importantly is.....keep that bracelet! Mine has a Spidel twist o flex gold(ish) bracelet that worked well for Dad as he had one for each of his watches. For me it is just a bit of sentimentality, but it has a nice vintage touch.

Thank you so much for the information. I hope you can enlighten us all more soon with whatever else you happen to dig up.

No idea but beautiful piece #aboutvintage

Helbros are great that’s a nice one. Here’s my 1960 Invincible with an ETA 17 jewel inside: