[Helsa - Skin Diver] 2024 Project Watch. Advice needed

patrickq

So I picked this manual wind Helsa up off of eBay at the end of last year.

I pick one project watch a year to do *sometning* with. 2024 it’s this guy. And I’m willing to go all in.

Given Helsa don’t appear to be a brand with any real heritage, I’m thinking a full resto isn’t what I’ll do here.

I do love the dimensions though, the case thinness and lug profile are dream watch territory for me.

Movement looks to be in good condition (it’s also the loudest watch to have ever existed) and it keeps time.

Image

So where does that leave me and why am I here?

If the sky was the limit, what improvements, upgrades and enhancements would you make to this watch?

Obvious examples:

  • New bezel insert (this one obviously had printed markers on it at some point)

  • New crystal

  • New strap

  • Dial repaint

  • Case refinishing

  • Reluming

  • A movement clean and service.

What else would/might you do if you where me?

Keen to hear you thoughts and happy Sunday!

#helsa #vintage #project
Reply
yani365
·

I love that bezel profile! Definitely needs a nice insert.

Are you doing a full disassemble and service?

patrickq
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yani365

I love that bezel profile! Definitely needs a nice insert.

Are you doing a full disassemble and service?

I’ll probably have my watchmaker or someone who specialises in weird vintage watches from the 70s do a full strip down and service of the movement!The bezel profile really is something isn’t it?I was thinking doing a 2 tone bezel insert for it, top half black and the bottom white. Ceramic would be the easiest to source but if I can find a sapphire one with the right dimensions that would be even better.It really isn’t a sacred cow so I’m planning on modernising it where it makes sense.

Warrior75
·

I would fit a new crystal & strap, without being rude I'm not sure it's worth investing too much more money in it. The movement is a Pin Pallet type which weren't necessary meant to be serviced & some watchmakers won't service them

patrickq
·
Warrior75

I would fit a new crystal & strap, without being rude I'm not sure it's worth investing too much more money in it. The movement is a Pin Pallet type which weren't necessary meant to be serviced & some watchmakers won't service them

You’re not being rude at all. It’s the case and dimensions I like. The rest id be more than willing to dump.

A movement swap isnt out of the question either if something else could be shoehorned in (one of the lower profile seagull movement as an example)