Reply With QuoteYou don't fancy the Precista bronze?
I recently bought a cheapy Maranez Bangla on SC to have a look and feel for a brass/bronze watch and have discovered I really rather like them!
The one I really want is the Panerai Bronzo but that's way out of my league - it's not going to happen at that money! I then switched to Anonimo but can't quite mesh with the designs of the Polluce or the Marlin; close but not 2 grand close although that may change if I handled one.
So I'm thinking something nicer than the Maranez (which is cool but I doubt it'll ever go out in public with it) and I land at Helson which look great in the pictures and they very helpfully have a gallery of owners pictures. They look good on and age/patinate well.
Questions are; quality. Can any owners shed light on that as there are bits floating around the net about Helson which are less than complementary... No I'm never going to let my life depend on it when diving but it'll be worn in the water on holiday and so on and I don't want it filling up.
And second... which one?? I like the bigger ones if I'm getting bronzed up; Sharkdiver 45, Stingray 43 and 47 and also the Stingray 47mm with Unitas movement, although I'd like a rotating bezel. Any owners or strong opinion either way..?
If that Unitas model had a rotating bezel, that'd be the one...
You don't fancy the Precista bronze?
I like it... But not sure enough. I have a PAM Radiomir so am familiar with the case shape. Not sure 42mm would wear big enough for the 'big lump of metal' idea I have as the Rad is 45mm and I'm used to that size.Originally Posted by Glamdring
I have a ton ( dont ask me how much is a ton - about 15-20) Helson watches. There is far more complimentary stuff around for Helson than negative. In fact, isolated negative stuff.
Would recommend the Shark diver from your choices.
You could also look into Zenton and Armida brass/bronze offerings. On par with Helson.
Thanks Rajen, great info!
Anyone know anything about Ancon..?
Loving the M26 Tank, green dot dial...
Disappointed with lume on Ancon.
Just discovered Benarus... too late for a 47mm Moray in Bronze :(
Any thoughts on where to hunt one down..?
I am seriously considering one of these beauties http://www.h2o-watch.com/helberg-uhr...berg-ch6.html/
I have the limited edition Maranez Layan in brass, which I love. There is a real warmth to the metal I think, and both brass and bronze do acquire a lovely patina over time.
If I was in the market for a large bronze diver right now I'd go for the Helson Shark Diver 45. They look lovely and I've only ever read positive reviews of them...
Simon
I am quite fond of my Bangla too, so that covers brass, I'd like to try a bronze now. Helson do look great but so does the Ancon and Benarus. All have equivalent movements, enough WR etc so it's become just about looks and presence, never thought I'd say that!
Ancon M26 tank with green dot dial oprdered - for 514 quid! Even if 20% gets slapped on top, not a huge purchase and it was so different from the Armida/Helson versions which just look like regular divers. The M26 is different. At least I hope so...
That's an amount you can still take a little risk with.
Looking forward to the pics.
Daddel.
Got a new watch, divers watch it is, had to drown the bastard to get it!
Shame that you don't fancy the Steinhart b-uhr in 47mm??
http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/Na...ronze,812.html
410 euro... glass caseback... hand wound.
Greg.
My thoughts too - if I don't like it, it'd probably sell quite easily on SC anyway for only a little loss!
Here in the sun, i took a Picture of my bronzie/brass versions i have.
Recomend them all, for a different material in your Collections.
My favorites are the SharkDiver and the Zenton.
Hans
Have you looked at the bronze offerings from Vintage VDB?
You won't find a 'bigger lump of metal' than that, and their designs are very Panerai influenced, which by the sound of things is what you are after.
A great bunch of bronze beauties there, Hans!
Would happily wear them all.
He's already ordered the M26 Tank. Also I have to say the only one in the Vintage VDB range that looks vaguely similar is the Bronze 2012, and the crown positioned at 12 just looks weird IMO...
Simon
I must say I've just had a look at the M26 Tank on their website and it looks really good. My only slight hesitation is the date window on it. I don't really know why it's there at all, or why it's in black & white (clashing with... everything, really) or why it's in such an odd position between 4 and 5. Still, I suspect it won't detract too much from the overall aesthetic...
There's a pretty good review of it here http://wornandwound.com/2013/10/18/a...tank-hands-on/
I hope you like it.
Simon
Here in the sun, i took a Picture of my bronzie/brass versions i have.
Recomend them all, for a different material in your Collections.
My favorites are the SharkDiver and the Zenton.
Hans
WOW!!!
Nice bronze set man!
I'm sure they'll do another run sooner or later.
TimeTechTalk, WUS, eBay.
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