Helicon Master 62

Established in 2018, Helicon has cemented its presence in the watch industry. Presently, the Helicon Master 62 stands as the sole offering from the brand. This timepiece, unveiled in September 2023 after meticulous development and refinement, embodies the brand’s ethos of care and community. Helicon fosters a profound connection with its clientele, a feat often elusive for larger brands.

At the helm of Helicon are Jonathan and Danielle, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo. With extensive experience in the watch industry, garnered over many years, they bring a wealth of expertise to the table. Having collaborated with renowned brands such as Squale, Sinn, and Laco, they have contributed to numerous after-sales services.

Join us as we delve into our review of the Helicon Master 62, unravelling the essence behind the buzz surrounding this timepiece.

To make a watch that appeals you have to have just the right amount of everything in the mix. The classic design of a watch from the 1960’s, but with a modern touch and modern materials. The correct movement and overall aesthetics that appeal to the audience of today.

There is a lot to like about this watch and when I saw them all lined up like ducks at the British Watchmakers Day, I was immediately drawn to one. The Lichen, is a muted green alluring dial that draws you in through the double-domed crystal. It has such depth to it and I love the simplicity of the small square hour markers.

The NH35 movement was selected for the Helicon Master 62 and offers several compelling benefits. Despite being a well-established choice, it remains highly regarded within the microbrand community for several reasons. First and foremost, its reliable performance is noteworthy, ensuring accurate timekeeping over extended periods.

Additionally, the NH35 movement provides a respectable power reserve of 41 hours, ensuring consistent operation without frequent winding. Moreover, its robust construction and low service costs make it a cost-effective option for both manufacturers and consumers alike.

Furthermore, Helicon has taken extra measures to safeguard the movement by encasing it within a custom-made, IPS-plated Faraday cage, enhancing its resistance to shock and magnetism. Overall, the NH35 movement offers a blend of reliability, affordability, and durability, making it a prudent choice for the 62 Master timepiece.

Helicon offers us six dial options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From the X MBE, an ombré royal blue, to the Claret, a deep red sunray, and the Granite, a dark grey satin, they’ve expanded their range. Additionally, there’s the Lichen, an idyllic green with metal flakes, the Blue Hour, a soft blue to orange ombré, and finally the Iridium, a sunray deep orange.

The layout of the dial is exceptionally clear and legible, featuring square hour markers and triangular applied markers at 12, 6 & 9. A delightful addition is the roulette date wheel, alternating red (even) and black (odd), positioned at 3. With pencil-lumed hands, the dial achieves a well-balanced and harmonious appearance.

X MBE

Claret

Granite

Lichen

Blue Hour

Iridium

The case of the Helicon Master 62 is derived from historical drawings found in the basement of a Swiss brand that had long since closed. Jonathan took these and gave them a modern touch. Looking at the case you can tell this has the heritage from a bygone era. The small crown is a dead giveaway and the lack of crown guards, definitely gives this a vintage skin diver feel. I have some in my collection that have a similar resemblance to this from the same decade.

The 316L Marine Grade Stainless Steel case dimensions are ideal for most at 38.5mm x 48mm x 13.9mm, so this will sit nicely on most wrists. It features a 120-click unidirectional bezel with a ceramic insert with Super Luminova coated graduations.

To be candid, prior to British Watchmakers Day, Helicon wasn’t on my radar. Like many others at the show, I encountered numerous microbrands for the first time. Such events provide an opportunity to forge connections and gain insights into these brands. Helicon was one that particularly resonated with me, and serendipitously, we crossed paths a few weeks later. Not only were we provided with a sample to explore, but we also engaged in a comprehensive discussion with Jonathan, learning all about the brand.

So, what are my impressions of the Master 62? Well, in all honesty, it’s hitting the mark for me, especially in the Lichen variant. The distinctive dial colour caught my attention immediately, a rarity that appeals to my taste (it even matches my front door). As an avid collector of vintage divers, I appreciate how seamlessly it fits into my collection. While the smaller crown may not suit everyone’s preference, it pays homage to its heritage, as does the slightly slimmer bezel, a detail I admire. Moreover, the bracelet offers exceptional value for the price, boasting ease of use and even featuring a diver’s extension.

Amazing Value

Yet, the standout feature is undoubtedly the price point. Priced at only £560.00, it offers exceptional value. Considering they produce just 50 pieces in each colour, these limited editions are enticing for collectors, especially at such an attractive price. When you invest in a Helicon timepiece, you’re not just acquiring a watch; you’re becoming part of a community and supporting the brand’s commitment to delivering quality timepieces.

Once the Master 62 models are sold out, they’ll be gone for good, with new designs in the pipeline. Whether it’s a Chronograph or GMT, only time will reveal, but if they uphold the same standards of craftsmanship and attention to detail, Helicon’s growth trajectory seems promising. With a customer-centric approach, including free worldwide shipping, Helicon prioritizes customer satisfaction.

So, the next time you’re in the market for a high-value timepiece that won’t break the bank, consider giving Helicon a chance; you might be pleasantly surprised.