Helgray Watches

"DasWauto" (DasWauto) 01/14/2015 at 14:25 • Filed to: watchlopnik

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A little watchlopnik for everyone, automotive related. The Helgray Silverstone is "inspired by the racing chronographs of the 1960's". It's available in 4 colours and comes with a few bonus items (stainless band, carrying case) as the Kickstarter project is already funded. It's a style that interests me visually and the 40mm case is a nice break from the oversized trend that afflicts many other watches that would otherwise appeal to me.

A little bit of Googling leads me to find out the Seiko VK-64 movement is the same one that powers Autodromo's Prototipo model. I don't know a whole lot about what that means in terms of quality for the price but from what I've read Seiko seems like a solid, though not high-end, manufacturer. Watch geeks feel free to comments on that one.

This seems like a better deal to me, though this doesn't offer as much of the style element that Autodromo does.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , as mentioned, the project is already funded but if you want in the deadline is in 45 hours.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I'm not affiliated with this project, other than my pending support of it.

Party-vi > DasWauto 01/14/2015 at 14:39

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Those look gorgeous. Hopefully they come in at a more realistic price point than anything Autodromo has for sale. I can get a similar Sturmanskie with the same movement, super luminova, and double water resistance for about $300 USD. The Vk64 seems like a good movement for the money, but god damn does Autodromo want too much for them.

PS9 > DasWauto 01/14/2015 at 14:41

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I don't have enough class to properly pull this off.

Louros > DasWauto 01/14/2015 at 16:16

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Nice dial design but dat quartz movement :/

BZiel > DasWauto 01/14/2015 at 17:07

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As Dr. Mr Party-vi III, Esq. points out, these watches are a similar version to the Autodromo Prototipo. There are distinct design variances in the case, hands, and certainly the dials between the two, but, the Seiko vk64 is a quality movement that should , given Seiko's history, run like a clock for years to come.

If you think that Seiko only deals with low-end movements, I would urge you to Google "Grand Seiko." Seiko movements, even their lower priced ones, are renowned for their durability and longevity.

Independent companies sourcing movements from companies like Seiko isn't at all unusual in the watch biz - they all do it. Even corporate giants like Rolex, Omega, Tag, and hundreds of other watch manufacturers...they all have to buy their movements from someone.

Until you get to price points like Patek Phillipe, Ulysse Nardin, Audmars Piaget, Glashutte, A Langhe and Sohne, Blancpain, etc, you're almost always buying a watch with a mass produced movement.

Do not be afraid...the price point on the Kickstarter page is pretty strong.

DasWauto > Louros 01/14/2015 at 17:38

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Yeah, it's the aesthetics that sold me on it; I'm not knowledgeable on the movements so I think I'll just be happy leaving it that way. Is the movement a reasonable value at least? Eg. would Seiko put it in a watch with a similar price tag?

DasWauto > PS9 01/14/2015 at 17:40

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I'm not sure I do either but that's the colour combo I'm going for. Worst case, I end up switching out the band for the included stainless version.

DasWauto > Party-vi 01/14/2015 at 17:42

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It looks like I'll be paying $279 CAD which works out to about $233USD so that sounds like it makes it a decent value. I love Autodromo's aesthetic but not their price so this is a better fit for me.

DasWauto > BZiel 01/14/2015 at 17:46

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Thanks for the detailed feedback re: the movement. I didn't think the Seiko movement was low quality per se, just not high end like Rolex, Tag, et al. I believe it'll be a solid movement so we'll see about Helgray's manufacturing quality but I guess that's the risk I'm taking with the Kickstarter.

Thanks again.

Party-vi > DasWauto 01/14/2015 at 22:13

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sounds like a good deal!

Louros > DasWauto 01/14/2015 at 22:46

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Yeah, I would say the price is still reasonable

Gary Yogurt > DasWauto 02/04/2015 at 08:25

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I still like the Autodromo stuff better. I wish them the best of luck though. Could you possibly add me as an Oppo author? I want to contribute. Constructively. <3

DasWauto > Gary Yogurt 02/04/2015 at 09:20

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I like Autodromo stuff as well, it's just that their price point is not something I want to spend.

I've added you, let me know if you need any help.

Gary Yogurt > DasWauto 02/04/2015 at 09:25

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Thanks! I'm going to keep checking back with these guys, Autodromo is also out of my price range. (Especially since I bang watches up.) I have a pair of their driving gloves though, which will hopefully last decades. (I wish they had some kind of lifetime guarantee, soooo expensive.)

phenotyp > DasWauto 02/07/2015 at 21:09

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Dang, just now seeing this. That's a pretty damn nice product they put together. Seiko movement is pretty much unbeatable. Digging the graphics and the date window at 6:00.

DasWauto > phenotyp 02/07/2015 at 21:47

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It's a nice package, I agree. I look forward to receiving mine. I ended up going for the white face with the brown leather band. That's not a combo that was originally offered but they've decided to allow the choice after I and several other Kick starter backers asked about it, which is nice of them.

phenotyp > DasWauto 02/07/2015 at 22:03

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They did a great job with the face colors and bands. Damn. I may end up giving them money.