Armida vs Boschett vs Helson

If you could choose 1 which model would you go for?

  • A1

    Votes: 1 16.7%
  • Cave Dweller

    Votes: 2 33.3%
  • Mako

    Votes: 1 16.7%
  • Shark Diver

    Votes: 2 33.3%

  • Total voters
    6

qmz

Tyme Teller
Joined
Oct 9, 2014
Messages
381
I am finding that I really REALLY "need" a new tool diver and am considering 1 of the 3 below

Armida A1
Boschett Cave Dweller
Benarus Mako
Helson Shark Diver

I know there are a lot of you who probably have at least one of each of these or have had them pass through your collection at 1 time or another.

who has the best bracelet? best lume? best overall fit/finish? comfort?

Are there similar watches I should consider that are currently available?

Any thoughts, input, considerations would be greatly appreciated.

fwiw I have about an 8.6" wrist that is relatively flat on top.
 
Last edited:
IMHO the Armida A1 is king. They are all great watches, but you lost me with the 'Helson Mako" I don't tihnk Helson has a Mako model.
 
Specifications:

Case: stainless steel 44mm diameter
Bezel: 45mm with lumed ceramic insert
Height. 16.4mm incl double domed sapphire crystal
Lug to lug: 51.7mm
Weight on bracelet 292g
Lugs: 22mm
Lume: Superluminova C3
Movement: Japanes Miyota 9015
Water resitance: 1000m
Watch comes on bracelet with ratcheting clasp and extra rubber strap

Price USD 599 incl shipping
 
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You can pick up the Benarus Mako for $479 and change delivered when they run a 20% off sale.
 
You really can't go wrong with any of them. I guess it would be the one you like the most. If lume matters, Armida and Benarus are the best of the three. The Boschett for $599 is nice and they have a good selection of colors.


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Direct Price: $750.00
Sale Price: $599.00
Savings: $151.00
Stock Status:In Stock
Availability:: Usually Ships in 1 to 2 Business Days
Product Code: B03A
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Bezel Color:​
Black Silver
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Dial Color*:​
Black Blue Gray Green Orange Teal White Yellow
Qty:
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Description
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Technical Specs
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  • Movement = 26 jewel Swiss-made SW-200
  • 1000 meter water resistant
  • 316L stainless steel
  • Solid bracelet links with screws
  • BGW9 Superluminova hands and markers
  • Screw-down crown and case-back
  • AR coated sapphire crystal
  • Measurements:
    • Diameter: 44mm w/o crown
    • Height: 16.5mm
    • Lug width: 22mm
    • Lug-to-Lug: 52mm
 
Had them all- The A1 has the best fit on my wrist, followed by the Cave Dweller. Love Helson and I think their watches have a better finish, but the 45mm SD is frigging huge. Mako is very nice but again, it's huge. Can't go wrong with any.
 
The Armida A1 using the ETA 2824-2, super dome sapphire on bracelet and torch like lume is the best buy of the bunch right now for $559.20

ARMIDA A1 1000m

We are offering this version with an ETA 2824 .

This movement is well known as an excellent and very reliable movement.

The ETA 2824 features: 25 Jewel - automatic winding - power reserve is about 40h when fully charged - second stops when crown pulled out .

Specifications:

- 316l stainless steel case
- Sunray blue dial, blue sapphire bezel
- orange minute hand, white hour and second
- C3 lumed bezel, hour markers and hands
- 45 mm case diameter
- Lug to lug 50mm
- Lug distance 24mm
- Height incl. highly domed crystal 19mm
- Sapphire crystal 3.8 mm- highly double domed
- Anti reflective coating on the inside crystal
- 24mm stainless steel bracelet and rubber strap
- weight 285g including bracelet
- Waterproof to 1000m/3300feet
- Screwed and signed crown 8mm
- 1 Year International Warranty


 
Well I can Speak for the 45mm. SharkDivers and the Megalodon’s and I like them both very much.


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If you don't have an A1 and you like the Helson and Benarus, it's not much of stretch that you will enjoy the Armida. It goes toe-to-toe with any of them from size to lume if you never tried one. All three brands are trailblazers in the micro world.
 
The Armida A1 using the ETA 2824-2, super dome sapphire on bracelet and torch like lume is the best buy of the bunch right now for $559.20

ARMIDA A1 1000m

We are offering this version with an ETA 2824 .

This movement is well known as an excellent and very reliable movement.

The ETA 2824 features: 25 Jewel - automatic winding - power reserve is about 40h when fully charged - second stops when crown pulled out .

Specifications:

- 316l stainless steel case
- Sunray blue dial, blue sapphire bezel
- orange minute hand, white hour and second
- C3 lumed bezel, hour markers and hands
- 45 mm case diameter
- Lug to lug 50mm
- Lug distance 24mm
- Height incl. highly domed crystal 19mm
- Sapphire crystal 3.8 mm- highly double domed
- Anti reflective coating on the inside crystal
- 24mm stainless steel bracelet and rubber strap
- weight 285g including bracelet
- Waterproof to 1000m/3300feet
- Screwed and signed crown 8mm
- 1 Year International Warranty


Being that I have a larger wrist, will the A1 fit me or will I need to acquire more links somehow?

I've heard their bracelets aren't the longest.
 
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