I got a chrono not yet in my hands. So last night I was checking my delivery eta, and found a Helbros auto, super cheap and running with a cool dial so I bought it.
Congrats. I really don't know much about the Helbros brand, but they made some quality watches. I have the hand-winding version of the watch that @JwRosenthal showed (with the model-name "INVINCIBLE"), and also this curiosity. I honestly cannot remember when or where I acquired it, but it gives me a 1950s vibe, don't you think.
https://forgottenwatchbrands.wordpress.com/2016/01/02/helbros-watches/ More that you want probably, I usually read about a brand I’m considering. Since most watches are older than me, from companies long gone(some) a bit nerdy
Did you write this? That's a lot of research, very impressive work. By any chance did you come across any evidence about Helbros watches (specifically the skin diver watches like James showed) being sold in the US Army PX?
Thanks but no, yes a lot’s of work went into this. I found it in Wordpress, nothing about PX but I wouldn’t be surprised because they use every selling tool available and advertising media. I was looking for a poster or advertising print I saw once and I can’t find it.
I have a NOS Helbros from the early 70's, got it on eBay and shared it on the bargain thread and someone noticed on the ad tags inside that it claimed first watch to the moon, an intersting claim. Someone researched the claim and there was a time keeping device, if I recall (not a watch), that was made by Helbros for the moon endevour.
I've got this Helbros because it's really a Helvetia. Everything made by Helvetia they just added the Helbros name, it's one of the few watches with the rare Helvetia 820 movement, circa 1943. And here is another re-badged Helvetia that unfortunately I don't own, same date, really cool box.
It's hard to find a quality Helbros. Seems like they were drugstore watches back in the day. I have one keeper, too.