Hemel HFC Mechanical ChronographvsTissot Telemeter 1938

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Hemel HFC Mechanical Chronograph at true scale

HFC Mechanical Chronograph

Tissot Telemeter 1938 at true scale

Telemeter 1938

Diameter

40mm

42mm

Lug-to-Lug

47mm

n/a

Thickness

13.4mm

lowest

13.8mm

Water Resistance

100m

highest

30m

Power Reserve

n/a

68h

MSRP

$550

lowest

$2,400

Movement

Seagull ST19 (family)

Tissot Valjoux A05.231

Case

6 specs
Diameter
40mm
42mm
Thickness
13.4mm
13.85mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
n/a
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
30m

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal
Domed Sapphire
Sapphire
Crystal Shape
n/a
Domed
AR Coating
n/a
Yes
Dial Color
Airfoil (1970s British Pilot)
Silver
Indices
n/a
Arabic

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Seagull ST19 (family)
Tissot Valjoux A05.231
Type
Manual
Automatic
Power Reserve
0h
68h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$550
$2,400
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Hemel HFC Mechanical Chronograph

The Hemel HFC Mechanical Chronograph is praised for its 40mm case size, curved sapphire crystal, and lumed ceramic bezel with 12-hour markers. Owners and reviewers highlight its 100m water resistance and the horological significance of its Seagull ST19 manual-winding movement, particularly at its price point, with some appreciating the exhibition caseback. One owner expressed concern regarding the ST19 movement's reliability. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Hemel HFC Mechanical Chronograph highly for its vintage pilot's watch aesthetic combined with modern utility and value.

Tissot Telemeter 1938

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Tissot Telemeter 1938 for its vintage-inspired design, handsome dial finishing, and the value it offers as a mechanical chronograph. The automatic Tissot Valjoux A05.231 movement, with its 68-hour power reserve, is noted positively, and some owners describe the movement as feeling "alive." The watch features a polished stainless steel case, monopushers, and a double-sided anti-reflective coating. However, the 42mm case size is frequently cited as being too large for the retro aesthetic, with many wishing for a smaller variant, and its 30-meter water resistance is considered poor. The pusher feel is described as sharp but slightly stiff, and the average accuracy is reported at +6 seconds per day. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Tissot Telemeter 1938 highly for its attractive vintage design and good value, despite concerns about its case size.

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