Maen Hudson 38 MK5vsZelos Helmsman 3

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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.

Maen Hudson 38 MK5 at true scale

Hudson 38 MK5

Zelos Helmsman 3 at true scale

Helmsman 3

Diameter

38mm

40mm

Thickness

11mm

lowest

11.5mm

Water Resistance

300m

highest

200m

MSRP

$719

$529

lowest

Movement

Automatic

Miyota 9015

Case

4 specs
Diameter
38mm
40mm
Thickness
11mm
11.5mm
Lug Width
16mm
20mm
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
M1.1.5
SS - Frost

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
n/a
Miyota 9015

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$719
$529
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Reviews

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

Maen Hudson 38 MK5

The Maen Hudson 38 MK5 is a well-built, vintage-inspired diver with a wearable 38mm case and 300m water resistance. Reviewers praise its improved finishing, new sandblasted dial, and comfortable bracelet with micro-adjust. However, its lume is not very bright despite using X1 Super-LumiNova, and the brushing on the lugs clashes with the endlinks. Some find its overall presence too modest, lacking character to stand out from competitors. On balance, reviewers rate the Maen Hudson 38 MK5 highly for its competent build quality and comfortable wearability at its price point.

From video reviewers

The Maen M1.1.5 features a compact wear profile with a well-articulated bracelet and smooth finishing against the skin. The watch's use of the ETA2824 movement provides reliable accuracy. A potential drawback is the watch's bezel action, described as 'not the smoothest'.

Zelos Helmsman 3

Owners widely praise the Zelos Helmsman 3 for its beautiful and unique dials, with many highlighting the quality and finishing on the titanium case, which some feel is nicer than previous models. The brushed beads of rice bracelet is noted as fitting well, and the on-the-fly clasp is considered amazing. Specific dials like the Titanium Crystalline and Damascus Titanium are frequently mentioned as aesthetically pleasing and head-turning. The watch is also praised for its great lume and value for money. However, some owners report the watch can feel top-heavy and have sharp edges, making it less ideal as a daily driver for some. One owner found the meteorite bezel did not add significant value, and the stock strap's keepers and stitching detracted from the watch's appearance. Overall, owners rate the Zelos Helmsman 3 highly for its unique dial designs and excellent finishing at its price point.

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