Moonphase watches are often associated with classic elegance and traditional dress design. With the Helica Moonphase, Singapore microbrand Zelos instead takes a clear step in a more industrial and modern direction, where technology, materials, and layer-on-layer design take centre stage. The result is a watch that combines mechanical finesse with a visual expression that feels both contemporary and considered.
Manual Sellita with a panoramic moonphase
The heart of the Helica Moonphase is an unusual manual variant of the Sellita SW288, made specifically for a large and clearly exposed “panoramic” moonphase. The manual movement (around 40 hours of power reserve) not only makes for a more engaging user experience, but also keeps the case surprisingly thin. Despite several dial layers and an advanced moonphase display, the case measures only 10 mm without the crystal, giving a slim profile on the wrist. With the box-shaped sapphire crystal, the total height lands at just under 12 mm — impressive for a moonphase of this size.
Dial design with depth and structure
Helica has chosen to move away from the traditionally dressy moonphase aesthetic and instead create a dial with clear industrial elements. There are several layers and material meetings that give depth and character: smoked sapphire around the moonphase aperture, a brushed steel chapter ring, split hour indices for extra visual dynamism, and Lumicast blocks set into the indices instead of traditionally filled lume. This gives a more technical and modern expression, while legibility is maintained even in the dark thanks to BGW9 lume and a luminous, sculpted 3D moon.
Three distinct dials — three completely different expressions
The Helica Moonphase launches in three clearly separated variants, where the material choices play the lead role, all sharing an aventurine moonphase disc whose glassy flecks stand in for stars. The Aventurine version pairs a full aventurine dial with the aventurine moon disc for a deep, glittering expression reminiscent of a clear starry sky, with the three-dimensional lumed moon reinforcing the cosmic feel. The Mosaic MOP uses mother-of-pearl laid in a mosaic pattern, giving life and movement across the dial in a light-blue shimmer that plays well against the moonphase background for a more playful, elegant look. The Meteorite uses genuine meteorite for the dial, giving each example a unique pattern, with the contrast between the raw meteorite and the deep-blue aventurine moonphase creating a more technical and powerful impression.
Case, bracelet, and usability
With a diameter of 39 mm and a lug-to-lug of 45.5 mm, the Helica Moonphase sits in balanced fashion on most wrists. The 100 metres of water resistance, together with the screw-down crown, mean the watch is not limited to more formal settings. The integrated 316L steel bracelet is fitted with an external quick-adjust clasp, making it easy to fine-tune the fit during the day — a practical detail appreciated in everyday wear.
A moonphase for those who want something different
The Helica Moonphase stands out by daring to reinterpret a classic complication. The combination of manual winding, a thin case, industrial design, and exclusive dial materials makes the model interesting for anyone seeking a moonphase with clear personality rather than traditional dress aesthetics. Priced at around USD 949 (USD 999 for the meteorite) and produced in a small limited run of roughly 100 pieces per variant, it offers a lot for the money. For another accessible enthusiast piece, see our look at the Spinnaker Bradner Automatic.
What is the Zelos Helica Moonphase?
An industrial-style, layered moonphase from Singapore microbrand Zelos, with a large “panoramic” moonphase and stone or mother-of-pearl dials.
What movement and specs does it have?
A manual Sellita SW288 panoramic moonphase in a 39 mm steel case (just under 12 mm thick) with a box sapphire crystal, 100 m water resistance, and an integrated bracelet.
What dials and price are available?
Aventurine, Mosaic mother-of-pearl, and meteorite, priced at around USD 949 (USD 999 for the meteorite), each a limited run of roughly 100 pieces.
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