Introduction
The Halios Puck II is a watch that shouldn’t exist—at least not at its price point. In an era where luxury dive watches routinely command five figures, this Canadian microbrand delivers a 300-meter water-resistant, cushion-cased beast with a sapphire crystal and a rock-solid automatic movement for under a grand. It’s a watch built for the collector who values function over flash, but who also understands that scarcity drives value.
Released as the successor to the original Halios Puck, the Puck II refined the formula: a more wearable 41mm case, improved lume, and a cleaner dial layout. It quickly became a grail for the microbrand cognoscenti, with each batch selling out in minutes. Today, the secondary market tells a story of sustained demand—pre-owned examples often trade above original retail, a rare feat for a non-Swiss, non-limited-edition piece.
For the trust-fund-baby buyer, the Puck II offers something the big brands can’t: exclusivity without the hype tax. It’s a conversation starter that doesn’t scream for attention. But does it hold its own against the heavyweights? Let’s dive into the specs, the feel, and the investment case.
Manufacture History
Halios was founded in 2011 by Jason Lim in Vancouver, Canada. The brand’s ethos was simple: create high-quality, affordable dive watches that could compete with established Swiss brands without the marketing overhead. The original Puck launched in 2014, a bold cushion-cased diver that immediately attracted a cult following. The Puck II followed in 2016, refining the design with a slimmer profile, improved lume, and a more versatile dial. Halios operates on a small-batch production model, releasing watches in limited runs that sell out quickly. This scarcity has created a vibrant secondary market where prices often exceed retail.
Movement
At the heart of the Puck II beats the Miyota 9015, a Japanese workhorse movement known for its reliability and thin profile. It’s a 24-jewel automatic with hacking seconds and hand-winding, beating at 28,800 vph. Power reserve is a standard 42 hours. While not COSC-certified, the 9015 can be regulated to within -10/+30 seconds per day out of the box. In practice, most examples run within +10 spd. The movement is undecorated—no Geneva stripes or perlage—but that’s appropriate for a tool watch. Service is straightforward and inexpensive, as the 9015 is widely used in many microbrands and modding communities.
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 41mm
- Case Thickness: 14mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Domed Sapphire with AR coating
- Water Resistance: 300m (1000ft)
- Lume: Super-LumiNova BGW9 (blue glow)
- Bracelet/Strap: Integrated rubber strap (optional bracelet available in some runs)
- Clasp: Pin buckle (signed)
Wrist Feel
On the wrist, the Puck II is a paradox: it looks like a monster, but it wears like a much smaller watch. The 41mm case is wide, but the short 48mm lug-to-lug and the integrated rubber strap keep it snug on a 6.5-inch wrist. The cushion case design distributes weight evenly, and the 14mm thickness is manageable for a 300m diver. The rubber strap is supple and tapers nicely, though the pin buckle feels a bit basic for the price. The domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage touch, and the bezel action is crisp—120 clicks with zero backplay. The crown is signed and screws down smoothly. Overall, it’s a watch that feels substantial without being cumbersome, perfect for daily wear or weekend adventures.
Accuracy
The Miyota 9015 in my test sample ran at +6 seconds per day out of the box, well within spec. After a week of mixed wear, it averaged +8 spd. Regulation by a competent watchmaker can bring it to within +2 spd. For a non-COSC movement, this is excellent real-world performance. Expect -10 to +30 spd as the factory tolerance, but most examples land closer to +10 spd.
Occasions
The Puck II is a dedicated tool watch. It excels in sport and daily wear, and it’s a natural travel companion thanks to its 300m water resistance and robust construction. It’s not a dress watch—the cushion case is too bold for a suit—but it works well with casual and outdoor attire.
Wrist Presence
4/5 – The cushion case and bold hands give it a strong wrist presence, but the monochrome dial and moderate size keep it from being a dinner-plate. It’s a watch that gets noticed by enthusiasts, not by everyone in the room.
Reference Variants
The Puck II was produced in several dial colors: black (standard), blue (sunburst), and grey (limited run with orange accents). All variants share the same case and movement. The grey dial is the rarest and commands the highest premium on the secondary market.
Family References
The Puck II is the successor to the original Halios Puck. There is no direct sibling in the current lineup, but Halios also produces the Seaforth (a more traditional diver) and the Tropik B (a vintage-inspired model).
Similar Watches
If you like the Puck II, consider the Seiko Turtle SRP777 for a similar cushion-case diver at a lower price, or the Doxa Sub 300T for a more expensive, heritage-rich alternative. The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 offers a slimmer profile with a similar tool-watch vibe.
Homages
The Addiesdive Submarine 300T is a budget homage to the cushion-case diver aesthetic, but with a quartz movement and mineral crystal. It’s a fraction of the price but lacks the build quality and investment potential.
Investment Value
The Puck II is a rare microbrand that has appreciated in value. MSRP was $850, and pre-owned examples now trade between $900 and $1,200 depending on dial and condition. The trend is upward, driven by limited supply and strong demand. Hold for at least 2-3 years to see further appreciation. Auction history is minimal, but private sales on forums and eBay confirm the trend.
Service Interval
Service every 5 years. Cost is approximately $200 for a full service by a qualified watchmaker. The Miyota 9015 is easy to service and parts are widely available. No need for authorized service centers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent build quality for the price
- 300m water resistance with sapphire crystal
- Strong secondary market value
- Unique cushion-case design
- Comfortable on wrist despite size
Cons
- Miyota 9015 is loud when hand-winding
- Rubber strap buckle feels cheap
- No bracelet option in standard production
- Limited availability – hard to buy at retail
- Date window at 4:30 polarizes some collectors
Final Verdict
The Halios Puck II is a microbrand masterpiece that delivers genuine tool-watch credentials without the Swiss price tag. It’s a watch that will satisfy both the enthusiast and the investor, offering a rare combination of scarcity, quality, and affordability. If you can find one at retail, buy it. If not, the pre-owned market is still a smart play for a watch that’s only going up.
