Incredibly Hard To Find... I'm Finally Reviewing A HELM VANUATU! (ISO Compliant Diver!)

[@mikek6313]

For the record, I use the bracelet a lot and it's doesn't pull that many hairs and I use Jory's cleaning method after every beach day.

[@shawn1928]

Very nice to know, and thanks for making this happen, Mike!

[@lumengrid66]

I have similary designed bracelet on my Phoibos Wavemaster Abalone and it was my concern when i was getting it. Happy to report that it is the best bracelet I wear so far and really no hair pulling whatsoever.

[@Thisiswhy1991]

Likewise - mine never pulls hairs.

[@loganholmberg2295]

Yeah but are you as hairy as Jory? 😅

[@NotThatOneThisOne]

Doesn't pull hairs at all

[@dazzlerjohnwatchman8215]

Helm baby yah! I hope one day, on a planet far, far away I find that elusive Helm watch too. The tooley, gritty, masculine dive watch speaks to me in droves. I need you in my life Helm. Thanks Time dude for the conversation, now my craving is at a deeper level....

[@fillo1969]

Ordered mine months ago.. got lucky and hit their lottery.. got it yesterday! Love it! Great add to my collection!

[@sicemdawgs47]

I want one of these watches so bad. A well built, 300m auto diver for just over $300 after shipping is a hell of a deal!

[@freequest]

Plus it's ISO Certified.

[@hcwm2]

You also get a card with handwritten certification data (date of testing, the pressure in atms, the duration of the exposure, etc.)

[@Robespierres_Ghost]

I have one. Worth every penny. Waiting on the another model to be in stock someday.

[@jacquessowhat3680]

I only have one because they sold me one during that shit show a couple years ago where there was like a worldwide open bid on it. They sold me a watch took my money and then told me they didn’t have any watches. Three months later they sent me one. I love this watch

[@Raiden6277]

I'm on waitlist for this watch. It'll be worth the wait.

[@ManoloVintage]

It's like Sinn, Marathon and Seiko had a baby together and I cant tell who's the father🤷‍♂️

[@arnoldestrada8583]

That's exactly what I thought. Sinn U1 n Marathon Diver. I think it's awesome for the price

[@jontoland3491]

Who's the mother???

[@kevinbarnbrook4728]

@@jontoland3491 possibly the Seiko movement.

[@jontoland3491]

I feel like there's a funny meme somewhere in this comment

[@armandojuan64]

But the strap is gorgeous .

[@pierce_fierce]

I’ve had mine for almost 2 years now and it’s my beach watch. Everything about this watch has been purpose built for the water. From the bezel action and visibility to the flat sapphire transition to the bezel. Awesome awesome awesome. Also will add I’m a hairy arm fella and no hair pulling ever on the bracelet. A note for those of you looking to get one, they recently announced a new version in Titanium! I’ll prob sell my SS and pick up that one! A very similar look and design to the County Comm diver, would love to have both....

[@taglu]

FYI You get to choose the date wheel colour.

[@lynnlittle8671]

I got on the waitlist about 18 months ago, my Ti Vanuatu has shipped, I should have her on wrist in a few days. Can’t wait!

[@WestCoastAce27]

Great job. Helm is amazing - typing w my grail white dial Komodo on. Black rubber dial FTW.

[@el_puma_real]

Helm Vanuatu is my Star Wars name. Good review.

[@01nwalker]

My favorite Microbrand watch! I’ve had it for 3 years and I’ll never get rid of it. Glad to see you get your hands on one for the review Jory!

[@mfrankel8321]

Hi Tme Teller, great review! I totally agree with you on the Selita movement recommendation. If Helm can pull this off, there's no stopping them.

[@iancadwallender9779]

Just been notified today,I get a chance to buy one this week. Can't wait. Thanks for review

[@nearly-blindbrian8372]

as someone who can't see very well I love the handset, looks very easy to read..

[@stevenwilliams4916]

What I like about my Vanuatu is that I bought the steel bezel when I purchased the watch and it's easy to switch them out. So, basically two different looks for the same watch. The bracelet definitely doesn't pull hairs and is very comfortable. It's chunky, certainly you know you are wearing a watch :-) but as a guy with an 8 1/4 inch wrist, it's perfectly proportioned for me. The only complaint is that they hardly make any !!!! I'm on a waiting list for their other model, Khuraburi, and have been for a long time. I don't get it, why? Helm, best microbrand for bigger wristed guys.

[@respectablylate3081]

Own this particular watch and find it quite amazing. I think the expression "overbuilt", describes it perfectly!

[@nexsjus]

Same!

[@faceachenz8441]

Yeah, Helm's are incredibly hard to get, all of them. But from networking with other Helm owners via the Facebook group, i've managed to amass 5 Helm watches in 8 months. 2 were preowned, the other 3 were from people giving up their place in the line to purchase. The Vanuatu has become a cornerstone in my collection. It's just such a solid, well made piece at a great price.

[@jontoland3491]

This video impressed me so much that I'm waiting for my own titanium version of this helm.

[@jontoland3491]

Still on the waiting list, number 1081 right now

[@jontoland3491]

@Cana Gummy that's crazy! I'm 658 right now. Been waiting a year and 2 months

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

I just sold my Helm Khuraburi after enjoying it thoroughly for the last 2 years but fancied a change so getting a Seiko, probably a PADI turtle next.

[@michaellott1333]

I got the only Khuraburi with a date about a year and a half ago when they offered them up to the world at batches of 300 pieces. After failing the first time to get a Vanuatu I used a super fast internet connection and was able to complete my transaction in 1.5 minutes after the offering went live. The Helm build quality is very good for the price! Love my Khuraburi!

[@skreeog]

Please, have a look at an orient Kamasu. I think many would be interested and it is in my opinion the real successor to the glorious SKX.

[@brianmsahin]

Totally agree..I'm thinking of the red dial one, but they're all beautiful.

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

@@brianmsahin definitely go for the red, I have one and I'm loving it.

[@chrisfiat]

I have a komodo that took me two years to get it's a fantastic watch I love it

[@Akstergrind]

I have a Helm Khuraburi and a Komodo and I love them both. Then again, I was on the waiting lists for long enough! Really excellent watches, especially for the price.

[@davidachille7188]

Finally got one after 4 attempts and am loving it to bits

[@lanceromance6793]

Bought my Hem Vauatu Ti, today. I'm stoked!

[@jimmccaig7946]

A bargain Sinn diver. Great piece, great price, great episode. Cheers 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@simeonschutz]

Thanks Jory, now the wait list is going to be even longer to get one!!! Lol I have the Vanuatu and it’s one of my favorite watches.

[@mikep5478]

I enjoyed the review thanks and thanks to Mike for supplying the watch to review. I own two Helm watches a KHURABURI and a KOMODO. I think pricing and small batch offerings are two things that make Helm in demand. MIYOTA 9000 series might be a better fit because they offer date and no-date versions on some models. It would also help keep the pricing lower. I have plenty of SELLITA SW200 and MIYOTA 9000 movements. I've had a few issues with SELLITAS, but MIYOTA has been rock solid. Some folks aren't fans of the noisy rotor on the 9015s, but that's not an issue for me. Either movement is fine, but to keep the price a little lower for folks would be nice.

[@vinbol3]

I have the titanium version, and I love it.

[@derbagger22]

Just got my Ti Vanuatu yesterday. I do believe you can choose a black or white date wheel.

[@davidrosenblum2178]

Not really looking to add another NH35 to my collection but I would make an exception for this piece, or any other Helm for that matter. Thanks for the detailed look Jory!

[@zman8340]

Yeah nh35 is played out

[@jouzel8951]

I just won the helm lottery today, have been trying to buy one for over two years☺😁😀

[@jh-il5sb]

crazy that i'm wearing my vanuatu today after it sitting in a drawer for about a month. it sits a bit tall with the nh35 movement, the only gripe i have. the braclet does not pinch wrist hairs. i love the design

[@hcwm2]

I count myself lucky managing to snatch up a Helm Kommodo last year. They were gone in seconds.

[@brianmsahin]

That's a great price for a certified diver. You can see some microbrands trying to charge $400+ for a non certified diver with the same movement. It's no wonder they're sold out at $275!! Only thing, though I normally like the colour matched date wheel, I think the white one would be better here! Still great though, and of course it's a matter of taste.

[@paulsuddes1144]

I have one of these. Bracelet is excellent. Lume is excellent. It’s a heavy watch, but worth every penny. In fact worth more...that’s why they sell for more.

[@TheDocrwm]

Wow. Threaded crowns are NOT required for high WR. There is a great article someplace on how Fortis watches routinely do NOT have threaded crowns but achieve 200m WR and above. Threaded crowns are for DIVERS and are a safety feature to prevent inadvertent activation and damage to the crown. That is an Engineer bracelet and its a rather nice one. Personally, my preferred bracelet style and Helm looks to have done it up right. Nice date movement too, snappy!

[@unsortedjournal896]

Wearing this watch right now. It’s a keeper!

[@bearVSkevin]

Got one last spring. I’ve been very happy with it overall. Sold my Pelagos because this filled that niche for me and used the funds for a Datejust 41. My only complaint is the crown sometimes feels like it’s about to cross thread when screwing it down. I’d also love to see a ceramic bezel on it at some point but for the price I can’t complain.

[@jontoland3491]

I really like this. Beautiful design

[@chester78dog]

THANKS MIKE!

[@paulmcmaster4047]

ISO 6425 compliant also.Amazing watch.

[@RaphaelRousseau]

I'm also a happy owner of a Helm Vanuatu (titanium) with the ISO compliance certificate (300m Diver's). I've also the titanium engineer bracelet. Sized down for my 6,5" wrist, it weighs 129g while my Zelos Swordfish 40 (stainless steel) weighs 156g!

[@javierpatricioromero8564]

Perhaps I´m wrong, but it look likes a Sinn homage (REf.104 st sa or the U1 series). However, it´s a beautiful watch. And you´re right, it´s an engineer bracelet.

[@ALAPINO]

Really never was compelling enough for me to buy. But the bacelets with those beefy clasp are pretty nice, and one could order them with straight end links. (It's just too similar to my Sinn and Marathons) That does seem like a Engineer II style.

[@richardsalinetrojr1957]

It maybe funny to some but you can't imagine how happy I am to see them actually use a black date wheel to match the black dail.i think that makes the watch look that much better just by that simple little detail.idk though imo this looks like a very nice quality piece for the price.would like to see them maybe thin up the case a bit(maybe 12mm instead of the 14mm)but guess this is diver style watch so I could more than likely be able to live with it.lol Edit: I really need to stop watching all these videos about watches.never heard of this microbrand till yesterday but yet now I'm on the waiting list for the Helm Vanuatu.lmfao.starting to buy way too many watches and it's because of channels like this,Long Island Watch,The Urban Gentry and Teddy Baldassarre.lol

[@pearson1662]

The fact that it's ISO 6425 compliant is very valuable and I didn't notice that mentioned. BTW, really enjoy micro brand reviews.

[@thetimeteller]

Thanks, boss! Btw, the ISO rating is literally listed in the title. 🤣🤘

[@pearson1662]

@@thetimeteller Woops!

[@NathanRohr]

Thanks Mike! Jory, we (your subscriber base) are most certainly NOT all yada yada (going by the Seinfeld usage), that would be just too wild.

[@superantman70]

I love my Vanuatu. I wear it on the bracelet. Thing is a beast. Lume is awesome. Readable for multiple hours. I’m looking to pick up the Khuraburi ......waiting.....waiting.....waiting!

[@ricardochaveste7367]

Helm seriously woah incredible 👍👍im going to keep in 👀 on getting one....stunning..

[@LuxuryRealEstatePanamaCity]

Had V2 and loved it for a year +. Sold it then for $500 within a weak 😀 You can't go wrong with it! Titanium one is possibly better option considering that it's very very heavy watch...

[@Matt28NJ]

I like the idea of reviewing watches that are actually in service, rather than brand new. Adding in owner comments is even better!

[@wikster6630]

Glad you got your hands on one and great review! I've been on the waiting list for this one and the Komodo for over a year now. 🤞 If I remember correctly, they only make a couple hundered of each one at time.

[@Leo_Pard_A4]

I too am on the waiting list for the Vanuatu and the Komodo. A few days ago I got an email that I won their first Vanuatu lottery. Today I got the email with a password that allows me to purchase the watch. Since I'm not buying the watch, would you like the password? I don't know if it's linked to my account but it maybe worth a try. PS There's a time limit of 24h.

[@wikster6630]

@@Leo_Pard_A4 Thanks for the generous offer! I'd love to get one on wrist sooner than expected but I doubt it would work if linked to your account/email. Didn't know they had a lottery system. How did you come across that? Currently at 1500 for the Komodo waiting list. It'll be awhile! Lol. Thanks again

[@Leo_Pard_A4]

@@wikster6630 you automatically enter for the lottery when you sign up for the waiting list. The password is: cK9FKfQZC Give it a try but hurry up the countdown is ticking, and now the password is visible for everyone. Good luck.

[@desireless4092]

Have mine, and I really like it.

[@chrisr8112]

Lots and lots of bang on design choices by Helm in this watch, a very very fine watch.

[@rodpanhard]

I managed to snag one of these a few months ago myself, just the Khuriburi to get and I will have all three. The waiting list system where they contact you is far more civilised than the clusterfeck that was ordering the Komodo, the only reason I managed to get this is because their initial sale crashed and they did their 2nd attempt before they stated they would so it was a happy accident I managed to get one. I only have scrawny 6 3/4" wrists and the dimensons of the Vanuatu seemed way too big but it actually looks fine on wrist.

[@patpatterson6073]

Yes you do have the best subscribers especially me! Great Channel

[@alansmith8837]

You forgot to mention jory every piece is pressure tested and a certificate sent with purchase, so a genuine diver. I have the mk 2. with the white date wheel that looks at aglance like one of the indices. Its a biggish heavytough tool watch and the bracelet on the watch just adds to that. I wanted the helson shark diver but at about £600 thought it a little too pricey, but still very happy with the helm. Ps i was waiting about 8 months for mine after order and deposit but that was last year juring covid and all that but i was kept updated by the guy at helm all the way. Phew

[@hhickshhicks]

Great video Jory. Thanks to Mike for providing this Helm. The only negative I have heard about this brand is that they are all but impossible to get. I am on the list for the Komodo.

[@MrZPal2099]

I just got my notification yesterday and ordered today

[@stevenschoenfeld2331]

Jory, I think you may have thrown aside a very important piece of paper that comes with all Helm watches (I own 2 of them), namely, they individually perform ISO certification tests on each individual watch and send you a copy of the exact results of your watch. I have quite a large Diver watch collection spanning several price levels and they are the only watches I own that include your specific watch's results.

[@thetimeteller]

Read title.

[@S-Ltd1000]

I've just found out I'm 468 on the list so should get an email in the next couple of months. Signed up in August 2021 so about 2 years on the waitlist.

[@jamesblonde2271]

These are great, the Komodo's the pick tho...

[@junwoojang2941]

An hybrid of tudor pelagos and marathon diver watch. Two awesome tank of a watch combined into one, at around $300. Awesome bang for buck

[@ThomqsMNielsen]

I agree, for the price you won't find a better diver. It's build like a tank, the movement is a workhorse. The bracelet isn't a hairpuller. I wear my Vanuatu a lot.

[@sophiahauser3300]

Love the Helm Vanuatu! 🧡

[@Mmarks9156]

I recently picked up the Helm Khuraburi and a sold diver IMHO. Take a look at the design of this one.

[@geeare8885]

Jory, I look forward to seeing your videos. One thing on this one though, you failed to show the case back. Is it exhibition or solid?

[@RichardHorpe]

did you check out the 2021 seiko prospex street 38mm tuna? STBQ003

[@dor-si9145]

Better get on the waitlist, Jory. You have to sign up if you want a chance at a Helm. It's much better now than the free-for-all releases of the past that would crash the Helm website.

[@davidbridge5652]

I wish I could get my hands on a helm. Been trying for so long

[@markschwartz5702]

I have two for sale. Lmk if you would like to talk.

[@markschwartz5702]

@@robp7729 yes indeed.

[@francisdaleacenas9479]

In terms of the feeling when you wear it and touch the watch, how does this watch compre to your seiko tuna sbbn 033 or 035? I got a 037 which was inspired by one of your videos. Thank you Sir!

[@martinduffy243]

Oo Jory you smoothy, I had to press like after the first 22 seconds of this one 🤗

[@samiam619]

You mean you don’t automatically hit like before it starts? SMH... 😀

[@VacuumJockey]

I have this very model, and like you I find that it's a great value diver.

[@bcconnor2531]

Gotta white Komodo on a white rally from Stapco. Gorgeous piece. A keeper for sure.

[@ericsherer3505]

The FC 2 optional clasp has a ratchet extension. I have added it to my Vanuatu and my Komodo.

[@deejay1534]

See if you can get your hands on a watch from Sangin Instruments for review. They get a lot of hype from the military/edc community but I would love to see what the watch community's verdict is

[@angrybanana6223]

I second this. A lot of mil/edc folks like it but haven't seen any major channels give it a look. Would also love to hear Jory's thoughts on them.

[@NomadicPhoton]

Hey Jory, have you ever seen the Devo Green Sea? $235 Seiko NH35 diver, Irish brand 200m water resistance. Its a very wee brand, but it would be interesting to know your thoughts on it. They also have a blue diver called the blue sea, and a new release, the “art devo “ with a quartz movement.

[@armandojuan64]

The strap is gorgeous .

[@samiam619]

Too bad it reminds me of the National League team that infests the S.F. Bay... Go Dodgers!

[@Techshark001]

I live in north carolina and never know about this brand. Thank you bot

[@edwardfletcher7790]

These are such an incredibly clean design. Fantastic value for money ! Can't believe it's his Surf watch ! lol Most of us would have a Seiko or Vostok for that. Why not a Casio ? Because heat and salt water KILL the Casio rubber dead !!

[@mattrossesq]

I just am curious how much lighter the Vanuatu will be in titanium. With the bracelet it's very heavy, so much so that I get a sense of relief at the end of the day when I take it off. I also feels like I can punch through a wall when I wear it. Still it's a nice piece and I enjoy it when I do wear it.

[@akehedvall1546]

Love the Helms. I own both a second gen Vanuatu and a first gen Komodo.

[@willardhooton920]

Have mine on sailcloth👌

[@pauldietzel9504]

It really is a great looking watch.

[@oceanwatchesclaudejolly1742]

Nice review but what I don’t like is the the print of the numbers on the dial and some imperfections on the dial , I just purchase the Benarus model bonito I did a review also a nice diving watch

[@chrispeek380]

I'm a Helm fanboy. The last thing Helm needs is anyone promoting them! Their main issue is making allocation fair. They have waiting lists for their models that are thousands deep.

[@whiteglovewatches9908]

Yup. I managed to get a Komodo by calling and begging them but been on the waiting lists for the others since... last October?

[@armedbrit493]

I'm 1200ish for a Khuraburi, they're making 900 this year

[@armedbrit493]

@@stevemoon2136 I'm in no rush. I'm hoping I'll get on one on the next run, the Helm email I got seemed to suggest I'd be lucky but not super lucky. I guess some people are passing because of money worries with the Wu Flu.

[@armedbrit493]

@@whiteglovewatches9908 I snipped a Komodo by having everything set up to buy via ebay on their last 'goes live at XX time sale' ... It was my first attempt and it wasn't even brought for me. My old man wanted one after he browsed the website after I showed him the Khuraburi.

[@whiteglovewatches9908]

@@armedbrit493 I haven’t even gotten an email so no luck for me . I’m in no rush either and they are worth the wait so no biggie.

[@TheSerbianG]

My best watch!

[@Robespierres_Ghost]

Miss my khuraburi. Sold it cus i wanted the 3 o'clock crown and been trying to replace it for a year but there always out of stock.

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

Good video, didn't know this brand, this is a better watch than a SKX.

[@jhoag2577]

Can you hold it next to Jody’s Oregon.

[@Andy_TheGreat]

My grip is the movt which usually is pretty inaccurate and not the best to adjust

[@jefferyneu3915]

That is a winner! Wear it in good health Mike!👍

[@animalblundetto8440]

I own one of these and it’s damn awesome. Every aspect of the Vanuatu is so much better quality than anything else at this price. It’s a little big for my wrist but such a solid dive watch. Swam in the Dead Sea with this for an afternoon, held up well.

[@faseemt6127]

Nice watch!

[@bluesdog645]

I really like this watch. The bracelet is awesome but also like wearing it on a Tropic strap. Not too crazy about the NATO, quite frankly. At least not for this watch. And the watch gods must have been smiling down on me because I was on the list for only 4 months before I received “the call”.

[@kjibarrola]

can you review an Evant diver for micro brand Monday? I found them on Gnomon watches and am curious. Thanks

[@mdunawaym]

Reminds me of my Marathon GSAR. I like it!

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

HELM are fantastic, shame they aren't in more supply.

[@josemariaruizbasterrechea3135]

Are you going to do a review of the Lorier Neptune III?