The retail price is accurate and it proves you can produce a really quality watch, in smaller batches, for a really fair price. I have one and wear it on the nato to keep the weight down a bit (and also love how the black and orange complement the dial perfectly). The fact they individually pressure test each watch is fantastic - they’re really doing a great job
Helm is stronger than ever … I’m guessing they currently have 5+ years of orders to fill. Brilliant idea to offer unparalleled value … and have the business constantly supported for years to come.
I love it too. When I first got it I would be afraid I damaged it when I accidentally hit something. Now I'm used to it I'm more afraid of damaging the thing I'm hitting it with.
They have a waiting list system now. They email you when one is available and you then have 48 hours to either purchase or defer ( won’t lose your place in line) if you do nothing, you lose your spot. It’s much better now & just yesterday was offered the Vanuatu...which of course I snapped up.
I have the Vanuatu and the Khuraburi. They are both outstanding in construction and value. The Komodo is just a bit too small for my wrist. I know they are hard to get, but I promise, they are well worth it. I am looking forward to seeing Helm's GMT when it comes out.
Hah! Glad I'm not the only one... I signed up 2+ years ago too (been so long I forgot) finally got the email that my number is coming up soon. I'm not really that into it anymore but at around $300 I'll give it a shot, it'll be easy to sell if I don't like it anyway.
I've had my Komodo since December and it's been Fantastic. Currently it's wearing the factory rubber strap and Love it. I get so many complaints on it. The Vanauatu is next on my list.
I'm wearing my Helm Vanuatu as I watch this video and agree with everything you mentioned, awesome watch for $275 usd plus shipping. Helm will put you on a waiting list and then let you know the exact time and date the watch will be available..they sell out in minutes. But if your quick ( and lucky ) you can score one. Absolutely one of my favourite watches, my daily wear. Keeps great time and is very robust. Highly recommended, but it is a bit of a beast, I've put mine on the NATO strap for comfort, but for looks the engineer bracelet is super. Drilled lugs make for easy and quick changes. They also supply other straps and I purchased a tan leather from them and it also looks great. Lume is ridiculous...you could read a book by it at night...lol. Thanks Rob for the video. Cheers Mike.
Vanuatu country of islands on the Pacific. Cool WWll history to explore and Mt Yasur. A volcano that you can stand on the rim of and watch it explode with the regularity of Old Faithful.
Currently wearing one, super happy with it. Only big downside is a slightly misaligned bezel which it looks like the one in the video might have too. The clasp is a little difficult to operate too, better than too loose but it takes some effort to open. Accuracy is insane too. From what I've observed it seems to lose a little time on the wrist and gain a little when it's lying flat overnight, the end result being -2 seconds over the last five days.
They have a waitlist now instead of that mad dash sells out in 12 seconds thing they had before.. so yeah I waited about 13 or 14 months but I did get called an my Vanuatu arrived a few days ago and oh man am I in love... what a watch. fair price for sure.. I do not believe they are charging too little .. considering where its put together and so forth .. in any event I am not an economist so you could be right either way what a watch.. wow. I am thrilled.
i was lucky enough to get a vanuatu with the black date wheel a couple weeks ago on their last release. really like the watch, it has a sinn tool vibe to it
Jep they are hard to get, tried already 3 times .... no luck, waiting for the 4 th time, I have the Komodo white dial great watch want the Vanuatu too they make super watches.
Well, I got mine yesterday after several years of waiting list. I had completely forgotten about this list and the watch. The watch is not too cheap. The date wheel is off, the bezel insert is off, and it has a real rough charme to it, to say the least. Maybe I‘ll keep it for a while, maybe not. Don‘t be surprised when you get yours. In a few years maybe…
I really like mine. Unfortunately because of a bit of a watch buying spree before Xmas I've had to hide it from my wife for a bit, at least until she's stopped throwing things at me.
HELM does have some tips for faster checkout using PayPal on their website but they really just need to have more stock available. They sell out in 3-4 mins for all models every time so that should tell them that they can have lots of stock in hand without the fear of unsold watches. That would also let us buy more colours of a particular model. WAY too stressful of a buying experience now! As for upping the price, I say no as it’s very refreshing to have a high quality, over-engineered watch we can all afford rather than a micro brand that charges high prices for the specs provided.
I purged most of my micros, hence no longer owning this wonderful watch. On receipt, one of the hour markers was missing it’s lume. Helm immediately addressed and replaced the watch and sent another personal written apologies/thank you card. Nice review!
Thanks for the background info on the company that actually makes it. Basically all watches come from South Asia, not a big secret. Swiss made? Nah just Swiss priced. I love their khuraburi great watch, just a tad bit chunky.
I too own this watch and it’s really really good. I had to buy it used but if you subscribe at least they do tell you in advance when they get the next batch, but you still have to be quick. It feels like it’s built out of granite on the bracelet and unfortunately weighs about the same! However every time I feel I should take it off the bracelet, I just can’t as it’s fantastic. 😃
Really like Helm watches. Probably my biggest problem funding any watches don't care how good there made and there past track record as far as getting watches on time . And the point you made as far as transparency and where the watches are made I just don't have the confidence I did before about when or if I will ever get the watch I helped funded and trust me I've had some major issues already not just trolling Kickstarter watches. Because there's about 10 different Kickstarter watches I'd love to own.
The bezel insert is PVD coated stainless steel. I absolutely love my Vanuatu. I had and sold a Helm Komodo but I'll never sell the Vanuatu. It's a perfect daily driver IMO.
I'm coming up on 2 years and down to 469 on the list. I reckon I'll get the call in August based on their current 200 watches per month.🤞 Edit; Got a heads up today, I'll be contacted within 5 day's to place my order.🙂 Can ill afford it after recently buying a G-shock MTG but I'm not missing my chance after a 2 year wait.
I hate the exclusivity of Helm watches. idk if they are just incompetent and cant make enough watches or if they are making their watches scarce on purpose but i have never seen any of their watches not out of stock
It’s ridiculous to but one from Helm, only way to go unfortunately is to spend a lot more on resale. I’ve got all three now and averaged about $400 a piece. Tried for three sale cycles on the Vanuatu and failed every time. Last batch was available for literally around 15 seconds...🥺
@RandomUser221 it's not a problem, I just hate this system. Seems really unfriendly for customers. I just want to order the watch. I don't want to sit around waiting and hoping I'll be able to get it done day. It's an American company so they'll send the email while I'm sleeping. by the time I check my mail it is already been like 6 hours since it has been send so I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to get one. So I have to choose, do I have to hold on to the money and hope I'll get one some day or do I just look for a similar watch from another brand. I'm pretty sure they are losing more customers this way
@RandomUser221 I'll be honest I subscribed and got the notification but could not be bothered to try to order. I dislike the business model is all. I guess I just don't like the watch enough to care.
I like where they are at on the resale market. I have one, I feel much better owning it than i did with the NtH nacken. I’n contrast, the nth is 650 or more shipped new, not all that better of a movement or quality. The moment an NTH is out of the box and wrapping, its resale value tanks to 500, sometimes less.
It would make sense to me to have a pricing structure that allows customers to get them rather than constantly finding models have sold out and are no longer available.
I’ve got all three helms now, save the trouble and just start with the khuraburi. The Vanuatu is pretty great though. I don’t know the exact pronunciation but it looks like van-oo-at-oo
sorry was that a serious comment about contacting Helm to talk to them about the price? why would you do that? the price point is perfect for many people, why would you help take that away from them? you are clearly lucky with the number of watches you have and get to review so perhaps a little more consideration is due to people who are happy to be able to buy such quality at this price. Or are you suggesting they should follow the seiko pricing strategy? Been a fan of your channel for ages now but this comment about pricing makes zero sense to me.
6:20 I agree with you Rob. Knowing how their watch is in demand, seems like a bad sales strategy. Can't understand it. Would like if someone could explain their logic. If you have a product on fire it would be logical to push it in bigger batches so you can get a feel where is the limit and then set a bar and cover that high demand without pushing away possible buyers. Maybe they think Rolex does it the right way. In my opinion, beside this model with NH35, they should also offer the same watch with a Miyota 9015 and charge it 600bucks. Then they would take a big piece of the market away from other brands too.
I know it's frustrating, but Matt at Helm actually explains it on his FAQ in the Helm website. It sounds like it comes down to production and quality control... Everyone talks about the insane quality (which I can attest to, I have the Khuraburi) and if he ramped up production the quality wouldn't be as high. Damned if you do, damned if you don't kinda situation.
@@tyelwell9 If that's the case I presume it could be solved with hiring one or two people. Seems like he has a product with which he can expand his business.
Random Rob He’s right though Rob. So many Americans do butcher pronunciation. You hear it all the time on the news and on watch channels. Just ask the company about the proper pronunciation before you make a video!
The retail price is accurate and it proves you can produce a really quality watch, in smaller batches, for a really fair price. I have one and wear it on the nato to keep the weight down a bit (and also love how the black and orange complement the dial perfectly). The fact they individually pressure test each watch is fantastic - they’re really doing a great job
Definitely. Rolex Deepsea for $12k, or this for $305.
Helm is stronger than ever … I’m guessing they currently have 5+ years of orders to fill.
Brilliant idea to offer unparalleled value … and have the business constantly supported for years to come.
Random Rob, I hit the Helm lottery, they had a drawing of 50 names. I think I'm about to purchase another watch, Vanuatu Titanium 🎉🎉🎉
HELM, the best value watches you can never buy.
They've got a 5000+ long wait list. More than 10K across all models.
I've had this watch for over a year.... love it on my 8" wrist. Its built like a tank, and feels substantial on wrist. 10/10 recommend!
I love it too. When I first got it I would be afraid I damaged it when I accidentally hit something. Now I'm used to it I'm more afraid of damaging the thing I'm hitting it with.
I love this and other Helm watches but I've never had funds for the 10 minutes 3 times a year that you can order.
That ten minutes has turned to 8 seconds lately....🥺
Wow. Victims of their own success!
LoL. Me too.
They have a waiting list system now. They email you when one is available and you then have 48 hours to either purchase or defer ( won’t lose your place in line) if you do nothing, you lose your spot. It’s much better now & just yesterday was offered the Vanuatu...which of course I snapped up.
I have the Vanuatu and the Khuraburi. They are both outstanding in construction and value. The Komodo is just a bit too small for my wrist. I know they are hard to get, but I promise, they are well worth it. I am looking forward to seeing Helm's GMT when it comes out.
2 years + on the waiting list and they finally selected me for purchase. Can't wait to get this incredible tool watch this month.
Congrats, hope it serves you well
Hah! Glad I'm not the only one...
I signed up 2+ years ago too (been so long I forgot) finally got the email that my number is coming up soon. I'm not really that into it anymore but at around $300 I'll give it a shot, it'll be easy to sell if I don't like it anyway.
I have this watch, and a Komodo, and I like the Vanuatu better. The handset reminds me of the Sinn U1. Sooo legible.
I've had both. I agree. This is my favorite of the two.
I'm looking at getting a helm as I'm wanting a chunky dive watch. From the pictures the komodo looks more interesting though this also looks awesome.
I had and sold a Komodo but I'll never sell my Vanuatu. The Vanuatu is an affordable masterpiece IMO.
How much have you waited on the waiting list?
After 17 months... I've finally been able to grab one! Can't wait! 👊🏼
I've had my Komodo since December and it's been Fantastic. Currently it's wearing the factory rubber strap and Love it. I get so many complaints on it. The Vanauatu is next on my list.
I'm wearing my Helm Vanuatu as I watch this video and agree with everything you mentioned, awesome watch for $275 usd plus shipping. Helm will put you on a waiting list and then let you know the exact time and date the watch will be available..they sell out in minutes. But if your quick ( and lucky ) you can score one. Absolutely one of my favourite watches, my daily wear. Keeps great time and is very robust. Highly recommended, but it is a bit of a beast, I've put mine on the NATO strap for comfort, but for looks the engineer bracelet is super. Drilled lugs make for easy and quick changes. They also supply other straps and I purchased a tan leather from them and it also looks great. Lume is ridiculous...you could read a book by it at night...lol. Thanks Rob for the video. Cheers Mike.
hey Rob solid review as always and for me my Helm Khuraburi is superb, heavy solid robust etc, cannot fault it!!
Nice looking watch, great video,and very impressive how you tightened that bracelet screw without breaking stride while filming!
This watch is a tank! With freaking awesome lume!,,,love mine!
Vanuatu country of islands on the Pacific. Cool WWll history to explore and Mt Yasur. A volcano that you can stand on the rim of and watch it explode with the regularity of Old Faithful.
Currently wearing one, super happy with it. Only big downside is a slightly misaligned bezel which it looks like the one in the video might have too. The clasp is a little difficult to operate too, better than too loose but it takes some effort to open.
Accuracy is insane too. From what I've observed it seems to lose a little time on the wrist and gain a little when it's lying flat overnight, the end result being -2 seconds over the last five days.
They have a waitlist now instead of that mad dash sells out in 12 seconds thing they had before.. so yeah I waited about 13 or 14 months but I did get called an my Vanuatu arrived a few days ago and oh man am I in love... what a watch. fair price for sure.. I do not believe they are charging too little .. considering where its put together and so forth .. in any event I am not an economist so you could be right either way what a watch.. wow. I am thrilled.
i was lucky enough to get a vanuatu with the black date wheel a couple weeks ago on their last release. really like the watch, it has a sinn tool vibe to it
Jep they are hard to get, tried already 3 times .... no luck, waiting for the 4 th time, I have the Komodo white dial great watch want the Vanuatu too they make super watches.
I own a Vanuatu and the Komodo. Great value when you get them at release price.
Well, I got mine yesterday after several years of waiting list. I had completely forgotten about this list and the watch.
The watch is not too cheap. The date wheel is off, the bezel insert is off, and it has a real rough charme to it, to say the least.
Maybe I‘ll keep it for a while, maybe not. Don‘t be surprised when you get yours. In a few years maybe…
I really like mine. Unfortunately because of a bit of a watch buying spree before Xmas I've had to hide it from my wife for a bit, at least until she's stopped throwing things at me.
The owner is from North Carolina, went to school in Georgia. Lives and works in Hong Kong, company based in Hong Kong.
Thanks Rob - looks like incredible value for money.
I just won the helm lottery today!!!!😁
Update I have had it for 9 months love it!
HELM does have some tips for faster checkout using PayPal on their website but they really just need to have more stock available. They sell out in 3-4 mins for all models every time so that should tell them that they can have lots of stock in hand without the fear of unsold watches. That would also let us buy more colours of a particular model. WAY too stressful of a buying experience now! As for upping the price, I say no as it’s very refreshing to have a high quality, over-engineered watch we can all afford rather than a micro brand that charges high prices for the specs provided.
I purged most of my micros, hence no longer owning this wonderful watch. On receipt, one of the hour markers was missing it’s lume. Helm immediately addressed and replaced the watch and sent another personal written apologies/thank you card. Nice review!
Thanks for the background info on the company that actually makes it. Basically all watches come from South Asia, not a big secret. Swiss made? Nah just Swiss priced. I love their khuraburi great watch, just a tad bit chunky.
I too own this watch and it’s really really good. I had to buy it used but if you subscribe at least they do tell you in advance when they get the next batch, but you still have to be quick. It feels like it’s built out of granite on the bracelet and unfortunately weighs about the same! However every time I feel I should take it off the bracelet, I just can’t as it’s fantastic. 😃
Really like Helm watches. Probably my biggest problem funding any watches don't care how good there made and there past track record as far as getting watches on time . And the point you made as far as transparency and where the watches are made I just don't have the confidence I did before about when or if I will ever get the watch I helped funded and trust me I've had some major issues already not just trolling Kickstarter watches. Because there's about 10 different Kickstarter watches I'd love to own.
Good review and info on this brand. I have yet to get my hands on a Helm.
Van-oo-art-oo Emphasis on 1st & 3rd syllables
The bezel insert is PVD coated stainless steel. I absolutely love my Vanuatu. I had and sold a Helm Komodo but I'll never sell the Vanuatu. It's a perfect daily driver IMO.
I'm coming up on 2 years and down to 469 on the list. I reckon I'll get the call in August based on their current 200 watches per month.🤞
Edit; Got a heads up today, I'll be contacted within 5 day's to place my order.🙂 Can ill afford it after recently buying a G-shock MTG but I'm not missing my chance after a 2 year wait.
I just got a email today, 8/27/23 Komodo coming my way😅😅
I hate the exclusivity of Helm watches.
idk if they are just incompetent and cant make enough watches or if they are making their watches scarce on purpose but i have never seen any of their watches not out of stock
I think there is a 10 minute window when they announce restock, I got the motification but couldnt be bothered.
It’s ridiculous to but one from Helm, only way to go unfortunately is to spend a lot more on resale. I’ve got all three now and averaged about $400 a piece. Tried for three sale cycles on the Vanuatu and failed every time. Last batch was available for literally around 15 seconds...🥺
@@dinner_workingsly yeah you literally need to use a bot to have a chance. It puts me off the brand.
@RandomUser221 it's not a problem, I just hate this system. Seems really unfriendly for customers. I just want to order the watch. I don't want to sit around waiting and hoping I'll be able to get it done day. It's an American company so they'll send the email while I'm sleeping. by the time I check my mail it is already been like 6 hours since it has been send so I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to get one. So I have to choose, do I have to hold on to the money and hope I'll get one some day or do I just look for a similar watch from another brand. I'm pretty sure they are losing more customers this way
@RandomUser221 I'll be honest I subscribed and got the notification but could not be bothered to try to order. I dislike the business model is all. I guess I just don't like the watch enough to care.
VAH-NOO-AH-TOO
Day 15, my checkbook is still intact.
You'll cave. That checkbook is calling out to you.
I like where they are at on the resale market. I have one, I feel much better owning it than i did with the NtH nacken. I’n contrast, the nth is 650 or more shipped new, not all that better of a movement or quality. The moment an NTH is out of the box and wrapping, its resale value tanks to 500, sometimes less.
I like that watch, but i have 2 coming in. That price is remarkable.
It would make sense to me to have a pricing structure that allows customers to get them rather than constantly finding models have sold out and are no longer available.
On the waiting list for the titanium version. Here's hoping.
Mr T did you get on early after receiving the email?
Mr. T, Hope you were successful. Awaiting confirmation of dispatch of mine. Regards and be safe in these weird Covid times.
Helm have that “flipper life” mentality. Buy high, sell low😉
That’s exactly how I roll man...😂
Levi Stevenson As do i man lol.
It's pronounced exactly how it's spelled.. Vanoo Ah-Two. Which is an island nation east of AU/NZ in the South Pacific.
I’ve got all three helms now, save the trouble and just start with the khuraburi. The Vanuatu is pretty great though. I don’t know the exact pronunciation but it looks like van-oo-at-oo
But you can put your name on the list and get one at list price right?
How do you remove locktight?
The NH35 just rocks. Thats all there is to it.
Would love one if they are ever in stock
You ever find out that you need to get on the wait list?
I'll buy one when I don't have to play games to get one
I understand the watch is inexpensive, but do you have a discount code as well. I would assume not, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
sorry was that a serious comment about contacting Helm to talk to them about the price? why would you do that? the price point is perfect for many people, why would you help take that away from them? you are clearly lucky with the number of watches you have and get to review so perhaps a little more consideration is due to people who are happy to be able to buy such quality at this price. Or are you suggesting they should follow the seiko pricing strategy? Been a fan of your channel for ages now but this comment about pricing makes zero sense to me.
I gave my code away for the Vanuatu. Maybe I should have used it. Oh well! I have a Komodo and a khuraburi.
Helm is legit good deal. But how many do we really need?
That’s true. I got the two that I really liked.
The bracelet is from strapcode?
Sold out in 3 minutes
Helm don't do watches for smaller wrists :(
They do, the Komodo.
von yoo ahh two! :)
6:20 I agree with you Rob. Knowing how their watch is in demand, seems like a bad sales strategy. Can't understand it. Would like if someone could explain their logic. If you have a product on fire it would be logical to push it in bigger batches so you can get a feel where is the limit and then set a bar and cover that high demand without pushing away possible buyers. Maybe they think Rolex does it the right way. In my opinion, beside this model with NH35, they should also offer the same watch with a Miyota 9015 and charge it 600bucks. Then they would take a big piece of the market away from other brands too.
I know it's frustrating, but Matt at Helm actually explains it on his FAQ in the Helm website. It sounds like it comes down to production and quality control... Everyone talks about the insane quality (which I can attest to, I have the Khuraburi) and if he ramped up production the quality wouldn't be as high. Damned if you do, damned if you don't kinda situation.
@@tyelwell9 If that's the case I presume it could be solved with hiring one or two people. Seems like he has a product with which he can expand his business.
Looks like that probably won't fit a 9 inch wrist?
pro. "Vah New Wah Too " Polynesian name I think
Anyone putting dibs?
Snap it up in tomorrow's sale!
Vah•new•ah•too
Van you at who is how I think it's pronounced
i love the game of trying to get one.
Vanna Watu
Vah-new-ah-too
I hate when people think they're too cool to try to pronounce words. This fool is a king at it.
What's with Americans and pronunciation?!! It's spelt Vanoovatoo. It's a country. Has the world's coolest dive sites 😃
Hey don’t pin all Americans on my lack of speech ability
Baah....what the hell!! Cool watch, that's all that matters.
Random Rob He’s right though Rob. So many Americans do butcher pronunciation. You hear it all the time on the news and on watch channels. Just ask the company about the proper pronunciation before you make a video!
Vah, noo, ah, two
Agreed. Nice Watch and very lousy sales strategy.
Do like kids do in school for spelling and you’ll get it right...give it a try! 👍
I was gonna get one of these. Until i realized their sales channel is so messed up. Maybe in a year or two they will get up to speed.
its pronounced VANU-WA-TOO
Vanna White, dang it, I will keep trying
I think it's pronounced van-yoo--AT-to
It's not "yoo", just "ooo" as in "new".