Helm Vanuatu - waited for a longtime for the daddy of microbrand divers
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- Опубліковано 20 сер 2024
- The entire experience of getting a Helm… a watch that still after almost ten years in production, has a waiting list…
What is it like? What was it like to get it… and more importantly, is it worth the wait?
#automaticwatch #mechanicalwatch #review #watchcollector #watchreviews #wristwatch #watch #diver #helm #vanuatu #helmvanuatu #waitinglist, #microbrand #watchenthusiast
I was on the wait list for a Vanuatu for about 18 months when my wife surprised me with a Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive dive watch. I absolutely loved (and still love) the Citizen, and pretty much forgot about the wait list. Of course, about 3 weeks after she gave me the Citizen, my turn came up for the Vanuatu. With full recognition of how financially irresponsible it was to buy a 2nd dive watch 3 weeks after getting a brand new, very nice one, I could not resist and pulled the trigger. NO REGRETS. Both watches are simply fantastic. The Citizen is a far better daily duty, GADA (Go Anywhere Do Anything) watch, but like you said, the Vanuatu makes me feel like I'm playing Arnold Schwarzenegger's part in a reboot of Predator. You're right: it's an absolute tank. A wonderful, mother-of-all-overkill, tank of a watch.
Hahhaha, the best comment I got so far 😂 thank you for sharing this and making me feel better, because it was very similar story with me 🤦♂️ not with a dive watch but I recently bought Bulova Lunar pilot that I wanted for a really long time and shortly after I got the email from Helm… like… what a timing…
Isn’t it a wonderful hobby? 😁
Thank you very much for watching! Cheers mate!!!
I got my Vanuatu in 2020. I'd bought a watch off someone selling to fund his Vanuatu in 2019. It was already my grail then & I told him if he ever wanted to part with it, I'd be interested. When he emailed, I didn't hesitate.
It's a weird thing getting your grail. I still wear other watches but my Vanuatu is my daily for work or landmark moments in my life.
She's heavy, too hot in summer if your not swimming, and will scratch my car or kids of I'm not careful. But I still love it, nearly four years on. I've used orange rubber straps in summer for a seasonal change of pace.
I sometimes wonder if I'd replace with a Pelegos or a Sinn but they only do the same job, and not everyone can get a Helm.
Bravo on getting your Vanuatu and everything you mentioned is true. Who needs a bed side clock with glowing sea urchin easily telling the time at 5am.
That is great to read! Don’t know anyone who would actually have it for that long and I 100% agree… it almost feels like being part of an exclusive club when you finally get it…
And funnily enough, I was mostly worried that the bracelet would scratch my daughter too 😂😂😂 I am thinking about getting a black/orange rubber combo for summer… not yet decided…
Thanks for watching, hombre! Cheers
Best review of the Vanuatu I’ve seen! Just got the mail for ordering, finally!
Wohooo! Congrats!! And welcome to the Helm side! 😁
Great review, but if you really wanted a color matched date window you would have gotten white, because it fits the 6 indices perfectly, agree?
🤔🤔🤔potentially… hypothetically… you might be right 😂 but I think it looks better with the black one
I just found your channel while searching for the Helm Vanuatu. Love your presentation and sense of humour. The Vanuatu looks like a beast of a watch. I just checked Helm and I’m no 17 so I better start saving 👍🏻
Thanks, hombre!!! I am really glad you like it!!! And totally, it is one beast of a watch… I just got an orange (summer you know) Marine Nationale style strap for it and it’s ready for my anual drinking, I mean camping, trip with friends 😂
And no 17? That is literally any minute now! I think I received the email when I was no 22 or something like that…
Hope you will get it soon! Cheers!!!
I came to know your channel after a random YT recomendation. How lucky of me! I gotta say that your dry humor, life style and presentation were WAY more in tone with the fresh air I was willing to find amogst the tons of same old same old watch channels. Subscribed in a heart beat. For example, I felt liberating to see a reviewer that doesn't buy the "40mm sweet spot" mantra like others (I'm not as tall as you, but I've been working out pretty hard for several years now and my palms are even uglier than yours, thus my forearms aren't skinny). Finally a watch enthusiast that seems to live in a real world! (P.S. I intend to make a debut with my Seiko Prospex Cap. Willard SPB151 in an apnea diving session under the awesome Formentera's turquoise waters this year in your beatiful country - well at least the beautiful country you live in). Wish you and your channel all the best!
Man! Thank you so much!!! I started the channel few months back, purely as a hobby as I like making videos, talk about watches and I got some time every morning and afternoon on the way to the office and back to edit the videos on the train 😂 I was so nervous before I posted my first video, that I didn’t want to tell anyone I know about, just in case it would turn out really bad… reading something like this couple of months later is incredible… I intend to keep it as hobby in the first place, have fun while making the videos and don’t be stressed about it…
Btw!!! My finger is like 2mm away from pushing purchase button on a green willard 😂 like 3mm away from 62MAS… I would like to get one of those for breaking 1000 subscribers- Which I never thought would happen - like my entire production is an iPhone 😂
Hit me up on Instagram when you come down here - I could at least recommend something, what food and beers are the best 😁 and of course what is worth to see…
instagram.com/xweidyc?igsh=ZHdnbWx6ZXJ2ZWFw&
Thank you very much again!!!
Very good review/cinematography.
I have the Ti version of this watch and it’s a fabulous watch. The weight is manageable but the bracelet is still a little uncomfortable. I put my name on the list and forgot about it; it was probably over two years before I got the email.
Would I sell it? Absolutely no way.
Thank you, hombre! And hell no! I wouldn’t sell it either, it’s an awesome piece, although I would probably go for the Ti version if I had a second chance… also can’t decide what to wear the watch on… I really like the bracelet, but its not comfortable at all, so I keep alternating with Nato straps 🤷♂️
I got my Vanuatu about a month ago. I already had an engineer bracelet for a Seiko dive watch. So I splurged and got the SS3 bracelet for it. Pretty happy with that bracelet on my Vanuatu.
Nice! I wanted the engineer style bracelet, because I hadn’t had it on other watch before I always liked it. Not to mention that on Vanuatu it just looked brutal 😁 but now I am thinking of getting some good quality rubber for it… orange perhaps for summer
Mine took 2 years almost to the day and my Komodo about 3 months later. I'm coming up for a Miyako soon. I don't really have the funds right now and thought about selling the Vanuatu to fund it but I'm not sure. The thing with Helm is that you wait so long you just have to buy them when your number comes up. Also, for some reason the UK seems to get away with paying any import charges and vat at all.
What a collection! I would like to get to see the other models in person…. And exactly… you wait for so long that you think you moved one, but when the email arrives you almost feel obliged to finish it 😁 I didn’t want to say it in the video, cuz I suspect its not the case for everyone, but I didn’t get to pay the import tax either 🤷♂️ so all things considered, that makes the price a lot sweeter… cheers!!!
So.I owned one back in 2017/8 great watch great value.. the only watch with the same sheer wrist bulk I own is my MarineMaster 300
Oi! Marimaster is a beast and completely different league… or even a ball game… that is a beautiful watch to own, my friend… congrats :)
@WatchWatch-ck6xl yep but the heft is similar.. serious tool watches.
Karel I’m in Australia & already own the Khuraburi & the Komodo, which have both been brilliant! Like a few others here I’m about to pull the trigger on this Vanuatu.👍🏼😎 They are all beast watches & one of the best micro brand watches “available”!🤣
Hahah nice, man! You are a proper fan of the brand! And you are from a tough country, you need a tough watch 💪 😁 I have to agree, for the money the watch is incredibly well built and designed… I haven’t had a chance yet to try the other models though, but if they are built in the same way like Vanuatu, then I am sure they are great, too 😁 cheers!!!
I was on the waiting list for my Ti Vanuatu for at least a year, probably 18 months or so, can’t remember exactly how long. Silly me, I waited a year or so before I got on the waiting list.
The bracelet on the Ti Vanuatu is actually really comfortable, and the weight of the watch with bracelet isn’t bad at all.
All in all, this is by far my favorite micro brand watch… I can’t recommend it enough.
Nice! To be completely honest, I would go for the Ti version if I was buying it again… but, it doesn’t bother me that much to sell it and wait again 😂 I really like the watch, I think I will get a good rubber strap for it for summer and call it a day 😁
Cheers!
Have been on the waiting list for about a year. Thinking after watching your video I may change the watch model, as a beast of a watch will be to big for my wrist. However, from the sounds of it, I still have two years to make up my mind
Good thing is, at least here in Spain, there is very few of them on a secondary market and they sell for premium… I wouldn’t honestly buy it or sell it for more than I bought it for, but it is a good peace of mind that if you do buy it and end up not liking it… I think it will be easy to sell 🤷♂️ I would give it go… it is so different than anything else I have tried that I am overall very happy that I got it…and it might be better experience on the other bracelets Helm offers…
Anyway, cheers for watching, hombre
22 months on the waitlist, and finally got to order it this evening. Can't wait
Nice!!! Congrats!!! Hopeit will serve you well! 😁
I have the Miyako and love it. Daily wear for me. The Vanuatu and Komodo are on the way after 4 years waiting!
I haven’t had the chance to see the Miyako in person yet, but that would definitely be my second choice… very good looking watch! And man! You are going to have an amazing collection! You should make a video, comparing all of them side by side - it would help a lot of people to decide
@WatchWatch-ck6xl hahah unfortunately, making videos is not my thing, too much energy for me. I will definitely update you though.
Please do 😁 will be waiting
Hi. 👋 I received an email from Helm telling me to be ready in 5 days to buy this watch (I think). The videos I watch about it (yours, JOMW, etc.) encourage me to do so. Too excited. THANKS ! 🇨🇵
Interesting-I got the same email this morning. When I checked my place on the waiting list it was 421 which made me think hmmmm…..
@@RM-je5qw Helm sometimes draws lots. We will see.
Hi! That is great to read, amigo! It is totally worth it! I hope you will be happy with it!!!
Cheers!!!
I also got the email. Got confirmation this morning. Had thought I was going to pass on this as I’m also on waitlist for the ti version. But now am thinking I need this one. Decisions decisions. And only 48 hours to think it over. Had 18 months but now it’s crunch time. Haha. Been on this list since feb ‘23.
Enjoyed the video 👍👍, just received my own Helm and the wait was without doubt totally worth it….. testosterone infused, macho vibe metallic beast that it is ;)
Hahaha! Exactly!!!! This watch could be classified as a illegal performance enhancing drug and should be banned from wearing if you are a professional athlete 😁😁😁 congratulations to your new piece and hope it will serve you well!!!
The NH35 is made by Seiko Instruments Inc. , and the 4R35 by Seiko Watch Group. The 4R is a mod of the NH, since 2011. What is in a Seiko are the 4R’s- anyone else using it, it is the NH.
Correct… it is the definitive go to movement for most microbrands… cheap, reliable and actually good movement 🤷♂️
Great review. I still have over 18 months on the waiting list for the SS but got the opportunity to get the Ti which is shipping now. Looking forward to wearing this blatantly overengineered tool watch. I gives me a vibe of a watch that will take on any challenge and when it gets scratched up it will only increase the charm
Thank you, hombre! And 100% agree on a watch like this one the scratches add on character- they become a feature… I honestly would go for the Ti version if I got a second chance, but overall I am super happy with it…
Cheers!
You will love the titanium Vanuatu.
I bet 🤦♂️
Got mine a few weeks ago, but the Mrs put it away for our anniversary in july.😮.
Update: Thinking of getting rid. Not at all happy with the indices, they look uneven a globby, and ruins the dial. 😩
Hahha, making the excitement higher! 😁 you have waited for long time, brother… two more months is a piece of cake now 😁💪
Name is going on the waiting list. Just because....
Hahhah nice!!! You won’t regret 😂
beautiful watch, thanks for the vid
Thank you for watching! I’m glad you liked it!
Just got the email to pick mine up.Was on the waiting list and looked at again and lost interest so it will go to someone who will love it more than me.😢
Hi! I completely understand :) I think a lot of people watch a review, get hyped, sign up, and then just lose interest… it is not life altering watch by any means, it is super cool and very well made watch for sure and I am glad I got it :)
Cheers!!!
I have 4 Helm's a Ti Buri, SS Buri, Ti Van, and SS Van. All Except one were bought with Helm Invitation Codes. The other was a gift from a friend. They get more wrist time than my SS Rolex Submariner, or My Omega Seamaster. They are built like tanks. The Ti Buri and Van do scratch easily. But for the price, I don't care.
Wohoo leave some for the others on the waiting list 😂 kidding, that is a cool thing to read, Omega Seamaster 300 pro, is my long term grail… I wonder how would I treat it, wearing Vanuatu more, cuz that just feels like a tank on the wrist that you could beat someone to death with in case of emergency? Probably yes… thanks, hombre! Congrats to amazing collection!!!
@@WatchWatch-ck6xl Thank you. I hope you will be able to get an Omega Seamaster. lol yeah the SS Vanuatu is a of tank of watch.
I have the titanium Vanuatu which is about 35% lighter. Gets a lot of wrist time even with the bracelet. On a single pass or the Helm FKM rubber strap (they are great) it really weighs nothing. I can tell you from experience I am a bit too wimpy for the stainless steel version.
Yeah I honestly would totally go for the Ti version next time.. I am happy with it and I am keeping the watch, I just think I would be a liiiitle bit happier with the Titanium 😁
Cheers!
I like everything about that watch, except for the weight and bulk. It reminds me a bit of a Marathon. Do they make it in titanium? Now I need to go to their website.... you are an enabler.
And they make it in titanium....now for the wait.
They do! I honestly would go for that one instead if ai had the chance again… I think it would make the watch lot more enjoyable experience… don’t get me wrong, its absolutely awesome even in the steel… I just think its not for everyone with that amount of weight… well… the design is probably not for everyone either, so anyone who likes it, will be probably in peace with the weight too 😂
Overall I really do recommend it… it’s unlike anything else I have experienced in the watch world so far…
Cheers, hombre!
So it's designed for the type of all action dude who free dives to 300m wearing nothing but a pair of Speedos, punches passing submarines, wrestles Mako sharks, has 8" wrists and weighs 130kgs with bodyfat of 5%.
Sounds about right…
But it works in the office pretty well, too 😂
@@WatchWatch-ck6xl with or without the Speedos?
Speedos 4life, man!!!!
People wait for a Rolex no problem, but for some reason waiting just as long for a Helm bugs some folks. I own the Khuraburi and enjoy it. Helm doesn't appear to get much attention in the community, especially for ISO certified product.
Ah I think you are right,I actually like the idea of the waiting list and Helm keeping the production low and keeping the ISO certification, with the almost personal approach… the thing is they got a lot of coverage like 5 years ago… and now they slipped out of the spotlight- which I think they still deserve to be in… for the money it is an incredible product… product that you have to wait for, but if you know what you are getting into, will be not disappointed with…
Thanks for watching! Cheers
Hello, can you tell me please what taxes did you paid in EU (I gather you are from Spain)? Thanks!
Hi!!! Yeah I live in Spain, but 🤫🤫🤫 I somehow didn’t get to pay any 🤷♂️, but also according to what I heard some people did… but quite a few guys didn’t… so I would rather have like 100€ extra prepared and be pleasantly surprised that I can keep them 😁
@@WatchWatch-ck6xl thank you very much! I got an answer from Matt which said for my country should be without much in the way of additional taxes and duty charges.
So i should bite the bullet for the Titanium version?
Totally! I would probably go for Ti if I was buying it again myself 😁
@@WatchWatch-ck6xl I will
Report back once I will have it 🙏🏻
What i liked was hearing your subjective thoughts
Cheers, mate! I just want to be honest and I can only hope that it will help someone with decisions whether or not to spend cash on that watch 😁
@@WatchWatch-ck6xl yes and I think it's quite fair and accurate
Thank you, mate… I really appreciate you saying this
Just got on the waiting list. I’m number 3772 😬
😳 that is not that bad! I was number 6231 when I signed up 😂 cheers!!!
I would have chosen a Deep Blue watch to avoid the import taxes and have a similar result.
Never heard about them, will check it out, thanks! And probably if you jist look at the specs, you would get even a big brand diver for that money, here its more about the ridiculous overbuild and the experience as such… I think it is cool overall;)
@@WatchWatch-ck6xl the one that I am currently looking for, is called Deep Blue Diver 1000 II 40MM. It is an American brand that has an EU shop. It is so similar to Helm without the waiting lists, the import taxes etc.
Interesting, never heard about them and now looking at their web… the price seems really good and they look almost like a crossover between Helm and Promaster… will try to find some reviews also… thanks for telling me!
Now I understand where Jody copied the design from….😳
I think they took a big inspiration in Helm… I think Jody even mentioned that in the introduction… it is super utilitarian design 😁
Just three more years to go until I get my Vanuatu 😢
Yeah this part hurts, but I heard they sometimes randomly pick people from the waiting list, when someone is not interested anymore or etc, so you might get lucky 🤷♂️ hang in there, hombre
42 mm? Really? That thing looks huge, like a G-Shock...
Kinda feels that way, too… just really… really heavy G-Shock 🤣