Great advice John. I have had a number of people I see on the Facebook watch sites bash that they have to wait. I have two Helm Myako watches (one gray and one blue). Absolutely amazing watches. People's need for instant gratification is humorous. Such a lack of patience that if they did have, they would be rewarded handsomely when they actually get a Helm!
You say "It's a Helm." That's the thing. It's a Helm and not a Patek. Two years is a long wait for a watch that costs a few hundred. I can get a custom-built luxury car faster than that. And it's not about instant gratification because a more reasonable 1-month wait would not exactly scream "instant gratification." So what's the reason for the two-year wait? Very low production numbers despite high demand or very little demand? They say they get about 200 watches out every month. I'm curious. It's a good-looking watch.
I love the design but that 15mm thickness saddens me. I wish they would have gone with less WR and made it thinner. Obviously there are a lot of people who don’t mind the thickness. As that waiting list proves. Nice review John.
A while back I did the same thing, put my name on the waiting list. After two years I got the message that my copy was due to be sent out. But meanwhile I had somehow moved on. Anyway, I ordered it, the white dial version and gave it a chance to woo me which ultimately didn't happen. I could pull it off but I didn't like the way this thick watch sat on top of my wrist instead of hugging it. Long story short, it went on ebay and I sold it for nearly twice as much than had paid for it. 😅
I have the white and black one, what a nice watch model. Put a the alternative full ss bezel on the white and now it feel larger in diameter now. Love the shape of the steel bracelet. ❤
Nice to hear the Bon Scott story, John. If someone's upset seeing you on your channel, that's their issue! 😅 Now, onto the Helm. I knew it would would perform when you're back in black.
I hadn't paid any attention to Helm, but I will now. I'll go on their waiting list and they can go on my waiting list - waiting to save up for watches list!
Helm is a microbrand of its time and context : when it came out there was almost nothing like it for the money. Even today it's a solid offer for the price. Something generous. And it wasn't yet another copy. The market of small brands with original designs at an affordable price was very small then. They stood out. Hype is hype, I'm not going to discuss it, I think most people get caught up on things without even questioning it and if they actually like the damn thing or not. I don't like that watch, even when it was just 2 or 3 months of waiting list back then, it was the Vanuatu I believe. Not for me and I hate resellers with a passion so there's that too. But I respect Helm's game ;) solid brand, keeping it steady.
Unfortunately I am not hyping it either. Why would I? Absolutely nothing to gain. Having experienced it first hand now I can truly say that it sets the standards for other microbrands on price, value for money and quality. San Martin may have caught up but they will always be San Martin and there are always questions over whether or not you can get wet with their watches...no guarantees. Thanks for your honest feedback :)
I was on the waiting list 18 MONTHS got the email for the Vanuatu to purchase and at the time just could not afford buy it they give ya 48 hours to reply or you loose it..But wasnt too bothered as i already had the San Martin SN012-g which is similar to a point look wise...But they are just the KINGS of divers in the micro brand world by far !!!! Awesome piece hope you keep it n wear it with pride buddy !!
Great review, John, thank you. I absolutely love HELM watches. I own all 4 models (2"of the Komodos)in stainless steel. All of them are fantastic. In my experience, I was able to buy 4 directly from HELM in about 1.5 years. The fifth one I bought from a friend at msrp. These watches deliver like no other diver for the price. They are heavy, which I like, great designs, top-notch quality, terrific fit and finish, outstanding value, and again, all tested true divers. Can't say enough good things about these watches.
Hi buddy. Glad they get your seal of approval...testament to their quality given the size of your collection...which of course is only three watches.... Sssshhhh....was that your wife in the background?.... 😆
I received my Komodo about two weeks ago (same colorway, and test date), and it's been on wrist since. It's my second -after the Vanuatu. It's a chunker, but manageable.
I have a Vanuatu and a Komodo. Love the Vanuatu and wear it regularly, the komodo, not so much. I've had it for several years and have only worn it two or three times.
I’m wearing my Miyako right now! Love Helm, between myself and my family we own all four models in multiple colors and titanium varieties. I plan on getting the blue Miyako when my number comes up soon. Cheers!
The title brought a big smile to my face and the song instantly into my head. Powerage and Let There Be Rock are both superb albums and don't get the recognition they deserve.
Put in on the waiting list, eventually got the email, placed the order… then cancelled. Was thinking if you’ve got Tudor Pelagos (the king of lume that has local service), why look into buying another watch that has a less accurate movement. It looks great but I wasn’t sure how the titanium would do with scratches Ended up buying a fully-lumed Islander watch from Long Island Watches for something different.
I got "the call" on a Vanuatu in August last year then 2 months later for the Komodo. I couldn't really afford it at the time but I'm glad I went for it after nearly 2.5 years on the list. I opted for the white dial which is probably the most popular of their watches and no regrets at all. Out of the two I prefer the Komodo despite the thickness and the smaller diameter and the weight doesn't bother me. The value is fantastic for what you get and most Helm owners seem to avoid additional charges on top of the base price. Well worth the wait.
@@johnswatchjoint all UK customers on the FB group say they get away with vat, import duty and handling charges. For some reason Royal Mail aren't picking up on it. Compare that with Jody's similarly priced Erebus coming via DHL and UK buyers are getting hammered with an extra £100 in charges!😳
It’s nice to know it’s still a great watch because a couple years ago, the likes of San Martin and Seestern were not putting out the quality watches they are putting out now. So to know it still holds up is great news. I will patiently wait for my turn. Thanks as always!
Congrats John, I did have the Vanuatu briefly I won from ebay, it is a great watch and I needed to experience one, I moved it on at a loss but glad I got to handle it, With hindsight that Komodo might have lasted longer in my collection, it sure looks a beast!, I think because I own an RZE Titanium Aspirare the big divers slot had already been taken!, anyways thanks for your review big love for Helm
It's a wonderfully looking watch, that's for sure, but I'll keep my good old Citizen Promaster Driver (Solar) and as for the Promaster's lume................. enough said lol.
John I bought the same Helm AR2 (?) and the extra polished bezel. Haven’t changed it yet as I’m still wrapped with the current look. Needless to say I’m on the list for a Vanuatu 😂
Glad i found your vids. Down to earth and honest reviews keep me watching. You will always have a sub from me as long as you keep highlight great every man watches👍🏻.
Ive waited 4 years for this watch, my number is coming up in 6 months. I have a Miyako and love it. Im not sure to get the white or black with mint blue lume!!
@johnswatchjoint very good review bud cracking videos and you're a right good communicator in our Scots tongue where are you Glasgow same as me? Knew right away you were an AC/DC fan Bon was wrong Hell IS a terrible place to be 🎤🎧🎸🥁🏴 Jody originally from Ayrshire coast same as me has a great channel but yours is equally good top marks bud. 👍
Brill! Enjoy! And for all the cynics asking why a date function on a divers watch, this is so as not to turn up at the airport a day late for trip home, when diving in the Maldives or wherever....
I'm 600 on the list now!!! LOL years of waiting down to months now! Can't wait to get mine! Which one is this may I ask. The 03AR1, 03AR3 and 03AR4 doesn't match the one you have. The one you have is the one I want!
Cheers Duncan. Nice to hear an honest and polite opinion. The trolls have been out worse than ever over this last fortnight. Never seen so many unhappy and passive aggressive people. But your comments and many others like it more than cancel the negativity out :)
@@johnswatchjoint Sorry to hear that. There are some very sad individuals out there, and you can be sure they would never say those things to your face. When I think of trolls, I tend to imagine them as spotty faced virgins with greasy hair taking out their frustration on the rest of us.
...it has been unbelievable. Some just cannot function without attacking your opinion...it seems in this modern era your opinion is not allowed unless it matches theirs. Very sad and that sentiment seems to be growing. I fear for the kids of today...I really do :(
Wow. I love this watch!!! Can you recommend any dive watch similar looks wise in a similar price bracket while I wait 2 years to grab one of these??!! Thanks. 🙏🏼
Great review, ive had my eye on one of these. I already own a KHURABURI and although I love it, its on the cusp of being just a tad too big for me. One thing I would say though.... don't pander to UA-cam and beg for subs, it comes across a bit cringe. Your followers/subscribers enjoy your content and will watch you anyway. Maybe have a subscribe icon instead 😉 Great video non the less 🤩👍
Hi and thanks for the suggestion but in this case , although you mean well you are not correct. I have not been asking for subs for the 18 months I have been running the channel. Since I started asking occasionally at Christmas I have gained 6000 subscribers....tripling my subscribership. The reason? Most people genuinely don't bother to hit the like and subscribe button and just reminding them helps :)
I love all their designs, but the white dial Komodo is probably my favorite. That said: They're all too big and chunky for me I fear - I also have a 6.75in/17cm wrist. If the Komodo was 1.5 or 2mm slimmer, I'd be all over it (if I could get one :D).
Helm watches are a bit like buses, big and well lit? No, I waited 4 years and then three came along at once…. I can’t wear the Vanuatu in bed, the lume is torch like…
@@johnswatchjointgot it today it seems ok me I know the lume is not that great but that does not bother me as I don't need the time when I'm sleeping but the helm looks a bit more chunky
Great advice John. I have had a number of people I see on the Facebook watch sites bash that they have to wait. I have two Helm Myako watches (one gray and one blue). Absolutely amazing watches. People's need for instant gratification is humorous. Such a lack of patience that if they did have, they would be rewarded handsomely when they actually get a Helm!
Couldn't agree more :)
You say "It's a Helm." That's the thing. It's a Helm and not a Patek. Two years is a long wait for a watch that costs a few hundred. I can get a custom-built luxury car faster than that. And it's not about instant gratification because a more reasonable 1-month wait would not exactly scream "instant gratification." So what's the reason for the two-year wait? Very low production numbers despite high demand or very little demand? They say they get about 200 watches out every month. I'm curious. It's a good-looking watch.
Don't attack the messenger. Ask them ?
@johnswatchjoint Hardly an "attack."
I love the design but that 15mm thickness saddens me. I wish they would have gone with less WR and made it thinner. Obviously there are a lot of people who don’t mind the thickness. As that waiting list proves. Nice review John.
Thanks Eric. It is definitely a fans watch!
A while back I did the same thing, put my name on the waiting list. After two years I got the message that my copy was due to be sent out. But meanwhile I had somehow moved on. Anyway, I ordered it, the white dial version and gave it a chance to woo me which ultimately didn't happen. I could pull it off but I didn't like the way this thick watch sat on top of my wrist instead of hugging it. Long story short, it went on ebay and I sold it for nearly twice as much than had paid for it. 😅
.... there's that upside 🤣
I have the white and black one, what a nice watch model. Put a the alternative full ss bezel on the white and now it feel larger in diameter now. Love the shape of the steel bracelet. ❤
Nice to hear the Bon Scott story, John. If someone's upset seeing you on your channel, that's their issue! 😅
Now, onto the Helm. I knew it would would perform when you're back in black.
Haha. It's a great watch...A Whole Lotta Rosie!
I hadn't paid any attention to Helm, but I will now. I'll go on their waiting list and they can go on my waiting list - waiting to save up for watches list!
I got on the list for the Vanuatu. I finally got it. Totally worth it. Helm Watches are amazing.
Nice one 🤗
Helm is a microbrand of its time and context : when it came out there was almost nothing like it for the money. Even today it's a solid offer for the price. Something generous. And it wasn't yet another copy. The market of small brands with original designs at an affordable price was very small then. They stood out.
Hype is hype, I'm not going to discuss it, I think most people get caught up on things without even questioning it and if they actually like the damn thing or not.
I don't like that watch, even when it was just 2 or 3 months of waiting list back then, it was the Vanuatu I believe. Not for me and I hate resellers with a passion so there's that too. But I respect Helm's game ;) solid brand, keeping it steady.
Unfortunately I am not hyping it either. Why would I?
Absolutely nothing to gain. Having experienced it first hand now I can truly say that it sets the standards for other microbrands on price, value for money and quality. San Martin may have caught up but they will always be San Martin and there are always questions over whether or not you can get wet with their watches...no guarantees.
Thanks for your honest feedback :)
I was on the waiting list 18 MONTHS got the email for the Vanuatu to purchase and at the time just could not afford buy it they give ya 48 hours to reply or you loose it..But wasnt too bothered as i already had the San Martin SN012-g which is similar to a point look wise...But they are just the KINGS of divers in the micro brand world by far !!!! Awesome piece hope you keep it n wear it with pride buddy !!
Great review, John, thank you. I absolutely love HELM watches. I own all 4 models (2"of the Komodos)in stainless steel. All of them are fantastic. In my experience, I was able to buy 4 directly from HELM in about 1.5 years. The fifth one I bought from a friend at msrp. These watches deliver like no other diver for the price. They are heavy, which I like, great designs, top-notch quality, terrific fit and finish, outstanding value, and again, all tested true divers. Can't say enough good things about these watches.
Hi buddy. Glad they get your seal of approval...testament to their quality given the size of your collection...which of course is only three watches.... Sssshhhh....was that your wife in the background?.... 😆
@johnswatchjoint Thank you buddy. BTW, I think my wife has this house bugged because she's always aware of my moves 😮🤣😂
Aye .. they are always one step ahead! 🤔
@@johnswatchjointFor sure 😅
I received my Komodo about two weeks ago (same colorway, and test date), and it's been on wrist since. It's my second -after the Vanuatu. It's a chunker, but manageable.
I have a Vanuatu and a Komodo. Love the Vanuatu and wear it regularly, the komodo, not so much. I've had it for several years and have only worn it two or three times.
I’m wearing my Miyako right now! Love Helm, between myself and my family we own all four models in multiple colors and titanium varieties. I plan on getting the blue Miyako when my number comes up soon. Cheers!
That's awesome! 😎
I've put myself on the waiting list. That's a lot of watch for the money. Thanks John.
No worries Mark.
The title brought a big smile to my face and the song instantly into my head. Powerage and Let There Be Rock are both superb albums and don't get the recognition they deserve.
Men of our time . Growing up in the 80's was awesome 😎
Love it and would like to see it on a fitted engineer bracelet great tool watch for sure Thanks for sharing as always Be well my friend 👍
Thanks, you too Michael 😌
Congrats on the Helm. There are only 2002 people ahead of me on the Miyako waiting list
...Strength my friend . You can do it 😉
It definitely has wrist presence if you can pull it off then great but I couldn’t wait 2 years for a watch!
Put in on the waiting list, eventually got the email, placed the order… then cancelled. Was thinking if you’ve got Tudor Pelagos (the king of lume that has local service), why look into buying another watch that has a less accurate movement. It looks great but I wasn’t sure how the titanium would do with scratches Ended up buying a fully-lumed Islander watch from Long Island Watches for something different.
I got "the call" on a Vanuatu in August last year then 2 months later for the Komodo. I couldn't really afford it at the time but I'm glad I went for it after nearly 2.5 years on the list. I opted for the white dial which is probably the most popular of their watches and no regrets at all. Out of the two I prefer the Komodo despite the thickness and the smaller diameter and the weight doesn't bother me. The value is fantastic for what you get and most Helm owners seem to avoid additional charges on top of the base price. Well worth the wait.
I agree. I also dodged extra charges. £254 all in 🤗
@@johnswatchjoint all UK customers on the FB group say they get away with vat, import duty and handling charges. For some reason Royal Mail aren't picking up on it. Compare that with Jody's similarly priced Erebus coming via DHL and UK buyers are getting hammered with an extra £100 in charges!😳
It’s nice to know it’s still a great watch because a couple years ago, the likes of San Martin and Seestern were not putting out the quality watches they are putting out now. So to know it still holds up is great news. I will patiently wait for my turn. Thanks as always!
No worries Albert. My life has moved on but it's still great to hold it and wear it. It does still hold the Aces.
Congrats John, I did have the Vanuatu briefly I won from ebay, it is a great watch and I needed to experience one, I moved it on at a loss but glad I got to handle it,
With hindsight that Komodo might have lasted longer in my collection, it sure looks a beast!, I think because I own an RZE Titanium Aspirare the big divers slot had already been taken!, anyways thanks for your review big love for Helm
Thanks for sharing 😊
Number 175 on the waiting list vor Vanuatu after 2,5 years of waiting… I feel it getting closer! 😂
Not long now 🤗
It's a wonderfully looking watch, that's for sure, but I'll keep my good old Citizen Promaster Driver (Solar) and as for the Promaster's lume................. enough said lol.
John I bought the same Helm AR2 (?) and the extra polished bezel. Haven’t changed it yet as I’m still wrapped with the current look. Needless to say I’m on the list for a Vanuatu 😂
Very cool 😎
Glad i found your vids. Down to earth and honest reviews keep me watching. You will always have a sub from me as long as you keep highlight great every man watches👍🏻.
Thanks, I appreciate that!
I have 4 helm watches. I'm not showing off just lucky at the time. But they are fantastic watches. And great review and great channel
Thanks for watching!
Ive waited 4 years for this watch, my number is coming up in 6 months. I have a Miyako and love it. Im not sure to get the white or black with mint blue lume!!
Choices, choices 🤔.
@johnswatchjoint very good review bud cracking videos and you're a right good communicator in our Scots tongue where are you Glasgow same as me?
Knew right away you were an AC/DC fan Bon was wrong Hell IS a terrible place to be 🎤🎧🎸🥁🏴
Jody originally from Ayrshire coast same as me has a great channel but yours is equally good top marks bud. 👍
Hi buddy. No Used to live in Wishaw as a kid but have stayed in the Highlands for most of my life :)
Brill! Enjoy! And for all the cynics asking why a date function on a divers watch, this is so as not to turn up at the airport a day late for trip home, when diving in the Maldives or wherever....
I'm 600 on the list now!!! LOL years of waiting down to months now! Can't wait to get mine! Which one is this may I ask. The 03AR1, 03AR3 and 03AR4 doesn't match the one you have. The one you have is the one I want!
03AR2...the wait will be worth it!
@@johnswatchjoint Thanks! Yes it will be!
Helm are a bit big and heavy for my taste, but that is the nicest one I have seen. I really like the dial and hand set 👍 . Enjoy your new watch 😁
Cheers Duncan. Nice to hear an honest and polite opinion. The trolls have been out worse than ever over this last fortnight. Never seen so many unhappy and passive aggressive people. But your comments and many others like it more than cancel the negativity out :)
@@johnswatchjoint Sorry to hear that. There are some very sad individuals out there, and you can be sure they would never say those things to your face. When I think of trolls, I tend to imagine them as spotty faced virgins with greasy hair taking out their frustration on the rest of us.
...it has been unbelievable. Some just cannot function without attacking your opinion...it seems in this modern era your opinion is not allowed unless it matches theirs. Very sad and that sentiment seems to be growing. I fear for the kids of today...I really do :(
When your turn is up on the list, do you get to choose between the black, orange, or white dials? Or you just receive what's available?
You get to choose 🤗
@@johnswatchjoint nice! Thank you 😁 (I'm almost there, #94 😂)
That's a big boy and looks very nice. The two-year wait is a bit excessive!
Aye ..but worth it :)
Hey John. Great review. Any chance that you might launch your own microbrand in the future? 🏷
It's something I have thought about, but we shall see 🤔
I actually just sold mine to my co-worker really is a great watch just way too heavy for me
Wow. I love this watch!!! Can you recommend any dive watch similar looks wise in a similar price bracket while I wait 2 years to grab one of these??!! Thanks. 🙏🏼
See if you can get lucky on auction sites or in chat rooms / Reddit....
@@johnswatchjointthanks bud. What is your wrist size John??
Great review, ive had my eye on one of these. I already own a KHURABURI and although I love it, its on the cusp of being just a tad too big for me.
One thing I would say though.... don't pander to UA-cam and beg for subs, it comes across a bit cringe. Your followers/subscribers enjoy your content and will watch you anyway. Maybe have a subscribe icon instead 😉
Great video non the less 🤩👍
Hi and thanks for the suggestion but in this case , although you mean well you are not correct. I have not been asking for subs for the 18 months I have been running the channel. Since I started asking occasionally at Christmas I have gained 6000 subscribers....tripling my subscribership. The reason? Most people genuinely don't bother to hit the like and subscribe button and just reminding them helps :)
Cracking looking Watchbit of a weapon in fact.
Hi Jon. It is indeed 😹😁
I love all their designs, but the white dial Komodo is probably my favorite. That said: They're all too big and chunky for me I fear - I also have a 6.75in/17cm wrist. If the Komodo was 1.5 or 2mm slimmer, I'd be all over it (if I could get one :D).
Understandable 😊
John keep up the fun side please
Always ;)
Helm watches are a bit like buses, big and well lit? No, I waited 4 years and then three came along at once…. I can’t wear the Vanuatu in bed, the lume is torch like…
I was hoping you'd break out some more AC/DC! 😂 If anyone's upset with it they're not worth having as subscribers anyway 😂 Nice watch BTW
Ladders....and snakes. Ladders give snakes take. Bon was a genius ;)
He was indeed 👍 much missed.
Nice one
Thanks 🔥
I'm still on Helm's waiting list ...
Hang in there 😉😺!
@@johnswatchjoint ... it's come down at least ... at just over 1900 on the list.
@@karlsenula94951900 will be about 6 months. They've ramped up production.
Love the design, but looks to be too chunky as a daily driver
Yeah I agree
You look absolutely nothing like what I expected haha!
that AR coating doens't seem to help all that much
???
10 unnecesary people that go away is a miracle because you have a lot of good followers here and 10 is not a big deal Dont YA Think That ?
Absolutely 😊
Sorry helm i dont have 2 years to wait so bought the cadisen watch off ali express thst looks like it
Do you like it ?
Not come in the post yet but will let you know when I get it
Please do buddy 🙏
@@johnswatchjointjust thinking I could get all 3 colours for the price of one helm watch
@@johnswatchjointgot it today it seems ok me I know the lume is not that great but that does not bother me as I don't need the time when I'm sleeping but the helm looks a bit more chunky
first time i see your face, i tought you were like in your 30s, 😅🤣😂🙂😄😄😄
A lot of people say that...then don't come back haha.!
Far too chunky for my skinny wrist, and there is no way i would wait 2 years for one, either. I can see why people like them, though.
It's a fair comment...but I'm glad I waited...even though I was unaware I was waiting... 😆