You'll Get A New Rolex Submariner Before You Get A New Helm!
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- In this video I review a Helm Khuraburi. This heavy 300m diver does represent really good value but there is a 3.5 - 4 year waiting list for their watches.....ouch!
Here is a link to the watch featured in this video.
helmwatches.co...
SPECIFICATIONS
300m WR
316l Stainless Steel
198g for my wrist
ISO6425 Certified Diver
43mm Diameter
15.8mm Thick
49mm Length
22mm Lugs
NH38
21,600 bph
Hacking
Hand Wind
Solid Links
Solid End links
Screw Pins
Sapphire
AR coating
Double Domed
Divers Bezel
120 clicks
Sapphire
BGW9
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DEAR RUclips AND VIEWERS!
The watches in this video are originals or homages. These are not fakes or counterfeit. They are perfectly legal and anyone who reports this channel to RUclips for the promotion or selling of fake or counterfeit products is doing so knowing that this channel is not breaking any of the terms and conditions stipulated by RUclips.
Any music used in this video is owned by RUclips and I am also legally entitled to use it. The pictures are my own or I have obtained legally with permission for commercial use.
I have been careful with my use of any trade marked terms in this video relating to any other watches. None of the watches have other brands trademarked terms displayed on them. I have not breached any trademark laws.
Homage watches are legal as long as they do not carry the name or trademarked terms or names of the original maker which no watches in this video do.
Thank you for your support!
Gary
I Like Watches
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I own all 4 Helm models (stainless steel) and absolutely love all. I was able to collect all 4 in about 2 years time. These watches are really well built, ISO certified, great specs, and tremendous value for money. Helm's customer service is outstanding too.
So let me get this straight. You braved the scandalous drip feeding and got some watches??!!
Next you will be telling me you have a Rolex 🤥🙄
I have that exact model except I have the crown positioned at the 10:00 location so it doesn't dig into the back of my left hand. A friend of mine has a Phoibos and there is no comparison. The case quality of the Helm is better. The lume is better. The overall specifications are superior. But most of all the satisfaction of owning a watch that is very difficult to get without having to sell your car to do it is great. I went to a watch enthusiast gathering and you could find almost anything you were interested in seeing up close. I wore the Khuraburi and literally everyone who knew of Helm watches were eager to see it. There aren't many sub $400 watches that garner that much interest.
I think a big reason why the waitlist for HELM gets criticised is because you can actually see your position in the queue. How many other popular microbrands are constantly sold out or low on stock? Most of them. The difference is you just don't know how many other people out there are also waiting on the restock. At least with the waitlist you know where you stand, and you will have an opportunity to purchase if you're patient.
The new microphone sounds great. Much better range and depth.
That blue Khuraburi is a masterpiece of a beatable tool watch, and in a particularly hard to get color combination. Spectacular design, and a product with incredible support: alternate bezels, straps, bracelets, and more are provided by the manufacturer, who individually and personally water tested that watch. Before it went in the box. It came with a card I think you should have talked about: it's a real dive watch.
Got on the Helm list thinking it's going to be a very long time to wait.
In early 2022 I got an email from Helm saying they did a lotto from the wait list an I had one of the numbers. I was on the list for 2 months and the next thing I knew I had my Vanuatu. Love the watch.
Weird, but I'll take it. And the new mic sounds the best.
That's Bull... The sales went down and now had stock to fullfill more orders ... This waiting list is a joke!
Just joined the waiting list last week for a Vanuatu. I didn't realise how long the wait would be. It gives me something to look forward to / moan about for the next four years. As usual Gary great video. 👍
It’s a decent enough watch. There are other 300m divers that I think are also good value and are more available - Phoibos for example, and if you don’t need 300m then I think you get the same feeling from a Heimdallr Monster/Sharkey which is cheaper and again more immediately available. Boom mike sounds better than the lapel one btw!
The ISO certification carries some weight though
@@mariog7213 to who? Actual divers that will never use this watch? 99% of dive watch wearers arent even recreational divers.
SQUALE!!!!!!!
Everything squale sells is 300m or more
@@jaer.6540
.. if not actual divers then to collectors who like to see the specs.
I think the wait time is not artificial by Helm: Matt pressure tests each watch himself with the ISO standard and does the packing. He also answers all customer service. I have a feeling that he could greatly expand production by hiring some people but he seems to want to do it all himself to give it that personalized touch. Kind of wish he started expanding, it would greatly reduce the waiting times.
One point in Helm's favor is they ISO test all of their watches with "Diver's" on the dial. However, they have a bit of the De Beers "artificial scarcity"
model going as well. Nice tooly chunk of a watch. I would love to see some macro shots of it. Oh, and I like the sound from the new boom mike.
The microphones are like homages vs genuine. The old is the homage. It works very well with nothing to compare with. The new is the genuine. Yes it’s a bit better. Does it matter? No one noticed the old mic wasn’t as good as the new one.
The big difference is the ISO rating and the individual testing certificate. I got the call for a watch I wanted but chose not to get it (Komodo). Too much has changed in the two years, and the options I have seen at that price from Citizen, Seestern, and Proxima have convinced me to spend my money elsewhere.
The sound is fantastic. There's echo with just the clip on mic. Great review. Very thick watch and indexes appear a little large for my taste. Thanks for all you do!
I went to eBay for my Helm. I got lucky and found a seller not looking to cash in. I got it for a respectable price (and it was close to perfect condition). I am staying on the waiting list though! I plan to buy one when it's my turn and even if I hate that model, I know I can flip it.
I picked up a Vanuatu in 2018. At that time I joined the wait list and it was only a couple of months before I received the email that they were available. The watches are excellent value and at that time absolutely worth the wait. It's only recently I learned the the wait times had gone from several months to several years. Personally, I would never wait that long for any item. While I'm still very happy with my Helm, there are many comparable brands with stock readily available.
Yeah, luckily I was able to pick up a Komodo before the wait list started but I did have to contact them and beg. It sold out in under 30 seconds, the next day they announced the waiting list.
Hi, fair enough that you have a limit to how long a queue you are willing to join, but can you name the most comparable brand you have in mind (and own one of) please.
@@alfieakaronaldog Compared with price and quality that are readily available I would say Wise Hitman or Glycine Combat sub. Both are very different watches though.
@@whiteglovewatches9908 Had a quick look and not really my thing aesthetically, but each to their own.
There was something I just liked about the Vanuatu (I really think it needs the SS2 bracelet) that persuaded me to try a Microbrand.
I feel the others are going to be a bit like a San Martin and it’s unlikely I will try anymore.
@@alfieakaronaldog the Vanuatu is a really nice watch but don’t give up on microbrands. Don’t jump at hyped ones either though lol.
Lorier, Zelos, MAS, RZE all make really great watches. The Lorier Neptune and the Exciton Gary and James put out are fantastic and are among the favorites in my collection just sadly not readily available. The Lorier is 100% worth the wait if they’re sold out imo, absolute class watches.
San Martin makes fine homages but seem overpriced and I’m with you, not really my cup o noodles.
when I bought my first Hi Fi system in the 70s I was blown away by the sound, but a few months later I was hearing flaws and wanting something better ! I always thought your sound was pretty good, Gary but nothing wrong with improvement ! Watch-wise I agree with Peakrider ~ this is a nice watch but Phoibos divers really catch my eye, and you don't have to wait ......
I think the new mic. is better, it has better high frequency response and thus improved voice intelligibility. However it may not pick up sounds that it is not aimed at such as when you test the bezel sound on the Helm. Thanks for your channel by the way, I enjoy your videos!
Wow and here I was hoping to get on the waiting list this year ... so the question becomes which will be available faster: Helm, Zelos or Rolex ... I think the fact that I am using those three in the same comment says a lot about the value of the two mico-brands.
Good question!
I have no experience of Zelos, but from what I have read, their ‘business model’ (like a lot of micro brands) seems far worse!
If you have some history with an AD then I would say the order of acquirement is:
1/ Rolex
2/ Helm
3/ Zelos (as you will never get one once the sad rush is over)
I have all but the Miyako, I think the Komodo is my favorite of the bunch. took about two years but worth it.
Mic sounds good. I waited a year for a Komodo and a Vanuatu, and I love them both so won't be selling. The difference between the Helm and the Rolex wait list is Helm will definitely contact you when your turn arrives. You could always email Matt at Helm to ask what the current lead times are. A year wait is fine, any longer would be frustrating.
I like it but seems a little expensive for nh35 watch. I paid similar for Zelos Abyss3 in bronze and it has a Swiss Selita SW200-2 and 3000m depth rating!
Just FYI, the Helm straps are available on Amazon. I bought an orange version and have used it on several watches. It's ok, but a bit stiff. I'm not waiting 4 years for an NH35 watch with a disappointing bezel action though. You can get a Helm on Ebay for around $500 so in my mind that is the real price since who knows if he will still be making watches by the time your name comes up.
Mic sounds good Gary, the consistency between 'to camera' and 'light-box' also seems better as well. As for the watch, Helm has been a company i've been seeing around in various groups for a while now and am definitely been looking at a potential purchase. They look great.
The new mic certainly gives a step up in sound quality. Unfortunately I find it quite visually distracting. Is there a way to mount it so that the arm isn't obscuring your awesome shelves?
In general, I despise the type of watch flippers who buy a watch to sell it at a profit the next day. But I have to admit, I did exactly that with a Helm Komodo a while ago. I put my name on the Helm waiting list like two years ago and I finally got the email from Helm informing me it was my turn to buy a Helm. Now the problem is, after two years I have moved on. However I dediced to buy it and give it a chance to woo me, which it didn't. Luckily it sold for a decent price on ebay.
Oh and the mic surely is an upgrade. But the massive microphone arm looks a little unwieldy, maybe arrange it differently?
Yes. Sadly, the arm is intrusive and a bit distracting. 😢
@@CanadianBeachcomber I've already fed that back to Gary and told him it's a massive distraction. Expect a (rather big) change in the next video 😜
@@CWill911 What is it they say, “it’s not the size of the equipment, it’s what you do with it. “ 😁
Late to the party but I just got my Khuraburi, black dial with date. If you have a watch, get on the waiting list. This watch is an absolute beast, worth the wait.
I guess that both mics are fine, the big one is slightly better.
Sound noticably better, biggest gains will be the consistency of the audio across multiple videos compared to the old setup...
As for the Helm, the bright strap is a bit of me so..winner
Hi Gary. Your audio is always clear but the actual volume is always very low. I always have to put my volume to just about max to hear you. Audio output levels? No real difference in mic quality that I can hear....except in lightbox where new mic is far superior!
The Shure mic sounds better, fuller than the lavalier. Also try mounting the mic overhead tipped downwards if you’d like to rid the mic of your frame. Sound quality should be the same. Love your work sir.
The difference between helm waiting list and rolex waiting list is the helm one actually exists whereas the rolex one is just a popularity contest. I've never heard a bad thing said about helm watches but their designs just do nothing for me.
Helm used to have a first come first served system like Timefactors but changed to a waitlist so everyone gets a turn. Timefactors stick to their old system. Both still get complaints about availability. It seems a brand in demand can't win. Hold my beer says Rolex.😂😂😂
Hey Gary, the Shure mic is outstanding your former one. You should rely on this one. You should just found a solution the bezel click test that we cannot really hear. Why don’t you put a mic inside your lightbox ?
Thanks for the video. I have had the Miyako and the Titanium Khuraburi. I sold the Miyako, and kept the Titanium Khuraburi. It is a keeper.
If you're in the group, codes come up quite often in order to "queue jump" as people who get a code don't want to buy. To say they're rare I've had two Khuraburi, three Vanuatu's, a Komodo and two Miyakos, great watches and I guess the waiting list keeps the demand high.
Also it's worth noting with these, there are no import fees when buying to the UK.
Definitely the new mic. The watch is nice but that WAIT!
1:28 UMMM YES it helps with the sound 🎉😂
Your new mic sounds much better.
4 years! Why wait that long for any watch? (Especially a microbrand diver of which there must be 1000s of options).
The clasp is similar to what comes on a Revue Thommen. Enough futzing with it and it is pretty easy to use. This watch is just too darned big for an average wrist. The dial is excellent, as is the lume. The bracelet and strap choices are quite good. But unless you are actually planning to dive with this watch it is not practical whatsoever.
Great sound quality! Perhaps try positioning in the mic from your left instead? We’ll still get a clear view of your display collection and you can keep that trademark baseball swing ;)
I've got three helm watches and I think they are fantastic for the money I'd happily pay more, but they are not easy to get. Fantastic content as always 👍
That helms a true dive watch stunner! On a bracelet is a behemoth though!
Thanks - nice surprise. 1) new mic definitely 2) I have a Vanuatu; I love it. You definitely know you're wearing it though 🙂
I think the waiting time is ridiculous for a microbrand powered by an NH35 no matter how good the build quality. You can buy a similar spec watch from other brands off the shelf. I wouldn't even consider waiting that long for a premium watch, plenty of great secondhand watches on the market. The sound from the new boom mike is excellent and improves the listening experience 100%
The old mic was fine and much less obtrusive. The watch is a bit chunky for me. Perhaps they make enough money doing it like this and to scale up production to reduce the waiting time would eat away at the profit margin. I don't think any of us actually need a Helm but the only downside I can think of is after all of the anticipation it could easily be a disappointment.
Great looking watch. 4yrs 🤯🤯. Mic sounds great 👍
Finally a new mic! Your voice sounds much better now 🍻
I got a Vanuatu Ti from the 1st batch after a couple of months. I got lucky coz i registered right at the time when it was launched.
At least you can check where you are on the list with helm down to the exact number, I've been on the Rolex so called waiting list for 5 years and don't know if I'm actually on a list who knows.
I can notice a difference between microphones, but I didn't think that your old microphone sounded bad and I don't think the new microphone sounds better, just slightly different. Your voice with the new microphone sounds a tiny bit "lower" to me than it does with the old microphone.
Yea, the new mic produces much cleaner sound. Well done!
The sound is so much better.
New microphone sounds a little better at the desk, and much better at the light box.
What makes Helm different, that you didn't mention, is the ISO Diver certification. Each watch is tested to the stated pressure. It's nearly unseen in the microbrand world, and perhaps explains why so few units are shipped each month...
Gary, you should have received a card with a certificate of compliance to the ISO 6425 standard (titled "Record of testing"), manually signed. I did!
I got my Vanuatu when there were no waiting lists....it's my favourite watch. I was on the Khuraburi list for 3.5 years.....got it in November last year and I absolutely love it. I'm on every list Helm have at the moment and I just put it out of my head and will be pleasantly surprised in a few years :-)
Like the legibility and look of the dial/hands/bezel. Like the lack of day/date. Overall though makes my Monsters look slim! Movement is NH38 BTW.
New mic sounds good. Old mic, especially when you switched to the light box, sounded a bit distant.
I’d never recommend the big K as a 1st Helm purely on grounds of the height on wrist - Vanuatu is the sweet spot in the range. 👌
I also think its unfair to say ‘drip feed’, suggesting that there’s some Machiavellian plot. Matt has taken the simple decision to not offload/outsource/scale that ‘last mile’ of the operation, which includes the pressure test and QA. It’s their differentiator. The demand is simply way ahead of the throughput.
I scored my big K back when the releases were free-for-all scrambles to hit the checkout button before that month’s allocation had all gone. Fun (often frustrating) as it was, I’m glad they moved away from that to the simpler and more equitable list method.
I think the bezel action is sublime. I like the sound it makes - a good fit for the accuracy and confidence the action delivers. And its a good grip.
Final point, while I don’t have that style of silicon strap (there’s a few to choose from), but the ones I have are incredibly supple and a lovely satin feel.
If I didn’t already have one, I’d be asking to buy this one off you - just to try it out.
Use the new microphone the old one sounds tinny. Helm and Zelos could be twins. I think Zelos and Helm have quality fit and finish. Helm does have amazing lume. However a four year wait time? Not a chance.
Your new Mic sounds way better. The difference is exponential. The other thing that is exponential is the eating list for this Helm watch. I feel like they are plenty of better looking watches with better movements and specifications than this one. Great video review.
It is a great looking watch. I am on the waiting list for the Vanuatu titanium, and it'll be approximately 3 years before I can order it.
I have managed to get 2 Helm watches new from Helm (White Komodo and a Vanuatu). As they have grown in popularity the lists have grown proportionally but I did note that just before getting my Vanuatu, my place on the list jumped over 400 places each month in the last 2 months before receiving it. Maybe they have upped their production in response to popularity? Might be worth investigating with Matt at Helm for inclusion in a future ILW2 update?
Yup just went on the waiting list for a Vanuatu. Commence playing the Jeopardy waiting music ...
New mic sounds much better, just very intrusive on the screen! Helm are nice but off putting with the wait lists!
I would never go on the waiting list for a watch.
It’s all marketing nonsense just to make you think they are special.
Same tactics companies use with limited editions.
I have the Miyako. It is incredibly beautiful and well made, love the details. My only problem is the bracelets links are too chunky! Love the date window and optioning on the leather and rubber straps are highly recommended.
I think something to bear in mind is quality/price/speed (pick two) applies. There isn't much else on the market that is 300m pressure tested, that well packed and specced. The comparison to Zelos is fair, but it is also worth remembering that popular models of those sell out in minutes. Also Zelos quality control is nowhere near as good as Helm, you only need to be a member of timekeepers to see the amount of problems people have. Yes, Elshan is honourable and always sorts it out, but those problems always exist.
So basically comparing Helm to Zelos
Helm = Better and you eventually get one
Zelos = Not great and you probably never get one.
Maybe that’s why I have Two Helms (Third on the way soon) and will never even try to buy a Zelos.
@@alfieakaronaldog I had a Zelos teal blacktip, the bezel insert didn't line up and the glidelock adjuster didn't work. Elshan sorted the clasp, but I had to live with the bezel, for the money it cost I never bonded with it, so sold it on. I never understand the level of fanaticism with Zelos owners. Helm and Nodus for me all day long, neither of those will arrive with QC issues, and way less fanboy bs.
@@shanephillips8735 Sorry to hear the issues that you have had.
My experience of micro brands is Pagani (if f you can call them that) and Helm.
My mate had a San Martin which he was disappointed with after originally singing their praises pre purchase.
I feel the reason people like all these brands (apart from Helm) is that they are sold a promise that they just have to believe in.
I find the association of Helm with Rolex that ILW2 has created fantastic.
It proves that peoples need for poor watches to be great, is equally as strong as them needing great watches to be poor 😜
@@shanephillips8735 CanadianBeachcomber basically said (comment deleted now 🙄) that Helm have to sell him a watch.
That’s exactly what people feel Rolex have to do.
Most people making these comments are not even trying to buy either lol
@@alfieakaronaldog The huge difference between Helm and Rolex, is Helm will sell you a watch, you just have to wait your turn, it's actually reverse snobbery, just get in line like everyone else. Rolex won't even put you on a list that doesn't exist if you don't have a previous spend history, and even then they may not bother if you aren't tickling their balls just right.
shure sm7b is great, you can tell the difference, enjoy the better sound quality!
New mic sounds great!
Love the Helm. Definitely new microphone is better 👍🏻
Interesting opinion ...
But AFAIK, with Rolex you may be forced to buy certain 'unwanted' piece or find some other person cut the list.
With Helm, I think that's not the case.
The new microphone is wildly better. Not even comparable really.
He's a one man band. Hence the horrendous waiting list. Binned off my wait and bought off the Helm BookFace group. Super happy with my Vanuatu and Khuraburi. 😌✌🏻
The new mic is better, just needs to be out of shot  huge watch, just how thick is it?
Awesome watch
The only zelos you have time with is the comet which is the opposite of this beast zelos does do a hammerhead model but it’s more wearable than this or sure. Both great quality microbrands
Switch on the mic is for Cardioid, hyper cardiod, super cardiod pick up pattern
The new mic sounds excellent.
Great watch, I love those strong, well built divers. You can feel the value for money. Pity about the long wait though. This new Sherwood brand looks interesting, I hope they won't be "robin" us on the price! 😜 Sorry Gary, couldn't resist the awful dad joke. 🤣 Btw, that orange Nato will look very good on my orange bezel Mako XL. Might try that!
Gary excellent nice to see this review which landed where I thought it might. I am on the Helm list for two watches (between 2 and 4 years away per your calculations) and have seen several pass through eBay. Nice and good value direct from Helm but I figured the wait might make me appreciate them all the more and no need to fuel the frenzy by paying over the odds.
Never had sound problems with your content before but I did think the new mic was better quality. But I wasn’t sure the opening “DJ” look was the best? It looks like it’s in the way and inhibits your usual gesturing and handling of watches at the outset. Maybe if it works well on the distance setting you could have the boom coming in from above giving you more freedom?
Very best
G
Finally got mine yesterday. 23 months.
Definitely new mic is better ...
I never understood why being on a wait list is such a hassle. It takes no physical effort or $$$'s to be on the waiting list. The time is going to go by no matter what. It's like people have no life at all and are just sitting and waiting on their slot on the Helm list to come up.
It’s more the frustration that you’ve decided you want one…now you have to wait 4 years…
I've been on the waiting list for years after your review I'm not shure I'll buy one. I've just bought a Timex & Hodinkee Skindiver Colab I'm very happy with 100 mtr. Water resistant is fine. Cheers Gary ✌️
I borrowed my friends helm miyako I was so impressed with the quality I put myself on the waiting list for a Vanuatu titanium In six months my number on the list has not changed so I’m not sure they make a 150 of every model every month… Chreers!
I bought my Helm Komodo when it was just a few weeks of waiting, years ago. I adore it, but it is just too heavy and tall for my taste.
That Sherwood diver looks great in the reviews I've seen. You know the guy who's releasing it? Small world.
Cool watch. But I rather picked up a King Samurai. No regrets. Cheers.
These watches are worth every penny, they are very well made, suitable for diving watches. My Vanuatu is a design that I prefer over the model featured in this review. I would definitely buy mine a second time if I lost the first.
Gary the new mics are nice but your voice keeps fluctuating between high and low to almost a whisper. I find it quite difficult to pick up the lower voice. Can you try keeping it consistent?
I’m down to number 251.and yes..been waiting years…cool watch though
I’m blessed enough to own three. They become very popular because they are a high-quality watch. I don’t think there’s any marketing strategy I’ve personally corresponded with the owner as I was headed to the island of Komodo many years ago when The Komodo was on offer. My experience with the watch and with the owner were of high quality. If you have to wait it just speaks of the desire to own a quality time piece and the company not to spit them out without good quality control.
Listen up people!
NO WATCH IS WORTH WAITING 4 YEARS FOR!!
I still have 16 1/2 months left to get the Komodo. I am number 2470. $295 USD plus $35 shipping. I started out as number 5345. Ok a baseball bat swing, I see it now, thanks for explaining.
Hey Everyone!! If you don’t want to wait!! Look at Orient M Force Watch . Nearly the same price and Quality without the WAIT !! Enjoy 😉
A very nice divers watch, but not that special. Also, a bit chunky and I do not need 300 metres of water resistance. I much prefer the Seaborne Sea Venture I bought recently, but I see they are out of stock at the moment. Are more people getting into microbrands?
The new microphone is noticeably better.
I'm surprised at your sensitivity about your audio but I'm not in your position. But for what it's worth I've never noticed a problem and bad or poor audio is usually pretty obvious to me. The new mic is pretty obvious :)
Helm did a 50 lottery draw and my number came up for a Titanium Vanuatu after about a year on the wait list. I'm going to do it.
We’ve come to expect that we can “have it all now”. Just not the case for many things including a new Helm (from Helm). The indignation is weird.
New mic all the way! Helm are some amazing watches, if I was an actual diver I'd probably get a diving monitor and have a Helm on on the other wrist. It is a bit too tooly for my liking though, and a bit too blocky and thick/large.