I feel like I need to get this just based on the name alone! Love the bezel in particular. Dial and handset are nice too. Not sure the old radium was the right choice, I think c3 or bgw9 would have worked fine with this color scheme.
Have you been able to see anything from Helm? They make a great watch. Intersting story too. If I rember right the owner is originally from North Carolina, but moved to China for work. Created Helm while they were there. Although I think they have moved back to the states since then.
Dave I would love to hear your thoughts on the Miyako, im on the waitlist but have 6.6 inch wrists, so not sure if the bracelet is the right choice. Really wondering if I can pull this off with a suit and tie.
This is an awesome watch. I have all of their releases. The Vanuatu Titanium was my favorite until the Miyako. The Miyako is on my wrist almost every day and many nights. It competes with my Vanuatu for wrist time. It's super comfortable to wear...more than many of my watches. I have yet to put it on the bracelet, as the leather Helm strap is just phenomenal...and I generally prefer bracelets! The polished sides are less likely to show off scratches with its curved design than, say a slab side like Tudors. With the watch being so low profile, you're also less likely to bang it against things. Get on the wait list...it's worth it and if you dont like it, you can sell it for a profit!
They got to me on the waiting list and I've had mine for a few weeks now. I like it, but I can't say I'm thrilled. Like you, I also ordered the blue, and I also find it to be so close to black that it's impossible to tell the difference in most light conditions. To my eyes, there is no hint of blue except at certain angles under certain lights, and even that hint is fleeting. I also don't know what they were thinking of with this date. If they are going to have a date window that can only be read using a magnifying glass, it would be better to make it a no-date watch to begin with. I don't think Helm would have made their legendary reputation if this was the only watch they offered. It's pretty ordinary, and it has a few glaring issues.
This one does differ from Helms regular watches. The others are straight up nonsense tool watches, where this one they were trying to focus more on the aesthetics.
Just want to say thanks Shane for reviewing the Blue version when all other reviewers (that I found) have looked at the Grey version. You were absolutely right in your review! On the back of your video I repressed the urge to play it safe and order the grey and instead pulled the trigger on the blue when my turn came up. Even with your recommendation, I was still worried that I should have gone for grey, but it arrived today and it's stunning. For me, absolutely the right choice, (even though the grey will still be amazing). Keep up the great videos!
Ordering my Miyako today and came back to this video from Shane for the blue dial review I saw previously. Like you did, I'm going back and forth between the two colors as I usually gravitate towards black dials. Shane's video here really shows the true color of the blue better than anywhere else, and along with your comments it helped me decide on the blue dial. Enjoy yours and cheers!
I have had mine for a few months now, the bezel does loosen up a lot, but it is still quite tight. It's become my daily, as long as you get an FC1 clasp for the bracelet its a great watch. My main gripe is that I wish the bracelet had more taper and smaller links. The lume lasts all night but I do wish it was brighter. The rubber and leather strap options are highly recommended.
Great job Shane. Generally speaking, I really like what Helm is doing. They produce some, very solid offerings. This one, I don't think is for me, but I do want to commend, the quality of your "macro." I can imagine, with the dull nature of this, "blue on blue colorway," that it was quite hard, to capture it's true beauty. I think many people under-appreciate, the true value, that well done macro-shots provide. That's to a prospective buyer, as well as, to just a general enthusiast, looking to appreciate the art form, at hand. That's one of the indicative details, that I feel, your channel consistently provides. In prior reviews, as well as here. Thank you for the effort. It's very much appreciated. Congrats on the new gem, for the collection
Thanks! I've thought about creating another channel where it's just macro shots. No talking... just macro shots and music. Something easy to make with all the footage I have.
Good review Shane, my grey Miyako is currently out on watch tour, can’t wait to see it in person, like you I’m concerned about the lack of micro adjustments on the clasp, but I have two others from my Komodo and Vanuatu to swap out.
I love my orange dial Komodo. Buying it was an event, countdown clock, mouse at the ready to pound "click", on the waiting list for over a year on a Khuraburi and will get on the list for this too. Love what they did here. Another great video, made my day to learn about it.
Great review. Mirrors my feelings on the grey version exactly - in particular the stiff bezel and the the sharp edges to the clasp. Still love it though.
Love this watch, been on the wait list for over a year for the Komodo, got a email today, 8/27/23. So excited. I think i may have gotten on the list for this one too but don't remember. Thats the joy, right...😅
Got my blue Miyako today. I like everything about the watch except the date window. I would have preferred a non-date choice. Originally, I was going to buy the gray dial. When my number came up; however, the gray dial was sold out. Either purchase the blue dial or wait the next 100 years for my number to magically reappear on the list. As a result, I took the blue. Now, that I have the watch in hand, I made the right choice in color way. The blue is very different. It almost looks like a gunmetal blue. I like it! Happy with the watch! Good review, BTW!
It’s been a year since I seen your review. I was on the waiting list and just bought the Blue Miyako today. I also bought the the “Whiskey” and “Tobacco” colored leather straps with B3 clasps. IDK why but I really like it’s look with the leather straps. I appreciate your review. It was helpful. Thank you!
Im really late to the show on this one. LoL. I signed up for the Miyako last year and i received my invitation this morning and i purchased the grey dial with the date. Looks like they got rid of the red line pointing to the date window, everything else looks the same. Sorry dor the long winded comment. Thanks for the review as always.
I enjoyed your review. I received the grey one a few weeks ago. Great watch. Your bezel seems a lot harder to turn them mine. Yes, it's firm, but not too hard. I've ordered a different clasp from Helm, as I'm not happy with the 2 micro adjusts. I am wearing it a little loose right now. When I take 1 more link out, it's too tight. That is my only gripe. Highly recommend the Miyako. This is one waiting list you want to get on. Cheers from Atlantic Canada!
I'm number 2 on list for this.As soon as I received the email from helm about it,I put myself on this list.Got the other 3 helms which are great also.Solid builds,and goid looking. Thanks for review
This is a gorgeous watch. I have the black grey one. The texture layers and relief are amazing. The case shape is beautiful with gentle curves and the polishing is gorgeous. The sapphire bezel is stunning. If you say, for the money? Oh my.
Terrific and comprehensive review, Shane. I was introduced to Helm watches through your Komodo review, really wanted one, but tough to find one less than $600. Luckily, I was able to get in early on the Miyako waitlist and have already paid for my order (waiting on shipping). Went with the slate gray, as I have too many blue dial watches as it is. Very excited before seeing this review, and now doubly so, as it looks like this watch is checking all the boxes for me.
Hi mate, love the reviews. I have the grey Miyako, the bezel action is really great on mine (only wore it twice so pretty new). The wave pattern is very subtle on the grey version too.
Yup. Managed to get a Komodo and I love it. Signed up for this one first day and it looks like it’s going to be a few years. I should be getting the Vanuatu and Khuraburi this year, I’ve been waiting on those for a few years now. Still worth it.
Nicely done, as always. I also got the blue on a whim and am thrilled with it (was given someone's spot to order). I also have the gray incoming from my place on the list, and it's due in a few days. I may sell one but am guessing I'll keep both. Very interesting pieces that I'm lucky to have join my 2 Komodos, 2 Khuraburis, and 1 Vanuatu.
Good review Shane. Ironically I’m wearing my new Komodo which arrived 2 days ago here in Australia! I love it. Yes it is thick, so I swapped the supplied NATO double pass out for a single pass, which made a helluva difference!👍🏼 I also purchased the Khuraburi a few years ago before the hype kicked in! 😅 Yes, like everyone else I too endured the snap sales where it was almost impossible to get one. I vented my frustrations to Helm, & whether they took notice of me, or the THOUSANDS that did the same got some kinda result! Anyway I ordered my Komodo, well joined the queue about 6 weeks ago & as I said I received mine 2 days ago. Helm make fantastic watches & this Komodo won’t be my last. Patience apparently is a virtue!🙏🏻😵💫😡🤣
@@stuart150 When I put my name on their list, I was allocated 2 numbers. One low, one high! No idea why? I can only assume someone pulled out which I’m not complaining about!😅 Especially after the last several lucky dips!😡😂
Nice review as always. It is a very nice looking watch with , maybe with some inspiration from other watches but with it's own character for sure! And the specs for the price still look damn good. I was in the wait list but i finally managed to buy an Axios flagship Defiance.
@@RelativeTime i agree totally. I believe the ironclad got more attention because of the specs, but i believe that the flagship is a watch with more finesse and wins at tje details. Appreciated your review on that too.
Update: I got the Miyako and two leather bands for it. I love it. This review was helpful in my decision. The owner of Helm, Matt was very helpful and responsive via email. Worth the wait. I highly recommend his watches.
@@RelativeTime About a year. I could have gotten the gray version about 1-3 months earlier because they ran out of the blue version but I wanted to wait for the blue.
I enjoyed the review. I have three Helm trinkets including the Miyako in grey. There are two worth checking out tmdindustries Mark I pilot 41.5mm case. It has a 9039 and comes with a leather strap and a NATO strap $229.00 in SS or $269.00 in bronze. There is also a Deep Blue Alpha Marine that is on sale until April the 4th for $249.00. This one might be too large for your taste at 44mm, but it has a ceramic bezel, Oyster style bracelet and is using the Miyota 9015. I did not type in links because they will usually be deleted on RUclips. I'm not affiliated with any of these brands, but just a collector like most who check out your channel.
Have you tried oiling the bezel? I know it sounds like crazy talk but I have had some good success with a couple of mine. I had an Orient Ray that was so stiff you almost couldn't move it at all, and my SKX had also started to go stiffer. I also had, because my friends have a wicked sense of humour, a tiny bottle of "Harley Lube", an actual OEM H-D accessory. It's a squeezy rubber tube of oil with a very thin nozzle for oiling those particular places in your Harley :D So I gently squeezed a few drops between the case and bezel on both watches, and then just kept on turning the bezels while also turning the watch around to any orientation I could imagine. Et voila, both bezels are now working perfectly. There was no crazy spillage and no oil has leaked out either. I suspect one could do the exact same thing with a medical syringe or thin tip dropper bottle. Just be sure to use an oil with no adhesives. Try something like gun servicing oil. You could use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any drips if you have some, though I didn't. It also pays to know how bezels work: on the underside of the bezel you have serrations or such, and there is a thin metal ring with 1-3 little up-turned parts that click into the serrations on the underside of the bezel. The bezel itself is press fit to the case. So you would need the lube to be where the bezel meets the case, and also where the serrations meet the click ring. So holding the watch face down while turning the bezel might get that oil into those serrations, too.
Looks great - I really do love it. But - when taking so many design cues from Fifty Fathoms it just feels a little unoriginal. If you look at the black Miyako from a distance it instantly looks like a Blancpain rip off. Much prefer microbrands that do something new, or at least take some design cues a tad more subtly. If you want a watch that has the same Fifty Phathom vibe - I'd go with something like Baltic Aquascaphe. (P.S love the channel)
@@RelativeTime True to your review, there's little doubt in my mind the Helm is a keeper. It now proudly shares the iconoclast shelf with my Geckota and my Aevig!
Helm... you have a very good watch but that bezel... I scuba dive a lot. I'm from Maui.And I use my Phoibos Great Wall all the time now. Best lume,and great bezel.
Good review ! How long was your wait for it? Been on komodo list for almost 2 years now and there's 600 in front of me yet. Signed up for the miyako a few months ago and currently at #1322. The long wait is a bit of a bummer though. Thanks for the video, first one I've come across for this watch.
Not too long, a few months. I think I was in the Second or Thrid group that was shipped out, but that was also after I signed up seconds after the list went live.
Thank you for sharing your insight with this watch. A good, thorough, nuanced review. Just for fun, I am #5405 in the Vanuatu Ti wait list, and #3238 in the Miyako wait list.
@@RelativeTime I am most looking forward to the Vanuatu Ti: I dont have a Ti watch yet. Thought about the Phoibos Apollo, but that is too unique for me. Thought about the Zelos Mako Ti, but I already have a bronze Zelos. Due to your excellent videography, and due to me being at the stage of collecting where I can tell from reviews like you provide, I can determine whether the watch is for me or not. For example, the Phoibos Apollo has that issue with the spring bars being too close to the case, as mentioned in your review. That is a deal breaker for me. So, good reviews serve to prevent me from buying a watch on hope, and then selling it after disappointment. Thank you!
Just now joined the wait list for the slate gray version and I'm #3682. Maybe Shane can suggest a change of lume to BGW9 or C3 and brushed side case and they will decide to do it before my number is up in a few years.
just happened to be wearing my Komodo as I watched this...great looking watch and great to hear its not as thick as the site indicates, the Komodo's thickness does take some getting used to
Arabics at the cardinal points is my favourite design. A real beauty. But TWO MICRO-ADJUSTS?? Why oh why! (Sure, the clasp can be swapped but it'd be way nicer not to.) Great review, thanks!
Mine should arrive soon, in gray. Waiting to see if mismatch lume color between indexes, hands and bezel is still bothering me in real life to see if it's a keeper or not.
Sweet…another helm I’ll have to pay over retail to get. Actually…probably not. This one isn’t as cool as the others. Doesn’t even look like it should be in the family to be honest….it’s the polish, makes it not look like a tool Helm like the others. Not to my flavor but I’m sure it’s amazing like the rest are. You nailed it though….it looks like a spinnaker. The polish takes away from the toolwatch aesthetic…rather than reinforcing it.
@@RelativeTime Hard to say. I like them both. They have their own style. The Komodo seems somewhat more modern. The Miyako has a classic look to it. I like how the bezel has that bulging look to it. They are both good looking. I’m on the waiting list for all their watches but it’ll be at least 9 months or more before I get one in my hands.
@@RelativeTime BTW your reviews have been very helpful. I bought the Orient Star Diver based on your review of this watch. You were right about refinement. Very smooth to the touch on both the band and case and bezel. Impressive lume. The N6F47 movement is very efficient. Doesn’t take many winds to power it up and daily wrist time keeps it at full power. The watch gets noticed definitely. Wish the bezel had lume and less play but still a nice watch. Thanks for that review as well!
Purchased the grey dial today. Weirdly this is the last line of the email they sent to inform me that I could buy a Miyako: Thanks again for your interest in the Komodo and happy shopping! Helm seems a little sloppy with things like that and the wrong thickness info on their product info screen
On the waiting list for this, pretty disappointed with the lume considering all the things I have heard about previous Helms. I may instead wait for the next Zelos BlackTip in my quest for a dress diver.
I also have the Blue Miyako. I love it but couldn't warm to the bracelet. Added a Strapcode Beads of Rice bracelet and have not worn anything else for March .
I would like to see that. Strapcode makes good bracelets, but I'm not familiar with their Beads of Rice ones. Thanks. Also, grey or blue...I have to decide soon.
I have a komodo also that I don't wear because of the thickness. I'm also thinking about selling it for that reason. Thus one looks like a great replacement!
Just joined the Komodo waiting list again having been "unable to complete" during lockdown....This is a bit off brand for them, innovative, almost vintagey and fifty fathoms vibe.
How well does the bracelet articulate? I have smaller (6.6 inch) wrists, and find the Orient Kamasu bracelet a little unwieldy. Would it be better to option on a Komodo or Khuraburi 22mm bracelet instead of the standard one?
Good question. Hard to answer. It's definitely more than 2 months. With this one I'm thinking it's probably more like 10 months. Although with their other models it's probably closer to 2 years.
I've always thought that I would be getting the GREY one, but your video showing off the BLUE one has me confused and thinking. I have A LOT more blue divers than grey, so I will probably still go for the grey...but blue or grey, that's the question. What do you think? I have to decide very soon, so I know which to order. Thanks
Yah, I also suffer from "Blue Diver Syndrom". Where I have way more blue divers then anything else. It's hard to say... Especially since I haven't seen a good video of a grey version yet. personally I'm very happy with the blue. It's a darker blue, textured, and sometimes can look black in lower lit conditions. So while I have a bunch of other blue divers, it doesn't loook anything like them.
@@RelativeTime Thank you for your reply. Here is one: ruclips.net/video/26veYbOihCY/видео.html&ab_channel=TheTownWatch and here is another: ruclips.net/video/a8bO0k_Tw3o/видео.html&ab_channel=AronDunlap-OFDWatchChannel
I would appreciate if those microbrands tried some original designs. After all what else is left for them if not the design? This is just a Blancpain bezel on JLC Polaris dial. Messed up by awkward date window, ugly texture on the inner dial and mismatched colors of lume on numbers, dial text, hands, bezel.
I don't know, but I am curious how many they are making at a time. They say it's done in small batches, but I'm not sure if that means 200, or like 600.
@@RelativeTime , not too many, I guess... But I'm not upset. I believe our hobby is about searching and waiting as well. Great review as always! Thanks!
That bakelite bezel looks nice but different colour on it compared to the indexes ruins it for me.It looks almost like Bgw9 on the bezel and C3 on the indexes.Also the waves texture looks strange,almost like flames.Also its completely different than previous Helm watches.I would put it on the same list with Evant and Rlg watches from the looks,for me Evant wins easily with both.
Good review as always Shane...however this one really isn't for me...I really strongly don't like it. I had the opportunity to buy one via the waiting list for 48hrs on Monday....just couldn't bring myself to do it....I really don't like it. It's their worst release in my opinion. Just becuase it's a Helm it doesn't make it great in my eyes. Sorry to be a party pooper!
The design is very different then the other previous offerings. Which personally I like, but not everyone will. The one thing I wish they would of changed would be the polished sides.
A lot of that depends on the creator behind it. Some of them like to play it safe and try to make something that appeals to everyone, but oftentimes that makes it seem generic. Although at the same time if they go to crazy with the design... it seems to scare too many people away. I guess it's a fine line.
Helm watches are a myth. They don't actually exist. Been looking to get a Khuraburi since mid-2019. Skunked out on three 8:00 am release dates. Got on the wait-list as soon as they created one. In 2+ years I've dropped from #700-something to #361. Still waiting. Prompted me to write this microbrand Zen Koan: If a watch company never has any watches to sell, is it really a watch company?
I feel like I need to get this just based on the name alone! Love the bezel in particular. Dial and handset are nice too. Not sure the old radium was the right choice, I think c3 or bgw9 would have worked fine with this color scheme.
Have you been able to see anything from Helm? They make a great watch. Intersting story too. If I rember right the owner is originally from North Carolina, but moved to China for work. Created Helm while they were there. Although I think they have moved back to the states since then.
Dave I would love to hear your thoughts on the Miyako, im on the waitlist but have 6.6 inch wrists, so not sure if the bracelet is the right choice. Really wondering if I can pull this off with a suit and tie.
This is an awesome watch. I have all of their releases. The Vanuatu Titanium was my favorite until the Miyako. The Miyako is on my wrist almost every day and many nights. It competes with my Vanuatu for wrist time. It's super comfortable to wear...more than many of my watches. I have yet to put it on the bracelet, as the leather Helm strap is just phenomenal...and I generally prefer bracelets! The polished sides are less likely to show off scratches with its curved design than, say a slab side like Tudors. With the watch being so low profile, you're also less likely to bang it against things.
Get on the wait list...it's worth it and if you dont like it, you can sell it for a profit!
They got to me on the waiting list and I've had mine for a few weeks now. I like it, but I can't say I'm thrilled.
Like you, I also ordered the blue, and I also find it to be so close to black that it's impossible to tell the difference in most light conditions. To my eyes, there is no hint of blue except at certain angles under certain lights, and even that hint is fleeting.
I also don't know what they were thinking of with this date. If they are going to have a date window that can only be read using a magnifying glass, it would be better to make it a no-date watch to begin with.
I don't think Helm would have made their legendary reputation if this was the only watch they offered. It's pretty ordinary, and it has a few glaring issues.
This one does differ from Helms regular watches. The others are straight up nonsense tool watches, where this one they were trying to focus more on the aesthetics.
Beautiful watch, and for me, I prefer numeric indices, so this just works marvelously....
Just want to say thanks Shane for reviewing the Blue version when all other reviewers (that I found) have looked at the Grey version.
You were absolutely right in your review! On the back of your video I repressed the urge to play it safe and order the grey and instead pulled the trigger on the blue when my turn came up.
Even with your recommendation, I was still worried that I should have gone for grey, but it arrived today and it's stunning. For me, absolutely the right choice, (even though the grey will still be amazing).
Keep up the great videos!
Ordering my Miyako today and came back to this video from Shane for the blue dial review I saw previously. Like you did, I'm going back and forth between the two colors as I usually gravitate towards black dials. Shane's video here really shows the true color of the blue better than anywhere else, and along with your comments it helped me decide on the blue dial. Enjoy yours and cheers!
I have had mine for a few months now, the bezel does loosen up a lot, but it is still quite tight. It's become my daily, as long as you get an FC1 clasp for the bracelet its a great watch. My main gripe is that I wish the bracelet had more taper and smaller links. The lume lasts all night but I do wish it was brighter. The rubber and leather strap options are highly recommended.
Great job Shane. Generally speaking, I really like what Helm is doing. They produce some, very solid offerings. This one, I don't think is for me, but I do want to commend, the quality of your "macro." I can imagine, with the dull nature of this, "blue on blue colorway," that it was quite hard, to capture it's true beauty. I think many people under-appreciate, the true value, that well done macro-shots provide. That's to a prospective buyer, as well as, to just a general enthusiast, looking to appreciate the art form, at hand. That's one of the indicative details, that I feel, your channel consistently provides. In prior reviews, as well as here. Thank you for the effort. It's very much appreciated. Congrats on the new gem, for the collection
Thanks! I've thought about creating another channel where it's just macro shots. No talking... just macro shots and music. Something easy to make with all the footage I have.
@@RelativeTimeI would love to see that. Thanks again Shane
Huge fan of Helm. I have the Vanuatu and it is killer! Great video
The execution of the date is sharp!
Good review Shane, my grey Miyako is currently out on watch tour, can’t wait to see it in person, like you I’m concerned about the lack of micro adjustments on the clasp, but I have two others from my Komodo and Vanuatu to swap out.
I love my orange dial Komodo. Buying it was an event, countdown clock, mouse at the ready to pound "click", on the waiting list for over a year on a Khuraburi and will get on the list
for this too. Love what they did here. Another great video, made my day to learn about it.
That is true. I had the same experince when I got the komodo.
Great review. Mirrors my feelings on the grey version exactly - in particular the stiff bezel and the the sharp edges to the clasp. Still love it though.
Killer intro and editing Shane! of course excellent review as always !!
beautiful watch, I can't wait for my future great great grandchildren to buy one.
Helm really should up production.
I have the Helm Komodo and Vanuatu and now on the waiting list for the Miyako at number 951 ..... can't wait as this one looks awesome 👍
You can’t own just one Helm.
They are gorgeous watches. Especially for a tool watch. Congratulations on your Miyako Shane 😁🤙
Thanks! Hopefully they don't wait as long until their next new watch.
Love this watch, been on the wait list for over a year for the Komodo, got a email today, 8/27/23. So excited. I think i may have gotten on the list for this one too but don't remember. Thats the joy, right...😅
Great review. I just got the email from Helm. I signed up so long ago that I don't remember when. Going to get the blue one.
Got my blue Miyako today. I like everything about the watch except the date window. I would have preferred a non-date choice. Originally, I was going to buy the gray dial. When my number came up; however, the gray dial was sold out. Either purchase the blue dial or wait the next 100 years for my number to magically reappear on the list. As a result, I took the blue. Now, that I have the watch in hand, I made the right choice in color way. The blue is very different. It almost looks like a gunmetal blue. I like it! Happy with the watch! Good review, BTW!
It really is a differnt blue. In some lighting it's almost black at times.
You're SO methodical. Almost... musical, in a GOOD WAY! INTERESTING, entertaining AND FUNNY! GREAT 😂
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Are you on the wait-list for a helm?
For a moment i thought to get in the waiting list but then i said... get the Helm out of here! 😋
Thanks for the review Shane, be well mate, enjoy!
Any time!
It’s been a year since I seen your review. I was on the waiting list and just bought the Blue Miyako today. I also bought the the “Whiskey” and “Tobacco” colored leather straps with B3 clasps. IDK why but I really like it’s look with the leather straps. I appreciate your review. It was helpful. Thank you!
Im really late to the show on this one. LoL. I signed up for the Miyako last year and i received my invitation this morning and i purchased the grey dial with the date. Looks like they got rid of the red line pointing to the date window, everything else looks the same. Sorry dor the long winded comment. Thanks for the review as always.
I enjoyed your review. I received the grey one a few weeks ago. Great watch. Your bezel seems a lot harder to turn them mine. Yes, it's firm, but not too hard. I've ordered a different clasp from Helm, as I'm not happy with the 2 micro adjusts. I am wearing it a little loose right now. When I take 1 more link out, it's too tight. That is my only gripe. Highly recommend the Miyako. This is one waiting list you want to get on. Cheers from Atlantic Canada!
On the waitlist! Im thinking about the grey one as I already have blue watches. How does it look and compare to what you've seen of the blue?
That is very nice.
First watch I've seen in a while that I've actually considered purchasing!
I'm number 2 on list for this.As soon as I received the email from helm about it,I put myself on this list.Got the other 3 helms which are great also.Solid builds,and goid looking.
Thanks for review
This is a gorgeous watch. I have the black grey one. The texture layers and relief are amazing. The case shape is beautiful with gentle curves and the polishing is gorgeous. The sapphire bezel is stunning. If you say, for the money? Oh my.
It's a great watch. How long did you have to wait?
@@RelativeTime I think I was in the first batch.
Terrific and comprehensive review, Shane. I was introduced to Helm watches through your Komodo review, really wanted one, but tough to find one less than $600. Luckily, I was able to get in early on the Miyako waitlist and have already paid for my order (waiting on shipping). Went with the slate gray, as I have too many blue dial watches as it is. Very excited before seeing this review, and now doubly so, as it looks like this watch is checking all the boxes for me.
It's a great watch. Hope you enjoy it when it arrives.
I own the Helm Khuraburi watch and it’s definitely an outstanding diver . This new Helm looks nice 👍🏻
Pretty nice. Actually, when I first saw this, it reminded me more of a JLC Polaris.. but, not a dual crown and not internal rotating bezel.
Hi mate, love the reviews. I have the grey Miyako, the bezel action is really great on mine (only wore it twice so pretty new). The wave pattern is very subtle on the grey version too.
Great Review, I've never heard of them! Thank you Sir and have a great day!
Great review Shane. Love Helm. Still rocking my polar Komodo.
Yup. Managed to get a Komodo and I love it. Signed up for this one first day and it looks like it’s going to be a few years. I should be getting the Vanuatu and Khuraburi this year, I’ve been waiting on those for a few years now.
Still worth it.
I’m on the waiting list for this one, my Dad is waiting for all of the others. Looking forward to getting it… one day! And btw I love Hawaiian Pizza.
Got it! And I’m totally in love with it. 11 month wait, worth it!
Nicely done, as always. I also got the blue on a whim and am thrilled with it (was given someone's spot to order). I also have the gray incoming from my place on the list, and it's due in a few days. I may sell one but am guessing I'll keep both. Very interesting pieces that I'm lucky to have join my 2 Komodos, 2 Khuraburis, and 1 Vanuatu.
Reminds me of my Breitling SuperOcean 42.
Finally Miyota 9 series. I am a big fan of this movement.
Great review, I've not heard of Helm but will take a look at them, thanks!
The bezel looks like it’s shared with the Christopher Ward Aquitaine
Good review Shane. Ironically I’m wearing my new Komodo which arrived 2 days ago here in Australia! I love it. Yes it is thick, so I swapped the supplied NATO double pass out for a single pass, which made a helluva difference!👍🏼 I also purchased the Khuraburi a few years ago before the hype kicked in! 😅 Yes, like everyone else I too endured the snap sales where it was almost impossible to get one. I vented my frustrations to Helm, & whether they took notice of me, or the THOUSANDS that did the same got some kinda result! Anyway I ordered my Komodo, well joined the queue about 6 weeks ago & as I said I received mine 2 days ago. Helm make fantastic watches & this Komodo won’t be my last. Patience apparently is a virtue!🙏🏻😵💫😡🤣
How on earth did you get through the waitlist in 6 weeks?!!!
@@stuart150 When I put my name on their list, I was allocated 2 numbers. One low, one high! No idea why? I can only assume someone pulled out which I’m not complaining about!😅 Especially after the last several lucky dips!😡😂
@@andrewd7586 amazing! I'm looking at a 2 year wait at current progress...it's really frustrating 😕
6 weeks... you got lucky. I think the Miyako list is already up in the 2000s by now.
Lo
Nice review as always. It is a very nice looking watch with , maybe with some inspiration from other watches but with it's own character for sure! And the specs for the price still look damn good. I was in the wait list but i finally managed to buy an Axios flagship Defiance.
The flagship is nice. The ironclad seems to get most of the attention, but I prefer the flagship.
@@RelativeTime i agree totally. I believe the ironclad got more attention because of the specs, but i believe that the flagship is a watch with more finesse and wins at tje details. Appreciated your review on that too.
Great watch, unique. I only have a 15 month wait.
Hopefully 15 months... with helm who knows.
Yea. Another awesome diver. Just what we need
Would you prefer it if I did a video about how I didn't get a swatch? 😎
Update: I got the Miyako and two leather bands for it. I love it. This review was helpful in my decision. The owner of Helm, Matt was very helpful and responsive via email. Worth the wait. I highly recommend his watches.
Glad I could help. How long did you have to wait?
@@RelativeTime About a year. I could have gotten the gray version about 1-3 months earlier because they ran out of the blue version but I wanted to wait for the blue.
I enjoyed the review. I have three Helm trinkets including the Miyako in grey. There are two worth checking out tmdindustries Mark I pilot 41.5mm case. It has a 9039 and comes with a leather strap and a NATO strap $229.00 in SS or $269.00 in bronze. There is also a Deep Blue Alpha Marine that is on sale until April the 4th for $249.00. This one might be too large for your taste at 44mm, but it has a ceramic bezel, Oyster style bracelet and is using the Miyota 9015. I did not type in links because they will usually be deleted on RUclips. I'm not affiliated with any of these brands, but just a collector like most who check out your channel.
Nice watch, and at the MRP great value. Such a shame it's almost impossible to get one. Great review
That's always the trick with Helm. They should increase production, but not sure how complicated the logistics of that would be.
Have you tried oiling the bezel? I know it sounds like crazy talk but I have had some good success with a couple of mine. I had an Orient Ray that was so stiff you almost couldn't move it at all, and my SKX had also started to go stiffer. I also had, because my friends have a wicked sense of humour, a tiny bottle of "Harley Lube", an actual OEM H-D accessory. It's a squeezy rubber tube of oil with a very thin nozzle for oiling those particular places in your Harley :D So I gently squeezed a few drops between the case and bezel on both watches, and then just kept on turning the bezels while also turning the watch around to any orientation I could imagine. Et voila, both bezels are now working perfectly. There was no crazy spillage and no oil has leaked out either.
I suspect one could do the exact same thing with a medical syringe or thin tip dropper bottle. Just be sure to use an oil with no adhesives. Try something like gun servicing oil. You could use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any drips if you have some, though I didn't.
It also pays to know how bezels work: on the underside of the bezel you have serrations or such, and there is a thin metal ring with 1-3 little up-turned parts that click into the serrations on the underside of the bezel. The bezel itself is press fit to the case. So you would need the lube to be where the bezel meets the case, and also where the serrations meet the click ring. So holding the watch face down while turning the bezel might get that oil into those serrations, too.
That's a great suggestion. I have some good gun oil in a tiny applicator, I'll give that a shot sometime.
Helm yeah
I was low on the list but passed on it because of the 40mm size. I know many love 40mm but I'm a 41mm plus watch guy.
Looks great - I really do love it. But - when taking so many design cues from Fifty Fathoms it just feels a little unoriginal. If you look at the black Miyako from a distance it instantly looks like a Blancpain rip off. Much prefer microbrands that do something new, or at least take some design cues a tad more subtly. If you want a watch that has the same Fifty Phathom vibe - I'd go with something like Baltic Aquascaphe. (P.S love the channel)
Got the email yesterday...gonna buy a blue.
Awesome! How long were you waiting?
@@RelativeTime I signed up 12/16, so six months.
@@RelativeTime True to your review, there's little doubt in my mind the Helm is a keeper. It now proudly shares the iconoclast shelf with my Geckota and my Aevig!
Helm... you have a very good watch but that bezel... I scuba dive a lot. I'm from Maui.And I use my Phoibos Great Wall all the time now. Best lume,and great bezel.
I love my great wall. Good to hear another one is getting some time in the water.
Good review ! How long was your wait for it?
Been on komodo list for almost 2 years now and there's 600 in front of me yet. Signed up for the miyako a few months ago and currently at #1322. The long wait is a bit of a bummer though. Thanks for the video, first one I've come across for this watch.
Not too long, a few months. I think I was in the Second or Thrid group that was shipped out, but that was also after I signed up seconds after the list went live.
I like it, it’s nice to see something different
I like it, and thanks for introducing me to a brand I wasn't aware of. Reasonably priced. I like the pineapple pizza comp.
Glad I could help!
Thank you for sharing your insight with this watch. A good, thorough, nuanced review. Just for fun, I am #5405 in the Vanuatu Ti wait list, and #3238 in the Miyako wait list.
Thanks for watching. Looks like you got a while to wait. Which one are you most looking forward to?
@@RelativeTime I am most looking forward to the Vanuatu Ti: I dont have a Ti watch yet. Thought about the Phoibos Apollo, but that is too unique for me. Thought about the Zelos Mako Ti, but I already have a bronze Zelos. Due to your excellent videography, and due to me being at the stage of collecting where I can tell from reviews like you provide, I can determine whether the watch is for me or not. For example, the Phoibos Apollo has that issue with the spring bars being too close to the case, as mentioned in your review. That is a deal breaker for me. So, good reviews serve to prevent me from buying a watch on hope, and then selling it after disappointment. Thank you!
Just now joined the wait list for the slate gray version and I'm #3682. Maybe Shane can suggest a change of lume to BGW9 or C3 and brushed side case and they will decide to do it before my number is up in a few years.
I have one coming to me now from Eastern Europe which is hilarious since I live in North Carolina.
Lol nice. Which colorway?
@@RelativeTime Since I just received the Horage Autark Hv which is blue, I went for the more traditional black/grey color way.
Fadium... Looks great daily, not in dark conditions tho. That word got me for some reason. I think I'm ready to be a dad lmao
That is a great looking watch.
just happened to be wearing my Komodo as I watched this...great looking watch and great to hear its not as thick as the site indicates, the Komodo's thickness does take some getting used to
Which color Komodo do you have?
@@RelativeTime polar dial...I have a thing for white dials and this one is up there with my favs
@@locobenno9435 That was the one I had. loved that dial with the powder blue indices.
I miss it sometimes.
Arabics at the cardinal points is my favourite design. A real beauty. But TWO MICRO-ADJUSTS?? Why oh why! (Sure, the clasp can be swapped but it'd be way nicer not to.) Great review, thanks!
Great review 👏
Mine should arrive soon, in gray. Waiting to see if mismatch lume color between indexes, hands and bezel is still bothering me in real life to see if it's a keeper or not.
Thanks for your review Shane! I love Helm and have the Vanuatu and am on the waiting list for the Komodo. However, this one is not for me.
Sweet…another helm I’ll have to pay over retail to get. Actually…probably not. This one isn’t as cool as the others. Doesn’t even look like it should be in the family to be honest….it’s the polish, makes it not look like a tool Helm like the others. Not to my flavor but I’m sure it’s amazing like the rest are. You nailed it though….it looks like a spinnaker. The polish takes away from the toolwatch aesthetic…rather than reinforcing it.
Design taken from a JLC Polaris, especially the blue dial version. I owned a Helm. I thought they were good but nothing really special, for me.
In the end, are you glad you chose the blue?
I know I am asking a self professed blue dial-alolic.
Yah I am. It's not your typical blue and stands out nicely compared to those.
Blue is definitely the better look. The Black dial is flat matt in comparison to the depth on the blue
Great review! Thanks!
Which one do you think you prefer. The Miyako or the Komodo?
@@RelativeTime Hard to say. I like them both. They have their own style. The Komodo seems somewhat more modern. The Miyako has a classic look to it. I like how the bezel has that bulging look to it. They are both good looking. I’m on the waiting list for all their watches but it’ll be at least 9 months or more before I get one in my hands.
@@RelativeTime BTW your reviews have been very helpful. I bought the Orient Star Diver based on your review of this watch. You were right about refinement. Very smooth to the touch on both the band and case and bezel. Impressive lume. The N6F47 movement is very efficient. Doesn’t take many winds to power it up and daily wrist time keeps it at full power. The watch gets noticed definitely. Wish the bezel had lume and less play but still a nice watch. Thanks for that review as well!
I'm a Helm guy, have one of each, but the polished sides steered me away. Love the numerals for diving though!
If I could change one thing about it, it would be the sides.
@@RelativeTime and improve/change the lume.
apparently I am #424 on the waiting list
That's not too bad.
Purchased the grey dial today. Weirdly this is the last line of the email they sent to inform me that I could buy a Miyako: Thanks again for your interest in the Komodo and happy shopping!
Helm seems a little sloppy with things like that and the wrong thickness info on their product info screen
On the waiting list for this, pretty disappointed with the lume considering all the things I have heard about previous Helms. I may instead wait for the next Zelos BlackTip in my quest for a dress diver.
I also have the Blue Miyako. I love it but couldn't warm to the bracelet. Added a Strapcode Beads of Rice bracelet and have not worn anything else for March .
Nice! I was thinking of trying mine on a sharkmesh I had lying around.
I would like to see that. Strapcode makes good bracelets, but I'm not familiar with their Beads of Rice ones. Thanks. Also, grey or blue...I have to decide soon.
I have a komodo also that I don't wear because of the thickness. I'm also thinking about selling it for that reason. Thus one looks like a great replacement!
Very different style, but built just as solid as the komodo. Plus it doesn't feel as top heavy on the bracelet.
Hey William I'd be keen to check out that Komodo when you're ready :) you can PM me through FB / messenger. Cheers
Just joined the Komodo waiting list again having been "unable to complete" during lockdown....This is a bit off brand for them, innovative, almost vintagey and fifty fathoms vibe.
I need to ask you, the black rubber band with blue inside the buckle islets. Who makes and sells these?
Both Barton and Ritchie make similar straps. I usually try to put links in the description to the straps I use, but I think that one is from Barton.
How well does the bracelet articulate? I have smaller (6.6 inch) wrists, and find the Orient Kamasu bracelet a little unwieldy. Would it be better to option on a Komodo or Khuraburi 22mm bracelet instead of the standard one?
I am sure it's a good watch. I got a call from helm to buy but passed just don't like the dial
I just signed up, I'm at about 2200 on the list...
What is a while? > wait time.
Are we talking 2 months or 2 years?
Good question. Hard to answer. It's definitely more than 2 months. With this one I'm thinking it's probably more like 10 months. Although with their other models it's probably closer to 2 years.
I've always thought that I would be getting the GREY one, but your video showing off the BLUE one has me confused and thinking. I have A LOT more blue divers than grey, so I will probably still go for the grey...but blue or grey, that's the question. What do you think? I have to decide very soon, so I know which to order. Thanks
Yah, I also suffer from "Blue Diver Syndrom". Where I have way more blue divers then anything else.
It's hard to say... Especially since I haven't seen a good video of a grey version yet. personally I'm very happy with the blue. It's a darker blue, textured, and sometimes can look black in lower lit conditions. So while I have a bunch of other blue divers, it doesn't loook anything like them.
@@RelativeTime Thank you for your reply. Here is one: ruclips.net/video/26veYbOihCY/видео.html&ab_channel=TheTownWatch and here is another: ruclips.net/video/a8bO0k_Tw3o/видео.html&ab_channel=AronDunlap-OFDWatchChannel
Cool man
As of this moment in time, the current waitlist is at #2115.
I would appreciate if those microbrands tried some original designs. After all what else is left for them if not the design?
This is just a Blancpain bezel on JLC Polaris dial. Messed up by awkward date window, ugly texture on the inner dial and mismatched colors of lume on numbers, dial text, hands, bezel.
Well if you want something different. Check out this upcoming watch from biotic.
ruclips.net/video/tjjrMQEmps0/видео.html
Try turning that bezel underwater lol
With or without a glove? Probably can't either way.
I have a KOMODO on wait list. I'm like 8000 so I'll probably get my watch in the year 2028! LOL
i wonder what greater availability would do for the brand...
I don't know, but I am curious how many they are making at a time. They say it's done in small batches, but I'm not sure if that means 200, or like 600.
Finally got my waiting list email! Now I'm contemplating which one to get... Blue or slate grey? Hmmm...
That's a tough one. I'm pretty happy with my blue. It's a lot darker then your typical blue dials.
@@RelativeTime watched some other videos and went for the slate grey.
I'm #3347 on Khuraburi list and #2721 on Komodo's. It's not moving...
How long have you been on the list for each?
@@RelativeTime, more than one year!
@@MauricioSeabra Wow. I wonder how many they are making in a batch?
@@RelativeTime , not too many, I guess...
But I'm not upset. I believe our hobby is about searching and waiting as well.
Great review as always! Thanks!
@@RelativeTime 200 per batch.
...this waitinglist... a "real" NOGO...
Also a PITA
That bakelite bezel looks nice but different colour on it compared to the indexes ruins it for me.It looks almost like Bgw9 on the bezel and C3 on the indexes.Also the waves texture looks strange,almost like flames.Also its completely different than previous Helm watches.I would put it on the same list with Evant and Rlg watches from the looks,for me Evant wins easily with both.
I like the looks of this watch BUT that thickness is not greatness the small date reminders me of the RZE fortitude
Now that you mention it, the date does remind of the one on the Fortitude. Also impossible to read.
It looks like Helm have shut down the waitlist?
I don't see the sign up on any of their watches right now. Maybe it's just a temporary hiccup.
@@RelativeTime it's the only one I'm not on the list for.....had dismissed the Miyako as a bit...blingy?
Good review as always Shane...however this one really isn't for me...I really strongly don't like it. I had the opportunity to buy one via the waiting list for 48hrs on Monday....just couldn't bring myself to do it....I really don't like it. It's their worst release in my opinion. Just becuase it's a Helm it doesn't make it great in my eyes. Sorry to be a party pooper!
The design is very different then the other previous offerings. Which personally I like, but not everyone will. The one thing I wish they would of changed would be the polished sides.
I looked forward to HELM’s desk diver, but I hate it 😝
Too much going on?
@@RelativeTime Perhaps (and I meant to say "dress diver" in my previous comment). I just dislike the design so much.
@@aubsta1 Do you like the look of their other watches better? Like the Komodo?
My problem with microbrands is ... with rare exceptions like RZE or Boldr ..... how boring they are .
A lot of that depends on the creator behind it. Some of them like to play it safe and try to make something that appeals to everyone, but oftentimes that makes it seem generic.
Although at the same time if they go to crazy with the design... it seems to scare too many people away. I guess it's a fine line.
Helm watches are a myth. They don't actually exist.
Been looking to get a Khuraburi since mid-2019. Skunked out on three 8:00 am release dates. Got on the wait-list as soon as they created one. In 2+ years I've dropped from #700-something to #361. Still waiting.
Prompted me to write this microbrand Zen Koan:
If a watch company never has any watches to sell, is it really a watch company?
Good watch but not for me.
Too large for me, too thick for the movement, too ridiculous of an waiting list.