Dragon at the Helm : Helm Komodo Review (03AR3) 

These Helm watches are amazing pieces and the prices just make them better!

Once again a great review! Thanks for your video and IG pics.

First off, thanks so much for another great review just love your insite, observations and over all delivery of your videos. Well I finally got my hands on a Helm! I found a Vanuatu on the second hand marketplace. Even with it's not so fresh condition I still get the feeling of high quality and great overall workmanship that puts the watch of the Helm brand in the upper reaches of the watch stratosphere. It also just makes my wait for the Komodo definately worth the wait, but it's a long one. My spot on the wait list just over 5000! Crazy or what, I mean that's just gonna take forever and ever!!!

Very well thought out, even handed review. On top of that, your production is far above most watch reviewers. And the additional strap notes are welcome and refreshing.

Yes, chunky! And I love it too!!! I'm glad some watchmakers like chunky, high on the wrist watches. If you don't, you will have plenty of other brands to choose from...

Very thorough review thanks, I just bought a Komodo on eBay for £307 which I think is a fantastic price, I was number 7700 on the waiting list so at 150 released per month I was looking at over 4 years wait, it’s the black dial version, not yet arrived but will do in a few days, can’t wait, thanks for the review 👍🏻

Amazing review! Keep them coming :)

It's all about the chunk when it comes to tool watches :) Great review as always!

Ran a little late with this one. Combination of some technical difficulties, re-recording, and this being extra long. Since this is a little longer, there is a table of contents in the description. I also took a lot of video and pictures of this one. So you can check out 30+ pics on my website. www.relative-time.com/dragon-at-the-helm-helm-komodo-review/ I'll also be heading out of town next week, so might not be a video until I get back. 😎

Great in-depth review. The Helm is a beast of a watch! Love the combination of the white dial and powder blue indices. Still kicking myself for missing out on a Helm Vanuatu which was going for $200 second hand. You should also check out the Richard LeGrand Odyssea and the Ventus Northstar, which just finished up on Kickstarter (I managed to grab one of these). Also Helson and Armida make great divers too.

Nice review! My Seiko Turtle runs at 8 seconds a day slow. I’m a lume junky and that lume is crazy bright. Personally, I’ve found that design issues I worry about are always less of an issue when I wear it, than when I just look at pictures.

Greetings from Long Beach NY. Yeah, this a stunning piece. Great channel!

One of the best watches on your channel in my opinion. Thanks. Very well made video.

Outstanding review of this great watch! Thanks a lot - need to get my hands on one.

Just got my email after years. I think that’s part of allure, the anticipation. Getting the exact one you showed with a light blue strap. And as a long time follower, gotta say - you look youthful here! Lol

I have the orange faced version and love it. I also have had the BGW9 version for about 9 months and really have enjoyed it. The thickness doesn’t bother me at all, and I must say, it certainly draws lots of attention, but most of all, it is so much fun to dive with at night. What a great backup to my dive computer.

Nice watch.love the size and thickness

Very nice watch! Your reviews are always very detailed and you look to all the aspects of the watch, so they are really useful if you are thinking to buy. Thanks for this. Recently I bought on kickstarter a Hamtun H2 The Kraken, another micro brand diver that seems to offer a great value for money. You can consider this for a future review.

Lume looks awesome. Date window is beautiful.

Perfect analogy with the Raptor.

I really like the colors and the way they did the date is really cool.

There is a whole lot of value here for the money. Glad I waited to buy this as my first diver. I agree on everything you said except for the bracelet. Mine has very rough milled edges where the bracelet meets the case. It was as if they forgot to sand it. Easy fix, plus I wear mine on the zulu. Great review, love the Raptor comparison.

I received mine today and it's every thing and more I also bought the other clasp much better fit overall. Many thanks for your fantastic and truthful reviews.

Yay!! You had an add during this video. RU-vid nailed it on my end. It was a 6 minute commercial promoting Joe Bonammasa's new album. I watched every second of it. Your subscriptions are climbing up there. Nice job on the review. A very nice tool watch. Your reviews leave nothing for the imagination. The blue was my favourite part. Last thing, who said disco was dead. The intro music brought back some memories.

Great review Beautiful watch ……absolutely fantastic brand

First time seeing this review, great review!

it reminds me of the Orient Saturation Diver , specially with the beautiful white dial.

Great watch and meticulous and spot on review. Good job.

Dayum you're good. Excellent closing thoughts!

Excellent and thorough review! I've been looking at Helm for a while now, and this definitely helps. If I can just time it so they have watches in stock, I'll be all set. Another micro-brand diver I've been looking at that also never seems to have stock available, is Ancon. They're Hong Kong based, but have some good looking (my opinion) "relatively" affordable divers - not as affordable as Helm, though - including an interesting bronze model. Thanks again for the excellent review.

Just bought a brand new white dialled from ebay user. Paid premium rate but still nowhere near the ridiculous prices that the MoonSwatches are going for and this is soooo much more. I had registered with Helm but position 8109 or somesuch ridiculous queue position means on balance I'm prepared to pay that lil bit more - and i'm a Brit and you know just how much we love queueing 😂. Thanks for the review. Loved it, confirmed my choice 😁👍

Great review! The biggest down side is availability, and that i had to set my alarm clock to order on time lol, but at the same time you feel that you have a watch that is rather exclusive, original and great value. I was lucky to get the black/blue one. In my opion it looks best on the metal bracelet and it wears very comfortable even behind a desk. I swapped the clasp for the smaller one, which is more balanced, and will do fine for just swimming. Together with my Zelos Swordfish (which has even better/more lume) this is my favourite tool watch.

I got mine with the black dial and absolutely love it. The height was a little concerning at first but I got used to it.

Ford Raptor,,,, oh yess. That was a rather beautiful watch actually.

Absolutely gorgeous

Awesome watch. Like to get 11 day but first I wanna get my Hamilton Caqui Aviador Connor graph watch.

Very nice; especially in white. Thx!

Excellent review, as always. I wonder if you may want to review other exciting microbrands: Nezumi, Direnzo, Traska, Mercer.

Cool looking watch.

I'm waiting for these to come back in stock! Hopefully I will be able ti get one!

That white dial is so cool. Looks good on braclet. Tall but cool. I like date at 6 and part of dial.

Sorry, but I just can’t put it another way: that Komodo is friggin’ dynamite!! Thanks for sharing that with us in a nice review with great shots👍👍

Gorgeous watch. I love the big hands. It's a bit too tall, but think I could forgive it

I really love the watch for all it is. I almost regret not getting the white one like you did. But I love mine in black. Also agree with all of your criticisms. Regarding the metal band: once I added one link more than I would normally, all was fine. One issue I did have, was one of the screws of the links popped out. I did blu loctite it and that fixed it. Great review btw, I agree on all points.

I really liked the looks of this but can’t wear a nato on it such a shame as really want a white diver

I actually emailed Helm about this watch, since the one I wanted was sold out before I was able to look at it. They said they were considering pre-orders for future releases. An interesting diver you might like is the Deep Blue Diver 1000. It’s a 40mm Diver with 1000 ft (330m) wr and a NH35 that can be had for around $150 with there “Deep” code. There is also the Zelos Mako , a very nice 40mm Diver. It’s been widely reviewed so I’m sure most are familiar with it. Finally, the EMG Nemo, another 40mm Diver with a very vintage look, 200m wr, a high-beat true no Date Miyota movement, and a Doxa-style BOR bracelet.

Well done man.

I'm not a fan of divers as you know but that's a good looking watch and I love the colour scheme. Good review as always mate

Love the disco introduction.

If you haven't seen the Scurfa Bell Diver 1 you should look at it. I bought one and really am impressed.

Well made and well presented video and review. Sadly I’m waaaay down the wait list for this piece. Hoping to get one from someone for a reasonable price.

"Captain's at the helm" Dig the baby blue color.

I ordered this same version in the first minutes, got an additional stainless bezel and the F-1 clasp which I installed. I’ve worn it just about everyday on a Barton Elite Silicone strap, but just yesterday I put it on the bracelet. I love the look but probably will switch not back to a nato. Exceptional watch for the money I’m so glad it have this in my collection.

My own chunk of badassery currently on pre-order.

Thanks for the in depth review! Nice looking watch, but have also been concerned about the height of the watch, They need to make version 2 ~3mm shorter in my opinion then it would check all the boxes for me.

Badassity or badassery? I always thought it was the latter. Whichever it is, this watch has it. The vertical redundancy is hard to overlook, though.

Love this watch, just waiting for it to come back in stock. Unless you would like to sell yours. Great review

I'm impressed that they will sell you anything besides a watch. A long time Invicta fan. I asked for a replacement bezel ring and was told, To protect the integrity of the Invicta brand, we do not sell parts. They insist that I send them my watch for an estimate. Not a free estimate. They didn't say that, other guys tell me its at least $25 + S&H and any parts. When I can buy a new one for$60 USD? Yea, I'm gonna jump on that offer! When I am brain dead. Hey, you asked about removing a cyclops lens.? I hope you didn't mess up yet. I broke the lens tapping with a one side blade. I thought I damaged the crystal. I'd love to replace with sapphire but its a big one. It's about 44mm o.d. So, I used a tiny $5 torch that gives a flame about 1/4" by 1/2" long. Heat first about 1/2" away, bib circles, about 1" around. You'll see a white circle around the watch. Pointing from outside the crown, towards the center, put the flame on the peak of the cyclops. Keep the flame moving in small circles. Pull Bach and poke at the lens with a small screwdriver or knife. If it doesn't pop off, heat for about 5 more seconds. Keep this up. Mine piped off like a tick on a dog after the 3rd or 4th try. No more heat than needed but not little heat as this will heat up everything. Bezel rings are often glued and they use plastic ring seals around the glass that might leak if melted. I think I got my little torch at Menard's for five bucks. About the size of a small LED flashlight. Its actually easy. Two minutes. Cheers, m austin

i would be thrilled to get any of their watches, but at around 5000 on their waiting list, it does not seem likely.

Damn that is a great watch for the money!

Awesome intro.

Very nice! 😃

Last time tried to buy one they ran out in about 20 seconds. Unfortunately PayPal wanted me to refresh, and I missed out. I can't help wondering why they don't make more. An ISO rating confirms what other watches claim, it doesn't necessarily mean it is more waterproof. Perhaps I am being pedantic though. I would like to see a Helm with a Miyota 9015, so it can be less deep. I am a fan of Borealis, so would love to see a review or two. Great review, thanks

Helm's... Deep.

Great review. "...level of badassity" oh yeah...

Beautiful watch! I wish more brands followed this lead and kept logo and verbiage understated. The height of the watch, though, really nixes the deal for me though. Subtract a few millimeters and it's an absolute winner.

You might want to have a look at California-based Nodus watches. They are very good.

I like the looks and think its nice... Im just a little concerned about the hieght... Good review... Thanx

Good choice on the color. The height of this one makes me nervous thought.

Like you said, it’s definitely a summer watch, and great price when you can actually get one. The height would be my only concern. Focusing only on style and not function, I think shaving 2mm from the height would be an improvement. I backed the last Kraken H2 kickstarter. This reminds me a little of the kraken h2 titanium white dial. Kraken being a little sleeker. But even at the 15mm height, I would take the Helm over an skx. Are you going to keep the Helm?

Helm watches are awesome . Try out the straps also . Thanks for the review .

Where are these made? They seem pretty well made.

Beautiful watch and a great review. If they could get the height down to 15mm and the weight to around 200 with the bracelet....well.

Excelente video, no me quedo muy claro el como se adquirir una pieza de estas. Saludos.

They are great watches if they were limited edition I would understand the difficulties in purchasing one they know from the other watches they have brought out they sell really well so why not make more initially.

Superb looking watch (especially the white) with a great size. Shame it's as tall as the Empire State building. If the tallness is due to the WR rating I would much rather they go for 200m and knock a few mm off. But 300m seems to be de rigueur these days especially amongst microbrands. Great review as always

I'm digging it, but damn it's chunky. Surely they could have slimmed it down some.

Looks thick. I like the idea but the thickness sort of kills it for me. Again great review Shane.

15.2 height is pretty tall. The other dimensions are perfect for a small wrist. This one would be my "sport activity only" mechanical diver.

I think they make beautiful watches and look very tougth and reasonebly priced. My only problem is the thickness. I owned aragon divemaster for a week couldnt stand the thickness. Shame you dont get them for review for free as jody does. Maybe one day

You should do a review of the Lorier Hydra

The Helm is beautiful. Please try to review Aragon "DiveMaster", "DiveMaster 2", or "EVO".

Now that I like rather a lot, for the reasons you outline at the end. It does not wear its over-engineering lightly, and will impose some inconveniences on anybody who buys one just to pose with it. Can't be doing with that James Bond thing of wearing a supposed tool watch with a dinner jacket: either you're sticking limpet mines to battleships or being a lounge lizard, and please select your timepiece accordingly. This is why I lust after a Kaventsmann, purely for a chance at a once in a lifetime Crocodile Dundee style put down: "that ain't a dive watch ... *this* is a dive watch". Obviously I have no conceivable need for such an item, but you know. Anyway ... a rare enthusiastic thumbs up for a diver's watch from me. :-)

Just an FYI, the Komodo now ships with the smaller FC1 clasp. (if you're lucky enough to get one) Guess they listen to their customers. lol

I owned a Khuraburi. Beautiful watch, totally over engineered but just too big. I thought I’d like a 40mm version of a HELM but it’s retained the same height and looks even more ‘top heavy’. I appreciate a thinner movement would increase cost but it would have got my money. I’ll keep an eye on HELM for whenever they do decide to take that route.

Such a great review brother! Pretty sweet watch I do wish it was closer to 13 mm. Maybe if they would have went with a miyota 9015 movement they could have used a slightly thinner case. Still that is a seriously impressive dive watch! I would love to take a look at it!

Just saw this watch now I want one🌚💥🔥

I have swam & snorkled with countless times w/ WR 30 & 50 m. No problems.

What's the white dial watch at 3:43?

Great, every time I go on the site they are sold out of everything, how do you buy a Helm Watch?

I love the powder blue. Not a fan of the height and the gap between the lugs. But this looks like a pretty great value for the money. I think the term might be "Bad assery," instead of "Bad assity," but to be honest I'm not that practiced in the art of swearing.

What a coincidence, I've been looking at Helm website the last couple of days trying to decide on which to get. I think I prefer the other Helm Khuraburi or Vanuatu. This one with light blue chunky round indices and chunky hour/minute hands, looks almost feminine to me personally. At least next to the other Helm watches.

Every time I wear mine, I get a compliment.

I thought to be ISO Diver certified, the bezel has to have markings for all 60 minutes... look at all the Seiko and Citizen ISO divers...

What if you bought a Raptor and a Komodo? In theory, could you do anything?

I like a lot of things about this watch, but .... the height and the width of its hands seem a bit too excessive. Thanks for sharing.

Relative Time haha, I forgot to mention I have an Invicta Venom that is a whopping 21mm thick and 55mm wide (incl. crown). So this one is still not the thickest in my collection...

I need at least 44mm under 300 but there's nothing for me😑

i do like it a lot ... just a bit too chucky... cheers

I really like HELM watches. All the models are really appealing and the Komodo is no exception. I find myself pretty annoyed (bordering on disgusted) with the company that cannot keep them in stock. I have to wonder what's up with that.