Side by side

Astor + Banks Fortitude LitevsHELM Vanuatu

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Fortitude Lite
Astor + BanksFortitude Lite
MSRP $650
Vanuatu
HELMVanuatu
MSRP $285

At a glance

15 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Fortitude Lite38.5mm
Vanuatu42mm
Power Reserve
Fortitude Lite40h
Vanuatu40h
Water Resistance
Fortitude Lite200m
Vanuatu300m
MSRP
Fortitude Lite$650
Vanuatu$285

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Sport
Diver
Diameter
38.5mm
42mm
Thickness
10.9mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.5mm
50mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
200m
300m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Maíz
Black
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Seiko Instruments NH35
Power Reserve
40h
40h
Jewels
25
24
Complications
None
Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$650
$285

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite

The Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite is praised for its reduced 10.9mm thickness and redesigned lugs that turn down, along with the removal of the date complication. One owner finds the white dial Fortitude Lite a good watch but not worth $650, suggesting better value from other brands, while another simply states it looks better than a specific alternative. Overall, owners praise the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite for its wearability due to its thinner case and redesigned lugs.

HELM Vanuatu

Owners widely praise the HELM Vanuatu for its exceptional comfort, with the titanium bracelet frequently cited as "uber-comfortable" and the watch itself being less overbearing on the wrist than comparable dive watches. Reviewers note its great bezel action and overall quality, with one owner finding the purchase satisfactory despite a nearly two-year wait. On balance, owners rate the HELM Vanuatu highly for its wearability and solid build at the price.

From video reviewers

The case finishing is consistently praised. The bracelet is noted as having significant rattle.

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