Side by side

Hemel HFT20vsHELM Vanuatu

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

HFT20
HemelHFT20
MSRP $450
Vanuatu
HELMVanuatu
MSRP $285

At a glance

14 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
HFT2042mm
Vanuatu42mm
Power Reserve
HFT2040h
Vanuatu40h
Water Resistance
HFT20100m
Vanuatu300m
MSRP
HFT20$450
Vanuatu$285

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Chronograph
Diver
Thickness
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
50mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
300m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

5 specs
Caliber
Seiko VK64
Seiko Instruments NH35
Type
Quartz
Automatic
Power Reserve
40h
40h
Jewels
25
24
Complications
None
Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$450
$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.

Hemel HFT20

The Hemel HFT20 Chronograph is praised for its legible matte black dial, sapphire crystal, and the satisfying sweep of its chronograph hand, powered by the Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement. Reviewers note its convenient wearability, with a 42mm case that wears well due to its 49mm lug-to-lug measurement, and a comfortable, well-made leather strap. However, its 16mm thickness is considered slightly more than ideal for the movement, and the chronograph minutes sub-dial does not precisely jump. Overall, reviewers find the Hemel HFT20 to be an accessible and modern interpretation of vintage designs, offering good value at $449.

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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