Side by side

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsHemel HFT20

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

Vanguard Steel
Gruppo GammaVanguard Steel
MSRP $790
HFT20
HemelHFT20
MSRP $450

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Vanguard Steel42mm
HFT2042mm
Power Reserve
Vanguard Steel42h
HFT2040h
Water Resistance
Vanguard Steel100m
HFT20100m
MSRP
Vanguard Steel$790
HFT20$450

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Chronograph
Thickness
12.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
49mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

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

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Seiko VK64
Type
Automatic
Quartz
Power Reserve
42h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$790
$450

Follow this matchup

Get a note when Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel vs Hemel HFT20 gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel

The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is praised for its aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. However, some owners dislike the distorted sapphire crystal and the absence of minute markers, with one noting difficulty in replacing the crystal due to hand fitment. The watch features a Miyota 9039 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day, and is offered with two strap options. On balance, owners value the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive aged aesthetic and dial design, despite some reservations about the crystal.

From video reviewers

Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.

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.

Keep exploring

More watches worth a look

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price — microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

Adjacent matchups

People also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog — alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.