Side by side

Borealis Watch Co. Porto CovovsHELM Vanuatu

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

Porto Covo
Borealis Watch Co.Porto Covo
MSRP $415
Vanuatu
HELMVanuatu
MSRP $285

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Porto Covo40mm
Vanuatu42mm
Power Reserve
Porto Covo40h
Vanuatu40h
Water Resistance
Porto Covo300m
Vanuatu300m
MSRP
Porto Covo$415
Vanuatu$285

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Diameter
40mm
42mm
Thickness
11.6mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
42.5mm
50mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Lume
BGW9
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
$415
$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.

Borealis Watch Co. Porto Covo

The Borealis Porto Covo is widely praised for its 39mm size and unique cantilevered indices that create a 3D effect and depth. Owners note the indices' floating appearance is a well-executed design. One owner reported poor accuracy and a terse customer service response, while another wished for a 42mm size option. The $395 price is considered reasonable for a microbrand, though some feel it does not compare favorably to AliExpress options. Overall, owners appreciate the Borealis Porto Covo for its distinctive dial design and wearable 39mm case size.

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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