Side by side

IWC Schaffhausen Iw328801 Aquatimer AutomaticvsHELM Komodo

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

Komodo
HELMKomodo
MSRP $295
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

IWC Schaffhausen Iw328801 Aquatimer Automatic

Owners widely praise the IWC Schaffhausen Iw328801 Aquatimer Automatic as a beautiful, solid, and hard-wearing watch with great lume and a functional bezel. Some owners find it chunky and note that the non-removable bars limit strap options, while one reviewer suggests its utilitarian and angular look, combined with a non-tapering bracelet and substantial weight, indicates a need for evolutionary refinement. The 42mm case feels robust and over-engineered, featuring a unique SafeDive bezel system. The IWC 32111 automatic movement offers a 120-hour power reserve. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the IWC Schaffhausen Iw328801 Aquatimer Automatic well for its robust build and unique bezel system, despite some finding it chunky.

HELM Komodo

The HELM Komodo is widely praised for its excellent build quality, top-notch case finishing, clear double-domed sapphire crystal, wonderfully executed dial, and substantial lume, with reviewers noting its ISO 6425 compliance and 300m water resistance. Owners report a snappy 120-click bezel and appreciate the depth, detail, and finishing for a tool diver at its price point. Some owners find the 15.2mm to 15.5mm height makes the HELM Komodo feel thick and hefty, and the bezel ridges are noted as somewhat uncomfortable to turn, while the clasp design is also flagged as a drawback. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the HELM Komodo highly for its exceptional finishing and lume at its sub-$300 price point.

From video reviewers

The HELM Komodo's double domed sapphire crystal offers excellent optical clarity and minimal distortion. A notable weakness is its limited availability, making it harder to get than some other luxury watches. Reviewers disagree on the watch's lug-to-lug fit, with one reviewer noting it may not suit those with smaller wrists, while another reviewer does not mention this as a concern.

At a glance

17 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Iw328801 Aquatimer Automatic42mm
Komodo40mm
Power Reserve
Iw328801 Aquatimer Automatic120h
Komodo40h
Water Resistance
Iw328801 Aquatimer Automatic300m
Komodo300m
MSRP
Iw328801 Aquatimer Automatic$6,700
Komodo$295

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Diameter
42mm
40mm
Thickness
14.1mm
15.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Finish
Steel
Brushed and polished
Caseback
Solid

Crystal & Dial

6 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Crystal Shape
Double-Domed
AR Coating
Yes
Dial Color
Blue
Black
Indices
Applied
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
32111
Seiko Instruments NH35
Power Reserve
120h
40h
Jewels
21
24
Complications
None
Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$6,700
$295
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