Side by side

HELM KomodovsBrew Retrograph

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

Komodo
HELMKomodo
MSRP $295
Retrograph
BrewRetrograph
MSRP $375

At a glance

23 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Komodo40mm
Retrograph38mm
Power Reserve
Komodo40h
Retrograph
Water Resistance
Komodo300m
Retrograph50m
MSRP
Komodo$295
Retrograph$375

Full specifications

Case

9 specs
Category
Diver
Chronograph
Diameter
40mm
38mm
Thickness
15.5mm
10.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
41.5mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel 316L
Finish
Brushed and polished
Water Resistance
300m
50m
Caseback
Solid
Stainless Steel 316L

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
Double-Domed
AR Coating
Yes
Dial Color
Black
Cobalt Blue Sunburst
Indices
Applied
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

8 specs
Caliber
Seiko Instruments NH35
VK64
Type
Automatic
Quartz
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
0 vph
Power Reserve
40h
0h
Jewels
24
0
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No
Complications
Date
Chronograph

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$295
$375

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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.

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.

Brew Retrograph

The Brew Retrograph is widely praised for its unique 1970s "TV Dial" aesthetic, thin profile, and comfortable wearability, with owners appreciating its well-finished rectangular case featuring alternating polishing and brushing, and its sunburst dials with contrasting matte subdials. Reviewers and owners consistently highlight the Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement for its solid performance, instantaneous chronograph reset with good tactile feel, and quartz accuracy, all at an affordable price point. Some owners note the lack of a running second hand and that the date change is not instant, while one owner found the strap needed improvement. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Brew Retrograph highly for its distinctive design and excellent value, particularly praising its comfortable wearability and the satisfying meca-quartz chronograph function.

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