Which is cheaper, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 or the Zelos Helmsman 3?

At MSRP the Zelos Helmsman 3 is the cheaper of the two at $529, against $559 for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 — a $30 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 or the Zelos Helmsman 3?

The Zelos Helmsman 3 wears larger at 40mm versus 35mm for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 — a 5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 or the Zelos Helmsman 3?

The Zelos Helmsman 3 is rated to 200m versus 100m for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002.

What movement does the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 run compared to the Zelos Helmsman 3?

Both watches run automatic movements — the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 uses the Seiko NH38 and the Zelos Helmsman 3 uses the Miyota 9015.

Side by side

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002vsZelos Helmsman 3

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

Add a watch

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002

os90002-nd-iv

MSRP $559

See the full OLD SMITH 90-002

Zelos Helmsman 3

MSRP $529

See the full Helmsman 3

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002

Owners widely praise the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 for its excellent 35mm size and premium feel for the price, with one owner noting its lume is the best they have experienced. The sand-textured cream dial is described as offering depth and legibility, though one owner rated the dial design 2/5 due to numeral offset referencing classic field watches. The watch utilizes a Seiko NH35 or NH38 automatic movement, with Kuoe adjusting it to a range of -20 to +40 seconds/day, though one example ran within +/- 10 seconds/day. On balance, owners rate the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 highly for its wearability and craftsmanship at its price point.

WatchCrunch

WatchUSeek

Zelos Helmsman 3

Owners widely praise the Zelos Helmsman 3 for its exceptional finishing and polishing on the titanium case, with some noting it feels nicer than previous models. The unique Titanium Crystalline Dial and Damascus Titanium dial are frequently highlighted as aesthetically pleasing and head-turning features, especially considering the price point. The brushed beads of rice bracelet is described as fitting well, and the on-the-fly clasp is considered amazing. Lume is also noted as great, with lumed crowns being a positive observation. However, some owners report the watch can feel top-heavy with sharp edges, making it uncertain as a daily driver for some. The meteorite bezel is seen by one owner as not adding significant value, and the stock strap's keepers and stitching were considered to detract from the watch's appearance.

Reddit·6