Side by side

Rolex Submariner DatevsHELM Vanuatu

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

Submariner Date
RolexSubmariner Date
MSRP $19,450
Vanuatu
HELMVanuatu
MSRP $285
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Rolex Submariner Date

The Rolex Submariner Date is widely discussed for its functional date complication and iconic cyclops lens, which some owners find essential for daily use and a classic Rolex feature, while others prefer the cleaner, more symmetrical aesthetic of the no-date version. Some owners consider the Submariner Date a versatile, lifelong watch that holds its value, though one owner reported boredom after five months. On balance, owners are divided on the cyclops and date function, with a significant portion favoring the no-date model for its dial symmetry and historical appeal.

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.

At a glance

15 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Submariner Date41mm
Vanuatu42mm
Power Reserve
Submariner Date70h
Vanuatu40h
Water Resistance
Submariner Date300m
Vanuatu300m
MSRP
Submariner Date$19,450
Vanuatu$285

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Diameter
41mm
42mm
Thickness
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
50mm
Lug Width
22mm
Material
Rolesor
Stainless Steel
Finish
18 kt yellow gold
Brushed and polished
Caseback
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
Solid

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Dial Color
Blue
Black
Indices
Index
Applied
Lume
Chromalight
Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
3235
Seiko Instruments NH35
Power Reserve
70h
40h
Jewels
31
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$19,450
$285
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