Side by side

Seiko Prospex Sea PADI Special EditionvsHELM Vanuatu

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

Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition
SeikoProspex Sea PADI Special Edition
MSRP $650
Vanuatu
HELMVanuatu
MSRP $285

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition41.7mm
Vanuatu42mm
Power Reserve
Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition41h
Vanuatu40h
Water Resistance
Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition200m
Vanuatu300m
MSRP
Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition$650
Vanuatu$285

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
41.7mm
42mm
Thickness
12.3mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
50mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Water Resistance
200m
300m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Hardlex
Sapphire
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Lume
LumiBrite on hands, index(es) and bezel
Super-LumiNova

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
4R35
Seiko Instruments NH35
Power Reserve
41h
40h
Jewels
23
24
Complications
None
Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$650
$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.

Seiko Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition

The Seiko Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition is widely praised for its attractive blue and red PADI colors, rich dial aesthetic, and excellent lume that stands out even in dim environments. Owners highlight its robust build quality and excellent bezel action, noting the wave dial is a favorite. However, the Hardlex crystal and the 4R36 movement's accuracy range of +45 to -35 seconds per day are identified as compromises for the price. Some owners find the diver's extension difficult to open and the bracelet adjustment challenging, though manageable. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition highly for its build quality and striking dial design at its price point.

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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