Side by side

Formex Stratos UTCvsZelos Helmsman 3

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

Stratos UTC
FormexStratos UTC
MSRP $4,663
Helmsman 3
ZelosHelmsman 3
MSRP $529

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Stratos UTC41mm
Helmsman 340mm
Power Reserve
Stratos UTC42h
Helmsman 340h
Water Resistance
Stratos UTC100m
Helmsman 3200m
MSRP
Stratos UTC$4,663
Helmsman 3$529

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
GMT
Diver
Diameter
41mm
40mm
Thickness
11.8mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
40mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Blue
SS - Frost
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
ETA 2892
Miyota 9015
Power Reserve
42h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$4,663
$529

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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.

Formex Stratos UTC

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Formex Stratos UTC for its user-friendly flyer GMT complication, which utilizes pushers for time-zone adjustments, and its slim 11.8mm case. The watch is noted for its intricate, hand-finished case with a multi-layer construction and excellent finishing, along with a unique two-level case design. The Dubois-Depraz module on an ETA 2892 movement is a highlight, with accuracy figures ranging from +/- 5 to +/- 7 seconds per day. However, some find the dial busy with multiple typefaces and the overall design too complex or "plug ugly," with the price near €4000 considered high by some for a newer brand. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Stratos UTC highly for its innovative GMT functionality and excellent case finishing at its price point.

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.

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