Side by side

Vario FuturistvsZelos Helmsman 3

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

Futurist
VarioFuturist
MSRP $648
Helmsman 3
ZelosHelmsman 3
MSRP $529

At a glance

9 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Futurist39mm
Helmsman 340mm
Power Reserve
Futurist40h
Helmsman 340h
Water Resistance
Futurist100m
Helmsman 3200m
MSRP
Futurist$648
Helmsman 3$529

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Dress
Diver
Diameter
39mm
40mm
Thickness
10mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
48mm
40mm
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Sapphire (faceted)
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Purple
SS - Frost

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Miyota 9015

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$648
$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.

Vario Futurist

The Vario Futurist is widely praised for its fun, retro-futuristic design and unique faceted sapphire crystal, offering significant visual intrigue at an affordable price. Owners note its ability to catch the light beautifully. One reviewer flags that the recessed crown can be difficult to operate, and the 39mm case offers more wrist presence than expected.

From video reviewers

The faceted sapphire crystal and distinctive case finishing are praised. The crown placement and sharp case edges are noted as drawbacks. Reviewers disagreed on the watch's overall value proposition.

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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