This is now my third review on the Phoibos watch brand, previously having looked at their Ocean Master and Sentinel watches. Both were very nice, well made watches. Lately, I was able to get my hands on their newest model, the Great Wall. That would be referring to the Great Wall of China and as you read on you can see why.
Since this model is the “Great Wall,” its more then fitting that the face on this watch is done in a brick pattern. The hour markers are large and bold and look t me like swords and shields. This watch is ready for battle. To keep a more symmetrical look the date window is put at the 6 o’clock position so those large shields all line up. Normally three handers can be a bit boring at times, but not on this watch. The hands are mounted to a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. Can’t go wrong with that for sure.
The case on this Phoibos Great Wall is made from 316L stainless steel and measures in at 42mm in diameter. For me 42mm is just perfect. The case back is very cool with the embossed image of the Great Wall of China. The bezel is one of the best I have seen for diving. The gnarled edges makes it super easy to turn, with or without gloves on. It’s a 120 click uni directional bezel with a rounded sapphire insert. Water resistance for this case is an impressive 1650ft. It also comes with an automatic helium escape valve. If you a professional saturation diver, only you will actually need that. Still cool to have it though. Editors note: that means it’s super overkill for 99.95% of us
This Phoibos comes with one tough, heavy duty bracelet. It comes with two hex drivers to remove the links. All of the links are removable, which is great for smaller sized wrists. The clasp is a locking clasp with divers extension. There is a lot of weight to this bracelet. The combined weight of the watch and bracelet is 200g. Even with all that weight the watch was very comfortable all day long. You also get a bonus rubber strap which comes with a signed pin and buckle clasp.
This has to be the most intense lume I have seen on a watch. The lume is X1 Grade 15 layers Super-LumiNova C3 which is painted on the hands, indices and bezel. The glow is intense and lasts for a really long time.
I have liked all the Phoibos watches that I have reviewed so far, but this one for sure, is their best. The styling is right on, and it’s also a true dive watch that’s made to do its job. Another thing I really like is that this one comes with an automatic Swiss ETA movement. This is not a bad deal for only $500 USD. If you like what you see go check it out at phoiboswatch.com.
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Phoibos Great Wall
- Price: $500 USD
- Who we think it might be for: People that actually dive.
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: Yes, it’s a serious diver.
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Nothing at all.
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: That dial!
Tech Specs from Phoibos
- Dial: Grey
- Caliber No.: SWISS ETA 2824-2 Standard
- Case:316L Stainless steel
- Embossed Case Back and Crown
- Band:22mm width 316L Stainless Steel Band with diver’s extension clasp
- One custom rubber strap free
- Glass:Double Domed Sapphire crystal with 3 layers anti reflective under coating
- Water resistance: 500M(1650ft) automatic helium escape valve
- Case size: 42 mm dia. 48mm lug to lug 14.5mm thickness (include sapphire crystal)
- Bezel:120-click unidirectional sapphire bezel
- Crown:Triple-lock Screw-Down crown
- Lume: X1 Grade 15 layers Super-LumiNova C3 on hands, indices and bezel marking
- Weight:200g
