Microbrand gmt review

#reviews #phoibos #gmt #microbrands #diver

1 month ago

Last week Max made a video and posted a thread on how Nodus are Beating Seiko at Their Own Game as they’ve made a better gmt using the Seiko NH34 movement. I said in that thread that I believe this Phoibos does the same thing, and as @Guvnor64 asked for my thoghts on this I figured I’d do the review a bit earlier than usual.

First the improved specs: with a diameter of 39mm and lug to lug of 45 makes this watch a lot more wearable for many than the 42.5mm Seiko. Another advantage is the water resistance rating. At 200m with a screw down crown you can take this swimming without any worry that you might have had with the Seiko. All this for a lower price as well.

Looks can be very subjective but there are a few things that I believe the Phoibos gets right over the Seiko. I’m a big fan of a date complication but really dislike a cyclops and I’m happy to say that this Phoibos doesn’t have that magnifier. The date wheel is colour matched to the dial, which is arguably better shown on some of the other colour variations, but I do think that the smaller coloured date complication is better than the large white square on the Seiko. This is definitely a personal choice but I also prefer the colouring on the Phoibos I enjoy the gradient on the dial over the solid colour on the Seiko. I also prefer the indices on the Phoibos, the triangular indices I feel are more interesting.

Also I’ve heard that while both watches have bi-directional betels the Seiko bezel is missing the clicks that this has. And lastly this has a signed crown. A small thing maybe but I like it.

Moving away from the comparison with the Seiko the NH34 is not a true gmt with an hour hand that can be moved independently. The gmt hand can be adjusted and as someone who does not travel a lot that suits me fine, however I can see how people who travel a lot could find a true gmt more useful.

The lume is fine and I’d imagine it’s a match for the Seiko. But one thing the Seiko has over the Phoibos for me is the display caseback. I realise that this would increase the cost of the watch and I wouldn’t swap a display caseback for the other specs on the list but it is something I’d prefer to have, although the art on the caseback is okay.