Phoibos Kraken - Is Phoibos my favourite micro-brand?
Here is my Phoibos Kraken. One of their latest models. I am fortunate in that they like to send me their models to review on my channel. So far I have been really impressed with this brand. My first review was the Eagle Ray II compressor style diver. I really like that watch however there were a few things I was not so happy with that I critiqued in the video and to them directly over correspondence.
A few months later and the Kraken was released. To my pleasant surprise they had addresses all of my comments and no doubt other reviewers and customers feedback and had improved these, certainly on the Kraken model.
It is why I am now thinking they are my favourite microbrand. Each model is new and different to the last, the quality of production of the dials and hands is excellent and the case / bracelet finishing has really improved.
The Kraken may not be to everyone's taste but as a demonstration of what they are capable of for sub $500.
This model has a Miyota 9015 movement inside that is high beat, 24 jewel accurate movement that most importantly is thin. very thin at 3.9mm. This means the case can be thinner and still carry what I consider to be a much better movement than the standard NH35 that most microbrands seem to love so much.
There certainly seems to be a shift from the NH35 to these high beat Miyota or similar high beat movements across many of the micro's.
With the increase in price on some of the Seiko lines there is this new window of $200-300 space where the the good microbrands seem to offer just as good, if not better quality ( in some instances) with better spec'd movements also.
It might be interesting to see how this evolves over the coming years.
Hi I am Mike from My Retro Watches YouTube Channel. I am obsessed with hobbyist watchmaking, repairs & restorations. 70s retro watches are my main weakness!
They look nice, seems like these along with Orient are filling the old Seiko gap in the market?
bracelet is excellent.
I'm getting the Titanium apollo for Christmas. I think Phoibos is one of the most interesting micro brands?
Have 2 on my list, that and the Narwhal. I do love the bracelet on the Kraken.