Phoibos Ocean master automatic

SmartinMartin

Went to pull the trigger on this chinese watch today, but it's out of stock on the European site. Great spec for little money.



It's getting great reviews (as are phoibus in general) and I'd like to think that phoibos are like the Japanese manufacturers in the 60s and 70s, heading for greatness.

https://youtu.be/bWOF0I4WUJo

Anyway, I'm interested in your opinions. I know brand snobs will abound, but in my own opinion its nice to try something different every so often!

HDMI

Looks exactly like the Deep Blue Pro Sea Diver.

https://www.deepbluewatches.com/proseadi10br4.html

SmartinMartin

That's because the Deeps and Steinhart are made in the same factory.

SmartinMartin

I'm also considering this :

https://www.doubleowatches.co.uk/product/dive-watches/phoibos-dive-watches/phoibos-py007a-300m-green-automatic-diver-watch/

In hoping the quality lives up to the reviews.

SmartinMartin

SmartinMartin wrote: »

I'm also considering this :

https://www.doubleowatches.co.uk/product/dive-watches/phoibos-dive-watches/phoibos-py007a-300m-green-automatic-diver-watch/

In hoping the quality lives up to the reviews.

Tisell are popular in that price range also.
shop2.tisellkr.cafe24.com
(there is a European dealer also, more expensive but with VAT pre-paid and surely easier for returns etc)

fret_wimp2

SmartinMartin wrote: »

Went to pull the trigger on this chinese watch today, but it's out of stock on the European site. Great spec for little money.



It's getting great reviews (as are phoibus in general) and I'd like to think that phoibos are like the Japanese manufacturers in the 60s and 70s, heading for greatness.

https://youtu.be/bWOF0I4WUJo

Anyway, I'm interested in your opinions. I know brand snobs will abound, but in my own opinion its nice to try something different every so often!

It's a solid watch no doubt, we'll made and reliable but destined for greatness may be a stretch. Suppose it depends on your definition of greatness, but comming from a factory that produces parts for multiple brands, I'd say it doesn't do anything to distinguish itself. The fact that its identical to the deep blue offering says a lot, it's a brand thet sources decent parts and people to make them and put them together affordable. Nothing the makes it stand out though.

Long time since I checked out deep blue but I see they now have an "homage" to the seiko skx! Nh35 movement to boot!

If I didn't value seiko history, full in house manufacturing and have a cult level like of the seiko skx, I could be tempted!

SmartinMartin

Yeah, greatness is a word I probably shouldn't have used I do however think it's a very solid everyday watch for small money, and it's something a little bit different. Looking forward to getting it now! I also have a baby monster on the way. I'm going to have to release a couple of watches back into the wild.
Thanks for the tisell link, I'll check it out now.

blue5000

Let us know how it goes when it arrives, is it a seiko NH 35 movement?

SmartinMartin

D'ya know what, I've been finding it difficult to order from them and in the meantime after some more research I'm leaning more towards a sea - gull ocean star in green.

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32949198975.html?trace=wwwdetail2mobilesitedetail&productId=32949198975&productSubject=Limited-Edition-Seagull-Ocean-Star-816-92-1203-Automatic-30Bar-Submarine-Men-s-Diving-Swimming-Sport
Seagull seem to be the best Chinese watches now, in house too.
The only thing is, are the watches on aliexpress the real deal? Are there Chinese clones of Chinese watches now?

unkel

If you like that you'd probably also like the Steinhart Ocean Green Vintage 43? Swiss watch with swiss very decent ETA 2824-2 movement for similar money.



(clearly a Rolex Kermit homage)

Or is that not green enough for ya?

SmartinMartin

Unkel yer actually right, tis not green enough! I seriously considered making an offer on your steinhart but the scratched bezel put me off. Would you not consider ordering a replacement?

SmartinMartin

****e, now you have me looking for a steinhart 43. Can't find any for sale though.

blue5000

SmartinMartin wrote: »

Unkel yer actually right, tis not green enough! I seriously considered making an offer on your steinhart but the scratched bezel put me off. Would you not consider ordering a replacement?

They're out of stock, I looked;)

unkel

SmartinMartin wrote: »

Unkel yer actually right, tis not green enough! I seriously considered making an offer on your steinhart but the scratched bezel put me off. Would you not consider ordering a replacement?

It's a tiny scratch really. Prominent in a close up picture, but barely noticeable on the wrist. Doesn't bother me at all!

But I guess it could be a turn off for people who want their watches to be in 100% mint condition. I'm a bit of the opposite view

blue5000

unkel wrote: »

It's a tiny scratch really. Prominent in a close up picture, but barely noticeable on the wrist. Doesn't bother me at all!

But I guess it could be a turn off for people who want their watches to be in 100% mint condition. I'm a bit of the opposite view

It wouldn't bother me either, I've even managed to scratch a Damasko case:o, I'm surprised nobody went for it at your price.

SmartinMartin

I think a replacement bezel is only 19 or 20 quid, so when they're back in stock I'd say it would definitely be worthwhile. Anyway, in an inebriated state last night I pulled the trigger on a very green sea-gull. :rolleyes:
Pics to follow on arrival.