Side by side

CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue WatchvsPhoibos Narwhal

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

Narwhal
PhoibosNarwhal
MSRP $509
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

Owners widely praise the CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch for its faithful homage to vintage military divers, highlighting details like the dial markings, luminous acrylic bezel, vintage logo, and well-proportioned hands. One owner reports accuracy under +2 seconds per day. However, some find the "faux patina" lume too gold and glossy, and the polished case unusual for a military watch. The fixed lugs are noted as a potential drawback for some, though others appreciate them as a tool watch feature. Opinions on the value are split, with some questioning the $2.5k price point due to the ETA movement, while others see it as a strong alternative to more expensive watches. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch well for its vintage aesthetic and tool watch capabilities, despite some reservations about its price and specific execution details.

Phoibos Narwhal

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Narwhal's 38mm size and slim 11.5mm height for a 200m diver, noting it wears well on smaller wrists and its case shape resembles an integrated bracelet. The aventurine and Howlite dials are described as captivating, and some appreciate the contrast finishing and retro looks. However, some owners criticize misaligned markers and a tilted date window, with one owner finding the hands thick and popsicle-style. The value proposition is debated, with some finding it a good buy at $390 but others considering $480-$490 too much due to a slabby design and difficult-to-size bracelet. On balance, owners find the Phoibos Narwhal appealing for its design and wearability, though quality control and pricing are points of contention for some.

From video reviewers

The unique stone dial is a significant strength. The bracelet's refinement is a weakness. Reviewers disagree on the dial's appeal, with one highlighting its sunburst effect and applied indices, while another focuses on the natural stone variation.

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch45mm
Narwhal38mm
Power Reserve
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch40h
Narwhal40h
Water Resistance
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch300m
Narwhal200m
MSRP
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch$3,747
Narwhal$509

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
45mm
38mm
Thickness
12.7mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
46mm
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Malachite
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
ETA 2824
Miyota 9015

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$509
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