Side by side

Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02vsPhoibos Wave Master

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

The Humboldt ExP-02
Oak & OscarThe Humboldt ExP-02
MSRP $2,400
Wave Master
PhoibosWave Master
MSRP $309

At a glance

16 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
The Humboldt ExP-0239.5mm
Wave Master42mm
Power Reserve
The Humboldt ExP-0256h
Wave Master40h
Water Resistance
The Humboldt ExP-02200m
Wave Master300m
MSRP
The Humboldt ExP-02$2,400
Wave Master$309

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Category
Tool
Diver
Diameter
39.5mm
42mm
Thickness
12.4mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.8mm
48.5mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
200m
300m
Caseback
Display
Solid

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Double-domed
Flat
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Grey
Black
Lume
Super-LumiNova BGW9
Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW300
SII NH35A
Power Reserve
56h
40h
Complications
GMT, Chronograph
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,400
$309

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02

Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 is a 39.5mm stainless steel tool watch featuring a unique, layered aluminum "ghost dial" for legibility and 200m water resistance, powered by a Sellita SW300 movement. Its appeal is limited by a US$2,550 price and an extremely limited production of 20 pieces, with its experimental dial construction done in Chicago. Overall, reviewers highlight the endearing dial and in-house bezel production as key features of the Oak & Oscar Humboldt ExP-02.

Phoibos Wave Master

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Wave Master for its attractive wavy dial, bright lume, and comfortable engineer bracelet, with many considering it one of the best-looking watches under $300. The watch features a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel, and owners report good quality for the price, with a subtle wave pattern on the dial appreciated for its unique style. While some minor finishing flaws like slightly crooked hour markers or an off-center outer ring have been noted, these are generally considered not visible during wear. One owner experienced a clasp breakage after four years, but Phoibos replaced it free of charge. Some owners wish the watch were larger than 40mm, and one notes the GMT hand and other details may not hold up under extreme close-ups. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Wave Master highly for its distinctive dial and value, especially considering its build quality and features.

From video reviewers

The unidirectional ceramic bezel action is praised. The lume brightness is noted as a weakness. Reviewers disagree on the water resistance rating, with some stating 300M and others 200M.

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