Side by side

Hamilton American Classic Valiant AutovsPhoibos Wave Master

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

American Classic Valiant Auto
HamiltonAmerican Classic Valiant Auto
MSRP $645
Wave Master
PhoibosWave Master
MSRP $309

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
American Classic Valiant Auto34mm
Wave Master42mm
Power Reserve
American Classic Valiant Auto80h
Wave Master40h
Water Resistance
American Classic Valiant Auto50m
Wave Master300m
MSRP
American Classic Valiant Auto$645
Wave Master$309

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Dress
Diver
Diameter
34mm
42mm
Thickness
10.58mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
48.5mm
Lug Width
16mm
22mm
Water Resistance
50m
300m

Crystal & Dial

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

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
H-10
SII NH35A
Power Reserve
80h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$645
$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.

Hamilton American Classic Valiant Auto

Owners widely praise the Hamilton American Classic Valiant Auto for its classic design elements, such as the sunburst dial and Roman numerals, noting its suitability for everyday elegance and wearability under a cuff. One owner highlights the 39.5mm size and applied indices as a "hidden gem," while another appreciates the clean, simple design with thin Roman numerals. The watch is also commended for its comfortable bracelet and attractive lance hands, with confirmation that the bracelet is indeed changeable. Some owners note the date window's placement at three o'clock is a point of contention, and one owner reports the watch runs at approximately +6 seconds per day after ten years of intermittent use. On balance, owners rate the Hamilton American Classic Valiant Auto highly for its elegant, classic design and comfortable wearability at its price point.

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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