Which is cheaper, the Baltic HMS 003 or the Phoibos Depth Hunter?

At MSRP the Baltic HMS 003 is the cheaper of the two at $416, against $470 for the Phoibos Depth Hunter — a $54 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Baltic HMS 003 or the Phoibos Depth Hunter?

The Phoibos Depth Hunter wears larger at 40mm versus 36mm for the Baltic HMS 003 — a 4mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Baltic HMS 003 or the Phoibos Depth Hunter?

The Phoibos Depth Hunter is rated to 300m versus 50m for the Baltic HMS 003.

What movement does the Baltic HMS 003 run compared to the Phoibos Depth Hunter?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Baltic HMS 003 uses the Miyota 8315 and the Phoibos Depth Hunter uses the Miyota 9015.

Baltic HMS 003vsPhoibos Depth Hunter

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Baltic HMS 003

MSRP $416

See the full watch

Buy from Baltic Used on eBay

Phoibos Depth Hunter

MSRP $470

See the full watch

Buy from Phoibos Used on eBay

The measurements

Sized up.

Catalogue photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimetre scale.

HMS 003

Depth Hunter

Diameter

Across the case, crown excluded.

36mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

The number that decides fit.

46mm

lowest

48mm

Thickness

How it sits under a cuff.

13mm

11mm

lowest

Water Resistance

Rated in metres, not marketing.

50m

300m

highest

Power Reserve

How long it runs off the wrist.

60h

n/a

MSRP

Sticker price, new.

$416

lowest

$470

Movement

What drives the hands.

Miyota 8315

Miyota 9015

Spec

HMS 003

Depth Hunter

Case

5 specs

Crystal & Dial

4 specs

Crystal

Hesalite

Sapphire

AR Coating

n/a

Yes

Dial Color

Blue Gilt

Black

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Miyota 8315

Miyota 9015

Power Reserve

60h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$416

$470

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side.

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

Baltic HMS 003

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Baltic HMS 003 for its vintage charm, three-dimensional sector dial, and varied finishes, with many calling it "unbelievably gorgeous." The 36mm case size and Beads of Rice bracelet are also frequently highlighted as strengths contributing to its wearability. One owner notes the high-dome hesalite crystal is prone to scratching. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Baltic HMS 003 highly for its striking dial design and classic aesthetic at the price point.

From video reviewers

The Baltic HMS 003's downsized case to 36.5mm is a significant strength, making it a genuinely vintage-sized watch. A notable trade-off is the relatively thin lume on the watch, which is 'not the brightest' but still functional. Reviewers disagree on the watch's overall build quality, with one reviewer stating it has "better finishing" than the previous model, while another reviewer notes that specific details about the watch's finishing, indexes, or overall build quality are not mentioned.

Monochrome·2

Reddit·2

Phoibos Depth Hunter

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Depth Hunter for its surprisingly slim 300m diver case and unique, summery design. One owner highlights its solid build, well-made bracelet with toolless microadjust, great finishing for the price, attractive color palette, long-lasting lume, sharp case lines, and accuracy of +5-7 seconds per day. However, some find the case and dial do not match well, and the lume is disappointing, while others dislike the "popsicle stick" hands. The aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, with some preferring alternative designs. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Depth Hunter highly for its slim profile and distinctive design at its price point.

Reddit·4

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