Phoibos ApollovsZelos Helica

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Measurements

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

Phoibos Apollo at true scale

Apollo

Zelos Helica at true scale

Helica

Diameter

39mm

39mm

Lug-to-Lug

46mm

n/a

Thickness

11mm

10.5mm

lowest

Water Resistance

200m

highest

100m

MSRP

$460

lowest

$499

Movement

Miyota 9015

Miyota 9015

Case

4 specs
Thickness
11mm
10.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
200m
100m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Yes
n/a
Dial Color
Blue
39 - Wave MOP
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$460
$499
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Reviews

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

Phoibos Apollo

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Apollo for its unique design, outstanding lume, and overall quality, with many appreciating its value. Some owners, however, find the "rocket" hand design hinders quick time-telling and note the bracelet's lack of tapering. One owner also flagged the price as high relative to competitors. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Apollo highly for its distinctive aesthetics and impressive lume.

From video reviewers

The vibrant blue dial is a standout feature. The original spring bars were too close to the titanium case, preventing strap changes, but Phoibos will now include curved spring bars.

Zelos Helica

Owners widely praise the Zelos Helica for its stunning, often color-shifting dials, with specific mentions of the MoP, slate grey, 'Steel Blue', and red opal variants being particularly captivating and artful. The 39mm case size is noted as fitting well on smaller wrists, and the overall build quality and finishing for the price are frequently highlighted as impressive, with one owner calling it "a lot of watch for the price." Some owners appreciate the novel bracelet designs and full lume dials, while others find the bracelet and clasp edges sharp or the clasp lacking on-the-fly adjustment. Opinions on the date window are mixed, with one owner disliking it. The Zelos Helica Moonphase was considered cluttered by one owner, and its $1K USD price point was felt to be steep by another, though popular variants sold out rapidly. Overall, owners rate the Zelos Helica highly for its striking dial designs and impressive value proposition.

From video reviewers

The dial's texture and visual appeal are consistently praised. The bracelet clasp with dual micro-adjustments is also a shared positive point. Reviewers disagree on whether the Miyota 9015 movement is a drawback compared to higher-end options.

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