Phoibos KrakenvsLongines MASTER COLLECTION

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Kraken for its excellent lume, dial production, and the thinness of its Miyota 9015 movement, all at a sub-$500 price point. Specific positive mentions include the case and bracelet finishing, with one owner calling the bracelet excellent. The 40mm size is considered ideal by some. However, some owners find the crown guard execution awkward, and the hands have been described as resembling "veiny penises." There is also a concern that the dial's appearance in natural light might not achieve the desired color-shifting, smoky metallic effect. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Kraken highly for its impressive dial and finishing at the price.

The Longines Master Collection is widely praised for its excellent value, with reviewers and owners citing its dressy aesthetic, good fit and finish, and attractive complications like annual calendars and chronographs for under $3,000. Owners highlight the beautiful dials, engraved numerals, and the L893 caliber's 72-hour power reserve. Some find the standard Master Collection thin and well-finished, while others note a slightly thicker case on certain models. A few owners express reservations about the bracelet's adjustment options and the homogeneity of the case finishing. One reviewer points out that the subdial can obscure the '7' numeral on the Small Seconds model, and another notes that pushers can feel cheap and the chrono hour counter may not reset perfectly. Water resistance is noted as 30m on some models.