Phoibos KrakenvsZelos Mako 4

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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 Kraken at true scale

Kraken

Zelos Mako 4 at true scale

Mako 4

Diameter

40mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

47.5mm

n/a

Thickness

11.5mm

lowest

12.2mm

Water Resistance

200m

300m

highest

MSRP

$499

lowest

$599

Movement

Miyota 9015

Miyota 9015

Case

4 specs
Thickness
11.5mm
12.2mm
Lug-to-Lug
47.5mm
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
200m
300m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
AR Coating
Yes
n/a
Dial Color
Green
Diver - Flare
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$499
$599
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Reviews

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

Phoibos Kraken

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Kraken for its excellent lume, gorgeous dial, and crisp bezel clicks, with many finding the 40mm case size ideal. The Miyota 9015 movement is noted as superior, and the case and bracelet finishing are described as improved, contributing to a solid feel at a sub-$500 price point. Some owners find the crown guard execution awkward and the hands resemble "veiny penises," while one user wishes the kraken logo was raised. The dial's appearance in natural light is a concern for one owner, who feared it might not be as color-shifting as advertised. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Kraken highly for its impressive lume, dial quality, and value.

From video reviewers

The watch's attractive price point and retro styling are consistently praised. Reviewers did not agree on any specific weaknesses.

Zelos Mako 4

Owners widely praise Zelos' dial finishing, with specific admiration for blued markers and hands, and the unique titanium bezel insert. Reviewers highlight the Mako 4's impressive case finishing and fully lumed ceramic bezel for its price point, noting the boxed sapphire crystal and wavy dial texture contribute to a vintage feel. The Sellita SW200 movement is described as reliable, with one owner reporting accuracy of -0.3 seconds per day. However, the crown can be difficult to grip, and the winding mechanism offers resistance when screwing down, while the watch's height may hinder wearability under a suit cuff. The tropic rubber strap is considered excellent, in contrast to a stiff leather option. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Zelos Mako 4 highly for its exceptional dial and case finishing at its price point.

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