Phoibos KrakenvsZelos Swordfish 3

lug2lug doesn't sell watches. Buy links open the brand's or seller's own site. Some links are affiliate links: lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

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 Swordfish 3 at true scale

Swordfish 3

Diameter

40mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

47.5mm

n/a

Thickness

11.5mm

lowest

12mm

Water Resistance

200m

200m

MSRP

$499

$399

lowest

Movement

Miyota 9015

Seiko NH35

Case

3 specs
Thickness
11.5mm
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
47.5mm
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Yes
n/a
Dial Color
Green
Bronze
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9015
Seiko NH35

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$499
$399
Keep your wishlist and collection together in the appExplore the app

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 Swordfish 3

Owners widely praise the Zelos Swordfish 3 for its strong value, with reviewers highlighting the textured sandwich dial, Seiko NH35 movement, 200m water resistance, and surprisingly good bracelet. The titanium construction is noted for making the watch compact and comfortable, weighing 117g. Some owners find the dimensions fine on paper and based on experience with other models. One reviewer flagged that legibility can suffer in bright light and bracelet edges are sharp. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Zelos Swordfish 3 highly for its incredible value and fun design, particularly with unique dial options.

Similar watches

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price, microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

DiscussionNot started

Also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog: alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.