Side by side

Phoibos NarwhalvsSeiko Essentials Solar

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Narwhal
PhoibosNarwhal
MSRP $509
Essentials Solar
SeikoEssentials Solar
MSRP $375

At a glance

14 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Narwhal38mm
Essentials Solar30.5mm
Power Reserve
Narwhal40h
Essentials Solar40h
Water Resistance
Narwhal200m
Essentials Solar
MSRP
Narwhal$509
Essentials Solar$375

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Dress
Diameter
38mm
30.5mm
Thickness
11.5mm
6.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
37.7mm
Lug Width
20mm
12mm
Water Resistance
200m
Splash Resistant

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Hardlex
Crystal Shape
Flat
Curved
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Malachite
Black
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9015
V115
Type
Automatic
Quartz

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$509
$375

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Phoibos Narwhal

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Narwhal's 38mm size and slim 11.5mm height for a 200m diver, noting it wears well on smaller wrists and its case shape resembles an integrated bracelet. The aventurine and Howlite dials are described as captivating, and some appreciate the contrast finishing and retro looks. However, some owners criticize misaligned markers and a tilted date window, with one owner finding the hands thick and popsicle-style. The value proposition is debated, with some finding it a good buy at $390 but others considering $480-$490 too much due to a slabby design and difficult-to-size bracelet. On balance, owners find the Phoibos Narwhal appealing for its design and wearability, though quality control and pricing are points of contention for some.

From video reviewers

The unique stone dial is a significant strength. The bracelet's refinement is a weakness. Reviewers disagree on the dial's appeal, with one highlighting its sunburst effect and applied indices, while another focuses on the natural stone variation.

Seiko Essentials Solar

Owners find the Seiko Essentials Solar a beautiful and lightweight daily wear, particularly for its value on the grey market. One owner noted the 41mm size did not appear large in person. A single owner reported an orange stripe on a stopwatch button detached due to heat. Overall, owners rate the Seiko Essentials Solar highly for its attractive aesthetic and comfortable wearability at its price point.

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