Side by side

Phoibos NarwhalvsTissot Ballade

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

Narwhal
PhoibosNarwhal
MSRP $509
Ballade
TissotBallade
MSRP $1,100

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Narwhal38mm
Ballade39mm
Power Reserve
Narwhal40h
Ballade80h
Water Resistance
Narwhal200m
Ballade100m
MSRP
Narwhal$509
Ballade$1,100

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Diver
Dress
Diameter
38mm
39mm
Thickness
11.5mm
10.98mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
39mm
Water Resistance
200m
100m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Dial Color
Malachite
Silver
Indices
Applied
Roman
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Super-LumiNova ®

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9015
Powermatic 80
Power Reserve
40h
80h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$509
$1,100

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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.

Tissot Ballade

Owners widely praise the Tissot Ballade for its excellent value, immaculate quality for the price, and attractive design, with many highlighting the mesmerizing dial and hobnail or fluted bezel. Reviewers and owners alike commend its comfortable 39mm proportions and slim case, noting the COSC-certified Powermatic 80 movement as a significant strength. Some owners find the included strap and clasp to be areas for potential improvement, and one owner noted disappointment with a quartz movement in a specific model. Overall, owners and reviewers consider the Tissot Ballade a strong value proposition, excelling in design and movement certification at its price point.

From video reviewers

The Tissot Ballade's unique, intricately cut ribbed bezel design adds depth and character to the case. The watch's stunning finishing is a notable strength, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. A drawback is the somewhat lacking lume brightness, which may be a concern for those who plan to wear it in low-light conditions.

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