Side by side

Phoibos NarwhalvsVaer C5 Recon Field Solar

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

Narwhal
PhoibosNarwhal
MSRP $509
C5 Recon Field Solar
VaerC5 Recon Field Solar
MSRP $329

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Narwhal38mm
C5 Recon Field Solar40mm
Power Reserve
Narwhal40h
C5 Recon Field Solar40h
Water Resistance
Narwhal200m
C5 Recon Field Solar100m
MSRP
Narwhal$509
C5 Recon Field Solar$329

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Field
Diameter
38mm
40mm
Thickness
11.5mm
10.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
48mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
200m
100m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Malachite
Black
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9015
Type
Automatic
Quartz

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$509
$329

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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.

Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar

Owners widely praise the Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar for its robust build, bright C3 SuperLuminova lume, and solar charging capabilities, with one owner preferring its greater water resistance. Some owners report issues with hand alignment and second hand accuracy, though Vaer's customer service is noted for responsiveness with exchanges or refunds. One owner mentioned spring bar holes being close to the edge, a point of QC discussion. On balance, owners appreciate the Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar for its solar charging and robust build, despite occasional reports of minor alignment issues.

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