Side by side

Phoibos NarwhalvsVario 1918 Trench Brass

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

Narwhal
PhoibosNarwhal
MSRP $509
1918 Trench Brass
Vario1918 Trench Brass
MSRP $388

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Narwhal38mm
1918 Trench Brass40mm
Power Reserve
Narwhal40h
1918 Trench Brass40h
Water Resistance
Narwhal200m
1918 Trench Brass100m
MSRP
Narwhal$509
1918 Trench Brass$388

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Diver
Field
Diameter
38mm
40mm
Thickness
11.5mm
10mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
45mm
Lug Width
20mm
18mm
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
White
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9015
Miyota 82s5

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$509
$388

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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.

Vario 1918 Trench Brass

Owners widely praise the Vario 1918 Trench Brass for its attractive, precisely made dial and case, with the evolving brass patina noted as a positive feature. The bund strap is considered comfortable and well-fitting by some, though others find it stiff and short for larger wrists. The lume is considered poor. The Miyota 82s5 movement is described as adequate, with accuracy ranging from about -10 seconds per day to simply running slow. On balance, owners rate the Vario 1918 Trench Brass highly for its fantastic looks and the unique character of its brass case.

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