Side by side

Phoibos Wave Master GMTvsGrand Seiko SBGW281

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

Wave Master GMT
PhoibosWave Master GMT
MSRP $399
SBGW281
Grand SeikoSBGW281
MSRP $4,900

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Wave Master GMT39.5mm
SBGW28137.3mm
Power Reserve
Wave Master GMT40h
SBGW28172h
Water Resistance
Wave Master GMT200m
SBGW28130m
MSRP
Wave Master GMT$399
SBGW281$4,900

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
GMT
Dress
Diameter
39.5mm
37.3mm
Thickness
12.7mm
11.7mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
44.3mm
Lug Width
20mm
19mm
Water Resistance
200m
30m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
SII NH34
9S64
Type
Automatic
Manual
Power Reserve
40h
72h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$399
$4,900

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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 Wave Master GMT

The Phoibos Wave Master GMT is widely praised for its attractive design, comfortable 20mm tapering bracelet, and wearability on a 7" wrist, with owners finding it a strong value proposition at $220. Some minor finishing flaws, such as slightly crooked markers and off-center dial numbers, are noted by one owner, while accuracy averages around 5-10 seconds over two weeks. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Wave Master GMT highly for its distinctive design and comfortable wearability at its price point.

From video reviewers

The Wave Master GMT's notable feature is its 200M water resistance. A drawback is the rattle of the bracelet. Reviewers disagree on the watch's value, with one reviewer noting its significant weight for a 39.5mm case diameter, but the other reviewer doesn't mention any specific weaknesses or trade-offs.

Grand Seiko SBGW281

Grand Seiko SBGW281 owners and reviewers alike praise its classic 37mm size and timeless, no-bezel design, with enthusiasts calling these manual-wind models "perfect Grand Seikos" for their thin profile, accessible price, and dial symmetry. The champagne dial is noted for its evocative, melting snow aesthetic, complemented by a gold seconds hand and a box crystal. The winding action is described as exceptionally smooth with satisfying clicky feedback, and the lug-to-lug measurement is approximately 45mm. This timepiece is splash resistant and retails for US$4,800. On balance, enthusiasts and reviewers highly regard the Grand Seiko SBGW281 for its elegant proportions and refined dial presentation.

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