Side by side

Phoibos Wave MastervsTissot Heritage 1938

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

Wave Master
PhoibosWave Master
MSRP $309
Heritage 1938
TissotHeritage 1938
MSRP $925

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Wave Master42mm
Heritage 193839mm
Power Reserve
Wave Master40h
Heritage 193838h
Water Resistance
Wave Master300m
Heritage 193850m
MSRP
Wave Master$309
Heritage 1938$925

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Dress
Diameter
42mm
39mm
Thickness
14mm
11.1mm
Lug-to-Lug
48.5mm
39mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Water Resistance
300m
50m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
Domed
Dial Color
Black
Anthracite
Indices
Applied
Arabic
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
SII NH35A
11 1/2'''
Power Reserve
40h
38h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$309
$925

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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

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Wave Master for its attractive wavy dial, bright lume, and comfortable engineer bracelet, with many considering it one of the best-looking watches under $300. The watch features a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel, and owners report good quality for the price, with a subtle wave pattern on the dial appreciated for its unique style. While some minor finishing flaws like slightly crooked hour markers or an off-center outer ring have been noted, these are generally considered not visible during wear. One owner experienced a clasp breakage after four years, but Phoibos replaced it free of charge. Some owners wish the watch were larger than 40mm, and one notes the GMT hand and other details may not hold up under extreme close-ups. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Wave Master highly for its distinctive dial and value, especially considering its build quality and features.

From video reviewers

The unidirectional ceramic bezel action is praised. The lume brightness is noted as a weakness. Reviewers disagree on the water resistance rating, with some stating 300M and others 200M.

Tissot Heritage 1938

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Tissot Heritage 1938 for its stunning vintage-inspired design and excellent value, particularly as a COSC-certified automatic under $1000. The dial's ability to catch light and subtly change colors, along with rosy gold numerals, is a frequent highlight. The watch uses a chronometer-certified ETA 2824-2 movement, though its 38-hour power reserve is noted as less than some contemporary offerings. Some owners find the 39mm case size appears larger on the wrist, with a desire for smaller options. Overall, owners rate the Tissot Heritage 1938 highly for its charming retro aesthetics and impressive chronometer movement at an accessible price point.

From video reviewers

The most attainable Swiss chronometer is a key strength. Reviewers did not agree on any weaknesses.

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