Side by side

Phoibos Wave MastervsTimefactors Commander 71

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

Wave Master
PhoibosWave Master
MSRP $309
Commander 71
TimefactorsCommander 71
MSRP $530
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.

Timefactors Commander 71

Owners widely praise the Timefactors Commander 71 for its exceptional build quality and substantial feel, noting its vintage design with a clean no-date dial, gilt accents, and creamy lume. Some owners find its 13.7mm thickness and 162-gram weight substantial, and the bezel's numeral fonts are considered small by one owner. Overall, owners rate the Timefactors Commander 71 highly for its vintage aesthetic and build quality at its price point.

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Wave Master42mm
Commander 7140mm
Power Reserve
Wave Master40h
Commander 71
Water Resistance
Wave Master300m
Commander 71300m
MSRP
Wave Master$309
Commander 71$530

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
42mm
40mm
Thickness
14mm
13.2mm
Lug-to-Lug
48.5mm
48mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Seiko NH35
Miyota 9015
Power Reserve
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$309
$530
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