The Best Affordable Compressor? Phoibos Eagle Ray Compressor Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- Another Thank You to Phoibos for gifting this watch to the channel.
phoiboswatch.com/categories/e...
You can also use the discount code relativetime for 10% off anything from Phoibos
----Straps Used
Ritche Sailcloth (on Amazon): geni.us/ICExG5s
Barton Black Gaucho Strap (on Amazon): geni.us/93hKAA
Barton Cordura/Silicone (on Amazon): geni.us/uf0w3m
Blushark Nato (on Amazon):
----Other Watches Shown
Phoibos Eagle Ray GMT: • The Flying Kraken! Pho...
Phoibos Great Wall: • Monster of the Deep: P...
Phoibos Voyager: • A Kraken Cocktail : Ph...
Phoibos Leviathon: • Should It Have Stayed ...
Spinnaker Bradner: • Compression Algorithms...
Seiko SRPC25J1: • The Turtle Gotham Dese...
It's been a while since we last looked at a Phoibos, and the last few weren't that exciting. Today that changes as they go back to their roots of the Eagle Ray Line. This time with the Eagle Ray Compressor. A Seiko NH35A powered 3 handed 200m diver with an internal timing bezel.
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, I am an Amazon affiliate so I would earn a small commission on qualified purchases. But most of the time Amazon is just the best source to link something just to get a look. I always encourage you to shop around and find the best price.
In Addition, I'm also an affiliate with AVI-8, Armilla, Aliexpress, Spinnaker, eBay, Jomashop, Meranom, and Phoibos.
00:00 Intro
01:07 Specs
02:07 Case
04:24 Dial
06:56 Design
08:12 Lume
09:00 Bracelet
10:04 On The Wrist
10:20 Final Thoughts - บันเทิง
I have the red. It looks fabulous and wears well. I thought the 14mm thickness would be too much. For some reason, it’s not an issue on this watch. It’s very balanced on the wrist and some of it is the amazing domed crystal. The bracelet is amazing also. Some will not like the chapter ring with Roman numerals. The fact is, unless you have really young eyes, you won’t even see those Roman numerals on your wrist because they are so small. They blend right in unless you are using a macro lense. Besides, compressors are a little steampunk so why not continue that idea with the design. It’s also the only of the three compressors mentioned that has full sapphire instead of sapphire coated mineral or mineral. As always, excellent review from Shane. Thank you.
Personally, I like the chapter ring. It adds character, imho.....and I have old eyes.
Agreed.
I bought the red dial also and sold my blue dial GMT (reluctantly) b/c the dials are so similar. The bracelet is a nice addition, but the dial layout and color combinations allow for so many different strap options, that I will probably not use the bracelet very much. The black/red/olive Bond NATO is a perfect match.
Great point . The bracelet truly balances this one - extremely comfortable!
I have been looking foe the GMT version used for some time. I would buy it in a heartbeat if they made more!
Love the logo & the Romans, very nice watch overall, but the date at 3 ruins it for me. Good review, Cheers mate 👍🏻
Nicest piece I’ve purchased in awhile! The blue dial version has such a nice “celestial “ vibe to it, which the Roman minute track and dotted bezel inset seems to enhance nicely. The knurled outer bezel seems to really protect the polished surface and the edge of the beautiful crystal. BGW9 was the perfect lume choice for this “out-of-this-world” beauty!👌
Wow!! I just ordered this watch about an hour ago!
Enjoy! Loving my blue dial version!!
Cool! Which one did you order?
@@RelativeTime I was torn, I really liked the blue dial, but ultimately decided on the black dial version
@@willardhooton920 My blue one is gorgeus...nice to wear, comfortable, great watch.
Beautiful. Love the kraken!! .I really like the red and green dials.
stepping up your camera game... which by the way was already outstanding. great shots!
Thanks. I'm always trying to improve a little. These days I'm working more on getting the lighting better.
I bought the red dial version only a few weeks ago. Stunning watch! It’s my 5th Phoibos so obviously I like em!🤣 I also have the Dan Henry version & it too is a fantastic watch. I think for the money these brands are certainly punching above their weight.👍🏼😎
I'm on second Phoibos, wanted to buy Dan Henry but stayed on Phoibos because od some reviews that were writing about QC on dials and hands in DH watches. Phoibos is best bang for the buck.
Brilliant photography (and strap selection) 👍 . I also really like this watch. The screw down bezel crown makes much more sense, as the setting can't be changed by accident and the case should seal better.
Love "Phoibi" plural.😎
Great review.
Great review as always Shane. This reminds me I still need to get around to doing a review of my Spinnaker Bradner. I've had it for ages now and keep forgetting.
I know what you mean. I've had that Dan Henry 1970 for over a year now, and never got one out.
@@RelativeTime Too many watches, not enough time.
Nice review Shane. As you know I don't have any Phoibos yet. I think I have to buy my Kamasu red dial before starting on Phoibos. Don't you think so?
I actually think that chapter ring is really cool!! The more I look at the macro the more I like it
.. I should get a phoibos..
I'm poised money in hand for another round of GMT's. The Eagle Ray line up are very unique, and a break from the, "dive homage" rut.
Agreed. I still don't know why they didn't make any more. I think they sold out in a few weeks. If I was them, I would of placed another order with the factories right away.
Yes PLEASE! I missed out on the GMT. They rarely if ever show up used. Booooh!
I’ve got a red one for sale. Europe only though.
The GMT’s are about to be available any day
@@RelativeTime You can order in EU shop, few days ago I oredered black and gold one! IMO it is sold out because of low price for that kind of watch.
Very nice! 😃 I like the Phoibos logo.
Love Phoibos and this is a great looking compressor.
I have the blue dial. It is my first Phoibos. Beautiful design, nice quality for the money, imo. It is definitely one of my very favorites among my collection. I like the logo...and the lume..LOL. I think the complexity of the dial adds to its character and appeal.
Good to hear. I'd love to see them do a automatic GMT some day.
@@RelativeTime Yes, that would be nice. I would definitely be a prospective buyer. I currently have only one GMT....My Vostok Amphibia Neptune.
i just got the black and gilt one for christmas... its frickin epic, i love it so much
Glad you like it. It's a cool watch.
Its a beautiful watch.. Eye catcher.. Clean solid presence 👍🏻
I like the looks of this one!
I just got the white dial in the mail today!! love this watch..
The white looks sharp.
I've got the Alkin Model Two with the white fully lumed dial. A little more expensive since it has the Miyota 9039. I love the simple dial, and it's a strap monster. I have it on a green Barton elite silicone strap.
Great strap for sure - rocking four of them👌
Nice review.
I have the previous Eagle Ray, it has the same bracelet and movement but has a conventional external Bezel. Really nice.
Not personally interested in this. Second Hour is coming out with the Giant Stride this year. That is something I would wait for, it’s specced better and I find it a lot more interesting. It’s also going to have a SW-200 I believe.
I'm very curious about the Giant Stride. I think Peter is waiting for the Mandala Kickstarter to be over before going full steam on the Giant Stride. So I'd expect to start seeing some reviews in a few months.
I wish you could still get the gmt quartz watch in this style. The price oint was bang on and I'd much rather have that watch instead of this Auto.
I'm still amazed they never made more. Might be a lesson to some other microbrands. Maybe one them will give it a go.
I only have one compressor diver in my collection of >60 watches, and that is the 44mm Dan Henry 1970 (orange version). As interesting as that is, I'm not particular drawn to another compressor like this one. The Dan Henry is great and also way more interesting to look at then this Phoibos...
If you don't have a compressor diver yet, then this model could scratch your itch...
Phobi...Love it.
I don't mind the logo even if it does look like Kang from the Simpsons, I have the Reef Master and the Eagle Ray quartz GMT compressor but regret getting it in the green as it's a bit too casino gaming table for my liking, I recently bought this model in the red and I far prefer this.
I have the rlg atlanticus, it's cheaper but doesn't offer quite the same specs/bling as the phoibos, not sure which I prefer...
I've never looked at that one, so I always forget about it. When I think affordable compressors, Spinnaker and Dan Henry seem to be the big ones.
It looks classy. Nice review. Can you do a San Martin GMT sn015-g-gmt? I would be interested how it compares to the Cronos but i cannot find a proper review.
I'll look into. I've been pretty curious about the San Martin. In fact I was thinking of emailing to see if they plan on doing a Black Bay version, now that they did one with the other retro watch.
In the meantime try asking I Like Watches as well. I think he's already looked at the San Martin, and he's got an in with Cronos.
@@RelativeTime I'd be interested in seeing a San Martin BB58.
@@RelativeTime Yeah a BB version would be great indeed. The sn015-g seems to have a glide lock like clasp that i have not seen before from SM. Unfortunately you can not see it opened on their website.
I just wish they would reissue the GMT version.
So do I. Still don't know why they didn't.
Yes!!!!!!!
I'm going to be that guy... compressor refers to the seal mechanism, not the inner rotating bezel.
That said, as a Phoibos owner, I find this a rare misstep for Phoibos. I dislike the romans numerals and railroad track - I think it makes the dial too fussy. And I agree the indices are too small.
And having knurling on a non-moving bezel seems unnecessary, if not downright bizarre. I dig that choice of strap however. Nice!
I'll stick to my CW super compressor (and no, the name in the dial doesn't bother me at all). So the hunt continues for my next watch.
That's why I usually try to say "Compressor Style" rather than just "Compressor", but sometimes I slip.
How do you like the CW Compressor? I've been tempted a few times.
@@RelativeTime I like it. I bought it and when it arrived I was initially less impressed than I expected. I thought, "uh oh, I just spent a wad of cash and I don't like this watch." But then I wore it and it really grew in me.
I love the vintage case style, and the indices are exceptionally nice - those were the 2 things that really drew me to them. The inner rotating bezel is a feature that I really like. And the red paddle second hand is a beaut. In fact, I was wearing it when I saw your video.
I'm not sure why it didn't jump out at me when it arrived, but now it's a real winner.
Here's a tip. Once a year or so, CW runs a 50 percent off sale. I waited 14 months to get this one, but it was worth it. Your patience will be rewarded. I bought 2 watches this time around.
Love the channel - keep it up!
The logo is awesome right up to the crown!
I'm sure Rolex fanboys hate that.
Might be a bit more comfy to ware if you put it above your wrist and not on it where the crown can jab your hand
Great Review. The watch is okay and I do like the Phoibos logo. The thing that bothers me is that the Roman Numeral 4 is "IV", not "IIII". It would bother me every time I wore the watch.
You aren't alone in that, it's a frequent comment whenever I show off a watch with roman numerals. Evidently a lot of watches right IV as IIII. I can't remember why, but there is some historic connection, as well as I think it's more symmetrical with the VIII on the opposite side.
Actually here is an article on it if you are curious.
monochrome-watches.com/why-do-clocks-and-watches-use-roman-numeral-iiii-instead-of-iv/
@@RelativeTime Thanks for that! This is why I enjoy watches/horology.
I'm curious as to where you think the DH 1970 falls short in build quality. I thought for $290 it was rather good.
I wouldn't say it falls short, as much as Phoibos did it a little better. In fact I think the DH is better build than the Spinnaker. Although specifically I think the phoibos has a much more refined case. Sleeker with polished chamfered edges, while the DH looks a little blocky. At least looking from the side where it's rounded blocky... if that makes any sense.
As well as the more detailed bezel, bracelet, screwed down bezel crown, applied indices, and much better lume.
@@RelativeTime Good to know. And I do see what you mean about the blocky side profile of the DH.
Although I don't own a Phoibos; they appear to give a good "bang for the buck". If they can sell a Seiko movement watch for the price that they do, and; one assumes they make a profit. Why can't Seiko do the same for a similar price since they made the movement? Baffling, to say the least. But, in reference to this watch; it seems to be on par with other watches of the kind. However, I am one that would be off put by the Roman numerals next to the Arabic.
Wow. Gorgeous looking diver
not bad
Dude, you really need to be doing watch photos professionally if you aren't already. I can't watch one of your videos without wanting to buy the watch. Very artistic.
If they had made me Eagle Ray gmt I would have bought one.
You mean with an automatic GMT? I'd love for them to make one.
Excellent review. You hit the nail on the head with the Phoebus logo. I think it looks really bad and tacky. I will not be alone on this assessment. Logos do matter given the amount of time you spend looking at the face.
The Gavox Avidiver could be added to this shortlist of compessor-style watches : th-cam.com/video/94o5dN-c5bM/w-d-xo.html
I haven't heard of that one. That's really cool. Maybe a bit pricey for a miyota 9015, but very cool. I'll have to look into it more.
@@RelativeTime I'm really into sandwich dials, but the lug length of 50.5mm is holding me back. On the other hand, it's quite thin at 13.8mm.
Nodus Duality.
That's a long story. I've had one since the day they were released, yet never quite got a review done on it. Come close a few times. There are things about it I absolutely love, yet a few things that I found extremely disappointing for the price.
To be more specific, the bezel action on mine is absolutely horrible. Sometimes it feels like gears are grinding as I try to turn it. Lume is also sub-par... at least for the price. After a month I also noticed that the sapphire on the top of one of the crowns had cracked. No clue how that happened either.
Other than that though, it's terrific... The finishing, the design, the bracelet... all top notch.
@@RelativeTime That's surprising. The fervor among Nodus fans seems absolutely religious. It just occurred to me that Farer, one of my favorites (I have a Lander), also has a compressor automatic. One of the design choices that Farer makes that drives me nuts is the conical crowns. I want to ask them if they have ever actually tried to wind one of their ETA movements with one of those silly nubs.
Rather…panda bare? 😁 (Intentional?)
Whens your watches going to be back in stock?
@@NathanChisholm041 I'm actually speaking to Hangzhou right now about putting in our second order for retail versions of the Starlight. You can email us at info@solaswatches.com for more information (and see the renders of the rose gold indices and date/no-date versions coming).
@ Ok mate thanks!
@@NathanChisholm041 No problems at all!
The watch is a little boring and contrived.. IMO. Especially that handset.. But that Gaucho strap? SOLD!
The red dial variant is cool tho
@@ocb05 and the blue dial is nice, too.
Yuck! That gaucho strap looks like it would be worn by a guy with scraggly grey hair in a ponytail and wire rim glasses, smelling faintly of must and patchouli.
@@dparis2172 Interesting.. I remember those 'stereotypes' wearing mostly bund straps... I think my first watch was actually on a bund. Interesting too, though.. Many of those 'hippie' types went on to wear some awesomely expensive s#!t... Say, Pal... Did you just step out of a time-machine? 😵
Thanks for the reply!
I kept seeing those Gaucho straps, and I really wasn't sure about them. So I had to get one just to see for myself, and I'm trying it out on a bunch of stuff. Should probably do a review just on it.
The Cordura/Silicone strap is the one I really like. Not near as flashy, but a perfect fit on a dive watch you want to dress up a bit, but still use.
This watch is absolutely not my cup of tea. There's simply too much going on. The knurled bezel surrounding and the superfluous are design elements that don't go well with the rest. The expression that comes to mind when I see this watch is 'kitsch'.
Nothing special. Don't buy this one.
Is there a compressor style watch you would recommend instead?
@@RelativeTime Big fan of the Dan Henry that you mentioned. I don't hate this watch, I just find it underwhelming, especially for the price. Phoibos have so many funky and original designs, but these are just so meh.
@@wildcard7649 The Dan Henry has a great retro design. Hard to go wrong with it, I just wish they added a little more lume.
I'm also looking forward to checking out Second Hour Watches Giant Stride later this year. That one should be great.
@@wildcard7649 Dan Henry has many issues about hand and dial, dust, etc., I love their design but on many reviews I've noticed that and many watches do not have sapphire glass which is for me red card.