The New No.1 Compressor Diver - Phoibos Eagle Ray!

[@emperorchopchop7726]

Been a fan of the Phoibos since they started out. They've worked themselves into a nice consistent aesthetic and I think the octopus is a big plus, it's a fun design. That red is a smokeshow.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Agree mate, it has been good to see the brand grow and find its feet.

[@adaptivekalman]

Phoibos should really lume the octopus.

[@johnbarnes7706]

I second the motion for an Islander watch review

[@beaubuck9513]

Yes please. I’d have one already but I’m skittish about the bezel action (every SKX or homage I’ve seen has been bad) and I just can’t spend that $$ on a maybe

[@ComicalSatania]

@@beaubuck9513 his bezel sounds about the same I believe from when he did a review on his islanders

[@beaubuck9513]

@@ComicalSatania thanks for the heads up. Too bad because I love that island blue with the blue and gray :(

[@adamb3129]

@@beaubuck9513 I’ve read that it’s just an skx thing.However I’ve read that Marc will help you fix it though if there’s something wrong with it

[@limirl]

I bought an eagle ray automatic a few months ago in the blue and I really like it. I absolutely detest Roman numerals on watches especially a diver so that would be a no for me. I did have a few quality issues with my watch. The clasp was screwed up on arrival and it needed to be replaced however they asked me to pay a $20 shipping fee to send out a new one so I told them I would send the watch back for a full refund under the 30-day guarantee and sure enough they agreed to send it out for free.

[@marcisgreitans7061]

They probably didn't color-match the date wheel to visually balance out the hour index at 9. If they had matched it, I feel like the dial would look asymmetrical.

[@73seewerner]

yep, agreed and dropped down to say this very thing. normally i'm all over a color-matched date wheel, but with this layout the white ground visually replaces the 3:00 index and i think works just fine.

[@reggiebannister4098]

Excellent presentation, Jody. You've come a long way in 3 years.

[@Unicornstalk]

You’ll have to take a look at the Dan Henry compressor soon then Jody

[@JD-wi5zd]

They could definitely re-issue their past models. I'd buy a second Voyager in a heartbeat. I have the brown one and wouldn't mind getting the green or blue one, too. It's my favorite NH35 watch. Unique and classy looking.

[@tottenhamnole]

The best and busiest man in the KZbin watch community. Thanks for continuing to feed the addiction.

[@cavalry1213]

I have this problem where I see something I like, buy it, then watch reviews on it. Thankfully, after I bought my Phoibos Reef Master, you gave it a great review, so I made out good on that one. It still runs like a gem.

[@duk4you]

Nice review ,have you seen the Dan Henry's compressor versions , worth looking at

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I do love the red dial on this. I have the Spinnaker, I just haven't gotten around to reviewing it yet... I know I'm pretty late with that one.

[@Happyfacehotwheels]

Better late than never.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

I have the Spinnaker and RLG offerings of a compressor ‘style’ dive watch. You reviewed both of them and I summarily bought them after those reviews. This will be the third compressor style in my collection. Thanks for the great review Jody...As always!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

A fan of the style! I'm surprised they aren't more popular?

[@dannyfree1120]

Have you seen the Christopher ward compressor? It's a knockout. Had mine for a few weeks. They all give such a great look.

[@maxsirenko7938]

​@@dannyfree1120 and in the end it will be the only "real" super compressor. The other ones are just stylistic imitations.

[@dannyfree1120]

@@maxsirenko7938 agreed. Oris make a decent one too.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

@@dannyfree1120 I have and I like that one too… I believe when I was considering it it was out of stock and I ended up getting a really good deal on the RLG which I like very much…

[@kirinasaari]

Put Jody talking about watches next to Eminem rapping, no one would notice. Thanks to Phobos putting so much things to talk about.

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

An excellent review as usual Jody! I am so proud to be the guy that came up with the Eagle Ray name for Phoibos years ago. It was their first contest, done through the FB page. I won a Phoibos Ocean Master 1000M Automatic. I still own and love that watch. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that the Eagle Ray name would be assigned to; what is it now... Four watches? The heart breaking thing for me is that I saved for a year to buy a vintage style Bronze Eagle Ray and owned it a week just to loose it when my car was broken into and it was stolen out of the center console. My deductible was higher than the cost of a new one so even though I named the watch line, I don't own one.

[@willardhooton920]

Congrats on the name! Shame about the stolen ER Bronze, I think it’s their best model 👌

[@brians7292]

Picked this one up love it!! Changed the bracket to a Kevlar Style black leather strap and made a huge difference....

[@brians7292]

Bracelet not bracket darned spell check lol

[@TheBoldHairspring]

I'm a huge fan of red on watches but I think I'd go with the blue one in this particular case!

[@willardhooton920]

Correct!

[@bassmanbowman3266]

That’s a very pretty watch. I love the red dial, the coin edge bezel, the knurled crowns, & I love a double minute track. Superb.😎

[@shanephillips8735]

Personally it's a bit busy for me. I have the Dan Henry 1970 and absolutely love it.

[@blakefrost8303]

Wish they had it in a 39mm, just too big for me. The looks are stunning though

[@OptimMax]

Lug to lug size is the main reference size. In this watch it’s pretty compact,so you might pull off wearing it

[@johnanth]

@@OptimMax this is true but the diameter determines how big of an 'impression' it makes on the wrist. So a 39 with the same lug-to-lug will appear much smaller. Lug to lug is mainly a consideration so it actually fits within the wrist.

[@thesheepsviolin123]

Agree

[@magilla808]

Similarly, 14mm is kind of talk for me. I realize it's tough to slim down too much with the NH35, but if they used the Miyota 9000 series (like they did on some of their early models), and shorten the height down, it'd be easier for me to buy.

[@blakefrost8303]

@@magilla808 Agreed though, would be nice too cause the Miyota 9000 is high beat so you get that buttery smooth second hand!

[@Qualiareedauthor]

for real though the Octopus logo totally sells it for me. I love it. just picked up the green.

[@SilverSergeant]

Just received a blue one 2 days ago. I am very impressed with my first Phoibos. I really like the dial design.

[@willardhooton920]

Same here - blue dial is perfect! Looks extremely celestial with all of the dots and Romans👌

[@stevelavender1421]

I have an early Phoibos watch and it looks and runs great. My only quip with it is that one of the chrome rings from one of the indices has come loose and is loose in there. I've stopped wearing it for fear that the ring will interfere with the hand movement and mess it up. Once my favorite watch shop re-opens from the pandemic I'll have them fix that bit and then I am sure I'll have more years of service.

[@batChainPuller-nz]

I owned this in Black & gilt when it first came out in a Quartz motor. A lot of the detail attracted me & the watch was stunning. I just found compressors are not my taste. But the dial, w/Roman chapter ring; everything on the watch impressed. I still own an Eagleray Bronze & SS. The Swiss Bronze is my very favourite. And I do like syringe hands. Two many handsets are knock-offs from other brands. Syringe is a good milspec look. If mine was an auto, I might still have it. The other Eaglerays just out shined the compressor variation.

[@kristiangustafson4130]

Nice design consistency between the knurling on the crowns and on the fixed bezel. Nicely thought out. If I wanted *another* NH35 this would be a good option.

[@krijashan]

I have the Phoibos Wavemaster and love it. Phoibos makes a great watch at a great price. Only moan I have is the Phoibos case back design has sharp edges that can cause hot spots after a full day wearing.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I bought the Richard Le Grand Atlanticus in December for $111 it's on sale now for $169 I'm very happy with mine !!

[@STONEAJE]

Out of my entire collection, I spend almost all of my time with my Tudor, Spinnacker, and Phoebos. Out of my extensive NH35 collection, those two are the accuracy standouts. (Wavemaster and Fleuss)

[@sixtring73]

Very nice looking watch this one. I do love a knurled crown! Too small for me though.

[@Alias_Anybody]

"They were both KRAKEN watches" Would love to see that exact red fume dial on more watches.

[@willardhooton920]

Bought it in blue - very celestial! Shockingly beautiful in the metal👌

[@knightwhite99]

Just got mine a few days ago. The red is gorgeous. The watch looks like it cost at least twice the actual price. Kudos to Phoibos for something unique. You are right, Jody, the bracelet looks very similar to the one on my Omega Seamaster 300M chronograph, but its a fake-out. Still decently comfortable. And you are right - the clasp needs another octopus!

[@jbountalas]

I just took delivery of the red one today. it looks even better than it does in the video. The 3d effect of the rays on the dial is very cool

[@sawyerandpoppytv3965]

I’ve got a few Phoibos watches and they are quite a bargain well made and with the exception of the sub KO original looks tastefully done.

[@Blue_3rd]

Thanks, Jodie! This one is a beauty. I have the red standard Eagle Ray and it’s a favourite daily, running at around 0/+2 sec per day. Moans and niggles - One issue though, that I wonder if you have heard about: The hour hand sometimes doesn’t reach the centre of the hour marker until almost 5 past the hour. (OCD)! This happens on about 6 out of 12 hours due to a lazy/loose hour hand. A couple of people on other pages have commented that they have the same issue with different models of Eagle Ray including the one in today’s review. If I wiggle the crown back and forth, the hour hand gets in line again so I can set the time correctly but it becomes lazy again quite soon after. If Phoibos’ London distributor handled repairs I would definitely have sent it back, but as it’s not worth sending it back to HK (threat of EU customs tax on return) and a handset and spindle change isn’t cost effective, I just try to ignore it. I’m curious as to whether any other JOMW fans have this issue with their Eagle Rays. Cheers mate!

[@tonycas]

I love the vintage diver dial of this Phoibos a personal favourite from their collection for sure.

[@XtremeKremaTor]

Jody, please look into Orient Crystal three star compressor with date day complications. I have paid 58 quid for mine on AliExpress and it looks/feels genuine, 1 second per day accurate and apparently made in China using imported Japanese Orient machines from 2 dismantled factories. It puts a smile on my face each time I look at it. I went for a blue dial and it's gorgeous. Highly recommended.

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

I bought one and hope you got the credit. I mostly review guns but liked this one so much it was my first watch review. Keep up the good.

[@wymanscorneroftheworld8777]

Just sized my bracelet on the blue model yesterday and out for it's maiden voyage today... This watch wears smaller than my PY007c even though it is bigger, it is lighter and the dial design just looks smaller. I jumped to purchase knowing it would sell out quickly, and this thing looks great outside from every angle. I personally love the bold 🐙 and phoibos should be bold as they have an awsome product line

[@willardhooton920]

Loving the blue dial version for sure!

[@3rdpig]

That watch is drop dead gorgeous.

[@jkratoville]

A matter of taste, but I'm a fan of "larger" hour hands. This set goes together nicely. I had a clock once that had an hour hand than was longer than the seconds hand. Very cool.

[@stevenuk]

the dimensions are PERFECT !! I suppose there is great value for money argument here.

[@Ian-dd5dm]

That's a beauty. The logo is very fetching and says sea/water etc, not just some symbolised letters (RLG from the other day). Straight away that branding you associate with Phoibos.

[@derbagger22]

I also really like the octopus and find it to be unique and appropriate...

[@scottsj4625]

When Phoibos came out they used premium Miyota movements. I really like the 6 HZ movement much better for a smoother second-hand sweep. It is nice looking, I also love red dials. Sadly this one is a bit too chunky for me. I had the sub homage one that came out a few years ago but sold it because I could not handle the weight. It would be nice to see some 38mm watches from microbrands. They are usually 39 to 43 if not larger. I think this would be great for someone with a larger wrist than mine who likes a bit of heft to it. The design is really nice. Just wish they had a more compact size of it.

[@NathanChisholm041]

Ive Got one the Voyager in grey and its built amazingly for the price! Phiobos makes some great watches...

[@kermitage]

Have the single crown red version, totally agree with your remark re. the hands - they differ one from another just a bit too little. Otherwise fantastic watch.

[@adamb3129]

Looks great. Phoibos has come a long way since their submariner homage. So many brands doing great dive watches. I’ve been looking at getting a Seiko Turtle, an Islander, a Helm, or a Phoibos.

[@78Onedin]

Nice watch, great example of super compressor style, which is hard to find these days, especially if you want one under 400 usd. I have the Orient weekly auto king diver in red, it is also a great re-issue of this 70's style.

[@grady60]

I love the Phoibos logo and design, I will definitely pick one up in 2021

[@GarySleep]

Had it in my basket last week but at 14+ thick and 41mm case, it had me thinking "I'll wait for a video" and here you are... Ordered one straight after viewing. Would have gone black/gilt as I think that just looks killer. But would have been competing with my BB58 for wrist time (despite being beautiful, it would lose every time) so red it is! Thanks again Jody. Can always rely on your honesty. And helpful that we both have 7" wrist to judge these slightly larger pieces. Cheers mate!

[@willardhooton920]

It’s gonna fit you great - loving mine!

[@TheSpritz0]

I love Phoibos, they are VERY well made!!!

[@robertturnwall6446]

Have ever reviewed the MWC brand I just picked up a MWC sterile Navigator very cool watch and the spec's are off the chart-

[@AnthonyLauder]

You mentioned the Phoibos Europe website, which is based in the UK. This means that post-Brexit people in the EU will be hit with large customs fees and tax. I spoke with Phobos about this last week, and they said EU customers should use the regular international Phoibos store nowadays, and not Phoibos Europe. They also said that due to some legal and business reasons, they are unable to open an EU based warehouse.

[@ericgrace9995]

So have a look at the Longines Heritage Range....and the Heritage Diver Super Compressor. It's Longines' best selling heritage watch and has done something that only Rolex usually manages. Original no date versions now command prices considerably higher than the RRP. It's got a new mechanism with a 64 hour reserve and offers a really good value for money package...at a price comparable to your adored Oris.

[@watch-box]

There is new stock with some new colours on the Phoibus site right now. The orange is amazing, but I like you wanted the red (it now has a sunray dial as well). Great review of what is still the best Compressor (style) watch, in my budget anyway!

[@MirrlyonTime]

Crackin nice watch! Question though, is the bezel usable under water? If you have to unscrew the crown to adjust the bezel will that compromise the water resistance? Bezel useless as a dive timer if you can’t adjust it while under water....?

[@ob4149]

Phoibos doing beautiful pieces

[@kjstewys]

Love my Proteus. Snagged it with your discount code. Worth every penny. Can’t imagine this would be any different.

[@grahamyoung622]

Jody, ya CAN'T have too many octopi!!!! The black and guilt for me. The syringe style handset is either 'love it or hate it', I haven't made my mind up on this one. A pretty good job by Phoibos. Another great and honest review by 'the master' of youtube watch vids.

[@beaubuck9513]

I’ve been going back and forth between the Dan Henry and Spinnaker compressors for a year. This was about to be a contender but you’re right about those hands, way out of proportion. The hour hand needs to be slimmed down to the thickness of the minute hand and shortened to just graze the inserts and the minute needs to be slimmed down to the thickness of the inserts and lengthened just a hair to touch the track. IMO. Allegedly.

[@justineooi6191]

Hello Jody, I would like to hear the comparison between this and the Orient Weekly Auto King Diver. Great vid BTW. Thanks.

[@georgezachariadis2338]

I slept in this watch- Phoebe's compressor. Any idea where to scoop a bargain ? Thanks Jody great show!

[@mikedandurand3548]

Absolutely beautiful watch. Still my favorite logo.

[@gerardpatten5302]

Sorry, I just purchased one 2 weeks ago. It is the exact one. I had an issue with them, thought I was getting from USA and it is being shipped from China. I know it was a hot item, but a heads up would have been nice. I did get a 10 percent discount on my next order. Hoping this review will make the wait a little easier. Thank you my friend!!

[@charliewoodward1393]

This red compressor looks like HAL 9000: "open the pod bay doors" Jody: "heelllloooo....*in helmet*..."

[@9mmmike642]

It’s full of stars

[@glennpowell3444]

Great film.The last few minutes expands the mind a bit.

[@9mmmike642]

👍

[@dandubois3529]

Love the dial. Not a fan of the bracelet, standard H links would have been great. Might wanna look into the Marnaut Seascape 200, similar with inner bezel

[@quiterioalbertobaezbenitez5739]

Is it possible? I,m cuantic physic's tangled with 'Just One More Watch' ! Very gorgeous piece! Thank you! Saludos!!!

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

I want to see a video of you comparing the best aftermarket bracelets and straps. Oysters, jubilees, milanese, engineers, rally, i want to see the best that AliExpress can offer.

[@dude28405]

I like Phoibos I even like the model everybody hates for example the sentinel and the Great Wall so this is going to be on my list

[@renebense]

Jody, please, please adjust the camera position in front of the time grapher, so we can see the reading as well...! This is not the first time I noticed this. There must be at least 30 video's on your channel with this problem. I thought it would go away. I thought you must notice this as well, but nothing happens. So please move the camera a bit and we can watch the reading as well...thanks...!

[@twyx6928]

Hail Hydr... wait, wrong octopus.

[@mr22guy]

Just a bit too much going on. I'd remove any 2 of the following: Seamaster bracelet, ridged outer bezel, glossy inner bezel, RR track with Romans, Octopus

[@LymanPhillips]

Agreed. Way tool busy. And a little too shiny for my taste. A rare misstep from Phoibos.

[@petertwidle2711]

I agree...as if they threw every styling cue at the watch to see what would stick.

[@mathieut3197]

Yep. The "everything but the kitchen sink" just isn't working.

[@MrEmbangweni]

I think that the lip ski nautique automatique (available for 399 euros) comes close to the price category, and it has the looks that appeal to me, so I would be considering this as well with the couple you had mentioned. It has a Miyota 821A, not a NH 35, so that might put you off, but I like the look more somehow

[@jhcowatchinglifestyle]

Best Phoibos I have ever seen! Those five links (if they are individual components) might loosen over time? Maybe the tolerance was upped on the links so that they don't stretch too badly with time.

[@willardhooton920]

Bracelet feels great on wrist 👌

[@Chalky555]

Great video, as always. Phoibos Europe have 50 euro discount for a week or so (as of Oct 2021)

[@Chalky555]

Just realised the sale is for a re-issued sun burst dial! PY039E

[@aaronbiddulph1442]

Yup it’s a stunner for me! Would love one but can’t stop buying other watches that I’ve wanted a while an it’ll no doubt be sold out when I get to it. Great review👍🏻

[@nickhannaford3253]

Like the look of this one. 👍 Your right about the bracelet, a “Evil Octopus” on there would be cool.

[@jasonbrocious3805]

I agree with the hands and that’s why I sold my proteus. It took more than an immediate glance to know which hand was which and that, along with the sate porthole that let in the end parts of other date numbers, got annoying.

[@ozludo]

But Jody, what about the Amphibia 2415/070798? Best double-crown dive compressor under $200? I hope the Zebec Corsair gets funded, but the Eagle Ray is a good alternative if not. As for the hands - I think they would do better with broad sword hands for most of the ERs, but on the black & gilt watch they could get away with gold cathedral hands similar to one of the new Alpinests. Crank the steampunk vibe even higher.

[@leighjohnson9616]

The JOMW10 code isn’t working on Phobos Europe and won’t let me buy off the link Anything for us in Europe?

[@ovidiub7316]

A note of warning ... BEFORE buying All orders from Europe site will be shipped from UK (which is outside European Union now). So on top of anyway bigger prices, there will be more import taxes at destination. Just to be aware of this.

[@GinkgoJoe]

That hour hand! Ugh! If you're looking for more compressors, do check-out the Vostok Amfibia (with an f!) Scuba -- the white dial version is a beauty!

[@branguzzi1]

Another great review, mate. Might be time to add another to my Phoibos collection.

[@markbyrum4743]

Nice. If only Longines would shorten up it's lugs like this on the Classic Diver. Good vid. Keep at it!

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

Would be nice if the hour hand square would just reach the round indices, just a bit shorter, Proportions look good apart from that. Great video as always!

[@DavidV4444]

Phoibos watches are stunning!

[@mojochimera3265]

I’m surprised that you’ve never reviewed Yema’s watches. They’re absolutely gorgeous and great value for money. In house movement.

[@matthewhill3996]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ3Vaqqch5yke7c

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

He did...at least one...

[@ForeverUnknowing]

I really like this one! I'm not typically a fan of red dials, but this one is a winner. I'd have a hard time choosing between this one and the gilt one!

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Looks fantastic, the bracelet could have been better but at this price can we really complain?

[@Phil-S8]

The dial is gorgeous - if only they made a gold version with the green dial I agree about the hands, especially the hour hand. I don't like that it looks wider than the markers.

[@paddypower5965]

If you're from the EU, I wouldn't use Phoibos's European site. Use the international site. As the watches from the European site ship from the UK you'll still be paying VAT and customs just like from the international site. You'll also be able to use JOMW10 or whatever other discount code that you have. Basically a Reef Master will work out about €50 cheaper on the international site. I do love the Reef Master but I love a bargain more.

[@MuratIsgoren]

About the hands, shorter hour hand with tip barely touches hour indices and lolipop circle that doesn't overlap with 12/6/9 markers... That would be more clean IMHO.

[@darrensmith6999]

Love Phoibos Watches have a number of them and the are unbeatable have the Quartz Black n Guilt GMT Quartz lovely watch(: I love the octopus logo makes it stand out!

[@stevewoolmer2345]

Floral shorts.... what’s the review on those? Nice looking watch .. I have the Alkin model 2 compressor.

[@unknowntraveller8633]

A nice looking watch I like the Blood red on the dial and the size is a sensible size at 41 mm, just about wear one of those myself.

[@brianmsahin]

Thanks for the review!. This watch interests me. An unrelated question. Is that Iain Banks's Surface Detail on your bookshelf? Great writer. 👍 Your literary taste is as good as your horological!

[@the_willteller_2409]

Hey Jody! I love your videos. You should take a look at the speidel digital watch. Its a watch from a century old brand, good bracelet and stainless steel case for $25. It seems to be much better spec'd for the price compared to casios

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

No digitals though mate?

[@Miginath]

I would like to add a compressor to my collection. What about the Dan Henry?

[@infinitewatchoptions8240]

Dan Henry would be the real No.1 affordable compressor diver IMO. 👍

[@paulhart2021]

I really do like the inexpensive RLG compressor called the atlanticus.

[@infinitewatchoptions8240]

@@paulhart2021 Yes, the RLG looks great. They had some issues with the inner chapter ring I think though have been fixed now I believe. They come at a great price. Their blue Oceanfarer diver looks fantastic too.

[@mrjasonrowland]

The Dan Henry is really nice. You can’t go wrong there. My friend has one and it looks great. About the same price as this one with the discount codes. Very similar in size as well with the DH being a little taller and the Phoibos being a little larger by 1mm. Both have a little steampunk in them. I passed on the DH because the glass is mineral with a sapphire coating I have found scratches just as easily as mineral on my other DH watches. The Phoibos also comes with a very good bracelet. I have the red one as of yesterday. While not as good as a Seamaster bracelet, it’s darn close considering it comes on a $300 watch. Just as comfy as any of my other bracelets. Maybe a little dressy for my tastes though.

[@andrewd7586]

Damn you to watch oblivion Jody!😡🤣 I ordered mine just on 2 weeks ago in the same colour way too! But mine hasn’t arrived as yet. It was “supposed” to arrive here in central Victoria Thursday or Friday! And sadly as you’ll probably gather by my opening statement, I don’t have mine. Enjoy mate...seriously enjoy...🤬😈🤭

[@Laz_Arus]

Good choice of dial colour Jody. I have that colour in the Eagle Ray GMT. I disagree with you though that Phoibos should produce some more of the latter. Mine will retain more of its value if they are still scarce 😁