Side by side

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsPhoibos Apollo

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

Vanguard Steel
Gruppo GammaVanguard Steel
MSRP $790
Apollo
PhoibosApollo
MSRP $460

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Vanguard Steel42mm
Apollo39mm
Power Reserve
Vanguard Steel42h
Apollo40h
Water Resistance
Vanguard Steel100m
Apollo200m
MSRP
Vanguard Steel$790
Apollo$460

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
42mm
39mm
Thickness
12.6mm
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
46mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Forged Carbon
Blue

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Miyota 9015
Power Reserve
42h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$790
$460

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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.

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel

The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is praised for its aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. However, some owners dislike the distorted sapphire crystal and the absence of minute markers, with one noting difficulty in replacing the crystal due to hand fitment. The watch features a Miyota 9039 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day, and is offered with two strap options. On balance, owners value the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive aged aesthetic and dial design, despite some reservations about the crystal.

From video reviewers

Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.

Phoibos Apollo

The Phoibos Apollo is widely praised for its unique design, outstanding lume, and lightweight titanium build, with owners highlighting its comfortable 41mm wearability and value powered by a Miyota 9015 movement. Some find the "rocket" hand design hinders quick time-telling, and the bracelet does not taper. A few owners consider its price point high relative to other titanium and bronze offerings. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Apollo highly for its distinctive aesthetic and excellent lume at the price.

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