Side by side

CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue WatchvsPhoibos Wave Master

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

Wave Master
PhoibosWave Master
MSRP $309
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch

Owners widely praise the CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch for its bombproof, no-nonsense, toolish design and military connection, with the PVD finish being a liked feature. Reviewers highlight its highly legible, classic dial and durable, tool-like PVD-coated case that shows remarkable resilience. The Ronda 517 quartz movement is appreciated for grab-and-go reliability and good seconds hand accuracy, with one owner noting it aligns closely with indices. The 45mm case size and fixed spring bars are seen by some as positive for NATO strap wear. Some owners find the £700 price steep for a quartz watch, comparing it unfavorably to similarly specified alternatives. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch highly for its rugged military aesthetics and reliable tool-watch functionality at its price point.

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.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch45mm
Wave Master42mm
Power Reserve
1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch40h
Wave Master40h
Water Resistance
1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch300m
Wave Master300m
MSRP
1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch$1,142
Wave Master$309

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
45mm
42mm
Thickness
12mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
48.5mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Black
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Ronda 517
SII NH35A
Type
Quartz
Automatic

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$309
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