Side by side

Phoibos NarwhalvsZelos Helica

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

Narwhal
PhoibosNarwhal
MSRP $509
Helica
ZelosHelica
MSRP $499

At a glance

9 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Narwhal38mm
Helica39mm
Power Reserve
Narwhal40h
Helica40h
Water Resistance
Narwhal200m
Helica100m
MSRP
Narwhal$509
Helica$499

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
38mm
39mm
Thickness
11.5mm
10.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
39mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
200m
100m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Malachite
39 - Wave MOP
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$509
$499

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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.

Phoibos Narwhal

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Narwhal's 38mm size and slim 11.5mm height for a 200m diver, noting it wears well on smaller wrists and its case shape resembles an integrated bracelet. The aventurine and Howlite dials are described as captivating, and some appreciate the contrast finishing and retro looks. However, some owners criticize misaligned markers and a tilted date window, with one owner finding the hands thick and popsicle-style. The value proposition is debated, with some finding it a good buy at $390 but others considering $480-$490 too much due to a slabby design and difficult-to-size bracelet. On balance, owners find the Phoibos Narwhal appealing for its design and wearability, though quality control and pricing are points of contention for some.

From video reviewers

The unique stone dial is a significant strength. The bracelet's refinement is a weakness. Reviewers disagree on the dial's appeal, with one highlighting its sunburst effect and applied indices, while another focuses on the natural stone variation.

Zelos Helica

Owners widely praise the Zelos Helica for its stunning, often color-shifting dials, with specific mentions of the MoP, slate grey, 'Steel Blue', and red opal variants being particularly captivating and artful. The 39mm case size is noted as fitting well on smaller wrists, and the overall build quality and finishing for the price are frequently highlighted as impressive, with one owner calling it "a lot of watch for the price." Some owners appreciate the novel bracelet designs and full lume dials, while others find the bracelet and clasp edges sharp or the clasp lacking on-the-fly adjustment. Opinions on the date window are mixed, with one owner disliking it. The Zelos Helica Moonphase was considered cluttered by one owner, and its $1K USD price point was felt to be steep by another, though popular variants sold out rapidly. Overall, owners rate the Zelos Helica highly for its striking dial designs and impressive value proposition.

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