Review Phoibos Leviathan

 Phoibos Leviathan

Say hello to the Phoibos Leviathan. I received this in unworn condition as part of a trade. I was very intrigued as I have always had a spot in my heart for slightly oversized microbrand divers. And let me tell you, this is most definitely a slightly oversized microbrand diver. 

Build quality

The build quality of this watch seems decent. The case of the watch feels solid with sharp edges and nicely brushed surfaces. I would say that case finishing probably is on par with other watches I have owned in this price range. But let me tell you about the bezel. It offers what is probably the best action I have ever experienced in a watch. Really tight, with nice audible clicks and absolutely no backplay. It is far superior to the bezel action on my much more expensive Oris Aquis Hammerhead. I just wish the edge was scalloped all the way around, as this would greatly counteract fingers sliding instead of actually rotating the bezel. 

Lastly there are some minor imperfections on the dial. The marker at 12 is not symmetrical. Not a major flaw, but kind of annoying. Some of the other markers are very slightly out of their spot, but that is only visible under close inspection. 

6/10

  

Bracelet/strap

I received this watch on an aftermarket bracelet and the original rubber strap is not included. I have therefore decided to not include this in the final score.

Movement 

Inside the Phoibos Leviathan ticks the boring but trusted Seiko NH35. I have owned countless watches with this movement and they have all done exactly what they are supposed to. Making affordable watches run kind of on time, for not much money. This one is running at about -15 seconds a day. Well inside NH35 specs, but I would prefer it a little closer to 0. 

5/10

Design 

Many microbrands choose the easy way out. They pick a well-known design, make some minor changes not to be sued, then they sell it as their own. Phoibos have chosen a different route, and I really like that. Yes, they have not reinvented the wheel, but they have definitely not just stolen a Rolex design and put on a waffle-dial. 

I think the Leviathan looks good. You do need above average wrists to pull it off due to the diameter of 45mm and a lug to lug of a massive 54mm. The 15,5mm thickness doesn't help either. But if you can pull it off and you like the angular tool-watch look, I would say that Phoibos have made a very good looking piece. Should it be a bit smaller though? Maybe.

7/10

X-factor

The X-factor part of the review is where I can score a watch on the little things you just can't put your finger on. The feel, and the vibes the watch gives off. And yeah, NH35, black bezel, black dial, and a somewhat unknown brand. It doesn't bode too well when it comes to X-factor does it? 

Still, there is something about this thing that I really enjoy, perhaps it is the super cool octopus logo? Or the knowledge that this watch will  keep ticking for hours after I am crushed in a grinder or drowned 450 meters below the surface of the ocean? Not sure, but I like it.

7/10

Outro

All in all, this is a watch I can recommend. I have already saved a search for other Phoibos watches if one shows up for sale nearby and I will probably wear this one on a regular basis. 

Final score (max score is 40 this time, as I do not have the original rubber strap): 25/40

Thank you so much for reading through! Feel free to contact me on Instagram or here if you have any questions about this, or any other watch.

Lots of love - Gunnar (Watches_In_The_North)