Review Score Review Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The Phorcydes PH-4B is a vintage inspired skin diver that combines retro styling with modern specifications. Its stand out feature is the lume delivered by the 3D lume blocks. Yes its a homage to the 1960’s Wolbrook Douglas Skindiver. But my god as this watch impressed me. A truly affordable diver coming in at less than £150. I ordered this watch based on the lume alone but the more i’ve worn it the more i’ve been impressed with it.
Pro’s & Cons
Pro’s
- Exceptional lume performance The 3D lume blocks on the hands indices are simply amazing.
- Strong Specs for the price point Sapphire Crystal, AR Coating, Ceramic Bezel, 200m Water resistance and automatic movement all for less than £150
- Impressive Retro Styling a somewhat busy dial that strangely works so well and is reminiscent of 60’s style military divers.
Cons
- The Bezel feels average on a watch where everything else feels value for money the bezel and action just feels OK.
- Crown Position The crown on the PH-4B is at the 9 o’clock position which may feel unfamiliar for some and it can sometimes be tricky to screw back down.
- Bezel Lume only the 12 o’clock marker on the bezel is lumed, personally i’d like to have seen the numbers or markers being lumed as well like on similar Phorcydes models.
Summary
The Phorcydes PH-4B is not only a lume monster, but its also a watch with solid specs, a great look for an absolute bargain price.
This is a value focused skin diver with class-leading lume and strong specifications. combining that with a Retro/Vintage look that just seems to work together nicely. The dial and 3D lume blocks might not be to some peoples tastes, or could be considered a novelty but for me it balances the watch nicely and makes it interesting. I came here for the Lume blocks but stayed for the watch.
If your looking for a good quality, good spec’d skindiver watch with its own personality and its awesome lume. This one will be hard to beat.
Specifications
| Movement | Automatic ST2130 |
| Case Diameter | 39mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.5mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Domed Sapphire Crystal with Anti Reflective Coating |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Bracelet | Rubber Strap (can be bought on leather, Nylon, or a stainless steel beads of rice style bracelet) |
| Lume | 3D Hyperglow Lume blocks on Indices, Hands. along with a lumed 12 o’clock bezel marker. Lume can be chosen in Green or Blue or a Mix of both. |
Design
The PH-4B successfully blends vintage retro skindiver aesthetics but presents then with a modern feel. The dial is the perfect paradox of looking Retro but feeling modern. I have to admit what drew me to this watch was the Lume and lume blocks. I wanted to see if they were truly as impressive as reviews had said they were, was it just a gimmick applied to an average looking watch? at the same time i was unsure if the 3D aspects would then make the dial look busy or weird, but it doesn’t the whole dial is interesting despite being mainly black and white. The Orange on the minute hand and second hand arrow tip give it a bit of character without looking out of place and the 3D lume blocks are not overbearing they look flat when looking at the watch face on, but then stand up and add depth when viewed from the side or at an angle.
the 39mm case ceramic bezel surround the dial nicely and compliment the look. It doesn’t feel like the watch is trying to anything to fancy but somehow it still stands out.
Then there’s the Lume itself its simply awesome. I went with the Blue green mix and it just brings the watch to life in the dark It like having 12 mini solar powered LEDs on wrist and. Its bright its legible and it lasts and lasts and lasts!
Performance
The PH-4B delivers strong everyday performance considering its affordable price point. Thanks to the automatic ST2130 movement its a reliable calibre movement offering smooth operation with hacking seconds and hand winding functionality. Personally i find the crown hard to screw back down on occasions but that might be due to the fact its at the 9 o’clock position and not the traditional 3 o’clock.
The movement has a 40 hour power reserve meaning the watch can be left off wrist overnight and still be running the next day. Combine the solid movement with 200m water resistance, sapphire crystal the PH-4B delivers a strong blend of everyday usability and can be the perfect daily wear. and exceptional lume give solid workhorse performance and highly durable watch that can tolerate daily wear. The watch is a great blend of practicality and durability and should be able to survive most of what you can throw at it. (Mines already tolerated a family trip the beach and a toddlers swimming lesson and passed both with flying (Green and Blue Lume filled) Colours.
On The Wrist
As this was a diver style watch I opted for the Rubber strap. I don’t usually like rubber straps but it felt most in tune with the watch and was also considerably cheaper than buying it on a bracelet. I was sure when it arrived that i would replace the strap to something more my style, a nice black canvas strap or Sailcloth one, but weirdly they didn’t work as well as the supplied rubber strap, which i actually have to say is so comfortable to wear on wrist.
It might feel bold and chucky with the corrugated style rubber lumps either side of the lugs but it just works and is so far the only strap i’ve found that suits the look of the watch.
Case size is my sweet spot at 39mm. The Crown is at the 9 o’clock and not the traditional 3 o’clock position but as a lefty, mean my watch is usually on my right wrist its not noticable and still feels light enough and comfortable enough on wrist. at nearly 13mm thick i’ve been told this is large for a skin diver but to me it doesn’t feel it make the watch look like its sitting tool.
The Sapphire crystal is slightly domed which helps at certain angles draw out the 3D nature of the lume blocks which i have spent far to much time looking at!
Overall the watch is very wearable and has a nice wrist presence without being over bearing and is as comfortable to wear on a day out to the beach as it wearing all day in the office.
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