Phoibos Eagle Ray Compressor

What is a Super Compressor ?

In the 60s, a new type of diving watch was born: the super compressor.

The principle of a compressor is that the pressure itself makes the watch increasingly waterproof as depth increases.

This new water-resistance system is ensured by a spring-mounted case back, which is compressed by pressure, making the watch increasingly water-resistant.

Another key feature of this kind of watch is the internal rotating bezel, which can be operated via a second crown at 2 o’clock.

Specifications

• Movement : NH35
• Diameter : 41 mm
• Height : 14,3 mm
• Lug width : 20 mm
• Lug to lug : 47mm
• Water Resistance : 200 m (20 ATM)

Case

The case of this Eagle Ray Compressor is made of 316L steel, 41mm in diameter, 47mm from lug to lug and 14.3mm thick.

On paper, the dimensions may seem large, but when worn, the watch is very well balanced. Indeed, the presence of two crowns makes the watch more symmetrical. The short lug-to-lug design also reduces the size of the watch on the wrist. All of which makes it thinner and less wide than at first glance.

The case is brushed for the most part, but a polished chamfer marks the transition between the top of the case and its sides.

The glass is double-dome sapphire with 3 layers of anti-reflective coating on the inside, giving a good impression of immersion in the dial.

Finally, the vertical fluted bezel (Oris type) seals the glass and closes the case.

On the back, the screw-down caseback is decorated with an octopus, the Phoibos brand emblem.

The two crowns at 2 and 4 o’clock, measuring 6mm in diameter, are both screwed on and stamped with the Phoibos octopus. Their contours are also hatched, making them much easier to handle with wet hands or even gloves.

Of course, this timepiece has the visual characteristics of a compressor, but without the spring-mounted caseback.

This technology is rarely used these days, in favor of a screw-down case back, which is simpler to install and just as effective.

Dial

The dial features a beautiful gradient from dark blue in the center to black on the edges of the bezel. The hours are indicated by round applied markers, except at 6 and 9 o’clock, where they are rectangular, and at 12 o’clock, where the marker consists in two rectangles.

At 3 o’clock is the date window. It is displayed on a white background, making it easy to read; however, a black background would have blended in better with the dial.

Between the index at 12 o’clock and the central pinion is the Phoibos brand logo (octopus), and at 6 o’clock the inscriptions “AUTOMATIC” (in red) and 200m.

Lastly, the minute track is grey and designed in railroad style, with the hours indicated by Roman numerals.

This minute track enables simple, precise time setting, although its color can make exact reading more complicated.

The hour and minute hands are silvered and paddle-shaped, like syringe hands but with straight ends. The seconds hand is lolipop-style, with the tip painted red to echo the writing on the dial at 6 o’clock.

These hands are a very good choice, as they offer excellent readability in the dark thanks to their large luminescent surface.

Bezel

Like every Compressor, the bezel is internal to the case and operated by the screw-down crown at 2 o’clock.

The bezel is black with circular hour and minute markers.

At 3, 6 and 9 o’clock are the numbers 15 30 and 45, and at 12 o’clock, a triangle.

The screw-down crown is particularly practical, as it allows the setting to be made only once, so that an accidental pressure or shock will not affect the dive time. This feature sets it apart from Compressor watches in this price range that don’t have screw-down crowns.

Lume

As for the luminescence, the Eagle Ray Compressor shines brightly. Composed of 15 layers of BGW9 blue Super-LumiNova, the watch is fully luminescent from the dial to the hands and all markers on the bezel.

The luminescence is very powerful and long-lasting, but a few more layers of Super-LumiNova would make it perfect. Indeed, some of the indexes are unevenly applied.

Movement

Powered by Seiko’s solid and reliable NH35, the eagle Ray compressor features a movement in keeping with both the price range and the type of watch.

Indeed, as diving can be quite rough on the movement, it is essential that it be robust and reliable.

The NH35 is quoted by the manufacturer as having a precision from -20 to +40 seconds/day. In practice, it is not uncommon to find an NH35 operating at -10/+10 seconds. In addition, it is not complicated to have it regulated by a watchmaker or yourself.

Bracelet

The supplied steel bracelet is 20mm wide at the case, tapering down to 18mm at the buckle. It is a seamaster-type bracelet with a milled clasp. The bracelet is mostly brushed, except for the polished ends of the links framing the central link.

The brushed buckle is stamped with the “PHOIBOS” logo and operated via 2 buttons; it also features 3 micro-adjustment settings.

All of the links are secured in place by screws, which makes sizing with a 1mm screwdriver quite simple and gives a feeling of higher quality.

The bracelet’s quality is very good and far superior to what’s offered by bigger brands in the same price range.

The strap is comfortable and pleasant to wear and gives a good impression of solidity. An on-the-fly diving extension would be an excellent upgrade, enabling the watch to be quickly adjusted before a dive, as well as for temperature changes during the day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Eagle Ray Compressor offers excellent value for money. The quality of the finishes and the attention to detail on the case and bracelet are excellent for the price range.

Additionally, the 20mm lug width enables you to swap out the metal bracelet for a variety of straps, such as NATO and Tropic for those hot summer days spent swimming!

A very good watch with an unusual style!