Phoibos x Islander Kraken Limited Edition Review

A watch on my wishlist, that I wanted to share with you all, is the Phoibos x Islander Kraken Limited Edition. Unfortunately this has sold out, as it was a limited edition, only 100 made. But they have been known to crop up from time to time, on eBay and the likes.

The Hype:

Release the Kraken! No I'm not talking about what Liam Neeson says every time he unzips his flies. The Phoibos Kraken, that is. The Phoibos Kraken is a diver inspired by the mythological creature that lives beneath the waves. This bold new diver is actually a very wearable 40mm in diameter, with a thickness of just over 12mm. Inside is a Miyota 9015 movement that beats at a smooth 8 ticks per second. The date is shown at the 6:00 position. Which is where the date should be right? Additionally, the date window background is matched to the dial colour. The screw down crown (engraved with logo) ensures 200 meters of water resistance.

The silver-white dial is covered by a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, providing a very clear view. The black hands and indices are painted with copious amounts of Super-LumiNova BGW9, so it glows blue in the darkness. This is a white dial done right. Only with black surroundings and indices, and more white than silver can you call it a white dial in my opinion.

Surrounding the crystal is a 120 click unidirectional ratcheting bezel that is marked with an elapsed time scale. The bezel insert is DLC stainless steel, also with lume. However, we ALSO include a stainless steel insert, should you decide to change it up (the insert already has tape applied, just remove the existing insert and replace - I recommend a professional if you are not familiar with it).

The Kraken (are you still thinking of Liam Neeson? I am.) is secured to your wrist with a solid link bracelet that emulates the scaley skin of the Kraken. I love this pattern, it reminds me of the YEMA watches. The bracelet is installed with quick-release spring bars, so no tools are necessary to remove it. The links are all solid, and sized with screws. To get the perfect fit, the clasp is a tool-less micro-adjust (ratcheting) clasp. Completing the Kraken model is a deeply embossed caseback, featuring the great beast.

Watch out

According to Zaltek Reviews if you order this on FEDEX you will have to swallow an import fee for fast delivery from FEDEX which is £96. There are two options for delivery, one is snail mail for $15 (five weeks lead time) or FEDEX $71 in 3 days. That's not including the import fee.

SPECS:

●  Dimensions: Case – 40.1mm, Thickness – 11.7mm, Lug to Lug – 47.2mm, Lug Width – 20mm
●  Total Weight: 157g (bracelet sized up for my 63⁄4′′ wrist)
●  Movement: Miyota 9015 Automatic, 28,800vph, 24 Jewels, Hackable, Self Winding.
●  Dial: White Snow Ridge, Applied Hour Markers, Black Surrounds, Custom Hands, Date
●  Caseback: 316L Stainless Steel, Screw Down, Embossed Kraken Artwork
●  Crown: 6.5mm, Screw Down, Signed
●  Where to Buy: Long Island Watch