It's no secret I was involved in designing the Phalanx Special Operations wristwatch from the beginning, so you could be forgiven for thinking, "How can this chap be objective about reviewing Gen. 2"? It's a reasonable observation, but despite owning two Gen. 1 models, an Intelligence and Blackout, I have never owned the Gen 2 Phalanx. When this fact came out in the office, it was suggested that I would be well-placed to review the newer model.
Phalanx Gen 2 - Credit Geckota
Two years ago, Geckota delved deep into the covert world of Special Forces. In my previous life, I used to train an SF unit, and despite my focus being firearms, I was always interested in what watches they chose to wear for operation and also what watches international colleagues deployed with. The mix was eclectic, but one model never satisfied all needs. Armed with this knowledge, Geckota's project objective was to make a tactical/adventure/survival watch that stood out amongst others, was operationally suitable and capable of transitioning to a first-class outdoor tool watch. The result was the Sierra Zero One Phalanx, which fulfilled all our design criteria and became a highly successful addition to the Geckota range.
Phalanx Gen 2 - Credit Geckota
The original design specifications set a high bar with a suppressed signature to the dial and case achieved by subdued finishes and non-reflective parts. The Phalanx was (and still is) powered by the battle-proven ETA 2824-2 movement, which has 25 jewels, shock protection, a power reserve of 38 hours and operates at 28,800 vph. We created a decimal time ring for easy calculations and an extra-long seconds hand to reach the regular minute track and the additional outer dial.
For the Blackout variant, black physical vapour deposition (PVD) hostile environment coating was applied to mirror the finish of modern military small arms. We opted for a low-key satin silver finish for the Intelligence model, which still fulfilled the brief. Both models were equipped with double anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. They were 300m water resistant with protective gaskets retaining essential water resistance even if the crown was left out. Vintage lume sword hands paid homage to some of the great British military watches of the past while differentiating green and blue luminescence allowed for accurate bezel and dial use at night. Gen 1 watches sold well and were thoroughly tested by a Special Forces Counter Terror force.
Phalanx Gen 2 - Credit Phalanx
Talking to an expert on navigation using a watch, he pointed out that even although we had good reason for only making the bezel pip lumed, if we replicated this feature across the entire bezel, the watch would be much more helpful for night navigation and, at a pinch, underwater navigation. We had been looking for an excuse to release a Gen. 2, so this was the perfect opportunity. The trigger was pulled, and Gen 2 was produced, with the only difference between Phalanx Gen. 1 and Gen. 2 being a new edition bezel. Constructed in steel with a matte black aluminium insert, it now had BGW9 Super Luminova numerals around its entire circumference, making the watch a complete package.
Phalanx Gen 2 - Credit Geckota
My mission, which I readily accepted, was to wear a Phalanx Gen. 2 for a week and report back.
So, let me get the obvious out of the way first. The Gen. 2 doesn't feel any different on your wrist to the Gen. 1. It still has superb proportions with a 42mm diameter and a lug-to-lug of 52.5mm with a distinct curve on the lugs, so it sits firmly on your wrist. Despite its 300m water resistance, the watch is only 13.9mm high, so it fits easily under clothing, which belays its strong technical capability. The crown at the 4 o'clock marker is well placed because no matter what you're doing, it doesn't dig into the back of your hand.
Of course, the Gen. 2 does differ with the bezel, and having worn a Gen. 1 for nearly two years, I found myself doing a double take each time I looked at the watch because it changes the look.
The matte finish of the new bezel gives the watch a more industrial, almost mechanical, look, which you do not get with the slightly glossy finish we had on the Gen. 1 bezel. That's not to say that the Gen. 1 is not still a great watch. However, I cannot deny the addition of the new bezel to the Gen. 2 is simply better. The aesthetics are improved, and the technical capability of the watch with the BGW 9 numerals is a noticeable enhancement.
The watch still comes with two high-quality straps. They are a Phalanx branded Padded Tropical Rubber MKII with a steel buckle and a Desert Sand Phalanx British Military Nylon. Our dispatch team matches buckles and metalwork depending on your case finish choice.
Phalanx Gen 2 - Credit Guest Author
I swapped the watch over from the default rubber to the military nylon for the first few days of my test week because they're my favourite strap option. I was hill-walking during this period, and one day the heavens opened. I and the watch were soaked but dedicated to the job. I pulled my phone out and quickly photographed the saturated watch. It's a fun image, yet this is nothing for a 300m dive watch. Still, it's always good to see your watch being abused by nature and surviving. For the rest of the test, I put the Phalanx back on the alternate Tropical Rubber strap, which is supremely comfortable and adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to a tactical watch.
Phalanx Gen 2 - Credit Guest Author
I have enjoyed my week restudying the Phalanx because it has been a long while since I've looked closely at it. I tend to strap mine on and get on with my day, so to pay close attention to the watch again has been an absolute pleasure. The Tactical Pack a new watch comes with still represents excellent value for money because you get the robust Peli style case, the watch with two straps and don't forget the bespoke credit card size Phalanx multi-tool. It is worth highlighting that this is the last model to be equipped with the venerable ETA 2824-2. When you consider Tudor, TAG Heuer and Breitling use this movement as a base in watches such as the Heritage Black Bay, Aquaracer and Superocean it gives you a good feel for the overall quality that you're getting with a Phalanx at a very affordable price.
The Phalanx is still one of the best tactical/outdoor watches on the market today. I look at that market regularly and see nothing that overwhelmingly beats it for quality and price. If you are in the market for a superb outdoor watch with authentic Special Operations aesthetics, then take time to look at the technical details of the Phalanx and secure a Gen. 2 before they sell out.
