Islander Islander Hudson "Harpoon Diver" 40mm Watch with Degrading Black Dial #ISL-302vsLorier Merlin

Owners widely praise the Islander Hudson "Harpoon Diver" 40mm Watch with Degrading Black Dial #ISL-302 for its eye-catching degrading black dial and strong lume. Some owners note the bracelet's tight links and rough clasp edges as drawbacks, though one owner received a replacement bracelet that improved wearability. Opinions are split on the watch's design, with some finding it overdesigned and reminiscent of older Seiko mods, while others appreciate its originality and find it appealing, particularly at its discounted price. On balance, owners appreciate the Islander Hudson "Harpoon Diver" 40mm Watch with Degrading Black Dial #ISL-302 for its unique dial and value, despite some reservations about the bracelet finishing.

Owners widely praise the Lorier Merlin for its vintage-inspired 37mm case, heat-blued hands, raised numerals, and hesalite crystal. The watch is noted for its comfortable wear, with some finding it wears large despite its size and even thinner on a two-piece strap. Drilled lug holes and a locking bezel are also appreciated features. Accuracy varies, with one owner reporting +8 seconds per day, while others do not specify. Some owners find the dual-crown design unappealing or the case chunky, with the 37mm size feeling small for a dive bezel watch, though others find it perfect for smaller wrists. The supplied strap and its hardware are considered cheap by one owner, and the bezel action is described as light and hollow. A desire for a sapphire crystal option at the price point is mentioned by some, while others prefer the hesalite for its vintage look. On balance, owners and the community rate the Lorier Merlin highly for its authentic vintage aesthetic and comfortable wear.