Lorier MerlinvsLinde Werdelin Oktopus Deep Sea

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.

The Linde Werdelin Oktopus Deep Sea is lauded for its unique Alloy Linde Werdelin (ALW) case, offering superior strength and lightness, and its exceptional, multi-colored lume developed with Black Badger, which transforms the dial into a vibrant display in low light. Reviewers highlight the watch's comfortable 44mm lugless design and its architecturally striking, multi-layered dial. A minor criticism notes that the big date display is not lumed. Overall, reviewers praise the Linde Werdelin Oktopus Deep Sea for its innovative materials and visually engaging lume application.