Lorier MerlinvsOrient Bambino Version 2 Small Seconds

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.

Owners widely praise the Orient Bambino Version 2 Small Seconds as a top budget dress watch, highlighting its vintage aesthetic and upgraded in-house F6222 automatic movement which offers hacking and hand-winding. Reviewers note the case finishing, including brushed sides and a signed crown, contributes to a premium feel for its price point. Some owners find the 40mm case with its 45-46mm lug-to-lug measurement potentially too large for smaller wrists. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Orient Bambino Version 2 Small Seconds highly for its vintage design and upgraded movement at an accessible price.