Lorier MerlinvsCIGA Design GORILLA

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 CIGA Design GORILLA for its incredible wrist presence, unique skeletonized design with purple accents, and exceptional value under $400, with one owner highlighting its quality and scratch resistance from Gorilla glass. Reviewers note the watch's striking, Hublot-esque aesthetic and shock-resistant suspension system. However, legibility can be challenging, lume is weak, and the CD-01 movement gains approximately 17 seconds per day with a 40-hour power reserve. Community sentiment is divided, with some finding the design "hideous" while others enthusiastically recommend it as affordable, interesting, and cool. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the CIGA Design GORILLA highly for its bold, unconventional design and accessible price point.