Lorier MerlinvsGrand Seiko SLGW003

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 Grand Seiko SLGW003 is praised for its comfortable, lightweight Brilliant Hard Titanium case, meticulous finishing, and a clean, modern dial. Reviewers highlight the new 9SA4 manual-wind movement, noting its attractive finishing, 80-hour power reserve, and accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day. It is considered a versatile dress watch blending vintage and future Grand Seiko spirit. The €11,700 price is noted as expensive, with some questioning its value. Overall, reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SLGW003 highly for its elegant design and impressive manual-wind movement at its flagship price point.