Lorier MerlinvsDOXA SUB 200 II

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 DOXA SUB 200 II is praised for its comfortable wearability, with its 44mm case and shorter lug-to-lug making it wear smaller than its dimensions suggest, and its new fumé dials are a notable aesthetic feature. Reviewers and owners note the inclusion of a Sellita SW200-1 movement with a 38-hour power reserve, an area where some alternatives offer longer durations. The watch's Milanese bracelet is also highlighted as a potentially divisive feature, and the lack of on-the-fly clasp adjustment is a point of criticism. The DOXA SUB 200 II is priced at $1,690 on rubber. On balance, owners and reviewers acknowledge the DOXA SUB 200 II's comfortable wearability and attractive fumé dials, though some criticize its increased size and power reserve compared to alternatives.