Lorier MerlinvsTudor Black Bay 54

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 Tudor Black Bay 54 is widely praised for its compact 37mm size and thin 11.2mm case, offering surprising wrist presence and comfortable wearability with a vintage aesthetic. Reviewers highlight its robust 200-meter water resistance, clean design, and modern features without compromise, powered by Tudor's MT5400 movement with a 70-hour power reserve. One reviewer noted a preference for true vintage or more modern Tudor offerings over time. On balance, reviewers rate the Tudor Black Bay 54 highly for its faithful vintage design and comfortable, modern dive watch experience.