Lorier MerlinvsLongines CONQUEST HERITAGE CENTRAL POWER RESERVE

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 Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is widely praised for its beautiful, timeless, 1959-inspired dial and unique central power reserve indicator, with owners considering it a top dress watch in its price segment. Reviewers highlight its balanced layout and contemporary 38mm size, while some owners find the short lugs contribute to a comfortable wear. The watch features a modern 72-hour power reserve movement and is priced at $3,800. One reviewer notes the lugs are not curved enough, potentially creating a gap with the strap, though owners report the alligator strap softens with wear and some find the watch slightly chunky. A potential frustration for some owners is the power reserve indicator not always resetting to the same position when fully wound. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve highly for its handsome vintage aesthetic and unique power reserve complication at an appropriate price.