Garrick S2 Deadbeat SecondsvsVaer D4 Meridian Solar

The Garrick S2 Deadbeat Seconds is praised for its handcrafted dial and in-house DB-G06 movement featuring a deadbeat seconds complication. Reviewers note the movement is regulated to within +3 seconds per day and offers a 45-hour power reserve, with traditional decoration and a large balance bridge. The 42mm stainless steel case is 10mm thick and boasts 100m water resistance. A significant drawback is the substantial wait time, ranging from at least a year to 16 months, and the watch is priced at £19,000 before taxes, with only 10 produced annually. Overall, reviewers highlight the Garrick S2 Deadbeat Seconds as a highly personalized and handcrafted timepiece, with the long lead time being the primary consideration.

Owners widely praise the Vaer D4 Meridian Solar for its excellent value, citing features like the sapphire crystal with AR coating and its solar-powered quartz movement. The watch's great colorways, unique yet simple design, and gilt hands are frequently highlighted, contributing to its appeal as a sports or outdoors watch. However, the second-hand alignment is a common point of contention, with some owners finding it annoyingly imprecise for the $399 price point, a characteristic the brand states is within normal tolerances. The steel bracelet has also been described as disappointing with sharp edges, though alternative strap options can mitigate this. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Vaer D4 Meridian Solar highly for its impressive feature set and design at its price point, despite minor criticisms regarding second-hand alignment and the stock bracelet.