Oris Year of the Horse Limited EditionvsLorier Merlin

The Oris Year of the Horse Limited Edition is a 43mm dress watch powered by the in-house Calibre 113, offering a 10-day power reserve and an unconventional business calendar layout topped by a power reserve indicator marked with small horses. Reviewers praise the daring design and clever movement display, though the bold aesthetic and 43mm size make it a divisive piece — one reviewer found the overall look not to their personal taste. The watch retailed for $8,000. On balance, the Year of the Horse Limited Edition appeals to collectors who value distinctive design and horological innovation, but its commanding size and vibrant red dial limit its versatility.

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.