Lorier MerlinvsPagani Design PD-1692 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.

Owners widely regard the Pagani Design PD-1692 II as a robust GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) and beater watch, praising its clean dial and 40mm case size for comfortable wear on average wrists. The Miyota 8215 movement is considered acceptable and comparable to the NH35A, with owners reporting reliable mechanical performance over years of use, even in harsh conditions. Some owners appreciate the uncluttered dial and the absence of excessive text, while others find the chrome logo unappealing. The bracelet is noted to have screw links, though the clasp is described as sharp with limited micro-adjustment, and one owner reported a bracelet part breaking during adjustment. The lume is consistently flagged as weak, and the diver extension on the bracelet is difficult to adjust. Overall, owners rate the Pagani Design PD-1692 II highly for its durability and wearability at its price point.