Lorier MerlinvsTissot Chrono XL Vintage

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 Tissot Chrono XL Vintage is widely appreciated for its retro pilot aesthetic, featuring altimeter-style numerals and a black, white, and bronze dial within a black steel case. Owners consistently praise its excellent lume for the price point. While the 45mm size is noted as substantial, some find it fits surprisingly well even under shirt cuffs, though it is generally considered more of a casual, t-shirt watch. On balance, owners value the Tissot Chrono XL Vintage for its distinctive vintage pilot design and strong lume at its price.