Lorier MerlinvsLongines CONQUEST

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 praise the Longines CONQUEST for its clean, versatile design, excellent build quality, and comfortable wearability, with many highlighting its exceptional value around $1700. Reviewers and owners consistently note the high-quality finishing and the buttery smooth hand-winding feel. Some owners report accuracy figures around -2s/day. Criticisms include a lack of micro-adjustment on the bracelet clasp, a date wheel that may not match the dial, and lume that could be improved, with one reviewer observing that only the black dial version appears to have lumed hands. One owner found the watch underwhelming in person. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Longines CONQUEST highly for its elegant, everyday sports watch appeal and solid finishing at its price point.