Lorier MerlinvsZelos Spearfish 3

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 Zelos Spearfish 3 is widely praised for its exceptional finishing, with razor-sharp polish and flawless brushed transitions that owners feel exceed its price point. The 40mm case is noted for its wearability, and the La Joux-Perret G100 movement offers a 68-hour power reserve, with reported accuracy averaging +2.6 seconds per day. Reviewers highlight the exceptionally smooth bi-directional bezel and a tool-less micro-adjustment clasp described as best-in-class among microbrands. The sapphire sandwich construction and lumed bezel are also cited as desirable features. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Zelos Spearfish 3 highly for its outstanding finishing and value at its price point.