Lorier Olympia SIIvsSeiko 5 Sports SKX series

Owners widely praise the Lorier Olympia SII for its excellent value and vintage aesthetic, highlighting the robust Seiko NE88 movement and crisp chronograph pushers. The 39mm case is noted for wearing well, with its layered design effectively managing the 13.8mm thickness. Some owners prefer the hesalite crystal for its aesthetic, while others would like a sapphire option. The bracelet is described as functional but can be a hair nipper. Overall, owners rate the Lorier Olympia SII highly for its execution of a vintage chronograph at an accessible price point.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is widely praised for its value, robust build, and powerful lume, with owners appreciating its comfortable bracelets and improved movement featuring hacking and hand-winding. Some owners find the original SKX models heavy and bulky, while others praise their ruggedness and iconic dive watch design. Reviewers note the 38mm models offer great value at around €350 and are exemplary gateway watches, though their 100m water resistance without a screw-down crown makes them unsuitable for diving. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is seen as a decent watch, especially under £200, but lacks the tool watch capabilities of the original SKX, missing a screw-down crown, bezel pip, and ISO rating. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series well for its blend of value, improved movement, and tool-watch aesthetic, despite some missing dive certifications.