Thinking about buying a dive watch from Lorier? Read this hands-on Lorier Neptune review before you decide.
In 2019, there is no shortage of microbrands offering their own rendition of a dive watch. Is this budget diver from Lorier worthy of your $400 dollars?
Let’s find out…
Lorier is a New York-based microbrand created by husband and wife duo Lorenzo and Lauren Ortega.
Their aim was to create affordable, vintage-inspired timepieces refined enough to be worn to a formal dinner and durable enough to be worn on your most rigorous adventures.
This review will focus on the second iteration of the Neptune which features a larger dial, thicker lume application, and a more pronounced plexiglass crystal.
Lorier Neptune Specs
Case: 316L stainless steel
Crystal: Superdome plexiglass
Case Diameter: 39mm
Case Thickness: 12mm (15.3mm including crystal)
Lug-to-lug: 48mm
Bracelet Width: 20mm tapering to 16mm at the clasp
Lume: Swiss Superluminova BGW9
Movement: Seiko NH35A
Water Resistance: 200m ~ 660ft
Price: $399
Case & Crystal
For someone with modestly sized wrists like myself (6.25”), case dimensions are very important when buying a watch.
They can make an otherwise perfectly designed watch a no-go in my book.
The Neptune features a simple, yet elegant case shape that measures 39mm in diameter and 48mm lug-to-lug. These dimensions may be perfect for those with smaller wrists, however, the overall thickness of 15.3mm may be a bit too thick for some.
I found the thickness to take some getting used to, but I appreciate that Lorier stuck to their vintage-inspired vision and used superdomed plexiglass.
The plexiglass on the Neptune offers a unique look that not even a domed sapphire crystal could achieve. Although prone to scratches, plexiglass is more impact resistant and looks great above all else. It really is something you have to see in person to truly admire.
The superdome distorts the dial beautifully and adds to the nautical feel of the diver, reminding me of a droplet of water.
Neptune features an almost entirely brushed case, with the exception of a polished chamfer separating the top of the case from the sides.
I really enjoy the visual interest and contrast this chamfer provides, especially when it catches reflections from the light. The brushing is uniform, and I found no visible imperfections.
The thin unidirectional bezel and aluminum insert also add to the vintage charm of the Neptune. It features a coin edge which looks great and offers a decent amount of grip.
Upon first receiving the Neptune I found the bezel extremely difficult to turn. After contacting Lorier directly, they advised the use of a soap and water bath to loosen it up. This seemed to help, however, I still found the bezel to require a decent amount of force to turn.
On the flip side, there is zero play once the bezel is set to the desired position.
Lorier Neptue Movement & Crown
The Neptune features the Seiko NH35A movement which is widely used by many microbrands. This automatic hand-winding and hacking Seiko movement is a workhorse and will be easily serviceable in the future.
I did not closely monitor the movement’s accuracy, but it is rated between -20 ~ +60 seconds per day. In real day to day usage, I found the movement to perform much better.
The crown is one of my favorite features of the Neptune. It is an oversized crown with no crown guards that pays homage to vintage Rolex Submariner “big crown” references.
After some time with the watch, I must say it is one of the easiest and most pleasurable crowns I’ve ever operated.
Unscrewing and pulling out the crown is a breeze which makes setting the time quick and easy. I really enjoy how smoothly the crown winds and screws into the case.
Dial & Hands
The dial of the Neptune is black and features thickly applied Superluminova indices. The numerals are represented by large dots, except for the 12, three, six, and nine positions which are triangles.
The Lorier logo at the 12 o’clock position, depth rating at the 6 o’clock position, and minute track are cleanly printed in a gilt tone. These characteristics combine to form a legible and well-balanced dial.
The hands are another highlight for me. They pay homage to vintage Omega Seamaster references as seen by the arrowhead hour hand.
Lume-filled and brushed, the handset keeps with the vintage theme of the watch. I really enjoy the way the brushing on the hands plays with the light. This makes them easily distinguishable against the black dial.
Lorier Neptune Bracelet
The Neptune comes fitted with a flat-link style bracelet that tapers from 20mm to 16mm. It feels very sturdy and high quality for a watch with the use of solid endlinks and screw pins.
The screw links made sizing the bracelet extremely easy, using the provided sizing tool. The engraved clasp utilizes a simple double push-button system and has two micro-adjustment holes.
I appreciate the uniform brushing and seamless transition from the case to the bracelet. Oftentimes, budget watches tend to use different brushing on the case and bracelet, so I was impressed with the uniform finishing of the Neptune.
A Few Gripes
Although there is a lot to like about the Neptune, no watch is perfect. I may be nitpicking, but I did have a few gripes.
Coming from wearing slimmer watches, the Neptune definitely felt thick and a bit heavy on my wrist.
I found myself constantly worrying about hitting it against a table or doorframe. However, I got used to the added heft fairly quickly.
The acrylic crystal, although fun to look at, scratches very easily. As someone who tries to keep my belongings in pristine condition, learning to live with plexiglass was a challenge.
I was constantly worrying about scratches until I discovered a little product called Polywatch. This was a total lifesaver and once I realized how easy it was to polish out scratches, I found myself worrying less and less.
I now quite enjoy the process of polishing the plexiglass, not unlike waxing my car or shining my favorite pair of boots.
Although Lorier produced an excellent bracelet for the Neptune, I wish there were more micro-adjustment holes. I found it difficult to find the perfect fit on my wrist, especially on warmer days when my wrist had expanded.
My Recommendation
You made it to the end of this Lorier Neptune review. What’s my conclusion?
I think Lorier hit a home run with their second generation Neptune. At just under $400 it feels like a bargain for the amount of watch you’re receiving. The Neptune offers a great balance of vintage aesthetic and modern specifications.
With the rising prices of the Seiko SKX line due to its discontinuation, the Lorier Neptune may be worth a look if you’re in the market for a unique, modestly-sized dive watch.
At this price point, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find another watch with this much character and value.
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