Micro Tournament Elite Eight: Lorier Vs. Monta

Rules: • Voting is based on the overall brand, not the individual model or sample photo. • There are no rules on how you should choose, but you are welcome to civilly debate quality, value, heritage, etc. • Voters are encouraged to look at the hashtags for threads on individual brands or visit their sites. • Poll closes apx 11PM ET 3/28. • Be respectful of all the brands and members, even if the vote does not go your way. This is meant to be lighthearted fun to raise awareness of 64 microbrands. •Ties will go to the brand with the most unique user-owned photos of their watch on this thread. Good luck and have fun! All posts and results will be tracked under #microtournament
1.61K votes ·
Reply
·

Check Out The Lineups Here:

Get daily updates and see the updated bracket here.

·

Two different watches, each cool for different reasons.

Image
·

Monta. They offer a remarkably finished watch for the price, upgraded movements, and the best bracket in the micro brand world. There is a reason as to why Monta is called the Rolex of micro brands.

·

Always heard great things about Monta and won’t be surprised if they win here but the Lorier Neptune has me swayed to vote Lorier. Fantastic watch from Lorier

·

I just think monta is a pretty steep price and maybe im biased cause i own a neptune 😂 but love loriers designs and prices!

·

Omg Monta is losing? 🤣

Image
·

Just look at this design. Circa mid century done right in my book.

Image
·
Image
Image
·

@solidyetti I summon thee to post thy Lorier pics and cast thy vote!

·
SpecKTator

Omg Monta is losing? 🤣

Image

Boo-urns!

·
seanjonas

I just think monta is a pretty steep price and maybe im biased cause i own a neptune 😂 but love loriers designs and prices!

I heard Monta sacrifices children on the alter of Rolex, and hates Apple Pie...

Clearly these are just allegations, but they are worth noting...

All allegations are false, I just hate Monta "styling*".

*discount Rolex, if Rolex was trying to be Omega at athe same time...

·

Even though this is waaay too early, and even with a steep price for a “micro” … I’m honestly surprised that Monta is behind.

This poll will be fun!

·
sam_kula

Even though this is waaay too early, and even with a steep price for a “micro” … I’m honestly surprised that Monta is behind.

This poll will be fun!

I think this would qualify as an upset.

·
SpecKTator

I think this would qualify as an upset.

I agree. I expected a close fight but was resigned that Monta would win. What a surprise!

·

So I own two Lorier's and one Monta. I love Lorier's design language and brand identity. But there is a reason Monta is so often referred to as the Rolex of microbrands. And if you don't like Rolex than disregard that statement and consider Monta the "insert favorite luxury brand" of microbrands. As much as I like my Lorier's....Monta is at another level. Yes, Monta is not an ultra affordable brand. But the level of refinement lives up to the reputation and is second to none in the price category they exist in the marketplace. Maybe it's time to start saying Rolex is the Monta of the traditional brands.

·
Image
Image
Image
·
AWiseProf
Image
Image
Image

Oh man! You were one of the lucky few to get the opaline version! My favorite looking non Rolex Pepsi of all time.

·

Check Lorier website. The word micro must describe their inventory levels which for most of what's on their site stands at ZERO.

And people complain about availabilities of SU, AnOrdain and Kurono - all brands which actually have interesting and more original designs and/or utilize unique materials.

I still stand by my statement. Lorier = Meh

·
comptech22

Lorier is run by a bunch of SELLOUTS!!! BECAUSE they always Sell Out!!! 🤣 ( ⬅️ 90s Metallica Reference Kids 🧐). I love what Lorier stands for, let me count the ways: 1) They are Ultra transparent! What other brand you know of, (even AliExpress) that list EXACTLY the models that influenced their creations (this is called respect and, dare I say, Class 🎩). 2) Get off your horse! 🐴 There's plenty of injustices in the world 🌍... Not Using Sapphire Glass ain't one of them - They EXPLICITLY said they were doing that ON purpose! So stock up on Polywatch and micro towels - And Keep it moving! 3) I hate having an older version of most things - But love that they version their watches (Looking at you future Neptune Version 5 ) 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ 4) Their designs are true to the classic languages set by the watches they take inspiration from. 💫 5) It's run by a ➡️Pro-Small Wrist⬅️ Power Couple ☢️⚡️(met at WindUp) This brings balance to the Force ☯️... And Balance to small wrists People Everywhere 🌐 6) YES... It's (whatever model) Sold Out! Translation: It's not sitting in some dank NYC orphanage of a warehouse 🏭waiting for you! They are happily adopted to a forever home quickly❣️ PLUS... It's New York City! Just closet space cost $500 a month... I mean bro... Stop 🛑 They probably only stock what fits under their bed 🛏 7) LASTLY... I don't own one 🤣, they only had one Special Edition Gemini Nero at their physical location @grandcentralwatch and I speed dialed my biz partner @adlukasiak to come get it. I tried them several times already, but stuck in the Neptune vs Hydra debate (Vintage Looks vs Utility). Ohhh... And about Monta... Longines called ☎️, they said something like "Monta needs to find another hobby" 👀... That $2k 💰 range is a dumpster 🔥 of competition... Not one Lorier lives in 🙏🏽... But glad Monta showed up and muscled in 💪🏼 like they've been around for 1000 years ⏱ #lorier #monta

Meh designs and materials. But you buy what you like.

·
GoingTopShelf

You completely missed my point, but OK. I wasn't talking about the margin involved or who does the labor or what component inputs make up the price of a watch. The fact is, my Monta is better finished and looks more premium than a Lorier (and I love Lorier). The bracelet is better, the finishing is better. It just looks and feels like a more premium product (which it is and should be at that price point). I'm willing to pay more for that. I couldn't care less if there is a higher margin in it for Monta. Good for them. All businesses have to be profitable, otherwise they cease to exist. I don't buy watches based on where they were made or what it takes to make them. I buy them for what the elicit in my emotional response.

Spot on!

·
AllTheWatches

Oh man! You were one of the lucky few to get the opaline version! My favorite looking non Rolex Pepsi of all time.

That version is the best looking Monta ever made, in my humble opinion. She’s pretty for sure.

·
chronografan

Just look at this design. Circa mid century done right in my book.

Image

Meh

·
barbecuejag

Check Lorier website. The word micro must describe their inventory levels which for most of what's on their site stands at ZERO.

And people complain about availabilities of SU, AnOrdain and Kurono - all brands which actually have interesting and more original designs and/or utilize unique materials.

I still stand by my statement. Lorier = Meh

I just don’t find the Monta designs that interesting. But maybe I’m missing something 🤷‍♂️

·
AWiseProf

That version is the best looking Monta ever made, in my humble opinion. She’s pretty for sure.

You are not wrong. I was hoping the new one would be similar, but sadly not. If you ever want to sell you have a buyer. :-)

·
AllTheWatches

You are not wrong. I was hoping the new one would be similar, but sadly not. If you ever want to sell you have a buyer. :-)

Yeah, the newest version of the Skyquest and Oceanking are great but not as attractive as the previous iterations in my view.

I don’t have sentimental value with the Skyquest so it’s possible I move on from it, but don’t hold your breath, haha.

·

I'm really surprised this isn't much closer. I had Monta winning it all. Congrats to Lorier!

Image
·
barbecuejag

Check Lorier website. The word micro must describe their inventory levels which for most of what's on their site stands at ZERO.

And people complain about availabilities of SU, AnOrdain and Kurono - all brands which actually have interesting and more original designs and/or utilize unique materials.

I still stand by my statement. Lorier = Meh

I will counter with, stock comes in about three-four times a year for the non special variants.

In fact they just had a refresh of the Zephyr, Neptune, Falcon, and the first run of Astra. And they sold out finally two weeks ago. I only know this cause for funsies I am tempted to buy a Zephyr, and when I checked it let me add to cart!

If peeps are ok w/K. Tokyo opening for a narrow window, or signing up for SU releases I see no difference.

I waited less than 6 months for my Falcon SIII, but I knew about when to expect it.

Far as design, as I like reading, Lorier had to specifically design their stuff around acrylic. For example using a steel tension ring like older Omegas.

Same hurdle Marathon had to overcome with using sapphire on their newest Navigators I'm guessing.

And I'll add interesting to you, materials, design, color. Others mileage vary as it were.

I will agree it is annoying you can't just go out and order one tho.

·

Poll closed for this matchup. Congratulations to Lorier!

·
barbecuejag

Meh designs and materials. But you buy what you like.

Of course... But hope you are not drowning in the hype... Last time I checked, Monta is $2k average priced watch... Lorier is between $500-$600 excluding special editions... They just ended up this way on the bracket, but they are both nowhere near compatible in offerings.

·

Just Took a Look into lorier, nice watches but no Saphire and no on tooless Micro adjustment on the clasp are just dealbreakers for me