Blued steel and copper
The Safari from Lorier may have started as an idea to create a Rolex Explorer alternative that doesn't look like a homage. At least this was the origin of this model according to the narrative from TGV who helped design it.
I don't see it. I mean that the size and the general proportions of the case, the bezel and the lugs are in the same ballpark, but then so are many other watches that are without any pretentions to explore the great outside. It's a nice introduction to the Safari, the kind of a story you can share with friends over a drink and after a meal, and that's about it.
Which mean that the Safari is free to do its own things, like the blued hands. These are heat treated instead of chemically or painted and shift their color from a vivid metallic blue to dark black. It's very different from the blue hands on the Orient Bambino or the Seagull chrono, although it serves the same purpose of preventing rust - something which became unnecessary since the invention of stainless steel.
The dial with its painted 369 indices is probably the most direct reference to an Explorer, but it's sector design and cross hairs are specific to the Safari. The Safari was also offered with a white dial, but I bought the copper version because it gave it a more art-deco vibe and was also a nod toward the first copper alloy dials that later became known as salmon dials.
It's a very retro looking modern watch, which is exactly the type of watches that I like. The big negatives that it had were its limited availability and the terrible strap it came fitted with originally. I can't help with the first but the later was fixed with a much better MN strap from Erika's Originals with a matching orange strip and bronze hardware.
The size and shape, together with the strap, are what makes it such a nice watch to wear.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
I remember really liking this one when it was released. I dithered and missed the opportunity to buy one. The copper dial was the right choice. In these collaborations I always wonder how much is TGV and how much is Lorier. Lorier doesn't seem to have any problems coming up with vintage inspired ideas of their own.
lorier is really growing on me.. i need to see one irl before pulling the trigger on one
also your watch is awesome
Your watch is right up my straza and looks tremendous on that NATO. Great pairing!
Your watch is right up my straza and looks tremendous on that NATO. Great pairing!
Thank you. The strap is not a NATO but a much nicer MN from Erika's Originals.
lorier is really growing on me.. i need to see one irl before pulling the trigger on one
They are only sold online IIRC.
I remember really liking this one when it was released. I dithered and missed the opportunity to buy one. The copper dial was the right choice. In these collaborations I always wonder how much is TGV and how much is Lorier. Lorier doesn't seem to have any problems coming up with vintage inspired ideas of their own.
I can't understand why it was a limited run.