2024's Best New 39mm Automatic Chronograph Under $1000 - Lorier Olympia Watch

If you love the "Paul Newman" Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Tag Heuer Carrera Skipper, motor racing, 60s Hollywood cinema and style icons, Tarantino movies, and have an under $1000 budget for something similar, then this is the review for you! Today we take a look at the latest offering from NYC based microbrand Lorier for 2024, with a hands-on Lorier Olympia watch review, including its positives and negatives, and the 1960s design and style icons from the cinematic and watch worlds that inspired it. In this video I also compare the new Lorier Olympia watch to some heavyweight chronograph classics, including the Tag Heuer Carrera Skipper, Universal Geneve Evil Nina Panda dial ref. 885103/02 and "Paul Newman" Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6241. In an oversaturated watch market, can Lorier still maintain their pole position as one of the best options for affordable vintage inspired watches? What do you think about the Lorier Olympia? Please share in the comments.
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[@stephenlloyd85]

You've lost my confidence with this one. This is a homage...taking credit of others journey. I'm guessing you're paid to plug it wrapped in your well put together story.

[@theurbangentry]

No payment received here, did you not watch my last video or this one? 😅 Feel free to email and ask Loirer. But I hear you, that is why I am glad I addressed your valid points in this video, enjoy the free content and thank you for watching. Best regards, TGV

[@StandAloneState]

Cry more

[@gssf.gr29]

Thing is about homages, there isn't a watch manufacturer out there that hasn't produced a homage or three. If it gives us the option of buying something from the past that we would never otherwise have been able to buy I don't see the problem. There are far worse things going on in the world.

[@paulgraham1465]

I’m reminded of 2 pertinent sayings here: ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’ and ‘there is nothing new under the sun’

[@tailsneon556]

Oof.. The pin of shame.

[@Tricky_Ricky44]

I love how you borrowed a $6K watch for a review of a $800 watch. Shows that enthusiasm is divorced from price tag. Great review as always! I had one of the earlier Lorier Gemini watches and Really enjoyed it. I was nervous about the seagull movement so I sold it on, but with the seiko chrono movement I feel this looks like a great watch. Cheers!

[@thebestoffools]

Lorier Olympia... for all the desk drivers out there. 🤩

[@theurbangentry]

👏👏👏 Well put. LOVE IT. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@grenphelps7455]

Christopher ward has just launched a watch for those guys 😅😅

[@pippers8349]

Just when you're like "no more watches for the year"

[@thebestoffools]

A good trick for not buying more watches for a very long time is putting your name on "the list" for a Rolex Daytona...

[@db9071]

lol almost buddy… almost

[@dannyfree1120]

There's a long way to go get my friend

[@dannyg6592]

I met Lauren and Lorenzo at a watch show at the beginning of this year. Lovely couple and I like their mid-century designs, which look and feel vintage. I was wearing my Dan Henry 1962 Panda (got it thanks to your brilliant review) when I met them. I'd urge folks to also look at the Dan Henry - while not an auto, it is a very nice chrono for only $280. Cheers!

[@twstrchasr]

Weren't L and L originally from Austin TX ?

[@a_commisso77]

I really like that Lorier has made an automatic chronograph under 1k but I just feel like it’s missing an identity. I wish they added something unique to it like the Astra, Hydra or the Rambler. Great review though TGV, you’re a straight shooter!

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Comparing this with a Paul Newman Daytona is like comparing a trike with a Porsche GT3 😂 Great edit as per though TGV. All the best.

[@mad4watches]

Looking as stunning as all other Loriers but damn that thing sits high!

[@brianpseto155]

Masterful editing and an amazing review of a beautiful watch with historical context included, nothing better for enjoying my morning coffee. Keep at it TGV

[@jameskeefe4797]

The watch looks pure class! Fits well on your wrist TGV. Lorier hit that sweet spot once again!

[@ChrisHennemeyer]

I like it, as I've liked most Loriers, but would urge folks to take a look at the Pitzmann III chrono. It's a work of art imho.

[@ExpeditedProductions]

Beautiful watch, fantastic review, TGV. Lorier always produce such elegant pieces. They truly do have a knack for exceptional vintage inspired art. Your review is spot on, and they should be pleased to see such a thorough and honest description of their hard work. I personally am a huge fan of the vintage inspired piece. The movement in this with the modification does scare me a bit, though. Thank you for such excellent work as always. Fantastic to see you doing well in NY again. Onward and upward. Be well, my friend!

[@Trapvision3D]

Considering your negatives for this watch, I'm left feeling that its worth owning. You're explanation of the NE88 and what it could cost given its nature, it's a plus for me!

[@watchpickle2k]

11.7 is a nice height for an off the shelf movement based chrono, but is still way out of proportion at 39mm case width, just look at the side profile. All such chronos suffer from this "problem". Sinn 356 also comes to mind. These should be 42mm to make sense. At the same time, I understand the desire to find a nice smaller chrono as the only 2 proportioned options are the Daytona and Zenith offerings from the turn of the century, and the latter is where I would put my money.

[@nathanwabre]

Quick correction about the thickness, 11.7mm is without the crystal. Total height including crystal is 13.8mm. Still very reasonable for an automatic chronograph

[@francescobarbaro7114]

@@nathanwabre right! There was no way this thing was 11.7 in total!!!! Actually, it looks fairly thick...

[@soapalot]

Hey TGV, Kill Bill (Vol. 1) was released in 2003, not 2014.

[@theloniousmonkiv5982]

I've been thinking about this one since they sent the email announcement this morning, thanks! 🙏🏾

[@kevincarpenter8194]

Likewise

[@twstrchasr]

Same 🤩

[@GuyVanderAa]

Stunning watch. Perhaps an hommage but I feel it has its own classic inspired style. At that price and with the excellent Seiko movement this is a real beauty and treat for a serious watch collector. And of course, the video and editing were superb as usual TGV. Thank you for this. 😎👌

[@creato938]

Oh, that watch is right up my alley, it's very 1960's and being a big motorsports fan myself it reminds me a lot of vintage Heuer models, it's very clean looking as well.

[@lindsayselby3647]

One of your favorite watches and mine . Seiko Flightmaster SNA411 . I own two of them , one brand new in the box and one I have been wearing for about 15 years , just replace the battery when needed , ever though I own other watches the 411 is my go to watch for every day use , I am a blue collar worker so the watch gets a beating , has never let me down only when the battery dies , about every 2 to 3 years . Thank you for your reviews .One of the things that effects me in my choice of watches these days , (I am 71) is my eye sight . I find watches with to much going on in the dial of no use to me as I can't read the sub dials .I believe this is a topic that is not addressed enough and most people in this aging group are in denial about how good their eye sight is .

[@dissident_mantis7]

That Navi looks great on you, I always assumed they were massive

[@HobbyOfHours]

Some of the best editing to date, epic intro. I dare say "Itch that scratch" is going to be a Gentry catch phrase. This Lorier is a beauty. Stands a bit proud with that dome but otherwise gorge. Best auto chrono under 1k: Pre-owned Oris Chronoris 7564 orange or Tutima 793. You have to hunt, but they do pop for less than 1k. A couple out there right now as I type. Cheers, D

[@1JGP1]

It's nice...I've had the Neptune, and an Astra - can't complain at all for the value in the Lorier brand. It's a tempting piece. BTW, great work with your editing - you've got a nack for this sort of stuff! I am still editing on my phone, lol.

[@cjmcaulay]

Got the email from Lorier today. So glad you had the first review on this!

[@Trapvision3D]

I am convinced that every watch company needs to include a upc featuring a TGV tutorial/introduction to the brand. You definitely need to be nominated for some type of award 👏

[@WparuSlowach]

Very nice looking watch, dimensions are great. However I spot some QC issues, applied indexes not always aligned with markers on the dial. I am pretty sure on daily basis is hard to spot, however on your macro shoots I noticed that. Packing is a change for better, I believe Furlan Marri used them as first brand in microbrand world. Thanks for another great video. 👌🏻 Ps. I just bought NOS Ebel watch from end of 90’s/beginning of 00’s with official 2 year warranty which is incredible. I would like to hear more about them, they were higher in luxury grade than Rolex in their peak time (80’s-90’s). Ebel become the first Swiss watchmaker to introduce the “western electric” precision and quality control standards. They created CTM which made significant contributions to enhancing the quality control criteria in COSC.

[@ManuB985]

This watch is a valid option in this price range! Stunning video like always! Did you ever see an Echo Neutra watch TGV? They are a solid Italian microbrand that makes really good watches with a unique design and a fair price, their last Rivanera was stunning!! For a gentlemen like you i think you really like it! Thankyou TGV. Always a pleasure your content. Best regards from Italy 😊

[@TheGrenadier97]

I'm surprised by the movement, thought it was some swiss caliber. Fantastic review & release, as usual for both.

[@14wntr]

Your editing is truly amazing! Nice work!!

[@eternalmemri]

Amazing shirt my good man. The torture scene inspired my second film I ever made🤣🤣🍻🔥

[@eternalmemri]

Also, love the shoutout to Once Upon a Time, my favorite film🍻

[@seanmcloughlin3075]

Would love you to get in the Nivada Grenchen chrono sport 38 mm to see your thoughts

[@ianaguiarsouza]

Saving every penny for this one (and for the Preventor), my head exploded when I recived the mailing from Lorier about this release. Specs to die for. Onwards and upwards, mate!

[@Keffin1]

Hey TGV, great video. Would love to see you get hands on with some of Christopher Ward's latest offerings next if you can. Thinking of purchasing one for my collection. Keep up the good work!

[@frankylennonlin]

Agree with you on the undersized pushers. They were the 1st thing I noticed when I saw the photos. Hopefully they'll make them bigger in the next version.

[@johnd-xd9sn]

TGV, i really like this - Lorier has some fantastic designs in their inventory. The scale and proportions are kind of perfect. Pure class as always . O&U

[@theurbangentry]

Grazie fratello! 😎🥂 See you next weekend. T.

[@johnjcs1982]

Love this, it reminds me of my panda dialled Speedy racing which was based on a Valjoux 7750 and l I traded it a few years ago. I regretted that decision, so this could scratch that itch again for me if they don’t all sell out within hours! 😢Thanks for the review TGV.

[@aydarN]

Blue and red touches make face really elegant and "alive" to me. Thanks for review!

[@patrickhartmann1540]

If automatic chrono is the criteria, I can’t think of any others that match this design, nuance and thickness for under $1K. Very impressive! Hope to see it in person at Wind Up NYC. Perhaps see TGV as well?

[@danielleavitt5411]

I'm happy to see the NE88 movement get some love. I seemed to be stuck in no-man's-land between the ST19 on the cheapest end and the 7753 for a "Swiss" chrono movement. Besides Straton and Hemel, few brands had the movement. Even Seiko seemed to shelve it for several years before tossing it in their current Speedtimer collection. I'm not sold on this watch. I always felt something is off with the Lorier dimensions. The lug angle? The wide flat links? the odd end link transition to the lugs? All their watches just seem a bit off to me. I would love to see this on a beads of rice bracelet. Maybe that would change my mind.

[@hezzy2813]

TGV.. I’m disagreeing with the master here ha however I think the pushers look great being smaller, with the lovely taper of the strap they work well together and balance the watch out nicely especially considering the height of the dial and glass. Savage editing as per loved the vid and the watch. 👍🏼

[@alvinmick218]

TGV, you are absolutely fearless. Yours is a master class on how to handle negative comments. You always do it with style and class. This Lorier offering tends to make me think somewhat of a Nivada Grenchen. I very much like the styling. An excellent presentation and critique as always! 🥃

[@handlehbt]

Your introductory video of the first couple of minutes nails the look of the watch 👌🏽

[@Stanjara]

I think it's absolutely fantastic! Probably my next chrono, love the size!

[@turbyoulance]

Outstanding . I saw a Glimpse of it on another review. It punches well well above it's rrp and is on a lot of bucket lists. Cheers.

[@nowthatsfunky7676]

Where Lorier went really right is, that I thought it was a brand that existed for long years and re-invented themselves

[@wescobts]

I love the look of it. Certainly the price makes it viable. I love the fact they use acrylic for the crystal, works well, ages great.

[@darren9445]

I had the first series of the Neptune which I got for a steal off eBay but then sold on a few years later to go towards my GS. Great little watch and the bracelet was very comfortable. Loved the dome crystal too but I just couldn't get behind the hardlex. That watch cemented sapphire for me. Another great honest review TGV. 👍

[@poulwinther]

I was too late on the V1 and found that the later versions with the bigger dial lost some of the vintage magic. I finally found a nice V1 online and love it. Maybe it was yours 😊

[@alvinmick218]

Wondering if you are able to see any of the Northern Lights there in NYC. I suspect there is possibly too much light pollution but they are really putting on a brilliant display here in Tacoma, Washington.

[@Bob_Smith19]

Too much light pollution. If it wasn’t for that he could see. They were visible in Northern Maryland.

[@rc7016]

Wish it had an exhibition case back. This is quite a great price for an automatic chrono. Hemel makes ones with a much inferior hand wind movement for about $100 bucks less

[@HAL-xy3om]

I really like most of their work, nice new watch!

[@Sebastian85]

Lorier's designs are getting better and better. Nice watch!

[@alexm2113]

Wow, that's a stunner of a watch! I've always admired Lorier, and it's nice to see they have a path forward chronograph-wise after the Seagull movements are going to be limited.

[@barrettwbenton]

("Itch that scratch." Yep, done that myself.) *Love* this Lorier, which comes as a surprise. For me, my Seiko 6139 fits the bill for a "classic" chronograph, but Lorier come more than close enough with the Olympia. Great review!

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Lee H Katzin's Lemans and John Frankenheimer's Grand Prix are the Best racing films 🎥 ever made. The realism they had will never be topped and Bullit 1968 is the best car chase sequence. Rip Steve McQueen and Bill Hickman who in McQueen's own words was the best stunt driver in Hollywood and in both Lemans and Grand Prix both James Garner and Steve McQueen both wore Heuer chronographs

[@josephgittos3787]

Wow an amazing watch at a great price , I for one do not mind plastic domed glass ( I own a speedmaster with the same ) had my speedy for 12 years and still looks new. I like the simplicity’s of this watch from the materials it uses , the clasp and even the box it comes in

[@boonie3]

Lovely watch. They got the proportions and spacing of the sub dials and markers just right. Was recently looking for a white chronograph and settled on the Orient Stretto (i know i know totally different styles, automatic vs solar quartz etc) but I thought it was quite nice for the price.

[@lordoflek]

I was planning on picking up a Lorier in the next month or two... thanks for making sure It's a touch harder by letting everyone know about them.

[@lickerishtuna6449]

Would love some content on lost watch brands. I’m sure there must be some interesting history on the rise, fall and incorporation of now non existing watch makers.

[@TimetoWatch706]

Wow! I love the look of that watch and a mechanical automatic! ❤❤❤

[@klausm5460]

Cool, a new TUG video, a new Lorier and a racing-themed chrono. Thank you for bamboozling us with our Speedy / Carrera/ Daytona ambitions...in a good way.

[@theurbangentry]

🙌🙌🙌 Thank you brother! Best regards as always, TGV

[@nathanwabre]

Quick correction about the thickness, 11.7mm is without the crystal. Total height including crystal is 13.8mm. Still very reasonable for an automatic chronograph

[@khronokraze]

Lovely. And, I think that's the thinnest auto chrono that uses the Seiko based column wheel chrono movement. It's a thick movement, so, amazing they got it sub 12mm thick... I might have to rewatch this video, but, is that including the crystal? Regardless, a nice new addition into the Lorier catalog of vintage inspire watches. Which leads me to another point.. I agree with your take at the end of the video about the trend of going vintage style getting "long in the tooth", as some say. It can work for some still, but, many start to feel "fine" and i'm left a bit 😐.

[@paulb9453]

Great video thanks, may I ask where your catalogue of watch design collaborations could be found, if you have one?

[@finenavaljewelry5798]

I hope the review of The Skipper is coming soon?

[@nikk351]

The side profile is the elephant in the room for me

[@Javi_C]

Looks very good, thanks for sharing this one TGV!

[@The_whit3_rav3n]

Nice episode! Good review!

[@8yozh8]

Thanks, and great work TGV! What happens to the hour hand at 9:28? Looks like a seconds hand movements somehow impacts it, have never seen this before. Curious as to how visible would this be under a regular view, without a loupe.

[@redalfa22]

Great review! I adore my Neptune and will be seriously considering one of these.

[@amankozha9778]

Heuer definitely sounds cooler for me personally than anything else;)! Have a great weekend, Signore Tristano;)!

[@davidh4838]

Great great Intro! Love IT!

[@dukes70]

TGV great video as always. Is your Navi 41 or 43?

[@theurbangentry]

41: here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXKupoumabCCepo Enjoy, thank you. Best regards, TGV

[@richardtwyning]

Good morning and happy Friday 🥂 I'll agree first with the case, it's a watch, so it doesn't need to be stored in a suitcase 😂 The large wooden case for my Seamaster takes up a bit too much room and there's not really any need for it. Regarding the acrylic crystal, I don't really mind that, but I think Marc has spoiled us with sapphire at a decent price. We must be close to the RM2 now. I'm waiting with antici- pation 😅

[@Paperfiasco]

I think this is the one. Been looking a mechanical chronograph with the right look at this range... thanks for the heads up, I went to Lorier's site as soon as I saw the vid. I'm guessing this is their answer to the recent issue with the Seagull movements.

[@thomascraig9879]

Thanks for the review. Always informative and entertaining. I personally like this new watch…if it’s half as well done as the other Loirer that I own, it’s sure to be a treat. Thanks again.

[@heiner71]

Did you measure the thickness of this watch? It appears pretty tall for 11.7mm. Perhaps that is without crystal?! I own a Speedy Reduced, which is 12mm tall and appears thinner than the Lorier.

[@8yozh8]

It is without the crystal, they say so on the website as well.

[@tomislavm2873]

@@8yozh8 crystal is practically half of the watch

[@hfuffvnjvnijd8989]

like it, its a weird bag of goodness, just bought a sinn 104 and i am in love again with Sinn, please more sinn content :D

[@matthewkabbash]

Nice use of shine on you crazy diamonds. I think. Always great production value. I will be in NYC in DEC looking forward to hitting 45-47th streets. Gonna be a long day walking those streets.

[@MarcTsawwassen]

Regarding your bracelet criticism. While it may not be a high end bracelet it's actually great. Excellent finish, excellent articulation and comfort. Highly recommend this bracelet even with the low number of micro-adjusts. My Hamilton PSR bracelet feels a bit more solid, but not by much.

[@chrisbradshaw7708]

Lorier makes the definition of a damn handsome watch. This is no exception.

[@lukasbo2642]

Graat video mate. Pleasure as always. Ghost date was a surprise for me in mi IWC Portugeeser 7750 pre-inhouse. I was literally shocked. Maybe stupid to admit but one of the reasons I sold it. Take care !

[@rafdominguez7627]

super video! love this brand a lot!!! thank you Does it look like zenith chronomaster? To me, much more than the heuer... what do you think?

[@WatchWiseUS]

Well, another to add to the list post-recovery, mate. Thanks again for everything.

[@jasonreeve5012]

A beautiful well priced watch and I love their divers too. Unfortunately I’m swinging my arms near metal a lot of the time so plexiglas is no good unfortunately. It’s a shame there’s not the option.

[@jacobpartin4553]

I feel like seiko could blow the microbrand market up with that movement, considering seagulls are going to be a bit harder to get

[@theurbangentry]

👏👏👏👏 Well said. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@shepleonard8695]

That Skipper though!

[@Nudel-nc1cp]

As you pointed out TGV the pushers are too small and (my personal opinion) it would look much better on a strap. I'ts kinda sad that not many brands use Seiko ne88 movement though :(

[@Zotrax1946]

I’m not a big fan of chronographs, yet this one is attractive to my eyes more than others, for some reason.. loved the opening, top notch cinematic editing 👌🏻. And about other comments here, I really don’t get the “homage” criticism.

[@sevionxx]

btw. the Venezianico Bucintoro which uses the same movement also has a thickness of 11.7mm without glass 😅

[@Hipnosis65]

I got Lorier's email about this today and was hoping I would see a review. Even better it's from TGV.

[@user-vv1qm5dj9c]

I’m a Lorier fan and own the Gemini Nero and Neptune. This watch is a knockout and the price point is great. However, because it uses essentially the same case and finish as many of their other models, I don’t think I would add the Olympia as a third.

[@theurbangentry]

A very fair point. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@cosmodoc]

in my humble opinion the design of my Gemini Nero is magical as well!

[@theurbangentry]

I have yet to see that one! Thank you the reminder. Best regards, TGV

[@arielargo]

Lorier is knocking it out of the park with this one! Great size, dimensions and at this price with NE88! The only option I can think of that can get near is the Pitzman 3! That's another great watch but now at $1500 with the same movement and thickness. I wish Lorier would've kept the date, but for the price, we can't complain that much. Beautiful watch!

[@georgesimper]

The Hyperion has been on my wish list for a while but this may take it's place. Shame I'm too skint to take the plunge 😄

[@matthewgooch6892]

TGV -great review and it's now put Lorier on my watch list (no pun intended). I have to dispute that Hanhart produce the best chronograph ever. My choice is that without a doubt the Zenith El Primero heads that list. I've had 2, the most recent is the Rainbow Flyback on my wrist now. It's simply unbeatable! Other opinions are available ...

[@jordansherer3388]

Honestly, I prefer the bridgehampton from islander with the st1901. Similar looks and quality with a beautiful movement. But this looks amazing as well!

[@yonder_owls]

Great brand to give airtime. Lorier is the only microbrand I've gone for. The Cosmic Blue Astra is much more a synthesized vintage design than their other homage outings. So much watch for the money. I don't shame homages. They're just not generally my thing.

[@weerobot]

Cool Racing Shots...

[@greggusan]

Overall very nice. Does it come in other colors ways though? I'm just not a fan of white dials. An off-white would be nice (but maybe too on the nose in terms of homaging the Daytona). And in the same way you find the plungers too small, I find the dub-dials just a wee bit too small as well. But otherwise excellently done, nice bracelet and like the choice of movement at this price.

[@Omega30t2RG]

Will be interesting to see how collectable these micro brand watches will be in the future?

[@theurbangentry]

That is a very interesting point indeed. Something perhaps for a whole video in itself, as I feel the answer is so complex. But ultimately, it boils down to each brand individually IMO. There are some really going places, others not so much. Thank you for this, it has my mind really wondering now too, especially after my video before this one. Best regards, TGV

[@Ian-dd5dm]

Hi, I really like this piece however i find once a watch goes over 13.5mm it becomes a door magnet. This is 11.7 but then the crystal is 2.1mm taking this to almost 14mm. For me this would be too tall, as you have been hands on with the watch do you consider this an issue.