Lorier HYDRA [UNBOXING] A Stand Out Microbrand Watch

In this upload, I give my first impressions of the New Lorier Hydra a watch and microbrand that I have followed closely on the channel. I maybe get a little over-excited in this upload so please excuse the word repetition. This was my genuine reaction to the watch!
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[@poppad1187]

Can’t wait for these bad boys to be back in stock this spring if all goes well, all three models are unique, sharp pieces designed perfectly for the smaller wrists. I am a bigger guy with smaller wrists and these things have some serious presence in them. Thanks for your review! .

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey thanks for watching. Yep, Im glad to see them doing so well!

[@herbmerced7780]

I think Patrick Marlette did an interview with couple who founded Lorier...lovely folks...lovely watch....

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes and I'm certainly hoping to get there here on the channel!

[@24hourstime]

Congratulations on the watch it looks fantastic. Great unboxing!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks, yes I’m loving it so far!

[@keith4948]

Thanks for uploading this so quickly! Looking forward to the full review.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Keith, yes I wanted to do the unboxing as soon as I got it so misses a few of the editing refinements but I will go all out on the full review!

[@22Phanatic]

Lovely piece! I’m going on the wait list for sure ! Nice 👍

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I'm certainly liking it so far, I will try and do a full review in the next few weeks!

[@drwindsurf]

This is a very nice watch Sam...congratulations on picking one up. Thank you for another excellent review :)

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Jeffrey, yes I was waiting for this for a while and so far been loving it! This year is going to be about quality over quantity I think with my collection.

[@drwindsurf]

@@CasualWatchReviews Me as well...I spent my whole watch budget on a PO gen1 - so no new watch purchases for me until the New Year.

[@shawnt5779]

Great unboxing, Sam! I sensed a lot of excitement from this video. Hope it wears well and I look forward to the review of this watch!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks shawn! Yes this was a quick video, I will try the watch out for a few weeks then set about the full review.

[@dobermansnp]

Beautiful piece!! Love it!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I'm liking it so far, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment

[@wessteel2238]

Nice looking watch, always enjoy when watches come with additional alternative bands.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes, I agree and that travel case is something I would actually use!

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

Very nice classic look that won’t go out of fashion.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Totally agree, I also like the Neptune one but for some reason lately, I have become obsessive about the date on a watch!

[@edf2953]

It looks like you got yourself a very nice looking watch. Nice video summarizing the features and function of the Lorien Hydra. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Ed glad you enjoyed it!

[@keitumetsemabuza9940]

Black version for me too, even though I am usually a sucker for a blue dial.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I had a real struggle deciding!

[@mrbacchus6127]

Almost bought a Lorier but thought it was a bit too close to my Oris 65. A true beauty you have there congrats

[@CasualWatchReviews]

The Oris sixty five is one of the few watches I have never seen in person although I do think they look really cool!

[@roamy3605]

Nice video Sam: Lorier is high on my list of watches to bring home. It's getting harder and harder to decide these days with all the micro brands out there. Great looking watch. I'm looking at their website again right now.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes, I agree there are a ton of microbrands and admittedly I hesitated with their first release but I heard good things and was glad I got on the second wave. I will let you know how I get on with when I do the full review.

[@riffswatch1559]

That's a really nice piece. I'm going to have to revisit their site. Great video

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Riff! Yep looks decent and love it so far!

[@ddillon1022]

It's nicely designed, but I'm not a fan of acrylic crystals. The best things I find with this particular watch are the screws for the bracelet instead of push pins and bracelet design.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes, the acrylic doesn't bother me to be honest but I know its not for everyone, thanks for commenting and watching!

[@TinBin-Craig]

brill watch i really like it... cheers

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Craig, getting used to it but I like it so far!

[@FJBF1998]

Thanks for the unboxing! I'm eagerly waiting for my black Neptune with gilt dial to arrive in the mail. I've been frantically/routinely checking Lorier's Instagram to see the people tagging Lorier on the pictures of their new watches and that's how I stumbled upon your video. Enjoy!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Oh great well welcome to the channel we are happy to have you!

[@PK-mx7nf]

Hail Hydra

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey PK, be careful saying that or you may summon the Invicta Captain America watch to come save the day invictastores.com/collections/marvel/invicta-marvel-limited-edition-captain-america-mens-quartz-51-mm-stainless-steel-case-blue-dial-model-26894

[@malu.k.9989]

Like the vintage look of Lorier. They get everything right except the thickness, presumably necessary to house the NH35. Would pay a premium for a thinner movement but the VAT element bangs the cost up significantly.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes I suppose your adding 20% whereas here Californa its 7%

[@donalehandr0s]

hi there, I am also from the UK. Did you pay VAT for the watch to ship to UK?

[@malu.k.9989]

Alex B yup 20%

[@donalehandr0s]

@@malu.k.9989 Oh wow

[@CasualWatchReviews]

@@donalehandr0s Yes sorry I can't be more help here, I live in California now

[@solidus1995]

Just got mine but no nato or spring bar tool was included. Pretty disappointed but nevertheless its gorgeous.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I wonder if that was a pre order thing from them the first time. The NATO was one of the standard black ones so your not missing much but still good to have.

[@stevenwymor1398]

Nice piece. If you slide the watch up or down the Zulu strap, and reposition it so the buckle is in the middle of the back of your wrist, the keeper will be hidden discretely and won’t tend to get caught on anything. That strap is considered more of the RAF style single pass NATO/Zulu with the fabric keeper. I prefer them to the double pass NATO because they’re nice and thin and don’t make the watch feel too tall on your wrist.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Steven. Yes I’m just personally not a fan of this style. But its great to see they include an extra strap. The metal band is that nice so I think I will leave it on that for the time being!

[@stevenwymor1398]

The Casual Watch Reviewer yep, it’s a great looking watch. After seeing your review, I immediately went to their website to look at their wares. Love that Neptune, but really don’t need anything new in the collection. Gotta thin the herd first.

[@AkiraTano]

Not going to lie I was thinking, " Oh great, another diver." But I have to admit that this is a stand out in the microbrand market. It's retro. It's a great size. And it's a bargain at 4 bills. I suppose now I have to go to their website and look around. Another great watch, Sam. Cheers

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks, Robert and thanks for watching over the last few years I think you must have been one of my first subs!

[@AkiraTano]

@@CasualWatchReviews ha! Yeah I believe that I'm definitely in the top 10. And it's been great to see how much the channel has grown. Keep up the excellent work. Cheers

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks! I really appreciate you sticking with me!

[@grahamlawton6250]

My Neptune was awesome and think I want one! However, still feel the need to save up and get that BB58.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Graham, I was saving for the BB58 for a long time. I saw one in person and was a bit underwhelmed personally and decided not to get it. It could have just been that I built it up in my head so much. I would have make an upload on it but I didn't take any photos in the AD. This was just my personal opinion of it.

[@jackbear5564]

I had a Neptune on order but cancelled when I got second thoughts about the wait time and the additional 20% vat for the UK. The money went to the BB58 which was the watch I really wanted. I picked up the BB58 just before Christmas and I think I made the right decision. Save up for the one you really want.

[@alexmartina6064]

Thank you for the review. Such a beautiful watch. I live in the UK and wanted to ask if you had to pay any extra fees on top of delivery charges like tax or anything?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Alex, I’m not sure actually. You could contact Lorier. Despite my accent I live in the US so it shipped direct to me from New York

[@alexmartina6064]

Thank you very much. I'm sorry, I thought you lived in UK because of your accent :)@@CasualWatchReviews

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Hi, Sam. Congrats on the Hydra. Question for you. In the video, it appears that the bezel indicators at 12 and 6 are not directly aligned across each other. So, when you align one indicator with 12, the opposite indicator doesn’t line up with 6, and vice versa. Am I seeing things?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hmmm I didn’t notice that. Let me check and update this comment.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

The Casual Watch Reviewer It could just be an optical illusion. For reference, check out 4:19 and 6:39 on this video.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I see it on the upload for sure, I don't have the watch currently (explanation in full review) but as soon as I get it back I will let you know. TGV of the urban gentry also made an upload on this watch with some more shots than mine

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

The Casual Watch Reviewer Thanks. I’m now leaning more towards optical illusion caused by the domed crystal. On TGV’s video, between 7:56 and 9:00, he holds the watch at various angles. At the beginning it looks misaligned, but towards the end it looks just right.

[@joninawhitecoat]

Are you based in the UK? If so, did you have to pay import duty to get the watch? How does that work? Do you pay for the watch and then get sent an invoice for the duty afterwards or is it included in the initial fee?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Jon, sorry I can't be a lot of help here I live in California now (from Manchester originally)

[@tennistron588]

Will cost you about £410 with VAT and Fed Ex fees . Takes about 2 working days from NY to UK which is insane!

[@bradandkarlathiessen9036]

Looks like a modded Vostok, especially the domed crystal.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey, thats an interesting comparison, I maybe see what your saying with the very high domed acrylic but other than that I don't see much of a resemblance? The Vostok is a completely different case design and has distinctive hands.

[@AM2PMReviews]

It looks pretty thick. Maybe if it was 3 mm slimmer it would be perfect.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes someone else mentioned this but its not something I noticed wearing the watch personally, but with the domed crystal it not the thinnest watch in my collection for sure.

[@True-os6tg]

It's got ab nh35 movement hasn't it?Nothing wrong with that but usually seen in $l00 to $300 watches so seems a bit expensive or under spec tbh .Nice tho and really like the second hand too .

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi, I see your point although I don't necessarily agree.The NH35 movement is in a whole host of brands across the sub $500 spectrum. You can get this movement in a $80 invicta if you look hard enough. But the movement is not the whole story, if it was then no one would bother with the Seiko SKX. The case finishing here and the attention to detail adds to the value here in my opinion. Also this is a microbrand, their costs of producing a watch are exponentially higher than say invicta would be or even Seiko. I was extremely annoyed last year when I bought an $800 seiko with a movement no better than this one and it failed. Check my feed out for those PADI videos. So annoyed I have not given another seiko automatic a second look since. I'm sure I will. But I will be doing a full review of this watch and will discuss the value I'm sure in that one!

[@True-os6tg]

@@CasualWatchReviews If you love the watch it doesnt matter at least its a lot better than what they put in skx but personally I;d feel I was paying too much .

[@davidhill2004]

How easy was it to remove the amount of links?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

It was really easy actually. They include the screwdriver I think, unless that was a pre order bonus

[@keitumetsemabuza9940]

Damn, quite long order to delivery. Very nice watch though

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes I had it preordered for maybe 4 months but worth the wait so far!

[@tods.9947]

It is a very nice piece Sam! But is it better than the slightly less expensive Borealis Sea Storm??? Hmmmmm.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

This may call for a faceoff!

[@tods.9947]

The Casual Watch Reviewer , just let me know when you’re ready to go!

[@johnstrachan2726]

Looks better on the nato. imo.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey John, Yes I will probably wear it on a nato to save scratching up the metal, but another one not the one that came with it.

[@rogeriusrex1]

I'm so torn between their three offerings. They're just simple and beautiful. But the OKEAN is also calling me...

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I was the same, I really was torn between this black and the blue!

[@TheBadGuy1974]

The indecies are too long, don't like the white seconds hand and even though the bezel insert is lumed always need a lume pip imho.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

So what you're saying is.... you like the case?

[@TheBadGuy1974]

God don't be that picky Sam, leave that to me! :-p

[@neoLover23]

If someone gifted you $10k usd and said “only on watches” what would you buy ?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Neo, Honestly I would jump all over a second hand Omega Aqua Terra 15,000 gauss. That would leave me with about 6k. and not including the watches I already have I may go for a per owned jaeger lecoultre polaris date or try and find a birth year speedmaster or Rolex submariner

[@spencerlush3056]

Drilled lugs, phat bracelet, Seiko movement.... Acrylic crystal?? Wtf Does Lorier make a watch with mineral or sapphire? As soon as I hear acrylic, it’s immediately off my radar. Might as well buy a Nixon if you’re cool with a cheap plastic crystal

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Spencer, Honestly it doenst personally bother me the acrylic, I was used to it on my Speedmaster for so long. Its in keeping with the vintage asthetic. Would I have prefered a sapphire if it was an option, yes most likely.

[@spencerlush3056]

The Casual Watch Reviewer fair enough, good Sir. I’m just no fan of such tendencies to scratch. Although, easy scratch usually means easy polish. Hmmmm

[@carlmanu]

I love the watch but at $400 usd and a waiting list, I feel the plexiglass is absolutely unacceptable. The ONLY watch I have ever considered with a plexiglass is the speedy, for obvious reasons.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey, thanks for sharing your view on this. Honestly the plexi doesn't bother me, its on my speedmaster, you watch I have owned the longest so I know its quirks!

[@costasmandylor1565]

For $400 that's a no brainer!! Gorgeous piece! 👌🏻

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes, I'm certainly loving it for sure! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@bjornegan6421]

The pricing on this thing is criminal.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

You thinks its too much or they are not charging enough? They sell them in minuets on release. I think their last Chrono sold out in a few hours. The level of finishing on the bracelets would rival any similar watch in that price range. They have done an excellent job of the case also. I would prefer a sapphire on it to be totally honest

[@bjornegan6421]

@@CasualWatchReviews i think they're very overpriced. they look like they have excellent finishing and good design choices, but over $400 for an nh35 and plexiglass... those two components cost the maker less than $40 if they're getting ripped off. perhaps it is just a $50 watch on a $350 bracelet.. it's a shame they sell so well, people in the 'watch community' really have no idea what goes into making watches, it's just a big jewelry and pride addiction.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I agree people don’t know what goes in to watch making so that why I think these are worth their money. The Speedmaster has a plexiglass crystal. Also seiko themselves charge a lot more for watches with the NH35 in them or the 4r35 they call it. The Sumo for example. Lorier don’t have anywhere near the economies of scale Seiko do. I think its to be commended the price is only $400. They have to cover their cost, returns and prototypes of new watches. And they do release new designs as the brand evolves. You could argue any watch is not worth its price if your just looking at its parts.

[@David-nk7pv]

Are you getting paid to do this review?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey, absolutely not, I bought this with my own money and have no relationship with Lorier. I never take money for reviews, if I get sent a watch for review (that I get to keep) its made very clear in the upload. In fact most of these get given back to you... the viewers. This is not one of those uploads, I bought this with my own money, full price no discounts or prior arrangement with Lorier. Its a good question to ask because at least one other channel is not being totally transparent about this.

[@northstar9723]

Zaphire? Eta movement? 400$? Come on!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey, thanks for commenting. I don't follow you think its needs a sapphire and ETA movement?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great video and beautiful time piece!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks, mate, I will work on a full review in a few weeks!