Where do I begin?
Where do I begin with how excellent the Neptune Series II is? I came across Lorier on the Urban Gentry Youtube channel, and was immediately intrigued. After some further reading and deliberation, I pre-ordered the second series of the Neptune in all black as I just couldn't resist at $400. About 3 months later (absolutely worth the wait), I received the watch in the mail, and I couldn't be more impressed.
Let's begin with the dial and THAT acrylic crystal. I don't have any vintage pieces of my own and thus everything I own currently is some sort of mineral or sapphire; and yes I'm aware that scratches are a concern with acrylic, but I can honestly say that the distortion and light play that you get from various viewing angles is just mesmerizing! The dial is deliciously symmetric (this coming from a mathematician) and really strikes a balance between calling for rugged adventure and maintaining a sophisticated timeless elegance. The lume is perhaps the heaviest application I have ever seen (nice and puffy) and is blazing bright when charged!
Next, let's talk about the bracelet. This is the best bracelet I've ever owned when taking into account the value proposition. Screwed links, solid end links, one micro adjustment, fully articulating links, and a link geometry (flat faces and sharp exterior edges) that makes the bracelet play with the light similar to how an AP Royal Oak does. Sizing is an absolute dawdle with the included spring bar and screwdriver as well (though it may be the case that only pre-orders get these tools along with a nato with *period-correct* colors).
Finally, let's discuss the QC. All I can say is that it's superb. The dive bezel is perfectly aligned at 12 and has no play whatsoever. So far the NH-35A in my watch is operating at -3.5 seconds (yeah, that's COSC spec, no big deal, gotta love Seiko). The finishing on the case is sharp as can be at transitions between brushed and polished. The crown threads and hand-winds very smoothly. Also, given the huge thickness of the domed acrylic and the large amount of lensing that it produces, I'd imagine that perfect alignment of the crystal itself is probably a challenge, and sure enough, at a perpendicular viewing angle the dial edges are perfectly concentric with the bezel.
What more can you ask for at $400? I must tip my hat to Lauren and Lorenzo, they have made a life-long fan in me and I will be eagerly awaiting future releases (and perhaps grabbing another of their current offerings). If they release a GMT with the Neptune dial I'm fairly sure the cash will actually just leave my wallet on its own accord.
Bravo!
Date of experience: April 11, 2019