It must have been a few years ago now… At a watch meetup, I saw a GMT watch that left a powerful impression on me. Its unique blend of classic elegance and industrial simplicity was so striking that I remember thinking in awe, “This is exactly what they mean by ‘something you’d expect to see, but don’t’!!” (*´ω｀*)
The “strong impression” left by the Lorca Watches “MODEL No. 1 GMT,” which I’d only seen once at a meetup
I believe that was the “Reverso-Only Meetup.” A “dress watch extravaganza” filled to the brim with classic models… I wrote about the time I boldly showed up there wearing my “eccentric Reverso Squadra” in this article (；´∀｀)
Actually, among the watches that the person I was with showed me at that time, there was one that, in a sense, left a deeper impression on me than the Reverso.
That’s Lorca’s “MODEL No. 1 GMT.” At first, I wasn’t entirely sure why this watch had made such a strong impression on me. To put it bluntly, it’s simply cool. But that alone feels like it doesn’t quite capture it.
I don’t remember what triggered it… but one day, out of the blue, something that seemed like the answer popped into my head.In short, the Lorca “MODEL No. 1 GMT” I saw was a watch told through a “unique grammar” devised to translate the aesthetic sensibilities of the classics into modern terms. That was the true nature of the “mysterious charm where the old and the new coexist” that I felt at first glance.
There’s no end to “neo-vintage” releases that reinterpret old archives in some way, but I don’t think a watch with such integrity as the Lorca would ever have been created if the designers had simply pandered to the trends of the moment.The reason the Lorca “MODEL No. 1 GMT” appears to have such a robust backbone is likely because it is the result of “giving shape to our own path,” without any regard for pandering to sales considerations.
I’ve always wanted the “MODEL No. 1 GMT,” but…
The slightly elongated hour markers, the cute, retro numerals engraved on the solid steel GMT bezel. The square tip of the GMT hand, the date window with its trapezoidal shape cut out in a modern radial pattern… Honestly, the design of the “MODEL No. 1 GMT” was “perfect” to me.The somewhat rustic finishing touch of the bracelet was also right up my alley, and to be honest, I think it would have been harder to find a reason not to buy it.
In reality, I passed up a few opportunities because it was “just a matter of timing.” The simple truth is, I’d already decided to spend my money on other watches. After all, you can’t spend money you don’t have.
As some time passed, my enthusiasm for the “Lorca” began to fade. With production numbers so limited that you can count them on one hand, it’s perhaps just the nature of microbrands that once you miss an opportunity, it takes a long time to come across one again.
And so, just as I had nearly lost the memories I had longed for and was spending my days at the mercy of other watches, I suddenly realized that I could now “see a Lorca in person and place an order.” “H°M’S” WatchStore,” with whom I had been persistently negotiating for some time, had finally managed to secure the right to sell Lorca watches.
“You said you wanted this, didn’t you?? Here you go,” Lorca was told as it was thrust in front of him. So, I got to see the actual item for the first time in a while, but… Huh?? Something seems off. Right now, I’m actually more into the “chronograph”?? (lol)
In the end, I decided to “buy the ‘MODEL No. 2’ chronograph with my points.”
“GMT” or “chronograph”… As I agonized over this ultimate choice, a few “watch devils” whispered to me, “Just buy both!!”—but the more they said that, the more my dilemma deepened (sweat).
Financially speaking, I can only afford one. In situations like that, I usually end up choosing the “more expensive” option. Even though I don’t have any money, I tell myself, “Since I’m here anyway!!” and deliberately go for the option that’ll hit my wallet the hardest—just to test my own limits.
So, in the end, I ended up buying the “MODEL No. 2” chronograph.Purchased…?? Well, I suppose you could call it a purchase, but I didn’t pay with cash—I used “points” I’d saved up over time. There’s no doubt I’d been splurging on all sorts of things to accumulate enough points to cover the full “495,000 yen.”
I made the purchase while a few people I knew were watching, but rather than hearing comments like, “I’m so jealous you got to buy with points!!,” I think there were more reactions along the lines of, “I’m speechless!!” Indeed, when you consider how much I paid just to earn that many points… ((((；ﾟДﾟ))))
Lorca “MODEL No. 2”: Three dials—which one will you choose in the end??
I really struggled with this… the “dial color dilemma.” To be honest, I couldn’t make up my mind for over a year. By the way, there are three types of dials for “MODEL No. 2”… and the problem was that I actually liked all of them. What on earth was I supposed to do?? (；´∀｀)
That said, I’m actually a huge fan of silver dials to begin with. I’ve gone into great detail about that in this article.
So, when it came to the Lorca, my main preference was “Silver.” However, the “Satin Black (8501-1)” that was offered as an alternative… that was great, too!! It embodies the Lorca aesthetic—that “deliberately flimsy black” look you sometimes see in dress watches.
This “distinctive black dial”—which differs in character from the “deep black designed for high contrast” often seen in tool wristwatches—seemed to me like a message to discerning wristwatch enthusiasts. Founder Jesse Merchant’s deep understanding of practical timepieces is evident in this aspect as well.
The remaining model, the “Golden Gray Sunray Silver Sub-Dial (8501-3),” is a “reverse panda” with a deep gray base that hints at a subtle tint. This one is just so clever!!
The model that best showcases the concentric sub-dials is undoubtedly the “Golden Gray Sunray Silver Sub-Dial.” That’s right. No matter which dial you choose, every single one is the “right choice.” In fact, while I was trying to make up my mind, I agonized over it so much that my stomach actually hurt a few times (；´Д｀)
So, despite being plagued by stomach pain, I agonized over it for a while and finally decided to buy the “Silver Sunray (8501-2)” (using my points). It might not be all that exciting. There’s also an element of playing it safe and “going with the sure thing.”
That said, even I don’t exactly say, “Anything silver is welcome.” What I prefer most is “silver sunray, which creates a subtle shift in intensity that glints depending on the angle.” There’s no dial in this world that speaks to my tastes and preferences more than that.You could say that choosing the incredibly cool silver sunray finish for “MODEL No. 2” was an act of “staying true to my instincts.”
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Lorca “MODEL No. 2 Silver Sunray” Unboxing Ceremony
Even after buying numerous watches and unboxing them countless times, the thrill of opening a new one always feels fresh. This is especially true when it’s a brand I’m trying for the first time, like this one. While the excitement tends to fade with brands I’m used to buying from, with a brand I’m experiencing for the first time, even the box itself feels precious (lol).
Hmm… This is just too good!! I’m so glad I bought it!! (Even though I used points.)
My eyes are drawn to the distinctive “bezel” of MODEL No. 2
It feels like the Rolca version of the “engine-turned bezel” found on older models of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual and Air-King (it might be similar to what’s called “finely”).
The popularity of engine-turned bezels is surprisingly enduring; I actually know a few people who are big fans—they’ll say things like, “I prefer engine-turned over fluted!” It’s less about being “beautiful” and more about having a certain indescribable “charm,” you know?
That’s why the engine-turned finish on the Lorca “MODEL No. 2” has a similar “charm.” I felt that this bezel alone was “almost worth every point I spent.” When I stare at it intently, I feel as if I’m about to be drawn right in… I sense that kind of “enchanting allure” from this bezel.
If the purpose were simply to carve a series of grooves as a decorative element intended solely to enhance the aesthetic appeal, it might not be such a tedious task using modern machine tools. However, in the case of this “MODEL No. 2,” the “numbers”—which are functionally essential—protrude from the surface, interrupting the continuity of the finely and neatly carved grooves.
Take a look. You can see the beauty of the guilloché work, which incorporates the numerals. To seamlessly integrate the numerals, the gaps have been filled with grooved engravings—likely pushed to the very limits of what can be achieved with hand tools.
A masterful blend of practicality and decoration. This 12-hour bidirectional rotating bezel is unparalleled as an embodiment of “beauty” that is consciously appreciated in everyday use—not merely as an ornament.
This is the “Silver Sunray Dial”
“Silver Dial” is actually… “salt ramen.” Haven’t you ever thought something like this when you’ve come across truly delicious salt ramen? “Ah, it doesn’t get any better than this.”
There is a simplicity to the silver dial—and precisely because of that, a rigor that brooks no ambiguity. That is why the thrill of encountering the “real thing” is so immense.
Take a look at the dial on the “MODEL No. 2.” It’s a three-counter layout, so there isn’t much open space on the dial. Even so, what do you think of this “sunray” finishing style?? I don’t know if they deliberately aimed for a classic finishing style or not… Ah, forget it!! Enough with the explanations!! Anyway, the sunray pattern is simply outstanding.
And then there’s the “concentric” design on this sub-dial. It’s just so beautiful… That’s exactly why I can’t resist it. Silver dials are just the best (*´ω｀*)
MODEL No. 2’s “hour markers,” with its sincere craftsmanship that touches the heart
I’m really taken with these “hour markers”—they have sharp, well-defined corners and are completely uncompromising.
Thanks to the large area covered by the luminescence coating, legibility in the dark is absolutely flawless. The same goes for the hands; they’re coated with “Super-LumiNova BGW9.” Modern luminescence coatings really do glow brightly, don’t they?
Each hour marker, finished with delicate care and precision, adds a sense of cohesion to the dial—which at first glance appears unadorned. Lately, whenever I see this kind of honest craftsmanship, it actually brings a tear to my eye… I suspect even those of you who are particularly picky about applied indices might find this one to your liking.
The key component of MODEL No. 2 is the “hand.”
To all Dauphine fans, thank you for your patience!! The hour and minute hands on the “MODEL No. 2” are extra-thick “dauphine hands.” In addition to their industrial beauty, they offer exceptional legibility for a stress-free design.
These hour and minute hands, along with the hour markers at the 12 o’clock position.These three elements give the “MODEL No. 2” concept its “forward-looking arrow.” If the design had been more understated—for example, featuring simple bar hands—the “MODEL No. 2” might have looked like just another “run-of-the-mill vintage-style chronograph.”
The key component that quietly makes “MODEL No. 2” what it is… is the “hand.”
The “Long-Legged Case” has excellent finishing as well
“Whoa! What a great-looking case!”… That was my first impression of the “MODEL No.2.” The lugs extending from the 37-millimeter-wide case were incredibly attractive, and it was clear that it would look great not only with the included bracelet but also if I swapped it out for a strap.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of watches with “lugs that are too short”—ones where the designers have been overly fixated on how the watch sits on the wrist. The negative impact that size has on the fit is something that’s obvious from the design stage, and every time I see lugs that have been shortened for the sake of convenience, I can’t help but think, “The original design was flawed.”After all, there’s a difference between “short lugs” as a design concept and “short lugs” that were crammed in during the final fine-tuning.
In that regard, the lugs on the “MODEL No. 2” are long enough to give the entire case a sleek, well-proportioned look. After all, when it comes to wristwatch lugs, “longer is smarter.”
The case is made of “316L stainless steel.” It skillfully combines two finishes: satin brushing and polishing. It maintains an aesthetic focused on practicality without veering too far toward luxury.
It has water resistance of “100 meters.” Given its appearance, this level of performance is more than enough. “I want you to really put it through its paces!!”… This is where you can really feel the strong message from Mr. Merchant, the founder of Lorca.
The case is “11.6 millimeters” thick. It’s not particularly thin, but it’s the right thickness to complement the overall design—in other words, it’s just the right thickness to make you think, “I want to wear this design with this kind of presence.”
When you think of Lorca, you think of those incredibly fussy “bracelets.”
Hahaha (lol) Of course I love stuff like this!!
Bracelet links… No, wait!! Another appealing feature is the bracelet made up of links so fine they’re practically “tiny beads”—it offers exceptional wearing comfort. Is this one of those?? The kind that falls apart if you try to tighten the links?? If so, adjusting the fit would be even harder than with a Navitimer bracelet.
And above all, it’s the “Endpiece.” What an industrial design!! I’m sure many of you who bought it were blown away by its amazing style. Wow, this Endpiece is insane!! I’m naming it the top contender for “Endpiece of the Year” as chosen by sunafukin (lol).
It’s rare to come across a bracelet crafted with such a well-defined concept. Paying meticulous attention to every detail of the entire watch… this is the embodiment of Lorca’s ideal.
That’s why “trendy buckles” are all the rage right now.
As a result of our commitment to user-friendliness, the “MODEL No. 2” bracelet is equipped with a push-button “Quick-Adjust Buckle.” Just by looking at the front of the buckle, you’d never guess that it contains such a complex mechanism.
This is a fantastic buckle that incorporates features that are becoming essential in today’s watch culture without compromising on design. Even on mornings when my wrist is swollen from drinking too much the night before… I can rest easy with this (lol).
Equipped with the Sellita “SW510 M” manual-winding movement
The watch is powered by a Sellita “SW510 M” movement in the Elaboré grade. Thanks to Lorca’s proprietary modifications, it achieves an astonishing daily rate of “±5 seconds.” That’s more than enough. This isn’t just a stock Sellita movement—it’s been properly customized. Considering the price, that’s quite a luxury.These days, Sellita movements are really… just having one installed makes the watch expensive (sweat).
Back when Sellita first began marketing itself as a generic alternative to ETA, it was a bit of a wild child that caused all sorts of problems, but today, Sellita is a leading manufacturer that has surpassed even ETA. The fact that it offers the slightly more luxurious “ÉLABORÉ” grade is also a welcome feature for users.
The power reserve is “63 hours.“ Heh… If anyone has a complaint about this, I don’t know what they should use instead (lol).
The “Invisible Chic” of the Movement
Incidentally, since the watch is housed in a solid-back case, the movement isn’t visible. Nevertheless, whether it’s the SOPROD “MODEL No. 1 GMT” or the Sellita “MODEL No. 2,” both feature what could be described as “a level of attention to detail that might even be called unnecessary.”Making even the hidden parts look stylish… It is precisely this “superfluous” attention to detail that elevates the value of the watch.
The “Romantic Practicality” Embodied in MODEL No. 2
Jesse Merchant, the founder of Lorca, was originally a recording artist based in New York. While touring Europe, he realized, “There really aren’t many watches that make ideal travel companions,” and that insight led to the creation of his first product, the “MODEL No. 1 GMT.”
As an artist, Mr. Merchant sought “romantic practicality” in his own work.
In fact, in today’s world, there’s no real point in going to the trouble of making a manual-winding chronograph. Mr. Merchant himself has noted that “nostalgia alone is not enough.” If that’s the case, then what is the purpose of a watch like the “MODEL No. 2”…
He explains that this serves a purpose distinct from the “necessity” of measuring time… It is for “romance”—to transform the little moments of everyday life into something poetic. The dial, featuring a new font with a mid-century aesthetic, and the distinctive engine-turned bezel are likely designed to add a subtle “touch of color” to an otherwise monotonous daily routine.
Once I understood Mr. Merchant’s intentions, I finally grasped the “true nature of the sentimentality” I had sensed in various aspects of Lorca, which had previously been vague to me. Indeed, walking through Shinjuku while wearing Lorca’s “MODEL No. 2,” I felt that the scenery had a certain “charm” that went beyond its usual chaos.
A little leisure and a touch of color for your everyday life… That’s what “Lorca Watches” are all about (*´ω｀*)
Lorca Watches has rhythm and melody
Maybe it’s because it was created by music professionals… There’s a sense of rhythm and melody in the design of the watch.It’s beautiful, but not overly so. In that sense of ease, I sense a flavor reminiscent of “jazz”—where the unexpected chemistry is what makes music fun. Perhaps it’s because it’s designed strictly as a practical tool, but it offers the joy of shifting from mellow to edgy depending on the session that day.
To take it a step further, even though it’s jazz, I don’t think it’s exactly “standard” jazz. Its “free-spirited” approach, sprinkled with experimental touches throughout, might be best compared to “acid jazz,” as exemplified by Incognito.
Jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, rare groove… By skillfully blending these elements, this “acid jazz-inspired wristwatch” has won over a wide range of age groups… That’s the Lorca “MODEL No. 2” wristwatch I recently acquired. The possibilities for interpreting it are endless.
Finally… After the GMT and chronograph models, what will be Lorca Watches’ “next move”?
Lorca watches are assembled in Bienne, Switzerland, and undergo rigorous inspections in accordance with Swiss standards.Afterward, the team at the New York headquarters performs a final inspection, and watches that pass are shipped directly from headquarters. In other words, although Lorca is an American watch brand, its watches themselves are “SWISS MADE.” In that sense, even within the rapidly advancing American watch industry of recent years, Lorca stands out from the crowd.
However, this is an American brand. It has none of the “mysterious history” often associated with Swiss brands, and above all, its origins and concept are simple. That’s part of the appeal of American brands.
Although we’re currently offering just “two models,” I think we’ve put together a lineup that’s perfectly tailored to appeal to connoisseurs. In fact, even among the enthusiasts I know personally, it’s really struck a chord with the “seasoned veterans with a keen eye” (laughs).
That naturally makes us wonder about the “next installment.” Will they keep riding this wave of success, or will they shift gears and blow the fans away…? As fans, we just can’t help but wonder, “What’s coming next??” Ugh!! So that’s how they’re toying with us!! (；´Д｀)
This is actually the “big trap” of microbrands… If you become a fan while they still have only a few models available, you might find yourself caught up in the “phenomenon” of wanting to collect every single model they release. In fact, I still haven’t given up on the “MODEL No. 1 GMT.”I want to line up No. 1 and No. 2 in my room… I just can’t shake that ambition.
As for what kind of model will be added next, I’ll leave that to your imagination. I do have a rough guess in mind—something like, “Maybe it’ll be this??”—but no matter what the announcement is, it’s sure to be “a romantic one.” I’m really looking forward to it! (*´∀｀*)
*A store where you can see and buy rare microbrands in the actual watches
| Lorca Watches “MODEL No. 2” Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Case Height | 46 mm |
| case width | 37 mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.6 mm |
| Belt Width | 20 mm |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel |
| Belt Material | 316L Stainless Steel |
| crystal | Anti-reflective Coated Double-Dome Sapphire Glass |
| Waterproof | 10 ATM |
| movement | Swiss-made SELLITA SW510 Adjustment by Lorca (manual-winding) |
| power reserve | 63 hours |
| accuracy | ±5 seconds per day |
| Features | Chronograph, Super-LumiNova |
| Accessories | Lorca Watch Original Box, Warranty Card |
| warranty | 2-Year Warranty (Movement Only) |
| Price | 495,000 yen |
*Camera equipment: Sony α7R V + FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II + Xiaomi 15T Pro; edited in Adobe Lightroom
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