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- Lorier Olympia Review: A Manual-Wind Chronograph with Racing Heritage
Lorier Olympia Review: A Manual-Wind Chronograph with Racing Heritage
Inspired by ‘60s motorsport watches, the Olympia brings hand-wound charm, clean design, and serious vintage energy—without the vintage fragility.
Ian Roth
May 20, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
1 WATCH
The Lorier Olympia
A Hand-Wound Chronograph with ’60s DNA and Zero Fatigue
QUICK SPECS
Movement: Seagull ST19 (Hand-wound chronograph, 45-hour power reserve)
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Crystal: Domed Hesalite
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Dimensions: 39mm case, 11mm thickness, 47mm lug-to-lug
Bracelet: 20mm flat-link stainless steel, tapering to 16mm
WHY IT’S INTERESTING
Hand-wound chronographs are rare these days, especially ones that look and feel this good on the wrist. The Olympia revives everything great about ’60s sport watches: a panda dial that pops, tactile pushers, and a no-date layout that keeps it clean. And unlike the ultra-pricey vintage references, this one’s made to be worn—not babied.
VERDICT
[ ] Hard Pass
[ ] More Style than Substance
[ ✅ ] Desk Diver Special
[ ] Sleeper Hit
[ ] Mission Ready
A mechanical chrono with vintage attitude that’s actually wearable—and fun. But the lack of water resistance makes me not want to take it too far from the desk.
2 TACTICS
Insights into staying off the grid and on time.
🔏 How to Browse Watch Forums Anonymously
Watch forums are treasure troves for insider knowledge, strap pairings, and preowned scores—but you don’t need to create a digital footprint. Use private browsers like Firefox Focus or Brave, and disable third-party cookies. Avoid logging in unless necessary, and treat your online trail the way you’d treat a polished caseback—don’t leave prints.
⏳ Chronograph Reset Tips for ST19 Movements
With a hand-wound chrono like the ST19, always remember to stop the chronograph before resetting. Press the top pusher to halt the timer, then use the lower pusher to reset the hands to 12. Resetting while running can damage the movement—a small but essential habit for longevity.
3 GEAR PICKS
Gear up with essentials that keep you prepared-no batteries required.
🧰 Harssidanzar Lambskin Driving Gloves – Tan
 | Supple lambskin leather and a throwback stringback design give these gloves serious vintage driving cred. They look like they belong behind the wheel of a Porsche 356—and pair perfectly with the Olympia’s retro chrono aesthetic. |
📓 Carhartt Utility Tool Roll – Black
 | A rugged roll-up gear organizer with water-resistant construction and 18 slots for tools, straps, or small accessories. It brings everyday utility in a format that feels analog, durable, and perfectly aligned with the Olympia’s hands-on ethos. |
👔 J.Crew Mercantile Slim-Fit Flannel Shirt – Navy/Green
 | A soft brushed flannel that balances smart and casual—perfect for the Olympia’s dressed-down motorsport charm. Lightweight enough for layering but bold enough to wear on its own, it’s the kind of everyday piece that pairs effortlessly with a mechanical chrono. |
DEBRIEF
A modern mechanical chrono that belongs in your weekend kit
The Olympia gives you everything you want in a throwback chronograph—manual wind, classic sizing, and a panda dial—without feeling fragile. It’s not a homage. It’s a handshake with history.
What’s your take on mechanical chronographs? |
V/R,
The Desk Watcher
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