Unveiling The Lorca Model No.2 — A Connoisseur’s Chronograph
It’s been roughly 18 months since Lorca founder Jesse Marchant unveiled his debut watch. Praised by the press and enthusiasts alike, the Model No.1 GMT presented a unique take on a multi-time watch. Instead of following the typical GMT category codes, Marchant created a watch much more characterized by its overall vintage-inspired elements. The result was a design signature that not only gave the Model No.1 GMT character but also essentially defined the brand. The introduction of the Model No.2 Chronograph is proof that this signature translates perfectly to one of this year’s best chronographs.
When we had the Model No.1 GMT in the office, unfortunately, I missed it. Consequently, I didn’t get a chance to try out the charming watch that gently puts the classic Rolex GMT-Master codes aside. Marchant’s idea behind the design stemmed from a personal wish to have a sturdy, classy, and modestly sized daily watch that can keep track of the time in an additional time zone. That wish relates to Marchant’s life as a touring musician, traveling through different time zones and exploring different parts of the world through his music.
From touring musician to watch designer
During his travels, Marchant would wear vintage timepieces that were sometimes too delicate to withstand the challenges of touring life. Additionally, the wish to easily keep track of the time back home where loved ones are is a logical one for a touring musician. During his travels, Marchant would visit numerous vintage watch stores looking for a watch that would be up for the task, but he had no luck. This sparked his idea of creating a watch brand, and it’s how the Lorca Model No.1 GMT was born.
The great thing about creating a watch inspired by a personal need is that it immediately gives a brand a purpose and a story. In Lorca’s case, this story was backed up by a 36mm GMT with a fixed stainless steel bezel. The overall aesthetic signature clearly takes influences from the past without mimicking a specific timepiece. The Model No.1 GMT feels distinct yet comfortable in a world full of easy design solutions.
The new Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph
Eighteen months after the Lorca Model No.1 GMT’s introduction, I finally had a chance to check out the watches up close when Marchant visited the Fratello offices a couple of weeks ago. But that was not the purpose of his visit. Instead, he came to give us a preview of his second creation. The new Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph proves that Marchant’s design approach perfectly carries over into a different watch genre.
The Model No.2 Chronograph is immediately recognizable as a Lorca watch despite the significant visual differences compared to the Model No.1 GMT. It’s another design that feels instantly familiar without revealing its influences. It’s safe to say that by creating a distinct, stylish, and instantly recognizable aesthetic, Marchant is onto something…something special.
Let’s start at the beginning. The new Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph features a 37mm 316L stainless steel case that is 11.6mm thick without the elegantly domed crystal. With the sapphire crystal, the watch is 14.1mm thick. It also measures 46mm from tip to tip and has a 20mm lug spacing.
The case is water resistant to 100 meters and features a clever mix of brushed and polished finishes. However, the big attention grabber is the knurled bezel with the beautiful protruding numerals of the 12-hour scale. By replacing the traditional tachymeter scale, this 120-click bidirectional bezel can keep track of the time in an additional time zone. The balance between the knurling on the bezel and the numerals is spot on, and the lozenge-shaped marker at 12 o’clock is one of those small but important details that adds character.
Three dial variants, each with a distinct presence
On the right side of the case, you will find two pump-style pushers and the 7mm push/pull crown. The relatively large crown perfectly balances the pushers. Its significant size also makes it easy to operate when adjusting the time. Despite the modest diameter, the substantial 46mm lug-to-lug ensures the watch sits comfortably on wrists of various sizes.
What I love about the aesthetic is that it uses two rudimentary shapes. From head-on, the case has an almost rectangular appearance thanks to the long lugs, while the perfectly round bezel seemingly overhangs it. In itself, this is nothing even remotely special. However, the proportions ensure that you notice these two shapes, and I love the contrast.
If we zoom in on the dial, we see a perfectly balanced three-register chronograph with sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. You can choose from three different dial colors, each with a character of its own. The first is a satin-black version with black sub-dials.
The second is a silver sunray version with silver sub-dials, and the last is a warm gray sunray dial with silver sub-dials. I found these two dials particularly endearing. The silver one has a champagne-like hue that gives it a lot of warmth, and the gray version transforms into a beautiful dark brown when the light changes.
It’s all about the details…
The sub-dials on all three feature an azurage finish for some contrasting detail — the silver prototype you see in the pictures does not have it yet, but the final production model will. The dial is graced by applied, beveled indexes with a polished finish.
The spearhead-shaped marker at 12 o’clock is a clever design element that stands out on the dial. And did you notice the small dots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock that serve as hour markers? It’s another nice detail to show that Marchant didn’t leave any stone unturned when creating his second model.
Those details continue with the text on the dial. The elegant Lorca logo accompanies the large 12 o’clock marker to fill up the space above the two sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock nicely. The “Model No.2” designation is then centered horizontally between the three registers. I like that Marchant did not choose to place the text curved right above the 6 o’clock sub-dial, as we see often. Lastly, the “Swiss Made” text gently curves along the track for the minutes and elapsed seconds.
The Model No.2 Chronograph is very well made
Hovering above the dial are the sharp dauphine hour and minute hands. The sharp central chronograph hand features a counterweight that echoes the shape of the marker at 12 o’clock. It’s another clever design solution to create consistency and character.
The hour and minute hands and the large hour markers also have a Super-LumiNova filling that glows blue. This ensures that you can read the time in darker conditions without any problems on the Model No.2 Chronograph.
Finishing the look is a nine-row stainless steel bracelet reminiscent of the 11-row bracelet that IWC used to use for its Mark series. The Lorca bracelet measures 2.4mm thick and tapers from 20mm at the case to 16mm at the double-push-button deployant clasp. It’s a great-looking bracelet that complements the overall aesthetic nicely and features screw-in links that make it easy to size it.
The milled clasp features a toolles micro-adjust system operated by a push-button to ensure the watch fits your wrist perfectly. I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the bracelet and the clasp. The bracelet feels incredibly well made but remains nice and flexible thanks to its design. The clasp is easy to use and feels very sturdy.
Despite the clasp’s substantial size, it never feels too big. It’s also a perfect example of how Marchant integrated modern design solutions into a watch that finds its roots in the past. Indeed, thanks to its modern features and production techniques, the Model No.2 could be a great daily wearer while still looking like a vintage chronograph.
Sellita inside
Hidden behind the simple but elegant case back is an élaboré-grade version of the Sellita SW510 M. This manual-winding movement operates at 28,800vph, has 27 jewels, and offers a healthy 63 hours of power reserve. The movements in the new Model No.2 Chronograph are regulated to an accuracy of ±5 seconds per day. With those numbers, the movement performs close to chronometer specifications.
Even though it hides behind a steel case back, the movement features gold engravings and Côtes de Genève finishing. It only makes sense that Marchant chose a manual-winding caliber as it fits the watch’s vintage-inspired character perfectly. Fans will undoubtedly love that aspect as well.
Wearing the Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph
So, how does this long list of characteristics and details translate to the wrist? Let me start by saying that it didn’t take me long to love the three Model No.2 Chronographs. As soon as Marchant presented the watches, I knew these modestly sized chronographs were right up my alley. While I don’t think they take after any specific watch, the black-dial version does radiate slight first-generation-Speedmaster vibes. I consider that a huge compliment.
In my quest for new additions to my collection, the steel-bezel Speedmaster CK2915 and its successors are among my current favorites. The 60th Anniversary model and the Zenith El Primero A384 are especially high on my list of wants too. As you will understand, those two watches are also relatively smaller chronographs.
Nowadays, we see a lot of chronographs over 40mm in diameter, with plenty of them measuring 42mm or more. While I can wear watches that big, it’s not what I am after. And just like me, plenty of fans would love a smaller chronograph. That’s where this Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph hits the sweet spot.
A watch with an abundance of wrist presence
With its long lugs, the 37mm case sits so well on the wrist. While modest in size, it is grand in presence. Of course, I could rationalize the wearing experience, and I will, but the click I felt with the watch once I closed the clasp is one of those things that is hard to put into words. Sometimes a watch just feels right at home on your wrist, and that’s how I felt when I first wore the Model No.2 Chronograph. The style, little details, finishing, and feeling of quality subconsciously hit all the right notes.
That rationally translates to a watch that perfectly balances stylish vintage looks with a modern-day execution that ensures a worry-free daily wearer. The bracelet is an absolute joy to wear, but we also wore the watches on several Lorca leather straps. The straps gently transform the presence without altering the watch’s charm. As you can see, the strap colors match the dial variations nicely.
It is hard to fault the Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph
The watch wears well on any strap thanks to the relatively slim case profile. Several smaller chronographs are rather chunky and will become top-heavy once on the wrist. As a result, you need a sturdy strap to balance the watch on your wrist. That will not be a problem with the Model No.2 Chronograph, making it easy to wear with practically any strap you would love to put on it.
Overall, the Lorca Model No.2 feels like an incredibly well-made product. Every click of the chronograph pushers is reassuring, and every turn of the bezel sounds and feels competent. I was especially impressed by the quality of the bracelet and the clasp. For most microbrands, the bracelet is the Achilles heel of otherwise great watches. While the design of this bracelet is familiar, the execution immediately stands out. It’s a great, reassuring feature because it is key to giving this watch the charm of a vintage piece with the quality and sturdiness of a modern watch. As I mentioned in the beginning, that was the goal all along.
Final thoughts on the Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph
I think that Marchant did an outstanding job with only his second effort. It’s hard to come across people who are willing to take up this massive challenge and who succeed in what they set out to do.
Jesse Marchant has done that tremendously well with the Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph, and the result is a watch that will undoubtedly impress enthusiasts who are not yet familiar with the brand. To those who have had the pleasure of experiencing the Model No.1 GMT, I can only say this is a brilliant next step. The Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph will cost US$2,650 before taxes. While it is certainly a significant amount of money, what you get in return is impressive.
While you can debate style all day long (this watch is certainly not for everyone), it is hard to deny its quality and wearability. I have not come across a release that is equally impressive for that money. I have added the watch to my slowly growing list of wants. As a result, I will have to start making some choices. The first will be the right dial color for me because all three were incredibly tasteful.
With this Model No.2 Chronograph, Lorca founder Jesse Marchant shows us his clear vision and determination to make the brand successful. While a watch like this won’t be to everyone’s tastes, it certainly deserves a respectful tip of the hat.
The pre-sale for the Lorca Model No.2 Chronograph starts tomorrow, October 1st, 2024, on the official Lorca Watches website. First deliveries are expected in May 2025. Let us know your favorite of the three dial variations in the comments below.
