Marloe Morar

The Marloe Morar has been an internally controversial and surprisingly pleasing watch to experience.

To be upfront, I really like Marloe Watch Company, their philosophy, and especially their design thinking. Every release is unique, not derivative of other brands (that is saying something these days). Each watch is identifiable as a Marloe of common origin, yet each is akin to changing the lens in a camera, providing an alternate view.

https://youtu.be/kpINZA83W5U

The details:

• Model: Marloe Morar Sands
• Diameter: 40mm
• Height: 12.4mm
• Lug-to-lug: 48mm
• Weight: ~101g
• Case: Stainless steel (316L)
• Movement: Japanese Miyota 9039 Automatic
• Power Reserve: ~40 hours
• Lume: They don’t say, but it is insanely good!
• Accuracy: -10 ~ +30 sec/day
• Crystal: Sapphire, Flat, A/R coated
• Water Resistance: 310m/1006ft
• Bracelet/Strap Width: 20mm
• Retail Price: $510

The review:

Pros:

• LUME! the shapes, the sharpness, the colors, the intensity, the duration
• The dial and case convey depth, especially at night
• Color combinations
• Fine detail is spot on, to a surprising level for a microbrand
• Bead-blasted case gives a sense of age and use, like a castaway just washed up on a beach
• Movement accuracy (within 30 seconds after a solid week of wear)
• Bezel is easy to turn
• Both straps are nice and comfortable (though not quick release)
• Packaging

Cons:

• Smaller than expected, appears/wears less than 40mm
• Rotor is a little loud on the Miyota 9039
• Bezel has some give, more than I would like
• Wide hands
• Name pronunciation 🙂

The Unboxing

The packaging has been a little different for each Marloe, but I think this updated packaging is meant to stay fairly consistent for the time being. The unboxing is intended to be an experience, and it certainly is one. For a watch enthusiast it might seem over-the-top (i.e., bring the cost down because this thing is going to probably sit in the basement). But for most people a $500 watch is a rare thing, and for them the experience is understandable. The packaging is great…I still think it could be downsized just a hair.

The visual story Marloe produces for all their watches is a high-bar for any watch company.

The Watch

I did not get this watch upon release for a couple reasons. One, I was not initially convinced by the design…I loved the look of the hour markers, but the wide hands somewhat put me off. Second, I was waiting for a review sample, which would give me the chance to review without committing or dealing with a resale. After letting the design percolate for a few weeks, I decided that it was worth taking a chance, and I wanted to get a review done sooner rather than later.

So yeah, the hands are a little wide for my liking, particularly the hour hand. But it turns out that given the overall design, I am ok with the hands and have forgiven the width issue.

Given all the pros…the sandy yet crisp dial, bold colors, level of fine detail, and worn case design, I am thoroughly enjoying the Morar.

The Morar also represents Marloe’s first dive watch and first automatic. The DNA of Marloe Watch Company thus far has been that of hand wound watches. How often they depart from that philosophy will be interesting.

Up Close

I was pleasantly surprised by the level of sharpness achieved in manufacturing of the Morar. I have reviewed several other micros, such as the Hamtun Nanok and the Halios Seaforth, and this Marloe, along with the Haskell, are several steps above.

Though not perfect (hard to expect such), the accuracy of the printing, lume application, and case machining is admirable.

The Lume

The lume on the Morar is a proprietary blend and ISO certified. I have been impressed by the clarity and the duration of clarity. I may sound like a broken record, but again the uniqueness, quality, sharpness, and colors outmatch so much, if not all, of the competition at this price-point and beyond.

The dial has true depth. In light, but especially in dark, the crystal has the appearance of a sort of port hole. I find myself peering for something deeper. Appropriate given the Morar is a dive watch.

It is near impossible to capture how good this looks with a camera (picture or video). You would have to view in person for justice to be served. Also note how the cutout in the minute hand interacts with the hour hand when aligned (above right).

The Straps

I ended up with both straps as an offering due to a serial number mixup. Both are comfortable and well suited for various occasions. I have mostly worn it on the dark brown leather as I think it looks better, but as soon as it snowed and I wanted outdoor pics a switch to silicone was in order. Several Barton straps exist that would look amazing on the Morar. My only complaint about the branded straps is that they are not quick release.

The buckles are bead-blasted to match the case and carry the Marloe “M” motif, which is crisp and clear.

On the Wrist

As when opening the box, the Morar on the wrist appears smaller than 40mm. Let’s just say it is on the small side for a dive watch. The size factor presents some advantages, but it is comparatively smaller than most dive watches, so expect a dress-size wear and dial scope. With that said, it is super comfortable.

Final Thought

Marloe achieved a dive watch that is not derivative and is all their own. Though the Morar has some minor quirks, I not only recommend getting one, I recommend getting on the Marloe bandwagon.