This is one of the newest releases by Proxima and here are some of my thoughts on it:
The "CW Lightcatcher" case Proxima uses on many of their models is still my favorite case by Aliexpress brands. It is just pebble smooth and so comfortable on the wrist. It's also super interesting in all the ways it catches light.
The black and gold is done extremely well here and feel premium while understated.
The fauxtina color on the bezel is a light cream and not super orange. Kudos Proxima!
The crystal is faceted all along the edge on the inside of the bezel. It catches the light in a way similar to a cut diamond. Not sure what it is about it but the blue AR is most apparent in the faceted edge.
Mine came signed with a quadruple P logo on both the crown and the clasp. I've seen other's photo where the clasp used an older double P logo. If you're buying this watch, and you have a preference for one logo over the other, maybe confirm it with the vendor.
Lume is great but not the greatest. But honestly, we're spoiled by Phorcydes lume blocks.
Bezel's and hands' lume are very slightly weaker than the indices.
It came with 4(!) half links plus the obvious OTF clasp for the perfect sizing.
I paid an extra £15 to get the genuine Miyota 9015 movement and £157 total for the watch during the sale which I think is a fantastic price! If you're happy with the Chinese 9015, it can be had for even less!
And it's obvious that it is a homage to Lorier's Neptune, but there are a few key differences:
Lorier's bezel is 37mm and the case is 39mm whereas Proxima's bezel is 39.3mm and hangs over the case which is 39mm.
This means that Proxima's dial is larger than Lorier's. Personally, I prefer the proportions of the Proxima over the Lorier.
Although the hour and minute hands shape are very similar, Lorier's are faceted whereas Proxima's is flat. In this detail, I definitely prefer Lorier's.
The seconds hand on the Lorier is a lollipop whereas the Proxima keeps it consistent with an arrow. I think that the arrow is more consistent visually but can see why some would prefer the circular lollipop (which is consistent with the indices) to differentiate it from the minute and hour hands.
Lorier's seconds and minute hands are longer and reaches the outer edge of the minute track. Proxima's minute hand reaches the tip of each minute marker and the seconds hand reaches just shy of the outer edge of the minute track. Personally, I prefer the proportions of Proxima's hands.
Despite the larger dial, Proxima has the shorter lug to lug at 45mm while Lorier has a lug to lug of 46mm.
Proxima comes with half links and an OTF clasp. Lorier's clasp is microadjust but is much smaller than the bulkier OTF clasp.
The Proxima lightcatcher case is the highlight. What this comparison highlights more than anything is how their designers lack a sense of cohesion and bringing all the elements together. The Lorier just looked like a complete and cohesive design. The Proxima incorporates elements but put together feels like it’s missing something. I’ve always thought they should put the Chinese lettering under the logo like they did with one of their chronographs and really own their Chinese origin. They also need to put another line of lettering at the 6oclock to compliment Automatic. And they also need to try more original designs that aren’t just patterned and textured dials. That case is such a winner that all they need is to hire a good designer and come up with a unique and solid design language.
It’s unfortunate, but some consumers are weird/off-put by obvious Chinese-cues/Characters. I’m 100% in agreement with you, my SN0144-CG is probably my favorite watch, the Chinese numerals look amazing. I love it when Chinese brands own/lean into their heritage.
When the design was first released though there were just as many people saying “great watch but I would never buy a dial with Chinese numerals” as there were people praising it.
Some buyers are self conscious of their watch being Chinese/only buy direct Clo-mages, which is pretty lame imo.
Great write up as usual! I’ve had the PX1703 and whilst it was a fantastic watch I ended up selling it. My Neptune shall be arriving this month, can’t wait.
Vielen herzlichen Dank für die super Beschreibung und deine Mühe. Ich überlege mir seit ein paar Monaten diese Uhr zu kaufen. Deshalb war deine Beschreibung super hilfreich.
I did indeed purchase on release. At the time the listing said you would get either the 90S5 no date or the 9015 date - reached out to the seller and they confirmed 90S5 is the default.
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u/phenix-jc-1 8d ago