OCEAN7 LM-1 Plans and Pictures

[MitchSF]

Sample case, final production dial.

Mitch

[MitchSF]

[MitchSF]

[Brad Trent]

I think because I've been a little more vocal than some regarding the upcoming release of the Ocean7 LM-1, Mitch graciously sent me the prototype last week so I could look it over and offer up a few thoughts. It also gave me the opportunity to shoot the proto from a few different angles, compare it to other like-sized watches (Panerai and Schaumburg Aquamatic) and toss a couple of different straps on it to see how she looks with new shoes!

Now obviously, as a prototype there are going to be a few issues that need to be fixed and Mitch has assured me that for the most part, the things I noticed that might need addressing have already been noted. You will also notice in a few of my shots that there are some rough spots on the case and bezel. These were the result of Mitch literally knocking the Hell outta the thing to tear it apart. The Bezel suffered the worst and you can see the dings and dents between the "11" and "12" where it looks like he used a crowbar to remove the thing! The lugs also show some scrapes which I imagine was the result of him seeing how tough the stainless steel is.

Here's what I've noticed so far...

1. Overall fit & finish: The brushed finish is top-notch and the polished edges on the beveled edge of the lugs is also quite attractive. As has been discussed in the LM-1 thread already, the inner ring of the bezel will get a different finish treatment and I think that's a good idea as right now it is a little "flat" looking. The lugs on the prototype are milled in a slightly uneven angle which is nice as it catches the light in a unique way, but Mitch tells me that on the production cases the lugs will be flat on top (For whatever production reasons, they can't do the angle thing with the machinery.)

2. Perhaps because I'm so used to the oversized crown protector on my Panerais, but the crown position at the "4" at first seems a little tight in relation to the lug. I played with it over the weekend, however, and it doesn't seem to interfere with unscrewing or setting the time (in theory since there are no hands!) and at that position it is probably pretty well protected. The "O7" that is embossed on the crown looks a little off though, almost like it's slightly off-center. Mitch has said he'll have them check into the O7 on the crown to make sure it's centered properly.

3. The bezel was perfect when Mitch got it, but as I mentioned earlier, he intentionally banged it around, then pried it off. When he put it back, the spring broke. Still, the 120-clicks were strill there, albeit rough, and the overall look of the bezel is spot-on the drawings.

4. The one big issue that really must be fixed on the prototype is the lume! The lume is OK, but not in the same league as my Panerais, or even my Schaumburg. If I give any of my Panerais and the Ocean7 the same amount of time under a halogen bulb, the Panerai quite literally blows the Ocean7 away. The dot on the triangle index on the bezel of the LM- is much brighter than the lume on the dial. Mitch told me that the lume is an issue that they're not happy with at the moment. They specified the best (Swiss lume) and he thinks they used the worst (Chinese). He told me he expects the manufacturer to correct the situation on the production models

***Go To PART 2 For The Rest Of The Review...And The Photos!!!***

[Brad Trent]

5. With some of the fatter straps I own it's a bit tight, but I did manage to get both a Greg Stevens and an XaMAS on her! The drilled out lugs are gonna be a big help though as it's pretty tight trying to get a spring-bar tool in there! Every strap I put on the Ocean7 looked very good and curved nicely on the wrist. So far, I have put on a couple of Greg's, the XaMAS, a Europelli Baseball Strap, a couple of Dirks and a DON. I tried to mount the Stainless Steel Bracelet from my Schaumburg on it, but the thing just wouldn't fit...the holes on the Schaumburg's bracelet last link are drilled for that particular case style, so it's not possible to swap that bracelet onto the LM-1. Mitch shipped it to me with an OEM Panerai Rubber on it and surprisingly, this was probably the hardest strap to mount as it is the most snug between the lugs. Mitch informed me that the production cases will be beveled where the spring bar is closest to the case. Also, the holes will be moved slightly outward. This should make for another 1.5mm or so, making a comfortable fit for just about any strap.

Finally, a few general impressions on how it wears. It's funny, but I must say it almost looks like it wears bigger than my Panerais! That's due in a big part because of the length of the lugs. The LM-1's lugs are certainly longer than that on my Panerais, but it makes for an interesting optical illusion as the overall length of my PAM 55 and the O7 is practically identical. The Panerais body is slightly larger with shorter lugs so it appears a bit smaller. The size of the dial is a pleasant surprise...I was expecting the dial/crystal to be smaller, almost like my Schaumburg or other deep-water divers I have seen. The larger size is very welcome and comparable to the Panerais. The watch body sits very comfortably on my wrist...no harsh or sharp edges and even on my girly-man sized wrist it looks damned nice. Overall, a very solid looking piece and a great first effort.

And now, just a couple of photographs!!!

Right out of the shipping box...















Mitch says the production models of the LM-1 will have a brushed caseback which will solve the nasty scratch problem seen here...



A few side-by-sides with the Panerai PAM 55...





...And with the Schaumburg tossed in for yet another size comparison...



A few size comparisons with my Panerai PAM 93 (Ti case)...





The "O7" Crown...




***Go To PART 3 For The Rest Of The Photos!!!***

[Brad Trent]

Now...the wrist shots!!! First, on that OEM Panerai Rubber...











I like this as it shows that the watch doesn't sit too high on the wrist...



The XaMAS Vintage Tan...







A Black Dirk...









A Dirk Bachetta Meile...













Let's get CLOSER...







Next to the Schaumburg...





And Finally...It's OK!!!




That's it! Now, for the love of God...if any of you use the "QUOTE" button when you follow up this post and re-publish all of these shots, YOU'RE FIRED!!!

BT

[MitchSF]

No decision has been made as to whether this will happen on a future production run, but there doesn't seem to be much interest in PVD coatings.

[MitchSF]

The sample PVD case arrived today. I glued in the first sample dial. The strap is a Dirk. The inner part of the bezel is blasted, but it's not angled as it will be on the production cases.

Mitch

[MitchSF]

The hands are on an older dial sample, and of course the date ring is incorrect.

[Ernie Romers]

I enjoyed scrolling through this thread again and drooled over those pictures.