The Breitling Watch Blog

I’ve always had a soft spot for tool watches like Ocean7, Sinn, Bell & Ross, Marathon and the like, but until I picked up an Ocean7, I never saw the value that was placed on these watches. Many basic larger 40mm+ Sinn models would cost well over $1000, which in my mind was a bit too much for a tool watch. Marathon has a nice watch, but I’ve always felt the GSAR is too small, and the CSAR is too big, not to mention the $2000+ Pricetag on the CSAR. Bell & Ross is obviously even further out of the ball park as far as pricing.

Then a couple years ago a company comes along called Ocean7. The company’s PR rep, Mitch, has a fairly big presence on Watchuseek forums, and used the forums to assist in the launching of their product line, to great success. Ocean7 is a quintessentially American brand, with Swiss made watches, very much like Kobold, Hamilton or Ball Watch.

I had been eyeing the Ocean7 peices, especially the LM-1LE, which is a limited edition watch, now long sold out, but I didn’t try hard enough, and the opportunity passed. Recently I decided to buy the LM-6C, which is the Chronograph tool watch diver in stainless steel, and I could not be more pleased. Rugged craftsmanship, with everything you could want from a Diving Chronograph at a selling price of $1699. The pricing is better than anything comparable.

Their line has become very extensive with the LM series representing their Swiss Made automatic timepieces and the G series their quartz watches. They have everything from Titanium and Ceramic to good old stainless steel. Their new LM-4 with the Ceramic case and Shadow dial is looking really good to me – so good that I might have to add it to my permanent collection, where the LM-6C has earned a spot. The LM-6C is shown above.

So.. if you have not heard of Ocean7, take a look at them. Website is here.

The Manometro watches have been around for a couple years now, but recently, Giuliano Mazzuoli has been aggressively advertising their Manometro line of watches, and they have caught my fancy. Sporting large 44mm cases made from various precious metals, steel and carbon fiber, these watches resemble a Formula 1 race car speedometer.

The Manometro line of watches starts around $4000US, and are made in Italy from Swiss Components. Some of the same roots as Panerai and Anonimo, with unique styling that only the Italians could conjure up. The Manometro has been on my mind since I saw it, and I figured I would share some pics and specs with you guys. The Carbon Fiber Manometro S has a case completely composed of Carbon Fiber, 40 layers in fact, layered and compressed in epoxy resin and polished until it takes on a beautiful luster and also has a matching Carbon Fiber dial. It has a large crown located at the 2 o’clock position, which almost makes it look like a race timer.

The Carbon Fiber Manometro S comes on a Rubber strap, but some of the steel Manometro models come on leather, which I personally prefer. The difference between the two is that the Manometro S has Carbon Fiber case and Dial and thicker arabic font.

As you can see, the straps attach via screws on the back, preserving the uniquely round, lugless watch case. Whether you like the Manometro or not it is without a doubt a unique timepiece that will not be mistaken for anything else.

I want one. A lot!