Ocean7 is a watch brand that I have only recently become aware of. As a new microbrand, coming up with a major game changing dive watch is a difficult task. Ceramic dive watches have been relatively rare, usually coming from expensive brands such as Rado, Panerai, Bell & Ross, IWC, Omega and Blancpain, for example. Can ceramic construction make inroads in a type of watch that is normally based on stainless steel? Lets find out.
The Ocean7 CP-1 ceramic dive watch is a 1500M rated, Swiss made dive watch of substantial proportions. The case measures 49.5mm across, 56mm lug to lug, 45mm across the bezel and has a large lug width of 28mm. It is over 17mm thick and has a well integrated grippy, signed screw down, 2 o’clock crown that measures 7.75mm across. I don’t recall seeing many 2 o’clock crowns, but this location is very safe, in my opinion. The crown is very solid and easy to operate, despite being recessed into the case when screwed down. The watch case itself, which I consider a cushion case, is a one piece, smooth, matt black ceramic block that is molded and machined to a very high finish level with a steel lining inside of the case and around the movement. There is some downward curvature to the case lugs and the case back protrudes, as would be expected for a dive watch with a high depth rating. The crown and screw down, nicely engraved case back are all made of black, PVD coated steel. For the size, this watch is relatively light at 145 grams. A rubber dive strap comes with the watch. I changed this strap out for another similar dive strap using a narrow buckle design, which I find more appropriate for my seven inch wrist.
The crystal on this watch is flat, raised, beveled and of course, sapphire. It is pressed into the steel surround lining the inside of the ceramic case. The black PVD coated steel, 120 click, unidirectional bezel uses a ceramic insert that is fully engraved with white fill and a classic, single, raised lume pip. The bezel turns relatively easily with some back play and has a satisfying ratcheting sound. The face of the watch is completely printed and uses C3 lume in the sand color print areas. Orange and white printing is used elsewhere on the face with a white on black 4:30 date window. This is the best location for a date window on this type of watch as it does not interfere with any of the twelve indices. All indices, except the 12 o’clock indice, are basically modified trapezoids. I call the twelve o’clock indice a large pair of beaver teeth. This works well with the orange, beige and white Plongeur hand set and the long, orange arrow tipped white second hand with the orange outline to the indices and the minute hand.
Powering this watch is the Swiss tried and true ETA 2824-2 movement, which needs no introduction. This movement is an excellent choice from a Swiss made dive watch in this price category. This watch is essentially corrosion proof and it also should show very little wear over time and it is easily serviceable, if ever needed. Workmanship, materials and attention to detail are absolutely first rate. There are only 100 pieces being made. Currently this amazingly tough dive watch is being offered for $699 but you can get 25% off any non clearance watches with the code “CORONA” for a limited time. ocean7watchco.com
4 Comments
was excited for a moment, but then realized what you were calling a ‘ceramic dive watch’ was not. it was a ceramic BEZEL dive watch.
i do wish:
1. someone would make a true ceramic dive watch with a rotatable bezel and 120 or 60 click bezel. i had a nixon swiss automatic that never lined up right, and eventually found it had an insane useless 90 click bezel
2. people would call watches with ONLY the bezel being ceramic, ceramic BEZEL dive watches so i won’t get excited for nothing.
You need to re-read the article – or better yet check the website of Ocean7 . It clearly states this watch is made from a solid block of ceramic.
I’m impressed with this watch – all black ceramic case and bezel, 1500m depth rating (!!) and an ETA movement. for me it’s a pass only because the size is too big. The price is very decent though.
The site reads,
The bezel, crown, and case back, are perfectly matching PVD coated steel, and the bezel utilizes a ceramic insert. Did we mention that there is nothing like it in the world?
Almost there! Almost there! Just get rid of the date window so I can tell the time and not be distracted by the date window and wondering if it’s correct or not. I wear a watch for the look – yes, but more so so I can find what time it is. Never have I looked to see what the date is. If I did I’d be wondering if it’s correct or not.
Anybody who knows that the date on their watch is correct is to anal retentive to know how to relax & enjoy life. The only exception is a digital watch that has a calendar that is accurate forever (battery failure excluded). Not for me I’m an analog kinda guy.