Let me introduce a new model to the Oceanus line up, the OCWM800TBA-1A Super Chronograph. The M800 features everything you would expect from Oceanus in an attractive package designed to compliment the avid traveler in both function and form.
“Oceanus is ready to take on the high seas with the newest addition to the luxurious men’s collection, the Super Chronograph OCWM800TBA-1A. Oceanus, the world’s first atomic solar powered chronograph watch is suited for the sophisticated, adventurous man who enjoys all of life’s pleasures. The new Super Chronograph Oceanus promises to keep up with the jet-setting man”.
In case you couldn’t tell, the above statement is from a recent press release direct from Oceanus. The release outlines the newest addition to their highly capable globetrotting line up; the OCWM800TBA-1A. I have spent over a month with this watch, and while I find the marketing speak cheesy, it is surprisingly accurate. As far as multifunction watches are concerned, Oceanus has created a whole new breed.
- Atomic 5-band timekeeping
- Solar power
- World time
- Alarm clock
- Reverse countdown times with second hand
- Chronograph
- Titanium case and bracelet
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
After spending some time with the watch on my wrist I realized that Oceanus watches have few peers. Oceanus has built a brand on geeky-gone-classy watches that have traded pocket protectors for cuff links, mountain dew for a fine glass of scotch. Their watches seem to ignore typical watch archetypes like “tough” or “advanced” to become something different, something exciting. The M800 is very well built, with strong lines and a hint of classic design. While it might be the technology inside the watch that brings you to the table, it is the looks that will likely seal the deal. The M800 is a mix of crisp design and function that melds together on your wrist.
The Case
Crafted from titanium the case is thin, crisp and sculpted to fit snuggly on a wrist. This is a tech watch yet Oceanus has forgone the screen and chose to display much of the information on the chapter ring and the chronograph registers. The highly legible and yet informative dial does not feel cluttered while providing all of the information for the watches many functions. The right dial at three o’clock is for the day as well as the function information. In regular timekeeping, the watch will display the day on this dial and when you activate other features it takes on a contextual meaning varied by the function you have chosen. In regular time keeping, the six o’clock dial keeps track of the seconds as they pass and becomes a sub second measure when the chronograph is activated. The nine o’clock dial portrays 24h time, an essential feature on any globetrotters watch. Lastly, the city code for the world time function is wrapped around the chapter ring and uses the second hand for readouts and selection.
The challenge in building a watch like this is balancing the geeky information it provides in a simple, understated and classy way that keeps the watch fashionable and flexible. You may be a total nerd for the technology implemented in this watch, but the M800 will keep your secret. Considering that the parent company to Oceanus is Casio, the makers of such geek classics like the Pathfinder and G-Shock line, it is a wonder that this unique blend of high technology and clean styling was born of such lineage.
The Bracelet
The bracelet is high quality, made of titanium with good fit and finish and no noise or rattles. There is one design flaw, the links on the bracelet use a collar (located in the center piece) to secure the connections as opposed to a split pin or spring bar. This makes the bracelet very hard to size if you have not dealt with collars before. The collar is a tiny metal ring about 1.5mm around and 3mm long and it sits an a recessed area in the center (lower) portion of each link. If you are going to size your own bracelet be sure to watch for these tiny yet crucial pieces. If you take it to the jewelers, be sure they give you all the collars, as they are very hard to replace. Outside of this issue, the bracelet is more than satisfactory and fits the style and quality of the watch well.
Conclusion
Even when this watch is considered outside of its technology, it’s still a competitor. The M800 is thin, light, comes on a beautiful bracelet, and is somehow equally at home with a fine suit as it is a t-shirt and jeans. It’s not macho like a T-Touch or a Pathfinder and its not as classy or flashy as a Rolex, but it is a fantastic blend of subtle sophistication and technology. The Oceanus OCWM800TBA-1A retails for $900 and while there is a lot of competition at that price point, I feel that this watch is in a group of its own. I genuinely enjoy this watch and feel that as a daily wearer it excels with its blend of atomic time keeping, multiple functions and classic yet modern design.
By James Stacey
