A mechanical watch enthusiast tries out the Edo Kiriko model of the Oceanus as a "normal person" [Wearing Review]

This is a wearable review of the latest Oceanus "Manta." This model features a bold Edo Kiriko bezel and is a full titanium model with a black base created by DLC (diamond-like carbon) processing. While it looks like an analog watch, it incorporates the latest technology, making it an easy-to-use daily watch for modern society. It is a watch that will appeal to casual watch lovers as well as mechanical watch enthusiasts.

Introduction: The dual structure of the view of timepieces

　Many of the regular readers of webChronos, a website specializing in watches, are likely mechanical watch enthusiasts. I, too, became fascinated with the world of watches through Swiss mechanical watches. At the same time, I have also always been interested in the history and industrial structure of watches. I have overseen the process from the pocket watch era to the wristwatch era, and through the quartz revolution to the revival (or even new rise) of mechanical watches, and I value my position as an enthusiast who respects both traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology.

Learn about the background of quartz watches becoming mainstream at Seiko and the resurgence of mechanical watches

http://www.webchronos.net/features/74622/

　In this article, I will review the Casio Oceanus Manta S7000 series, Ref. OCW-S7000CN-1AJF, from the perspective of "how would I feel if I were an 'average person' who doesn't favor mechanical watches and doesn't know much about them?" However, to avoid being completely subjective, I will also incorporate a certain amount of enthusiast perspective. While this attempt is challenging, I believe that this "dual-personality" perspective is one way to capture the true value of the Oceanus, a watch that combines modern technology with traditional craftsmanship.

　While this may be difficult to understand for enthusiasts who are only passionate about mechanical watches, the value of a watch that is powered by solar charging, has a quartz movement as a speed regulator, and has a standard radio wave receiving antenna is likely to become more clearly apparent from the perspective of a "light user." With this in mind, this article attempts to explore the multifaceted nature of the product by combining two perspectives.

A striking combination of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology - the Edo Kiriko bezel

　The greatest feature of this model is the bold yet intricate incorporation of Edo Kiriko, a traditional Japanese craft technique, into the bezel. Edo Kiriko is a traditional glass carving craft that has been practiced in Edo (Tokyo) since the late Edo period. By applying sharp, delicate geometric cuts to transparent glass, the refraction and reflection of light creates a rich, layered effect with rich color changes.

　Since 2018, the OCEANUS Manta has been offering a limited edition model featuring Edo Kiriko on a sapphire crystal bezel. This latest model has the theme of "CALM NIGHT," and its design depicts the sea at night illuminated by moonlight. Under the supervision of Toru Horiguchi, a traditional Japanese craftsman and the third generation owner of Horiguchi Kiriko Co., Ltd., each piece is handcrafted by artisans using the traditional "Sensuji" pattern.

　This bezel has a different number of milled lines cut into the upper half at 12 o'clock and the lower half at 6 o'clock. The upper half has 16 milled lines on the backside, while the lower half has 12, to represent moonlight and light reflected on the surface of the sea, respectively. After being coated with silver, the bezel is then coated with black on the top and silver on the bottom, creating a gradation effect.

　It is worth noting that the bezel has a slight blue tint at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. This hue is achieved by applying the properties of a vapor deposition process. Vapor deposition processes change color depending on the viewing angle, and by controlling the refractive index of light during deposition, blue reflection is imparted to some areas.

　These are not merely decorative, but rather works of art that change their appearance depending on the angle of the light, drawing the viewer's attention. Unlike the way that enthusiasts admire expensive mechanical movements, these have a visual impact that allows the average person to intuitively sense "beauty and luxury" at a glance. While this model may look like a gadget-like watch incorporating the latest technology, it can be said to possess the value and beauty of a work of art.

Design Overview

　Let's take a look at the design of this model, which is based on black, from the perspective of an "ordinary person."

　The unified black coloring from the case to the bracelet gives a bold impression. When I asked "ordinary people who are not watch enthusiasts" around me, many of them said it was "cool." This is purely an evaluation based on first impressions. It was particularly popular with young people in their 20s and 30s, while some middle-aged people saw it as a "design for young people."

　So, what is the basis for this sense of "coolness"? It is entirely up to intuition, but if we look at the elements, materials, colors, details, etc. that make up a watch, the following factors come to mind:

• The black-based case and bezel design creates a sharp and calm appearance.
• The sparkling brilliance of the Edo Kiriko bezel gives it a luxurious feel and accent, creating a striking presence.
• The diamond-cut hands reflect light in a way that matches the brilliance of the bezel, creating a visually harmonious look.
• The watch features four subdials, a total of seven hands, and minute numbers and letters, evoking a sophisticated gadget feel that incorporates cutting-edge technology.
• The indexes are three-dimensional bars coated with white luminous paint, ensuring visibility without being overbearing.
• The slim and not-too-flashy size creates a calming effect that blends seamlessly into business settings.

　The Oceanus Manta is an analog wristwatch that exudes the pinnacle of technology, and offers a world of expression that is different from purely mechanical watches. Casio appears to be a pioneer in this field. Compared to the gadget-like G-SHOCK, the Oceanus Manta has a more elegant, watch-like design, and this exquisite balance has resulted in a design that many "ordinary people" find "cool."

Detail Overview

　Now that we have a grasp of the overall picture, we will delve into the details from an enthusiast's perspective.

　First, the dial. The official description is, "The watch features a textured dial with a motif of the unevenness and shadows of the moon's surface. The matte texture expresses the delicate and elegant expression of the moon's surface," and to me, this was a successful attempt.

　Because it is a solar watch, there is a light-receiving element under the resin dial. The expressive power of making a dial out of resin is a technology that is almost non-existent among dial manufacturers of mechanical watches, where metal materials such as brass and gold are the norm.

　Three subdials stand out on the dial, but if you look closely, you'll also notice a tiny dial at 8 o'clock. The outer ring or track of the subdial is extremely intricately crafted, and is another example of the pinnacle of injection molding technology.

　The indexes around the outer periphery of the dial are applied in the shape of three-dimensional bars coated with white luminous paint (the luminous color is blue neobright), and are evenly and flushly arranged without any deviation. The two rows of bars at 12 o'clock are a traditional theory that has continued since the Patek Philippe Ref. 96, and they bring a sense of stability to an area that tends to have a gadget-like feel.

　The white Lumibrite painted center and diamond-cut hour and minute hands have a natural length and width ratio that is typical of a wristwatch, creating the same effect as the indexes. From that perspective, the silver-framed date window at 3 o'clock, the white date display on a black background, and the placement of the watch's pet name at 3 o'clock, as the inset dials are at 12, 6, and 9 o'clock, create a sense of stability in line with theory, adhering to the basics of a chronograph watch design.

　The step-moving center seconds hand is a thin silver hand with a counterweight. The tip is white and the counterweight is dyed black, which is a bit of a departure from conventional design.

　Some may find the length of the hands to be a little short, but this can also be interpreted as a Casio style. The back of the dial is lined with three-letter names for each city for the world time function. The hour hand is set slightly above the dial to clear the thick dial. Also, to accommodate the three hands, including the central chronograph seconds hand, there is a relatively large clearance between the dial and the inside of the crystal. Even so, because the dial and back are all black, it doesn't feel sluggish and looks compact.

　The natural look of these details is the key to this model, and they bring a sense of calm and stability to the dial, which is made of resin and has a three-dimensional shape that tends to give it a gadget-like feel. This is exactly the positioning that Oceanus was aiming for: "a sophisticated gadget that adheres to the theory of a watch."

Lightweight and thin titanium design for comfort - consideration for everyday use

　One of the greatest features of the Manta series is Casio's specialty: its "thin, lightweight titanium design." When I measured it with the bracelet adjusted to my slim wrist, it weighed approximately 71.5g, which is significantly lighter than a typical mechanical watch on a bracelet. Given that the target audience is primarily "average people," it's not expected that they'll own dozens or even hundreds of watches like enthusiasts, and instead assumes that this one will be used as a daily watch. Therefore, it makes sense to use lightweight titanium, which is comfortable to wear every day.

　The DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the surface makes it highly scratch-resistant, allowing you to use it with confidence without worrying too much about rubbing against your cuffs in business situations or minor scratches in everyday life. Despite the prominent bezel, the watch itself is just 9.8mm thick, and it sits comfortably on the wrist, providing a comfortable fit.

　The case, including the sides of the bezel, is basically finished with a fine satin finish, while the surfaces of the lug shoulders, push buttons, crown, and the center of the bracelet, from the flash fit, are polished. I feel that this finishing scheme works well as an accent to create a sense of luxury and three-dimensionality in the all-black watch.

　Although polishing titanium seems difficult, the backs of the lugs, which are generally difficult to process, are also polished, so it seems that this product was made almost entirely by machining. On the other hand, the only traces of machining are the saw marks around the case back.

　The bracelet is also black in the DLC, and the links are designed with an arrow feather motif. At first glance, it has a three-dimensional design that is typical of Gundam, and all of the edges are sharp. The sides of the bracelet are polished and have the same sharp edges, but I felt that the edges on the surface that touches the wrist could be a little duller.

　The buckle is also made of titanium, so it is machined rather than bent from a plate, and the surface of the buckle has a satin finish that gives it a luxurious feel. The left and right push buttons are easy to press and operate. The ability to fine-tune the bracelet length by about 3mm while holding down the button also contributes to ease of use. The overall balance, including the bracelet, is of a high standard for a daily watch.

Precision functions and a comprehensive time management system: a fusion of solar-powered radio waves and Bluetooth®

　In addition to Casio's unique light-powered solar charging system, this model is equipped with a high-precision radio-controlled clock function that receives standard radio waves from six stations in Japan, North America, Europe, and China. This means that the hassle of basic time adjustment is almost eliminated, and the most accurate time display is always guaranteed.

　Furthermore, by connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth®, the latest time information is sent to the OCEANUS from the smartphone's time server, allowing automatic time correction even in environments where radio waves cannot reach, ensuring peace of mind for users.

　These multiple time management networks ensure extremely high timekeeping accuracy and convenience for a quartz watch, making it a reliable choice for busy business people and those who find adjusting mechanical watches a hassle.

Unified management with the "CASIO WATCHES" app - experiencing a futuristic UX

　To pair this model with a smartphone using Bluetooth®, you will need to download the dedicated app "CASIO WATCHES."

App overview

　Support for the old "OCEANUS Connected" app has ended, and Casio has introduced the integrated app "CASIO WATCHES" that supports multiple devices. Compatible with both iOS and Android, it allows users to manage a variety of Bluetooth®-connected watches, including Oceanus, all in one place.

Setup and Connection

　When I actually paired this model with my smartphone, the connection was extremely easy; all I had to do was follow the on-screen instructions, and I had no trouble understanding it. It will also be easy to use for users who own multiple models that can be connected to CASIO WATCHES. The main features are as follows:

• automatic time correction

...Time adjustment using information from the smartphone's time server works smoothly even outside the range of radio wave reception, and time difference correction when traveling abroad is seamless.

• World Time Management

...You can choose from over 300 city time zones, and after setting the city on the app, it can be reflected on the watch. It has an intuitive user interface that minimizes physical operation, and I found it very convenient to be able to specify the time zone from the app and send it to the watch.

• Hand position adjustment and calendar setting

...Hand position correction, which can detect and automatically correct misalignment of the hands due to shock or magnetism, can be done with a single touch from the app. Calendar and 24-hour display switching can also be managed all at once on a smartphone, freeing the user from the complexity of physical operations.

• Software Update Notifications

...Firmware updates for the watch are notified via the app, and the update installation is also completed within the app.

　You can also check the charging status on the screen, making it very easy to use, and one interesting feature is that you can ring your smartphone from the watch to find its location.

　The combination of the OCEANUS and CASIO WATCHES offers a fantastic user experience, with the appearance of an analog watch yet the ability to easily use advanced digital connectivity. Smartphone users can use it almost stress-free, freeing them from the hassle of operating the watch alone.

Technical advances in drivetrain technology...

　While we're at it, we'd also like to touch on the digital collaboration technologies of Japan's three major manufacturers.

Casio: Solar charging (Tough Solar), time calibration signal reception, GPS satellite reception, Bluetooth® compatibility

• We offer models that can charge even in indoor light thanks to high-performance solar technology that converts light into electricity.
• The watch receives time information from standard radio waves (multiple domestic and international transmitters) or GPS, and by connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth, it automatically updates time zone and daylight saving time information, ensuring highly accurate time display at all times.

Seiko Astron: A GPS watch with solar charging, time standard radio wave reception, and world time correction using GPS satellite signals.

• In addition to receiving standard radio waves from the ground, the watch also uses GPS to display accurate time in 39 time zones around the world.
• It is light-charged, so there is no need for regular battery changes, and advanced movement technology maintains high accuracy and compact size.

Citizen Attesa: A GPS watch with solar charging (Eco-Drive), time standard radio wave reception, and world time correction using GPS satellite signals.

• The highly sensitive solar cell converts light, including indoor light, into electricity and is also highly efficient, allowing for a variety of dial expressions.
• In addition to standard radio waves, it is also equipped with a GPS satellite radio wave reception function.

　Each model has its own unique features, and there is no doubt that they all offer cutting-edge digital and communication technology. However, the features installed vary depending on the model.

　I think Casio in particular has done a good job of catering to the characteristics of modern people, who tend to use more than one smartphone each. I highly recommend you try it out for yourself.

The charm of the Oceanus Manta Ray as experienced by "ordinary people"

　Unlike the delicate mechanical beauty of the mechanical watches I normally enjoy, the appeal of the Oceanus Manta can be summed up in its "practicality, high precision, and light wearing comfort" and "the beauty of traditional craftsmanship that stimulates the satisfaction of ownership." It particularly matches the needs of those seeking a "cool watch" for daily use, including business situations, and its strength is that it is "easy to purchase even for casual users who shy away from mechanical watches that require considerable maintenance and handling."

　If you're a mechanical watch enthusiast with a bit of a "regular" side, you'll likely be interested in this model for its intuitive usability, simple yet sophisticated design, and cutting-edge digital functionality.

　I would like all enthusiasts who appreciate the appeal of mechanical watches to pick up this watch with the eyes of an ordinary person, experience its merits, and rediscover new ways to enjoy watches and their universal value.