LOCMAN’s Voyage Through Time | NAVIS October / November 2023

An Odyssey of Innovation and Marine Mastery

In the quaint Isle of Elba, nestled amidst the serene Tuscan Archipelago, resides the horological marvel known as LOCMAN. Since its inception in 1986, the brand has embarked on a voyage through time, blending cutting-edge Italian design with a profound maritime essence. This nautical theme, intricately woven into the tapestry of LOCMAN’s identity, pays homage to the ancient seafaring tradition of the region, reflecting a harmonious confluence of aesthetic elegance and functional precision. The ethos of LOCMAN is an ode to the timeless bond between the mariner and his trusted timepiece, an alliance forged in the depths of the ocean and the annals of time.

Unveiling Mastery: The LOCMAN Montecristo Skeleton

The tale of LOCMAN’s Montecristo unfurled in 2009 with the advent of Montecristo Classic, which swiftly anchored its presence in the realm of prestige sports watches, thanks to its patented large case, flat crystal top, and distinctive triple-bar lugs. As Montecristo celebrated its 10th anniversary, it blossomed into a more sophisticated persona, marrying its bold case design with an alluring skeleton movement. The Montecristo Skeleton, a fruition of this evolution, bares the mechanical artistry through its sapphire crystal dial and back, inviting admiration for both its aesthetic and horological finesse.

The core beats with a Swiss Made movement, birthed from a collaboration between the Scuola Italiana di Orologeria and the Swiss atelier Depa Swiss, ensuring a robust power reserve of 60 to 72 hours. This remarkable autonomy is driven by a bidirectional tungsten oscillating weight, adorned with a black PVD treatment and LOCMAN’s personal touch. Encased in AISI 316L steel with a titanium bottom, the Montecristo Skeleton’s case is a trilogy of craftsmanship—an external structure cradling the two central bodies, seamlessly flowing into the strap.

Although retaining its iconic 42mm diameter, the collection now sports a slimmer, more ergonomic silhouette compared to its classic predecessors. Side openings accentuate its dynamic design, rendering the watch with a sense of lightness, while the screw-down crown with a triple o-ring gasket fortifies its water resistance up to 10 atmospheres, making it a reliable companion for maritime endeavors. Through the Montecristo Skeleton, LOCMAN navigates the delicate balance between robust functionality and elegant design, crafting a timepiece that resonates with both horological enthusiasts and maritime professionals.

The Essence of Mare 300 MT:

Embarking on a voyage of horological innovation, LOCMAN unveils the Mare 300 MT, a testament to its enduring maritime tradition. The timepiece, whose name – ‘mare’, Italian for sea – echoes its aquatic essence, is a modern-day ode to LOCMAN’s sporty and aquatic spirit emanating from its headquarters overlooking the picturesque port of Marina di Campo on the Isle of Elba. The Mare 300 MT bridges the modernity of contemporary diving equipment with the classic allure of diver’s watches. The design, influenced by modern Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD) and SCUBA gear, carves a distinctive visual niche, whilst honoring the traditional diver’s watch aesthetics. This marriage of tradition and modernity crafts a timepiece that is not only a tool but a companion for maritime adventurers, resonating with the Tuscan watchmaker’s aquatic heritage.

Technical Prowess:

The Mare 300 MT showcases technical precision beneath its rugged shell. This self-winding watch performs optimally, even deep underwater. Constructed in a 44 mm AISI 316L steel case and a titanium back fastened by four screws, it’s resilient to harsh conditions. Its rotating bezel, reminiscent of traditional diving watches, and its screw-down crown highlight LOCMAN’s design signature. The sapphire-treated crystal offers durability and clarity, ensuring legibility during underwater adventures. With water resistance up to 300 meters, the Mare is geared for oceanic depths and the brave who explore them. Its colors mirror the sea’s diverse shades, and with the Italian flag at 6 o’clock, LOCMAN’s heritage and connection to Italy are evident. The Mare 300 MT can be paired with a sporty stainless-steel bracelet or a vegetable-tinted silicone strap, seamlessly combining functionality, beauty, and a nod to LOCMAN’s maritime history.

Through the lens of the Montecristo Skeleton and the Mare 300 MT, LOCMAN’s narrative unfolds as a celebration of maritime heritage intertwined with horological mastery. These timepieces are not merely instruments of time; they are companions for those who venture beyond the horizon, embodying a spirit of adventure and a tribute to the timeless dance between the sea and timekeeping. As LOCMAN navigates forward, its creations continue to resonate with both the hearts of horological aficionados and the souls of maritime enthusiasts, etching its mark in the annals of time as a beacon of Italian craftsmanship and nautical elegance.