Japanese watchmaker Casio introduced its high-end Oceanus watch brand two decades ago, yet the name is still relatively unknown outside of Japan.
That’s changing and the next generation of upscale Oceanus watches are now available in the US. The modern Oceanus line consists of timepieces with highly accurate light-powered automatic Bluetooth-calibrated Japanese quartz movements, housed in thin premium lightweight titanium cases adorned with distinctive sapphire crystal bezels.
Manta S7000
The latest timepiece from Oceanus — a new white dial version of the Manta S7000 — will be available in the US starting today (March 18, 2024). The new dial is produced with a unique layering technique made with an opaque white print, a clear matte coating, and a silver vapor deposition. Triple dark blue counters contrast the white primary dial, accentuated by polished vertical edges on the silver subdial rings and faceted applied indices.
Titanium Case
The S7000 comes in a well-proportioned 41.25 mm x 10 mm, 46.5 mm lug-to-lug, lightweight scratch-resistant hardened titanium case, that weighs a mere 83 grams on a full metal bracelet. The Manta has a respectable 100 meters of water resistance, as it should considering its name and the fact that the entire Oceanus brand is inspired by the sea. Although not as indestructible as a G-Shock, this Manta offers excellent shock and water resistance.
Sapphire Bezel
One of the most unique features of the Manta collection, whether we’re talking about the upper-end S6000 or the accessibly priced S7000 — are the sapphire crystal bezels. The Manta S6000 timepieces come with extravagant one-piece sapphire crystal bezels, that are either spiral cut or have a ball jewel cut (like a golf ball), and that reflect light like a finely cut gemstone — in a mesmerizing way. If you want something that catches people’s eyes, the S6000 is an excellent, though pricey (approximately double the price of the S7000), choice.
Whereas if you like the scratch-proof sapphire crystal bezel but prefer a more subtle look, the Manta S7000, with a sapphire crystal bezel insert, and a tachymeter scale, set in a fixed titanium bezel, is the sportier, more inconspicuous option. Similar to the S6000 monoblock sapphire crystal bezel, the S7000 also has a blue ion-plating underneath to give it a varying hue of blue, like the sea.
Finishing
Oceanus watches are made in Japan and finished with a high level of expertise, which instantly communicates this is a premium timepiece. In addition to the unique sapphire crystal bezel, what truly sets the Manta apart visually from lower-priced timepieces, is its upscale alternating brushed hairline and Zaratsu polished case and bracelet finishes.
On The Wrist
On the wrist, the Manta’s thin case, conservative diameter, ultra-lightweight construction, and smooth flat titanium caseback result in a high level of comfort. And the Manta looks just as good with a t-shirt as it does with a dress shirt, so it’s versatile to wear in sporty or dressy situations.
Technology
The Manta S7000 features a solar-powered (via artificial or natural light) Japanese quartz movement with automatic Bluetooth time calibration — by connecting the watch to the Casio Watches app — for incredible timekeeping precision. The individual day and date displays are set automatically as well. And if a phone is not nearby, the Oceanus will revert to multi-band 6 atomic radio-controlled time syncing via the waveceptor module. As a third option, you can set the time manually with the electronic crown, though, this method is not as intuitive as setting a traditional mechanical or quartz watch, where you feel the feedback from the torque of the hands. Being a high-precision Japanese quartz movement, accuracy is -15/+15 seconds per month, even without an atomic or Bluetooth signal calibrating it.
Verdict
A $1,300 retail price is not insignificant but this is one of Casio’s top-end collections, offering some of the most advanced watchmaking the iconic Japanese brand has to offer, as well as elevated materials such as a titanium case, bracelet, pushers, crown, and caseback, and a slightly domed sapphire crystal as well as a sapphire crystal bezel insert, and premium finishes — which all raise the cost.
Activating the stopwatch function requires using the Casio Watches app, or a cumbersome process via the electronic crown. You cannot just push the start button, you have to activate stopwatch mode first. It would be nice if this was automatically on at all times so that all you have to do is push the pill-shaped pushers to start/stop/reset the chronograph.
Beyond the fit and finish and attractive proportions, the marquee feature of the Oceanus Manta S7000 is that the date and time are set automatically once you pair the watch to the Casio Watches app. The S7000 is not a G-Shock with extreme shock resistance or 200 meters of water resistance, and the crystal is not armored (which means it’s not set underneath the plane of the bezel) — yet the Manta is still a durable, water-resistant, full metal timepiece, made and assembled in Japan, with a precision quartz movement and has an attractive Panda-style dial that’s both sporty and elegant — that can be worn in casual or formal settings.
Learn more at Oceanus.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Oceanus Manta S7000
Reference: OCW-S7000D-7AJF
Year: 2024
Total Weight: 83 grams
Case material: titanium (sapphire crystal bezel insert)
Case Diameter: 41.25 mm (42 mm stated)
Case thickness: 10 mm (9.5 mm stated)
Lug-to-Lug: 46.5 mm (48 mm stated)
Lug Width: 20 mm
Crown Diameter: 4.85 mm (non-locking)
Movement: Japanese Quartz Module 5701 (solar/radio-controlled/Bluetooth)
Depth Rating: 100 meters
Bracelet: Titanium, tapered with deployant clasp (no micro adjustments)
Glass: sapphire crystal (non-armored)
