REVIEW: Ocean7 LM-5CQ

If you’ve read my earlier reviews of the Ocean7 LM-5 models (here and here), you’re aware that I’m a fan of this particular line, due, in large part, to the lumed sapphire bezel that is installed. This latest model, the LM-5CQ, introduces two things we didn’t see in the other models – a chronograph function, and a lower price point.

Before we get into those differences, let’s review all the (great) things that stay the same from the earlier LM-5 models:

Swiss Made

42mm steel case (13mm thick in this case) with 22mm lugs
Swiss Super-LumiNova Dial Markers and Hands
Domed Sapphire Crystal With Inside Anti-Reflective Coating

Uni-directional 120 click bezel with domed sapphire insert (fully lumed)
100m water resistance rating (screw-down crown engaged)
Strap: comes on a standard rubber strap, or you can upgrade to Milainese mesh for $149

And of course, the major styling carries over as well, whether you choose the blue or black dials. That said, the styling has to be a little different, as we’ve got a Ronda 5020.B Quartz movement (the other models are mechanical) adding in a chronograph function. This also affords the addition of the “big date” window down at the 6 o’clock position.

While these are all welcome additions, it throws the balance of the dial off ever so slightly for me. The midline of the chrono subdials isn’t exactly on the line you’d draw between 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock – I’m guessing this is due to spacing in the movement to handle the date display. Not a major issue, by any stretch of the imagination. However, if you have a bit of symmetry OCD (as I do) when it comes to your dials, you’ll want to take a closer look.

The switch from a mechanical to quartz movement, aside from complications, also brings us a much lower pricepoint than we’ve seen before. On the stock rubber strap, this model comes in at $379. This makes it for an attractive option if you’ve been eyeing the LM-5 lineup, or other sapphire bezel watches in general.