Quote Reply Hello, I am new member to this forum. I am really surprised to read of the criticisms of the Ocean7 G1 and the brand as a whole and wanted to share my opinion.

I don't think it's any secret that the G1 is made by the same company who makes a similar model for Steinhart and other watch companies. Although Steinhart sells their version for $549 and the first batch of G-1's sold at $399. I think it's fair to say they are almost identical in build quality. To say the watch is slapped together with off the shelf parts seems a little unfair. So far I have not read any reviews from OWNERS that would suggest it was slapped together. The reviews have been very positive and seem to have brought new customers to the Ocean7 brand. I am guessing this was the main reason for the G-1 in the first place. The LM-1 is a pretty large, over the top designed watch. The G-1 is the opposite. It's much more mainstream and smaller but still shares many of the same design features as the rest of the upcoming line up.

I find the criticism that Ocean7 designs their watches by committee extremely unfair. I find the fact that the owner of Ocean7, Mitch, shares his ideas on future watches very refreshing. This kind of openness is far from a design by committee. If you go back to the original "concept" drawing of the LM-1 and look at the final product you will see very few major changes in the overall design of the watch. However the watch does have a few small tweaks made by suggestions from the forum crowd. I sometimes wonder why more small watch companies don't ask questions from potential buyers before making a product. For instance, I have read numerous complaints regarding the red 50 on the bezel of the Scorpion Reef diver. Had SWC looked for feedback on it's design and taken note of how many buyers were put off by it, the Reef diver may have sold better then it has. In an earlier post, someone made the comment that the reef diver is outselling the LM -1. I am not sure how this is possible when according to the SWC website they still have watches for sale in the original run of 100. Yet the LM-1 has around 125 owners. I guess facts come in the way of making a point sometimes. Ocean7 has also gone as far as sending out samples for testing and feedback. Based on the feedback from these trips, design improvements were made to the final products. I have to wonder had Bathys done this before releasing it's automatic diver would it have had the small crown that so many owners have found fault with and that is being enlarged on future models.

So yes, it's true that Ocean7 listens to it's buyers but I can't believe that's something to be critical of. Instead, we should applaud Ocean7 for it's openness. I can't think of any other watch brand whose owner can be accessed as easily and quickly as Mitch from Ocean7. If you don't believe me send him an email with a question and see how long it takes to get a response. You can even go to the website and chat with him most times of the day. In my opinion, that kind of customer service is unbeatable.

Finally I find it ironic that Yamahaki you write " I won't be buying an Asianese watch." when it looks like you own several. The Orsa's and Enzo's both were made with Asian parts. In fact the Enzo you are so impressed with looks to be made by the same company that is making the upcoming LM-3. Although the Enzo's asking price is over $1000 and the LM-3 is $499. The LM-3 with the custom bezel and anodized dial look to be a steal. If I were you I wouldn't say that you would rather buy a timex. With 7 upcoming Ocean7 models you never know if you will change your mind and want one down the road.