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ebiz4me 3T WIS 
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Since I own both of these magnificent watches – thought it may be helpful to write a quick-and-dirty comparison. Both of these watches are very well made and a good value for the dollar IMHO. They are similar in many ways but also very different…hey, that’s why I bought both of them. I’m going to give various parts of each watch a rating from 1 to 5 (1 is lowest and 5 is highest). We’ll then total the rating to see who wins. This review is strictly my opinion of the watches. Although one may win, I still love both watches. Currently they are similar priced with the bracelet.. - Case including crowns, lugs and back. - Bracelet - Bezel - Glass (sapphire) - Dial, including hands, marking and lume - Movement (the engine) I’ve included pictures at the end of the review. Case – They both use the same basic case, but that’s where the similarity ends. Let’s start with the Enzo. The crown is huge and operation of the crown is very smooth. It does have a slight wobble – probably because of the size. The model I have includes crown guards. Some people don’t care for these…personally, I really like them. They’re a bit different than traditional and add to the personality of the watch. The Enzo uses connecting rods at the lugs. I believe this addd to the “high end” nature of the watch. I like em…but you sure don’t wanna loose one. The case back on the Enzo is beautiful. Very nicely done with the engraved ship. It just has a nice high end look to it. Now to the LM-3’s case. The crown is large, but not nearly as large as the Enzo. Operation is smooth but I don’t find it as smooth as the Enzo. The LM-3 uses drilled thru lugs. I like these. Makes it a snap to change from bracelet to strap quickly. The case back on the LM-3 is nice but really doesn’t compare with Enzo. I believe the LM-3’s case back is the same as on the Schaumburg Aquamatic and Nauticfish 1000M. Probably the standard case back that came from the manufacture. Enzo = 5 LM-3 = 4 Bracelet – Not a lot to say here, except both have about the best bracelet I’ve ever had on a watch. Very thick, heavy and well made. The bracelets are identical except the signed snap is different. If you buy either or both of these watches, be sure to purchase the bracelet. Well worth the money. Enzo = 5 LM-3 = 5 Bezel – The LM-3 has more of a functional bezel for a diver. Enzo is functional, but more a design element and gives the watch a unique look. I like the Enzo bezel on this model a lot. It’s different. There no slop in either bezel. The operation of the bezel on the LM-3 is a tad bit smoother. Probably because of the 120 click vs 60 for the Enzo. It’s also easier to turn on the LM-3. This is because of its traditional design and not being rounded on the sides like the Enzo. Enzo = 4 LM-3 = 5 Glass – Both use Sapphire with AR coating on the inside. BUT the super thick 5.5mm, slightly domed crystal on the Enzo is breathtaking. Sorry but the 4mm thick crystal on the LM-3 is like every other 1000m diver out there. It’s nice, but it just doesn’t make you wanna sit there and stare at your watch and move it around to catch the full effect of that glass. The Enzo crystal just flows in nicely with the rounded bezel. Very nice indeed! Enzo = 5 LM-3 = 3 Dial – I like both dials. I’m a fan of nice, simple dials. I like the Enzo a bit more. Even though the LM-3’s blue dial is very nice. Especially how the blue changes, depending on how you view it….that’s nice. But – don’t care that much for the non-solid hands. I think I would have preferred the date as black number on white. Seems to be easier to read on the Enzo. I find the hands easier to see on the Enzo, although an orange outlined minute had would have been nice, but never-the-less, when I just glance down to see the time….the Enzo wins. The dials were so close, this could have been a wash, but the lume on the Enzo won out big time. I find the lume on the LM-3 disappointing…not very bright and not enough of it. The Enzo lume is killer. Sorry I couldn’t take lume pics. The Enzo has a lume ring around the dial and in combination with the 5 minute marks and hands – it is quite beautiful. Makes the watch face look very deep at night. Enzo = 5 LM-3 = 3 Movement – Both my Enzo and LM-3 use the very reliable ETA 2824-2. The both run around 5 to 8 seconds fast per day, which is kinda on par with all my 2824 watches. Probably just like they come from the ETA’s factory. I understand some LM-3’s come with the SW200 movement. I have no experience with that movement but would give a higher rating to LM-3’s with 2824. Enzo = 5 LM-3 = 5 (4 with SW200) THE WINNER IS Enzo = 29 LM-3 = 25 So for me, the Enzo wins out. But, it was close. Both watches are very good values for the money and would compare well with watches costing much, much more. My recommendation is – if you like big, heavy diving watches – GET THEM BOTH.           A few more pics can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/Dennis.Rudy/EnzoVsLM3 Last edited on Tue Jul 10th, 2007 10:16 am by ebiz4me |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS 
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Very well thought out and cool review there and great pics too. Thanks much. ;) hand6.gifhand6.gifhand6.gif |
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Gregger 3T WIS 
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hand6.gif Very good review..thanks |
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captobvious 3T WIS 
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Great comparison of two great watches! Thanks for sharing! hand6.gif |
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Tony Duronio 3T WIS 
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Dennis, EXCELLENT review. Well thought out and an honest assessment of a product. Thanks for taking the timehand6.gif |
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Paxman 3T WIS 
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Nice review. These are hard for me to resist and this review doesn't help. Enjoy your two monstrous divers!! |
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oagaspar Site Founder 
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Great Review Biz!cool10.gif doesn't the LM-3 use the SW200 though |
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ebiz4me 3T WIS
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O.A. Gaspar wrote: Great Review Biz!cool10.gif doesn't the LM-3 use the SW200 though The first run used the 2824-2 until they exausted their supply and then went with SW200. I think, but not sure, that the 1st 100 had 2824. |
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srh_pres 3T WIS 
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ebiz... great review and pics. as another owner of both, I think your review was spot-on... well done... hand6.gif and you are correct, the first 100 came with the ETA 2824-2 movement, but since the s/n's were all over the map, you can't go by them to tell (mine is #168 but was one of the first couple off the line)... :cool: |
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oagaspar Site Founder
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has anyone taken the caseback off to check?...don't want to alarm anyone but I would imhohand6.gif |
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srh_pres 3T WIS
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I dont have the tools to do so - but would be glad to send the LM-3 to you Oscar if you wanna give it shot and check it out? ;) O.A. Gaspar wrote: has anyone taken the caseback off to check?...don't want to alarm anyone but I would imhohand6.gif |
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oagaspar Site Founder
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srh_pres wrote: I could do it for you Steve...cause if what you are saying that your's was one of the 1st off the line you could have an eta in there hand6.gif it seems they installed the casebacks w/ the LE # out of assembly sequence :? I dont have the tools to do so - but would be glad to send the LM-3 to you Oscar if you wanna give it shot and check it out? ;) |
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srh_pres 3T WIS
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Thanks Oscar... shoot me your address and I will send it off. They pre-etched the case backs with the sequential numbers, but when the assembler put them together, they just grabbed out of the box without attention to maintaining the order. Hence I wasnt able to get the same # as on my LM-1 and LM-2... :shock: O.A. Gaspar wrote: srh_pres wrote: |
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oagaspar Site Founder
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srh_pres wrote: Will do check your pm....but if that is what they did it kinda sux as there are 100 owners who believe they have an eta based on LE # alone:shock: Thanks Oscar... shoot me your address and I will send it off. They pre-etched the case backs with the sequential numbers, but when the assembler put them together, they just grabbed out of the box without attention to maintaining the order. Hence I wasnt able to get the same # as on my LM-1 and LM-2... :shock: |
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Scuba Steve 3T WIS 
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Great review and pretty well spot on. I have both as well. It is pretty amazing that a manufacturer can take the same watch and make them so vastly different. Both of these watches are the same base watch made by the same manufacturer. I rate them fairly even. My only real complaint with the LM-3 is the lume. I have 2 complaints with the Enzo. The wobble in the crown (my LM-3 is much smoother) and I wish the PIP on the bezel was lumed. The style and design of the LM-3 wins as a tool diver. The electroplated blue dial is stunning and very easy to see under water. The bezel is easy to operate. The style and design of the Enzo wins as a fashion diver. The dials are easy to view but not as much so as the LM-3. The bezel is more difficult to turn and virtually useless in practical terms. I don't really know about the use of the SW200 movement in the LM-3. I opened mine and it is an ETA 2824-2. I have #142 and mine was in the first 100 put up for sale. I was able to take advantage of the pre-order that was offered to LM-1 owners so that adds even more value to this time piece. I am quite happy with these timepieces.       |
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ebiz4me 3T WIS
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Scuba Steve wrote: Great review and pretty well spot on. I have both as well. It is pretty amazing that a manufacturer can take the same watch and make them so vastly different. Both of these watches are the same base watch made by the same manufacturer. |
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Scuba Steve 3T WIS
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Yeah, no lume in the PIP. It is still a fascinating looking watch. Here is a lume shot I took of the Orange Dial Enzo with my cell phone camera. The black dial is even brighter. I do want to add that my comment about the Enzo bezel as useless is misleading. The bezel looks great and really accents the watch. My comment was in reference to diving timing markers. It would be tough to time a dive with that bezel but in reality, I am sure a very small group would use this watch for that anyway.  Last edited on Thu Jul 12th, 2007 11:45 am by Scuba Steve |
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KenC Admin 
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Great review.................but I still don't care much for the Ocean7..and Steve's comment about "....when the assembler put them together, they just grabbed out of the box without attention to maintaining the order...", is a perfect example of why. 1) That is a piss poor approach to quality control, and 2) it doesn't say much about customer service either. They may be good watches, but since I 1st saw their Forum, the arrogance of the product's manufacturer simply turned me off....they didn't try to sleazily hide the fact that they were using the SW200 (like Bathy's did), but they are certainly willing to make "mis-statements" about it! Give me ENZO every time, Mitch and Ocean7 just don't hack it for me! jmho |
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Scuba Steve 3T WIS
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KenC wrote: Great review.................but I still don't care much for the Ocean7..and Steve's comment about "....when the assembler put them together, they just grabbed out of the box without attention to maintaining the order...", is a perfect example of why. 1) That is a piss poor approach to quality control, and 2) it doesn't say much about customer service either. They may be good watches, but since I 1st saw their Forum, the arrogance of the product's manufacturer simply turned me off....they didn't try to sleazily hide the fact that they were using the SW200 (like Bathy's did), but they are certainly willing to make "mis-statements" about it! You do realize that the LM-3 and the Enzo's are made by the same person/manufacturer correct? They are basically the same watch. Do you think this is the only company that assembles the same way? What the heck does assembling watches in numeric order have to do with quality control? I have to strongly disagree about any arrogance. They are the most open and forthright company I have seen yet. Can't say that about many either. |
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KenC Admin
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Scuba Steve wrote: KenC wrote:Great review.................but I still don't care much for the Ocean7..and Steve's comment about "....when the assembler put them together, they just grabbed out of the box without attention to maintaining the order...", is a perfect example of why. 1) That is a piss poor approach to quality control, and 2) it doesn't say much about customer service either. They may be good watches, but since I 1st saw their Forum, the arrogance of the product's manufacturer simply turned me off....they didn't try to sleazily hide the fact that they were using the SW200 (like Bathy's did), but they are certainly willing to make "mis-statements" about it! Then we can agree to disagree....a sub-contractor will enact quality control standards commiserate with those demanded by the contractor, and no, I do not think that it is the only company that assembles that way. So, if I were to accept the theory that "2 wrongs make a right", then I guess their quality is okay. As to "What the heck does assembling watches in numeric order have to do with quality control?", the correct process in producing an LE is to produce them in sequential numerical order and then number them as such if numbering is done during production. If numbering is done after assembly/production, then they should be numbered after the fact in the same fashion. I stated it was a great review review, and I gave my opinion based on my knowledge and experience with collectables and Limited Editions. I also formed an opinion based on perception of posts I have read involving the O7 owner...short of meeting him personally, perception is reality. |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS
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Shoot guys lets relax now. The fate of the world is not at hand here. LOL :D Yes Enzo and O7 are built by the same folks, in the same house using many of the same parts. Shoot there are a great many watches out there that can be said about. :) No Enzo and O7 are not a apples and oranges example here but I would say oranges and tangerines would fit. :cool: Both are great watches and many have their own preferences as to which is the better watch. As with any watch. ;) |
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KenC Admin
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Skipdawg wrote: Shoot guys lets relax now. The fate of the world is not at hand here. LOL :D Skip...I am relaxed...Scuba and I just have a difference of opinion. We have both stated our cases, and everyone can reach their own conclusion...it's only a watch! I respect his opinion and hopefully, he respects mine...it really is that simple! |
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ebiz4me 3T WIS
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I mostly agree with the Dawg in sneakers....also agree with some of Ken's comments and Steve's...both make some valid points. But I do like both watches...just the Enzo a bit more. I must admit, probably wouldn't pay the same price for LM3 if it had the SW200 movement. It would be nice if buyers (especially on the aftermarket) could know what movement their watch has without breaking the case. I think Ocean7 could have done a better job with that. |
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KenC Admin
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ebiz4me wrote: I mostly agree with the Dawg in sneakers....also agree with some of Ken's comments and Steve's...both make some valid points. But I do like both watches...just the Enzo a bit more. I must admit, probably wouldn't pay the same price for LM3 if it had the SW200 movement. It would be nice if buyers (especially on the aftermarket) could know what movement their watch has without breaking the case. I think Ocean7 could have done a better job with that. ebiz.....they can...it's called "truth in advertising". Anything short of that is intended deception by the watch company in question. Bathy's, for example, buried the "either/or" on ETA or Sellita so deep in there website it was almost impossible to find until they were called on it. They buried the one statement and touted the ETA 2824-2 everywhere else! The Sellita may or may not be a decent movement, but bottom line, it is a crude copy of an ETA, and to charge the same price for it, IMO, is simply arrogant. And again, a very nice and informative review...Thanks! |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS
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LOL :D Just making sure Ken. ;) |
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Scuba Steve 3T WIS
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KenC wrote: Scuba Steve wrote:KenC wrote:Great review.................but I still don't care much for the Ocean7..and Steve's comment about "....when the assembler put them together, they just grabbed out of the box without attention to maintaining the order...", is a perfect example of why. 1) That is a piss poor approach to quality control, and 2) it doesn't say much about customer service either. They may be good watches, but since I 1st saw their Forum, the arrogance of the product's manufacturer simply turned me off....they didn't try to sleazily hide the fact that they were using the SW200 (like Bathy's did), but they are certainly willing to make "mis-statements" about it! Ahh, OK, I see where you are coming from. Just though I would add that the LM-3 is not an LE watch. Only the LM-1 to date is a LE watch. The LM-3 was originally scheduled to have the SW-200 movement and it was stated publicly. The company then secured ETA movements for the initial production which was announced publicly. The SW200 movements were then used for the LM-2 which was publicly stated. I have to say that Mitch is very open and upfront with answers to questions. I can see where you are coming from though. If the company states they will use either ETA 2824 OR SW200 in a watch it will be hard to sort out which run of watches might have either unit if there are non-sequential serial numbers. I will add that this indeed was discussed in their forum and each run of the watch will have an identifier code in the serial number to identify the run. This would allow one to identify the specifications of their watch. |
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KenC Admin
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Scuba Steve wrote: KenC wrote:Scuba Steve wrote:KenC wrote:Great review.................but I still don't care much for the Ocean7..and Steve's comment about "....when the assembler put them together, they just grabbed out of the box without attention to maintaining the order...", is a perfect example of why. 1) That is a piss poor approach to quality control, and 2) it doesn't say much about customer service either. They may be good watches, but since I 1st saw their Forum, the arrogance of the product's manufacturer simply turned me off....they didn't try to sleazily hide the fact that they were using the SW200 (like Bathy's did), but they are certainly willing to make "mis-statements" about it! We're good! hand6.gif |
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canadajo 3T WIS 
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thanks for the review and thanks to everyone for thier responce's .... it was great reading :cool: |
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