Precision matters – The Neotype LM02 Type C

One of the fun parts of writing about watches is when you have the opportunity to choose a variant of a model. My thought process is that I start imagining what it would be to have the watch on a daily basis and then, think about what would be the angle of the review, can I provide a different perspective to anything else already written? Perhaps I can show that particular product as something more niche, something different.

When I was offered the chance to review the newly released Neotype watch, the LM02 Type C, I immediately remember their previous model, the LM01 Type D. It somehow stuck into my head when I was looking for something futuristic, I guess in my head (at the time) I was tired of seeing vintage iterations of everything, small cases with beige lume, not to say that Neotype as a brand doesn’t use nostalgia, but their core ethos, their design elements are not looking old references from the 60s, they are creating their own design language.

As soon as it arrived, the LM02 Type C was everything I expected, and as described above, I took a look at all the varieties and initially, I was drawn to the stainless-steel + old radium version which I might add it is already sold out but then, I remembered why I liked the brand so much, what drew me in; it was the military stealthy look from the full PVD with BGW9 lume , I wanted that futuristic appeal.

The military feel of the Type C is stellar, it is one of the most tool-like watches that are currently sitting in my watch box, and by far is the more ‘’mean’’ looking one, it looks like some kind of red laser is going to come out from the crown. Join me to discover what could be one the coolest looking precision instrument I’ve handled, let’s begin.

Specifications

I always enjoyed full black watches, the only issue that I have is that my experience with PVD has been mixed, but then I realised that I haven’t reviewed a watch with this finishing in more than 5 years, and I can tell you, the Neotype PVD coating feels incredible, so different than I remembered it for other watches. The matte case feels more like ceramic than steel, it feels fit to perform. The bezel has a matte ceramic insert and that will give a more scratch resistance capability, it is lumed and looks great, I am truly taken by the look.

The case measures 41mm with a lug to lug of 48.5mm, I will say it is not a small watch but also is not big, it feels the right size and fits my 6.25-inch wrist well. I quite enjoy the design of the case, the lug works like a charm and gives the right grip while wearing the watch, more on the wearing experience later.

Being a full black watch, you might think that the details on the case are not as crisp as they are on the stainless-steel version, and you might be right but, the matte surface feels sharp while showing off the design. The dial is also made of matte texture and aided by 5 layers of antireflective coating, the level of eligibility remains high, everything looks like watching a 4K movie.

The dial is very crisp, and designing a chronograph is no easy feat but the boys at Neotype did a great job with the LM02, it has a minimalist approach to it but when you look at all the details, you realise that is a busy dial. There is a sub register at 9 o clock and a 24-hour indicator at 3, then you have the tachymeter scale on the bezel, 5 hands and the minute scale with lume plots at the periphery, all these details are in white against black and somehow, it is extremely easy to read plus leaving extra space for the brand name an water resistance, a good design.

The side case also houses crownguards which protect the 8mm crown that is surrounded by the 2 screwdown pushers that provide 200 meters of water resistance, they click with ease and feel great operating the V64 Seiko mecaquartz movement. The Type C not only offers precision but but also thanks to the movement, the price is quite competitive at 480 GBP.

On the wrist

Another benefit of full back watches is that they look smaller than they truly are, I am not saying that the LM02 is big, but it feels more compact than the measurements suggest, and for an everyday watch that really works for me.

The 13.8 height feels adequate for this type of watch, is not a dress one and with that water resistance feels more like a GADA piece. Wearing the LM02 has been a great experience, I enjoyed discovering details such as the pushers being aligned, the sandwich style dial and the lack of date, the attention to nuances from Neotype is impressive.

Legibility is also a strong point, from the black and white contrast to the BGW9 in bright blue plus the plenty layers of AR coating, the watch is meant to be read at any situation which is what makes me think that this is a watch for someone performing an intricate task, a police unit or a military one. I know that chronographs are usually for racings events or timing things in general, but this one feels again very tactical and camouflaged.

I wore the Type C mostly at the gym and biking and it has been a pleasant surprise how much I got used to it, despite me being on the different scale and liking more and more small vintage watches, this unit was a breath of fresh air to re discovered how diverse the world of watches really is. Again, I haven’t put the watch to a real test, but surely is more capable.

The watch also comes with 2 straps, one FMK rubber which looks at home, in line with the futuristic look and a green nato strap with matching black hoops, I am giving this one a try tomorrow and I will report post how good it performs, but in terms of looks it’s a keeper.

Conclusions

I quite enjoyed my type with the Neotype LM02 Type C, it has been a joy to wear and to discover more about me and what I like in a watch, there is no definitive answer on the latter, but I feel that I am no mere restricted to a certain type of gear, I am more receptive and that is liberating.

Coming back to the watch itself, the details and refinements are outstanding, the built quality plus the performance is something it cannot be found at this price point. The PVD case has also played a big part on the positives for this watch, the overall look and feel are unmatched for watches even double the price.

I still have the bug for their Type D but again, this new interpretation for a chronograph was more than satisfactory, it was an angle that my wallet did not need to be aware of, and that is to me the ultimate compliment. I am keen to see what next is coming from this brand.

for more information please visit https://neotypewatches.com/en-gb/products/black-pvd-black-dial

Technical Specifications

·         CASE 316L brushed stainless steel case with Black PVD treatment

·         BEZEL 316L brushed stainless steel with Black PVD treatment and matte black ceramic insert

·         Superluminova® BGW9 markers

·         DIAL Textured matte black/Sandwich style/Superluminova® BGW9 markers and hands

·         GLASS Sapphire crystal/Double dome

·         MOVEMENT Seiko VK64 Mecaquartz

·         CROWN AND PUSHERS Screw-down – 316L brushed stainless steel with Black PVD treatment

·         CASEBACK Screw-down – 316L brushed stainless steel with Black PVD treatment

·         STRAPS Black FKM elastomer with integrated quick release spring bars/Khaki NYLON NATO

·         WATER RESISTANCE 200M / 20ATM / 660ft