For the uninitiated, the Oceanus is Casio’s line of premium multi-function slim watches that were once exclusive to the Japanese market. However, Casio Oceanus watches were reintroduced into the U.S. market in 2021, and the brand has since unveiled a few new models to entice American buyers. A case in point is the brand new Casio Oceanus Manta OCW-S6000SW-2A watch, featuring a striking blue curved sapphire bezel and limited to only 350 pieces worldwide. Keep on reading for all the details as we go hands-on with this higher-end Casio watch.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Casio Oceanus Manta OCW-S6000SW-2A, as seen here on Ariel’s wrist, is its vibrant blue bezel. Incorporating a new technique called spiral cutting, the style of the 24-sided faceted bezel is designed to mimic ocean waves. Spiral cutting is used to carefully cut curves on top of the faceted shape, which in turn creates smooth-to-the-touch ripples. The underside of the bezel was treated with graduation deposition with varying tints to achieve a gorgeous range of blue tones — much like the ocean itself. The inner ring that protrudes above the bezel and frames the dial is also rendered in blue thanks to ion plating (IP).
Whereas the blue represents the ocean, according to Casio, the pink gold IP-treated details — namely the crown, central chronograph/seconds hand, 12 o’clock index, and date window frame — symbolize the sandy beach under the sunlight. The various shades of blue and pink gold touches complement the titanium case and bracelet nicely.
The titanium case measures 47.1mm in length and 42.5mm-wide, while its slim profile is only 9.2mm-thick despite the watch’s Bluetooth, radio wave reception (multiband 6), and solar power capabilities. To achieve this, Casio miniaturized the movement’s components and went with high-density substrate mounting on one side (rather than spreading them across two sides of the circuit board). Keeping the watch’s profile nice and low is the flat sapphire crystal (with glare-resistant coating) protecting the dial. Couple the slender case proportion with its impressive 88-gram weight, and you’ve got a comfortable watch that’s super-light on the wrist. Living up to its ocean inspiration, the watch is water resistant to 100 meters.
Both the case and bracelet are treated with titanium carbide for improved durability and resistance to discoloration while distortion-free mirror-finished surfaces are carefully polished by skilled craftspeople. These mirror finishes appear on the center links of the bracelet, as well as the chamfered sides of the faceted case, which add extra flair to an already stylish timepiece. The bracelet is equipped with a one-touch, slide-adjustable three-fold clasp.
The dial of this Casio Oceanus Manta watch carries on the blue theme of the watch, coated with a gradation of vapor deposition that ranges from light to dark. The dial is home to subdials at 6, 9, and 12 while the date window lies at 3 o’clock. How to read these subdials depends on if the watch is in world time mode or stopwatch mode. Unlike the Oceanus OCW-S6000-1A that Ariel reviewed last year, the OCW-S6000SW-2A does not include the city name scale on the bezel but rather it’s placed discreetly on the flange. This was a thoughtful move on the part of Casio as it lets the dramatic design of the bezel shine without any distractions.
While you can certainly set the watch and navigate through various modes using the pair of pushers and crown on the right side of the case, it’s actually easier to link it with a smartphone and make all necessary adjustments via the app. The Oceanus also corrects the time automatically up to four times a day either when paired with a phone or by receiving transmissions from a time signal radio station. Even without automatic time correction the watch still maintains an accuracy rating of ±15 seconds per month.
Finally, the movement gets its power from light, using Casio’s proprietary Tough Solar battery-recharging system, supplying the watch with anywhere from 5 months to 18 months of power on a single charge depending on if the watch is in normal use or power saving mode.
This Casio Oceanus Manta combines the style of a premium analog watch with a bevy of functions driven by modern tech. Fans of G-Shock watches will likely already be familiar with many of these practical features. Yet, unlike the bold and tough designs that made G-Shock watches a fan favorite, the Oceanus is a markedly dressier and more stylish sports watch. Limited to only 350 pieces, the Casio Oceanus Manta OCW-S6000SW-2A is priced at $2,400 USD. While that is significantly more expensive than the vast majority of Casio watches, remember that this is the brand’s premium range — and it’s worth pointing out that there are plenty of higher-end G-Shock watches that are similarly priced or even more expensive than that. It remains to be seen if the Oceanus can find its footing in the American market but the handsome and exceedingly capable OCW-S6000SW is a worthy effort to get the ball rolling. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
