Could the French Neotype LM02 Type C be the ultimate multipurpose tool watch?
Time+Tide
What makes a good tool watch a good tool watch? French brand Neotype figures it has the formula spot-on with the LM02 Type C chronograph. Combining a stealthy, brushed case with equally stealthy dials, the LM02 Type C is powered by a mechaquartz movement, meaning you’ll have quartz-like timekeeping with the feel of a mechanical watch while keeping costs down. Does that sound like a compelling offering? Read on for a detailed breakdown before you make up your mind.
The case
Tool watches are generally understood to be larger, better built, and more versatile than everyday watches. They are also typically endowed with a more utilitarian design so that they can more easily fulfil their purpose-oriented tasks. The case of the Neotype LM02 Type C is the first clue as to what type of watch we’re dealing with today, both because of the way it looks – its design and dimensions – as well as how it’s made. Dimension-wise, we’re dealing with a diameter of 41mm, a lug-to-lug of 48.5mm, a total thickness of 13.80mm, and a lug width of 22mm. These relatively generous measurements are paired with 200 metres of water resistance (screw-down crown, pushers, and case-back), as well as a 3.5mm-thick double-domed sapphire crystal.
The Neotype LM02 Type C comes in a total of four versions with two case variants. First, a classic, fully brushed stainless steel; second, a stealthy black sandblasted PVD case for added resistance to tarnishing and oxydation. Both case options come with white-on-black and old radium-on-black colour options, therefore making for a total of four variants. Whichever version you look at, the case will be fully brushed which prevents light reflections and helps in making this model fly under the radar. The chronograph pushers do indeed screw down for added operational security and water resistance, and the case comes with a straight, no-frills utilitarian appearance.
The side view of the case is where Neotype gave us quite a few things to look at. First, the downward slope present on the edges of the double-domed sapphire crystal; then the second downward slope of the fixed sandblasted ceramic tachymeter insert; third, the fact that the bottom section of the fixed bezel angles back towards the case. Granted, the LM02 Type C does have a bulbous profile – after all, this model is a tool watch with great water resistance and a chronograph movement, so some thickness was to be expected.
The dial
In order to claim that the LM02 Type C is the ultimate tool watch (their words, not mine), we can expect to see a legible and straightforward dial layout. All versions have a matte black dial contrasting with highly visible hour markers and hands. The markers are all recessed within the dial due to having a sandwich construction (a lume disc sits beneath the dial), which means that the LM02 is endowed with great lume – either SuperLumiNova BGW9 or Old Radium.
At 3 o’clock, we find a 24-hour indicator, and at 6, a 60-minute totaliser. The former isn’t the most useful, but Neotype gets some brownie points for doing a good job integrating it with the overall design. And in order to create visual harmony, the brand only indicated “24” at the top of the rightmost sub-register and “60” at the top of the leftmost sub-register. The branding is straightforward and rather discreet, with the brand name printed in capital letters at the 12 and the words “Chronograph” and “200M / 660ft” printed below the pinion.
The strap
To guarantee that you can use the Neotype LM02 in any and all outdoorsy and explorative type of activities, the brand ships all four versions with a two-piece, black FKM rubber strap as well as a khaki NATO-style strap. The rubber is equipped with a large, brushed stainless steel buckle, two floating keepers, and quick-release spring bars. Note that the extra spring bars for the NATO are not quick-release, which isn’t a biggy to be honest. The Type C looks particularly nice on the rubber, which was made out of a bespoke mould for the French brand.
The movement
Lastly, we should talk about the movement, as it both supports Neotype’s claim that the LM02 Type C is the ultimate tool watch and explains its reasonable retail price. Indeed, the LM02 is powered by a Seiko VK64 mechaquartz caliber, a hybrid machine that offers the accuracy and worry-free philosophy of quartz movements and the satisfying action of a mechanical chronograph. The VK64 also comes with the added bonuses of being light and robust, making the LM02 Type weigh a total of 115 grams on the rubber.
Neotype LM02 Type C pricing and availability
The Neotype LM02 Type C is available now. Price: US$584 (steel), US$630 (PVD)
| Brand | Neotype |
| Model | LM02 Type C |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 13.8mm (T) x 48.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel PVD-coated steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Double-domed sapphire |
| Dial | Black, BGW9 or old radium lume |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Strap | Black FKM rubber and khaki NATO, pin buckle |
| Movement | Seiko VK64, mechaquartz |
| Power Reserve | Three-year battery life |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, 24-hour indicator, chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$584 (steel) US$630 (PVD) |
Made in partnership with Neotype. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.