Last year Neotype stepped into the accessible chronograph game with the launch of the LM02 collection and now they’re expanding the collection with two new limited editions. They’re the LM02C1AC “Panda” and LM02C4A “Reverse Panda”, building on the neo-vintage vibe of the original collection with their heritage inspired colour schemes. I got hands-on to learn more.
Starting with the LM02C1AC “Panda”, it’s a follow-up to the steel cased model from the original collection. It measures 39mm in diameter with a thickness of 13.8mm which gives it a lot of presence on the wrist, sitting quite tall – though it’s by no means as excessive as many other tool watches I could name that sit 14mm+. Plus, having a large surface area allows you to admire the contrasting brushed and polished finishing across its structure as well as the bezel which has been updated for the 2025 edition. It’s now made from scratch resistant, polished ceramic with a khaki tachymeter scale.
The biggest update though is the dial, which now follows the classic panda colour scheme with a cream base and black, recessed subdials that look the like the eyes of a panda bear. It’s a style of chronograph display that was made iconic by watches like the Rolex Daytona in the 1960s. Leaning into that retro vibe the hands and hour markers are presented in old radium style, with a beige tone that matches the tachymeter scale on the bezel.
It makes for quite a smart display, especially when the chronograph function is activated to give the piece a bit more motion – as there is no running seconds counter it can appear very static when not activated. Controlling the chronograph function is done via the screw down chronograph pushers the flank the crown at 3 o’clock. I personally like the style of screw pushers as it draws again on that classic Daytona silhouette, though I know some collectors find them too fiddly.
Swapping over to the LM02C4A “Reverse Panda”, it has the same structure except that the case has a yellow gold PVD coating with a sandblasted finish, which gives it a more luxurious vibe. The coating pairs well with the upgraded ceramic bezel which retains its khaki scale, which now appears more golden. As the name suggests the dial is also in the reverse panda style, which means a black dial with white subdial.
Below the dials of both versions of the LM02 is the Seiko VK64 mecaquartz movement. It’s a hybrid movement that uses a quartz regulator for the standard timekeeping functions of hours, minutes, seconds and 24-hour indicator while being equipped with a mechanical chronograph. It’s a popular style of chrono because it preserves the tactile feel of the chronograph pushers and the smooth motion of the sweep seconds hand while making use of the reliability and accuracy of quartz. It’s also more accessible than a full mechanical calibre, which is another draw.
Speaking of which, the LM02C1AC “Panda” is priced at €525 (approx. £460) in a limited edition of 150 pieces while the LM02C4A “Reverse Panda” is €566 (approx. £500) in an edition of 75 pieces. Both are presented on a pin buckle FKM rubber strap with an additional olive NATO strap, so you can either lean into the sportiness of the chrono design or its more retro flair, both a comfortable on the wrist. Compared to the monotone black dials of the original collection, I think the 2025 editions have a lot more character.
Price and Specs:
€566 (approx. £485), limited to 75 pieces (Reverse Panda)
More details at Neotype.
