Hands On Review: Locman Ducati Chronograph

As a motorcycle fan, I am excited to review the Locman Ducati Chronograph. Few names are more iconic than Ducati, which many consider the “Ferrari of Motorcycles.” The Italian brand is known for making some of the fastest and most beautiful motorcycles in the world. It is no wonder that it partnered with another iconic Italian brand, Locman, to produce a range of Ducati watches.

Most casual watch enthusiasts likely do not know of the rich legacy of Italian watchmaking, which dates back to the early 19th century. Their neighbors to the north tend to get all of the attention, but Locman needs to be on your radar. The brand was founded in 1986 on the Italian island of Elba by Marco Mantovani to produce private-label watches, but in 1996, Marco and his partners decided to produce watches under the Locman name.

Locman would secure contracts to produce watches for the Italian Navy and Air Force, and release special editions with Fiat and, since 2017, Ducati. The Locman Ducati Ref: D121A01S-00BKWRPKR is the watch I am reviewing today. To date, the Ducati collaboration has given birth to three distinctive series of watches, each drawing inspiration from the design of some of Ducati’s most beloved motorcycles.

Hands On Review: Locman Ducati Chronograph

Despite their diverse mechanics and aesthetics, the watches in the Locman Ducati collection encapsulate the design, performance, and technological advancements synonymous with the renowned motorcycle brand. The collection includes three models: an automatic, a quartz chronograph, and a Swiss-made automatic chronograph.

We are reviewing the Ref: D121A01S-00BKWRPKR, which is the quartz chronograph, powered by a reliable Miyota movement; the watch is priced at $725, making it a very good alternative to a Tag Heuer Formula 1, which starts at over $1,000 more. We always look for finish with smaller watch brands, and Locman’s attention to detail is on par with some of the finest watches we have ever reviewed, even at a sub $1,000 price point. Lucas, our photographer, was shocked at how clean and dust-free the dial images were, as often we find that smaller brands’ processes trap a lot of microscopic dust between the dial and crystal.

The case finishing is equally impressive as is the craftsmanship of the leather band. The watch is comfortable to wear, and the Ducati branding is integrated well into the dial and crown. Even if you are not a motorcycle enthusiast, the Locman Ducati is a handsome watch. Locman also has a fairly extensive network of dealers in the US, including here in Texas, with retailers like William Sheahan Designs stocking the Locman brand.