Founded in 1986 by Marco Mantovani, from Marina di Campo, and Fulvio Locci, LOCMAN began as a design studio for major Swiss fashion houses. The name itself derives from the combination of the surnames of the two founders, a clear sign of its concrete, personal origins.
The decision to establish the production site on the Island of Elba is not only a matter of the heart, but also a strategy for establishing identity: the workshops overlook the harbour, and the connection with the island becomes an integral part of the brand, expressing the Italian craftsmanship tradition that distinguishes Made in Italy products.
The first steps: straps, design and an Italian dream
At first, LOCMAN did not produce watches under its own brand name but focused on designing colourful, innovative watch straps. Thanks to this expertise, Mantovani and Locci made a name for themselves in the Swiss watchmaking world, offering designs at lower prices than their Swiss counterparts while maintaining Italian craftsmanship. A few years later, in 1987, the historic Milanese factory Genesi entered into a partnership with LOCMAN, enabling it to offer high-quality Italian-made watches.
The first watch and the origin of a style
In 1988, LOCMAN created its first handcrafted watch, combining creativity and local identity. The case features gold and briar root inserts, a typical wood of Elba, giving the timepiece an immediate connection to the island. This marked the beginning of a design approach based on the use of original and highly symbolic materials.
In 1990, a decisive turning point arrived: Carlo Crocco, founder of Hublot, joined the company and became its global distributor. Thanks to his contribution, LOCMAN opened up to international markets permanently, while maintaining a strong connection with its production base on Elba, which was expanded during the same period to support growth.
Since its earliest models, the brand has stood out for its use of unconventional materials – carbon fibre, titanium, aluminium – and its brightly coloured designs. This research culminated in 2003, when LOCMAN presented the first watch with a case entirely made of carbon fibre at the Basel Watch Show. This innovation combines lightness, strength and a distinctive technical personality.
Training and social commitment as a strategic pillar
In 2006, LOCMAN founded the S.I.O. – Italian School of Watchmaking on the Island of Elba, an initiative that combines training and research. The school became a centre where technicians worked on proprietary movements and experimented with new solutions, even designing a mechanical chronograph developed entirely in-house. This achievement shows how a company founded on an island can acquire advanced manufacturing skills.
The connection with Elba is also expressed through social commitment. In 2014, Marco Mantovani created the Fondazione Isola d’Elba, dedicated to environmental protection and cultural enhancement of the island. It is an initiative that reflects a business vision in which innovation and responsibility coexist.
These initiatives reflect an entrepreneurial vision in which innovation and social responsibility coexist, supporting ethical production consistent with the values of Made in Italy.
Business strategies and global presence
Today, LOCMAN has around 1,200 authorised retailers worldwide, several single-brand boutiques and a structured presence not only on Elba, but also in Florence, Milan and New York. Alongside contract manufacturing and collaborations with brands such as Ducati, the company continues to promote its own brand, founded on a distinctive identity. Its growth demonstrates how a company born on an island can become a global player in watchmaking, thanks to a balance between innovation, research, training and social responsibility. A story that testifies to how Made in Italy excellence is the result of vision, commitment and solid roots.
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