Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean

Omega divers watches. We have written about Omega's Seamaster Professional and Seamaster GMT divers watches with a water resistance of 300 m. Priced at 10% more than their Co-Axial Seamaster counterparts, Omega gives us the Seamaster's younger brother, the Planet Ocean.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 2201.51.00 (42 mm)

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean comes with a water resistance rating of 600 m, which is double of that provided by the Seamaster Professional. A water resistance rating of 600 m is not notable these days with the higher end Rolex divers watches providing water resistance ratings up to 1220 m and 3900 meters. Higher end Oris divers watches provide water resistance ratings up to 1000 m to 2000 meters. Still for most divers, 300 m is more than enough, and the Planet Ocean provides double that, at just a small price premium.

The Planet Ocean comes in a new design which clearly distinguishes it from the Seamaster Professional. The bezel and the hands are distinctively different. The Planet Oceans bezel is slightly bit smaller than the case. The Seamaster Professional bezel which is as wide as the case which is the design used in most divers watches. This gives the Planet Ocean a sleeker appearance and more distinctive appearance. It looks a bit like a Omega Speedmaster to me. The Skeleton hands of the Seamaster Professional have been replaced with solid ones with the "Broad Arrow" look (Note: Some Seamaster Professional's also come with solid hands).

The Seamaster Professional comes in two sizes, large (41 mm) and mid-sized. The Planet Ocean comes in big (42 mm) and bigger (45 mm). The 41 mm Seamaster Professional seems larger than the 42 mm Planet Ocean, well at least until you take measurements. The 45 mm Planet Ocean is big. It is amazing how much 3 mm more makes. Whichever size you prefer, it is really just a matter of preference as both sizes share movements and other specifications. The 45 mm size is just to satisfy the current "big watch" trend created by Panerai.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 2208.50.00 (4 mm)

The Planet Ocean also incorporate bolder color schemes. Basically, it adds orange to face of the watch, in different degrees depending on a the particular model. Black and Black and Gold schemes are available too, for those with more conservative tastes. The Planet Ocean also comes with metal and rubber straps.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 2201.50.00 (42 mm)

Movement. The Planet Ocean is powered by a COSC certified self-winding Omega Co-Axial 2500 movement, which is a heavily modified ETA 2892 movement. The Omega developed Co-Axial technology reduces friction and prolonged service intervals. The Omega 2500 produces 25,200 vph and has a 48 hour power reserve.

Helium Release Valve. Planet Oceans come with a Helium Release valve (the second crown at the 10' oc'clock). When deep sea divers operate at great depths, they spend prolonged hours in diving bells under pressure breathing a gas mix that contains helium. Helium molecules are the second smallest found in nature an thus available to work its way inside even water resistant watches. When a diver resurfaces, the helium which built up inside the watch starts to expand quicker than it can escape, leading to an increase in pressure inside the watch. This can cause great damage to the watch. The valve allows for these gases to be release, but you must do it manually.

About Omega SA. The forerunner of Omega was founded 1848, by Louis Brandt. The name Omega was first used in 1894. It was used as the name of one of the Louis Brandt brother’s watch movement calibers.