Warning
The watch photographed in this Test is the Seamaster Planet Ocean Big Size (Ref. 2200.50), which case diameter is 45.5 cm.
The Planet Ocean is the newly born smart diver's watch by Omega.
Heir of a long history in that field, it perfectly combines elegance and functionality.
A clever blend between preservation of an identity...
This Planet Ocean revives the esthetical codes of its predecessors borrowing miscellaneous elements from all Seamaster generations:
- the design of the bezel and the hands which are close to the 1957 model
- the shape of the case with its beautiful lyre lugs (named after its similarity to the music instrument), which are common to the Speedmaster
- the helium valve appeared with the Seamaster Bond in 1993.
... and an update of the model
But it is has also been able to interpret its codes in a new way in order to modernize them and create a current watch:
- circled markers and very bright - time is easily legible all night long!
- sapphire glass with double anti-reflective coating
- waterproof until 600 meters...
By the way, Omega remains down to earth, by increasing the classic waterproof up to 300 meters (common to most of the diver's watches) without looking for quite useless new depth record.
Thus, a clever blend, between the preservation of an identity and an update of the model, an often difficult balance to reach without excess.
Moreover, it allows to get a restrained sized watch, although a little thick and heavy, a feeling lessened thanks to the comfort of the metal strap.
The strap, a model of its kind
This strap is a model of its kind: a simple and elegant design, a safe and convenient clasp well merged with the rest of the strap.
It thus does not offer any hold at all that may take off the strap.
It also includes an extension for wetsuit that is included in the clasp, easy to access but with a safe blocking.
No big fuss, no convoluted system. Efficiency and safety.
About the movement
As for the 2500 caliber and its coaxial escapement, which, after several youth mistakes, happened to be very reliable and accurate. Its ETA 2892 base, an already wellborn caliber from the beginning, enriches itself with an optimized self-winding (as on the previous versions of the Seamaster) along with Dr Daniels' famous coaxial escapement.
To put it in a nutshell, this system allows an increasing of the isochronisms accuracy on the long term thanks to a less important levee angle of the balance.
Conclusion
In short, a simple but efficient watch, really designed for diving.
Even if its detractors will think that it is a little too much bright.
Maybe, but the time of real tool-watch has revolved.... to the benefit of formal diving watches.
The +:
- a real functional diver's watch
- the finishing
- a reliable and accurate caliber with C.O.S.C. certification
The –:
- a little too heavy watch
- the brightness that keeps it away from the tool-watch range
Further information:
- journalist's wrist = 17,5 cm
- brand website : Omega
For "diver's watches", see also:
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
- Bell & Ross BR02 Steel
- Chanel J12 Marine
- IWC Aquatimer Chronographe
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving Navy Seals
- JeanRichard Aquascope
- Omega Seamaster Ploprof
- Panerai Luminor 1950 Submersible 2500 Destro PAM 358
- Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 24
- Porsche Design Diver P'6780
- Ralf Tech WRX City Explorer C
- Rolex Submariner Date 16610
- Seiko Grand Seiko Spring Drive Diver 200
