Watch of the week: The New Omega Planet Ocean

Omega is a veteran of the dive watch game. The brand can trace its underwater pedigree all the way back to 1932, and has created perhaps the definitive dive watch with its Seamaster 300m — a piece worn by both 007 and Prince William, though there is no suggestion they are the same person. This week, we were lucky to get a glimpse of the latest timepiece in the Omega dive family. And let’s just say: the future’s bright; the future’s orange.

Looking at an overview of Omega’s dive watches from the 1950s to today, it’s clear that the marque’s designers have always been respectful of the line’s rich DNA, with subtle interactions and nods between the generations. The latest models hark back in part to the 1970s, with an angular, distinctive case that puts one in mind of the iconic cars of the era, somehow, while remaining completely contemporary.

Each new Planet Ocean is sized at 42 mm — the very same as the original models from 2005, only rendered now in a far slimmer case. This has been achieved by the flat sapphire crystal on the front, which squeezes the case and bezel down to 13.79 mm compared with the 3rd generation models at 16.1 mm thickness.

The actual case is a two-piece stainless steel design with a titanium inner ring, capped with matte black dials that showcase white or matte orange varnished or rhodium-plated Arabic numerals. One thing to notice is that Omega have removed the helium release on this model, which aids the new sleeker profile.

The new bracelets, meanwhile, have taken influence from the 1960s and 1970s models. They are more angular than the 3rd generation iterations, and are adjustable to six positions, as well as being equipped with Omega’s extra diver extension.

Finally, the caseback is screw-in and made from Grade 5 Titanium, which lends a refined-yet-rugger air to proceedings. The caseback design features a waved edge and an Omega Seahorse emblem, a nod to the brand’s Oceace credentials. They are currently supporting projects to rescue and protect seahorses globally.

The timepiece is powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8912, the very engine that powered the brand’s formidable Ultra Deep line. The self-winding movement delivers a robust 60-hour power reserve, while meeting the exacting standards of precision, performance and magnetic resistance set by METAS, Switzerland’s foremost authority on chronometric excellence. In short: engineering of the highest order, elegantly expressed.

One aspect of the watch the brand was keen to stress was the orange ceramic, noting that it was extremely hard to get colour right due to the chemical properties and processes involved. CEO Raynald Aeschlimann explained that it took over 20 iterations to get this shade just right. For this reason the Omega models are slightly more expensive than the blue and black models. They are also beautifully distinctive.

We approve. Omega have managed to be very respectful of the he Planet Ocean and Seamaster heritage whilst at the same making lots of subtle changes that add up to a huge overall difference. You have to put this watch on the wrist to realise how distinctive and pleasing the final product is. Sure, it’s never going to be like its Seamaster 300m brother in that it can’t comfortable be worn with a suit. But if you are looking for a fun, durable weekend sports watch, the Seamaster 'Planet Ocean’ in orange would be very cool choice.

• Price: The orange is £8000 in steel and £7400 in rubber. The blue and black are £7700 in steel and £7200 in rubber
• Diameter: 42mm
• Thickness: 13.79mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 47.5mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel, Grade 5 titanium with ceramic
• Dial Color: Black matte dials with matte white or matte Orange varnished Arabic numerals
• Indexes: Rhodium-plated indexes with white Super-LumiNova (blue emission), markings transfer printed in white
• Lume: White Super-LumiNova, blue emission for the hour and seconds hands (matching the indexes), and green emission for the minute hand (matching the bezel pip)
• Water Resistance: 600m
• Strap/Bracelet: Bracelet: polished-brushed, OMEGA patented screw-and-pin bracelet with OMEGA's patented extendable fold-over rack-and-pusher with extra diver extension
• Caliber: Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8912

To find out more visit Omega

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