Omega introduces the Seamaster Planet Ocean Worldtimer

Intro

If there’s a Seamaster that I love, that is, no doubt, the Aqua Terra 150M Worldtimer. Since its introduction, Omega has stepped up the classic three-hander by merging its sleek, pure design with the appealing world-time complication powered by the latest-gen Master Chronometer movement. After releasing multiple product variations and adding countless combinations of materials and finishes, the World Time mechanism finally found its way into a Planet Ocean.

The new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Worldtimer

While the Seamaster Planet Ocean is a long-established model, so is its combination with the most diverse materials engineered at the Omega workshops, the pinnacle being the Planet Ocean Dark Grey and its top-notch touch and feel, in my opinion.

The two new editions released today won’t adopt silicon nitride ceramic. Still, a more conventional zirconium oxide ceramic compound for case and bezel, topped by an extensive brushed finish, makes a whopping 45.50 mm in diameter and 17.4 mm in thickness watch. The Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8938 debuts into the PO collection, making this Planet Ocean the only 600-meter professional diver (suited for saturation diving) with a World Time complication on sale.

The graduated scale on the bezel results from a laser ablation process, something in the works at Omega since the first Speedmaster Apollo 8‘s edition came out. Placed in the dial’s centre is the familiar disc holding the 24 cities, with, icing on the cake, Bienne, Omega’s founding town, marking the GMT + 1 timezone.

A laser ablation process also reworked the mid-disc. The grade 5 titanium base holds the continents, with the oceans highlighted in grey or turquoise. A day-night ring and a large honeycomb-ablated mid-disc surround the base.

Two options: grey and turquoise

Interestingly, Omega launched two colour options: a turquoise one mimicking the ETNZ Planet Ocean, whose contrast against the deep black base works well, as does with the turquoise-stitched black strap.

Sitting atop the dial are white Super-LumiNova-filled indexes. Additionally, a more sober grey is on offer. Gray varnished paint replaces turquoise, while a thin grey line runs along the strap’s outer part. Both models share a clasp made of ceramic and ceramised titanium.

Final thoughts

Let’s kick them off with the official retail price: each model costs €16,600. The new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Worldtimer watches are geared towards a specific audience of globetrotters who love full-black timepieces and recurrently use a world time complication yet on a bold, top-performing diving watch. Essentially, it identifies a niche of Omega fans looking for a luxury sports watch to withstand everyday hardcore use, thanks to a highly scratch-resistant ceramic case that allows it to preserve a long-lasting appearance.

(Photo credit: Omega)

Giovanni Maria Di Biase @Horbiter®