Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black, photos exclusives
Omega uses its new collection to hone its expertise in the use of ceramics and they haven't skimped on looks either: First impressions of an authentic tool watch without any compromises
Launched in 2016, the Planet Ocean 600M collection has become the vehicle for the GMT 8906 caliber with Master Chronometer certification. This certification was presented in 2015 along with the Globemaster model, which we already tested for our readers. It set a new standard of reliability, with a series of eight tough tests given out by the Swiss Federal Institute for Metrology (METAS).What impressed our editorial team most with this new collection and the other novelties presented by the brand at Baselworld 2016, was the variety and innovative character of the materials used.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Deep Black in Red
In its continuing search for the most appropriate materials being generated by avant-garde building technologies, Omega unveiled the Seamaster Planet Ocean "Deep Black" collection, which boasts a case that is entirely made of ceramic.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Deep Black
Technological ceramics for greater functionality
An executive team was put in charge of the welcome at Omega in Bienne/Biel on Friday, June 10, 2016. Their goal was to show a small group the four variations of the new Planet Oean “Deep Black.” Raynald Aeschlimann, the newly nominated CEO of the brand, Jean-Claude Monachon, Vice President and Head of Product Development , Andreas Hobmeier, Vice President of Production and Purchasing guided us through this techno-adventure... and what a cast! It is a real dream team that is well prepared to continue the work started twenty years ago and aiming to push the envelope of reliability as far as it will go. That is very good news for brand aficionados …
Jean-Claude Monachon, Raynald Aeschlimann & Andreas Hobmeier
When you hold the Omega Planet Ocean "Deep Black" in your hand, it exudes a feeling of robustness and stability. The information on the dial stands out well, the materials used are not only there for the esthetics, but also for the functionality. We are obviously in the presence of a genuine tool watch, an instrument made to measure time. The case has been machined out of a single block of ceramic and includes a bezel and a case back which are of the same material. The patented “Naiad Lock” system has an oriented case back to make sure that the engraving remains perfectly in place, with peripheral alveoli for easy tightening with a dedicated tool.
The Omega Master Chronometer caliber 8906
The Planet Ocean «Deep Black» comes with an anti-bacterial rubber, fabric-like strap (for the 18-karat Sedna gold version, the strap is of water-resistant leather) and is extremely light in spite of its 45.5-millimeter diameter. Inside is the 8906 Omega Master Chronomètre GMT caliber, which drives a second time zone that can be read on a GMT ring around the dial. This complication is very useful on a diving watch, because it’s a sport that is often practiced far from one’s home. In my own case, as I don’t go diving in Lake Geneva, but rather in far more distant places!
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Deep Black
Sporty chic and extreme conditions
Of the four versions available, two are definitely oriented towards professional usage. These two models feature a brushed case with blue and red gradations that offer outstanding readability under water. The two colors were not chosen by chance. When diving, the red disappears at about five meters, whereas the blue is the last color visible at 275 meters.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Deep Black
Even if they are perfectly functional for diving, the other two versions – the one entirely black with a shiny finish, and the other in 18-karat Sedna TM gold and polished ceramic – are definitely more geared towards the sporty-chic crowd. The new Planet Ocean “Deep Black” is offered at a recommended price of 10,400 Swiss francs before taxes (the Sedna version peaks at 13,900 Swiss francs), which is quite reasonable for a professional timepiece made of innovative materials. In addition, the watches offer great precision, thanks to COSC and Master Chronometer certification.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Deep Black in Blue
This 2016 novelty is certain to find its fans, just as the Speedmaster "Dark Side of the Moon” did in 2013. To convince you further and to confirm that this is indeed a genuine professional watch, we will have a chance to test the watch in real diving conditions before the end of the year. Stay tuned…