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Bienne Switzerland (02 February 2005)--
The latest Omega collection completes a
set of modern equivalents of three classic Omega watches. At the same
time, it also marks the first full-scale use of Omega's proprietary
Co-Axial Escapement movement in the Seamaster divers' watch collection.
The design of the Seamaster Planet Ocean recalls that of the first-ever
Seamaster 300 metre models, which were launched in 1957. In the same
year, the brand's Railmaster watch and the now legendary Speedmaster
watch were also launched. It is, therefore, hardly a coincidence that
the 21st century equivalents of these models share certain similarities
in their design - above all the distinctive case design with contrasting
polished and brushed surfaces.
Available in two different case sizes (45.5mm and 42 mm in diameter),
the Planet Ocean models are readily identified by their bezels, which
recall the original Seamaster 300 metre models, albeit with a choice
between classic and highly contemporary interpretations of this
historical theme. Meticulous attention to detail resulted in two
slightly different bezel designs, with the larger model taking on a
resolutely sporty look and the finer grooves on the smaller model
offering a more subtle finish that is sure to make the watch equally
popular among a female clientele. Fitted to the bezel is an aluminum
ring, one third of which is visible in its original brushed surface, the
other two thirds in a choice of black or orange - a color chosen because
it is one of the most visible under water. The bezel can be turned in
one direction only and has minute graduations for the first fifteen
minutes and numbers for the subsequent ten-minute sectors and a luminous
triangular marker at 12 o'clock. Other characteristic indicators that
this is a classic divers' watch are the watertight screw-in crown and
the helium escape valve. Located at 10 o'clock and embossed with "He",
the chemical symbol for helium, the latter allows any helium atoms that
may penetrate the watch during compression in a diving bell to escape
during decompression, thus avoiding any potential damage to the watch.
The excellent water resistance down to 600 metres (2000 feet) is further
guaranteed by a screw-in case back.
The matt black lacquered dial also offers excellent clarity, thanks to
applied luminous hour markers and Arabic numerals at 12, 6 and 9
o'clock, with date window at 3 o'clock. The facetted arrowhead hour and
minute hands also have luminous SuperLuminova inserts, and a luminous
arrowhead seconds hand with orange tip offers the ultimate visibility
down to the last second. Beneath the surface is Omega's calibre 2500
Co-Axial Escapement movement, which has a power reserve of 48 hours. The
Co-Axial Escapement, a proprietary Omega technology, considerably
reduces friction in the heart of the watch mechanism and thus offers
much better long-term reliability and accuracy. The movement is
decorated with a meticulous rhodium-plated finish of circular graining,
Geneva wave decor and gold-plated engravings and remains tightly sealed
behind the stainless-steel case back embossed with the name of the
watch, the Omega symbol and a large embossed seahorse - the medallion of
the Seamaster line.
The Seamaster Planet Ocean is available with a new brushed
stainless-steel bracelet with polished sides and a foldover safety
clasp. The new bracelet has subtly curved links that immediately catch
the eye and offer excellent comfort for the wearer. Black rubber straps
available on all models offer a sporty and equally robust alternative,
whilst matching alligator leather straps (orange with the orange bezel,
dark brown with the black bezel) give the watch an entirely different
look for the more fashion conscious.
One of the most important new models for Omega in 2005, and a hot
contender as one of the Basel Fair's star pieces, the Omega Seamaster
Planet Ocean will be available at official Omega retailers worldwide
from May this year.
Posted by Dell Deaton, April 1, 2008 at 10:27 AM
