Omega presents its latest horological innovation, the Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Master Chronometer GMT “Dark Grey.” The watch is a remarkable addition to the Seamaster Planet Ocean collection, which made its promising debut in 2005.
The Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Master Chronometer GMT “Dark Grey” effortlessly combines state-of-the-art technology with a sophisticated design approach.
If you’re curious to learn more about this innovative timepiece, join us in exploring the meticulous craftsmanship that brings it to life by reading further.
Exploring the Details of Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean ‘Dark Grey’
As evident from its name, this latest release boasts a striking dark grey color scheme. Omega has expertly employed a dark grey ceramic case, combined with titanium for the bezel’s foundational structure and the folding clasp integrated with the grey-black rubber strap.
Titanium, renowned for its lightweight and comfortable attributes, maintains a subtle air of novelty despite decades of industry utilization.
Meanwhile, ceramic’s impressive durability and weight, compared to traditional steel, make this watch notably lighter than other models in the esteemed Seamaster Planet Ocean collection.
The watch’s dial is crafted from sandblasted titanium, providing a distinctive texture to its appearance. Inside the timepiece, the movement features ceramic grade 5 titanium for the main plate and bridges, creating a unique version of Omega’s caliber 8906, known here as the 8906 Ti.
Despite these titanium enhancements, the movement maintains its impressive specifications, including METAS chronometer certification, the ability to withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour (VPH), a substantial 60-hour power reserve, and a handy GMT function.
This GMT function is particularly useful, as it allows the watch to reference a 24-hour scale, making it easy for the wearer to track a second time zone.
As a diver’s timepiece, this recently unveiled watch impressively achieves a water resistance of 600 meters. With a 45.5mm width, it balances robustness and comfort, making it an excellent companion for extended wear, particularly during aquatic adventures.
However, this remarkable lightness does come with a substantial price tag, as the new Dark Grey Planet Ocean commands a noteworthy $22,000 or equal to SGD 30,072.
Getting to Know the Seamaster Planet Ocean Collection
In Omega’s recent history, the Planet Ocean made a big splash in 2005, much later than the Seamaster collection that started in 1948.
The Planet Ocean was Omega’s way of joining the league of modern luxury dive watches, going head-to-head with classics like the Rolex Submariner.
What’s interesting is that the whole Seamaster family has always had a distinct style. They took a tough, no-nonsense tool watch and dressed it with luxury. This unique blend has earned them a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts.
Omega has put together a bunch of different watches in the Planet Ocean collection. They come in different sizes, like the 39.5mm and 43.5mm models, and there are bigger 45.5mm chronograph ones too. Most of these watches are made of stainless steel, which is standard.
But here’s the cool part: they’ve added something new. Now, there’s a dark grey option. And it’s not just about looks – these are made from ceramic and titanium, which is pretty fancy and gives you a mix of style and modern craftsmanship.
The First Generation (2005)
In 2005, Omega introduced the Planet Ocean, featuring the calibre 2500 movement with a co-axial escapement. It debuted with just three variations, quite a contrast to the extensive 27 models and 109 variations in 2018.
The initial Planet Ocean line came in two sizes, 42mm and 45.5mm, with black or orange bezel options. Orange became the unofficial signature color of the collection, claimed to enhance underwater visibility.
Inspired by the vintage Seamaster 300 ref. 165.024 from the 1960s, the first-generation Planet Ocean watches retained some design elements from that era while forging their own sporty identity with a helium escape valve.
The signature features of the original lineup included the aluminum bezel, divided into an untreated inner ring and a black or orange outer portion. The 120-click coin-edged unidirectional bezel and the helium escape valve at 10 o’clock were also standout design elements.
A matte black lacquered dial, Super-LumiNova hands, and hidden date windows at 3 o’clock added to the collection’s legibility and aesthetic appeal. These elements, along with regular updates, have been integral to the Planet Ocean’s enduring popularity.
Connection with James Bond 007 (2006-2012)
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean and James Bond share a strong connection. Daniel Craig first wore the Planet Ocean in his debut as Bond in “Casino Royale” (2006), sporting the 45.5mm Planet Ocean ref. 2900.50.91 on a rubber strap and the Seamaster Diver 300M.
In “Quantum of Solace” (2008), Craig chose the 42mm Planet Ocean ref. 2201.50.00 with a black bezel and steel bracelet. A limited edition, the 45.5mm Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Quantum of Solace ref. 222.30.46.20.01.001 was also released, limited to 5,007 pieces.
The 2012 film “Skyfall” saw Bond wearing the second generation of Seamaster Planet Ocean watches (2011), featuring enhancements like the in-house caliber 8500 and a ceramic bezel.
The limited edition Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Skyfall ref. 232.30.42.21.01.004 had a subtle 007 logo at 7 o’clock and a new Caliber 8507 movement with a discreet “Skyfall 007” inscription on the rotor.
