Omega showed a number of new watches this year at Baselworld 2017, including the crazy popular 1957 Trilogy Limited Edition featuring three 60th Anniversary special editions. Inevitably some models got a lot more attention than others, which is why today I thought I would focus on the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Big Blue.
The Seamaster Planet Ocean Big Blue
It’s all in the name as they say, and in this case, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Big Blue proves that this is absolutely true. It’s big – the case measures 45.5mm in diameter – and it’s definitely blue. Blue ceramic to be precise, complete with a blue ceramic bezel featuring a diving scale marked by Liquidmetal® numerals. Even the dial is blue ceramic, with a GMT track and GMT hand in brightly contrasting orange. The hands and indexes are in 18k white gold and feature white Super-LumiNova coating to ensure high legibility in low-light conditions. For added clarity when diving, orange rubber and ceramic covers the first 15 minutes on the diving scale.
As we’ve come to expect from Omega, the Seamaster Planet Ocean Big Blue also has the brains to back up its bold looks. Simply turn the watch over and the sapphire caseback reveals the Caliber 8906, a “Master Co-Axial” caliber able to withstand magnetic forces of up to 15,000 gauss. It also comes with a 4-year warranty, which, while standard for all Master Chronometer calibers, is still impressive nonetheless.
If you look closely you will also notice the words ‘Naiad Lock’ printed on the wave-edged, screw-in case back. This refers to a patented ceramic lock developed by Omega that is designed to keep the engraved wording correctly aligned. A small touch maybe but one that I personally appreciate.
The Seamaster Planet Ocean Big Blue is presented on a blue rubber strap with contrast orange stitching and orange edges. Its appearance is somewhat deceptive, as it has been designed to look like it’s made from fabric, which I actually really like. It is treated with an anti-bacterial coating and features a wave pattern on the underside. Closing it on to your wrist is a – not surprisingly – blue ceramic fold-over clasp.
Although the color choice is very bold and in your face, I have to say this is one of my preferred combinations for the Planet Ocean. It is a legitimate dive watch after all, water resistant to 600m and designed to be worn in the water not the boardroom (although no doubt some will venture there too on the wrists of brave but sartorially challenged individuals).
For more information please visit www.omegawatches.com
