Watch of the Week: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean “Big Blue.”
Blue has always been the color of the Seamaster, but with the latest addition to the collection, Omega takes this color to a new height. While it is the most obvious, it is not the only thing that sets this new Planet Ocean apart, because Omega loaded it with their latest innovations.
The “Big Blue” follows in the footsteps of the Planet Ocean “Deep Black,” which came out in 2016. Where there the case was shaped from a single block of black ceramic, Omega now opted for blue. Combined with the blue dial and bezel, as well as the strap, this watch wears its connection to the ocean up its sleeve. To prevent a blue overkill Omega cleverly choose bright orange as an accent color. This not only makes the blue seem deeper of color but also makes the watch very easy to read, an important aspect when you make a diving watch.
Not only the case is made from ceramic, but also the bezel is fashioned from this material, with the diving scale made out of Omega‘s Liquidmetal numerals. There is even another material present in the bezel, as the first fifteen minutes are covered with a blend of orange rubber and ceramic. Omega also uses ceramic for the back of the watch. This screw down case back features a patented Naiad Lock. This ensures not only water tightness but also ensures that the writing on the case back is always perfectly lined up.
The back of this Planet Ocean also shows two other innovations that might not be too obvious. First of all, the “Deep Blue” is water resistant to 600 meters/2000 feet, yet features a display back! Until a couple of years ago, this was unheard of. Another “invisible” innovation is that the Caliber 8906 automatic movement in this Planet Ocean is anti-magnetic up to 15.000 gauss. Normally watches would have a soft-iron case to protect the movement from this, but innovative use of materials, including the silicium balance wheel, make it that the movement itself remains unaffected by the magnetic forces. The “Deep Blue” is therefore also certified as a “Master Chronometer,” which include the traditional COSC-certification, but has, also, several other tests the watch needs to complete in good running order before achieving this prestigious rank. Combine that with the GMT-function integrated into the movement, and you have a watch ready to explore ocean’s worldwide!
