Okay, “new” may be wishful thinking as these models started showing up at authorized dealers as early as August. Nevertheless, we wanted to wait until we saw the newly refreshed Planet Ocean line up live in person before rendering any sort of an opinion. A couple of days ago I got the opportunity to see these new models at an Omega authorized dealer and I frankly, I was blown away. Omega has managed a large but careful step forward with one of their most loved series. This article will only refer to the “mens” models as the dealer I visited did not have stock of the ladies sizes.
The new models come in three variations (explained below) including three-hand models that can be had in 42 mm or 45.5 mm versions and a new chronograph model available only in the 45.5 mm case size. Omega cannot just flippantly update the Planet Ocean as the PO is the most popular variant of the Seamaster line and the Omega Seamaster range has a very passionate fan base. Omega understands the Seamaster line (and its buyers) and the new models not only exhibit the correct Seamaster DNA and design, but they are also powered by in-house Omega movements.
The Omega 8500 (three hand movement) is a co-axial movement with a 60 hour power reserve thanks to its twin barrel design. The 8500 utilizes 39 jewels, a free sprung balance, and beats at a relatively slow 25,200 vph. The chronograph models use the calibre 9300 
which is a brand new column-wheel chronograph movement. Seen as a two register display, only the three o’clock subdial is for the chronograph and uses a white hand for elapsed hours and an orange ProPlof-style hand for elapsed minutes (so cool, see photo at right). Running seconds show on the nine o’clock subdial, while chrono seconds show on the main (full size) second hand for easy reading. This layout is simple and ingenious and largely the coolest feature of the 9300 based Planet Ocean. The 9300 shares the 8500’s 60 hour power reserve but it beats at a more standard 28,800 vph. Both of these new calibres are COSC capable, fully decorated by Omega, and carry a four year warranty.
Here is a quick breakdown of the three standard variations of the new Planet Ocean:
42 mm & 45.5 mm (ref: 232.30.42.21.01.xxx and 232.30.46.21.01.xxx)
- Cal 8500
- Domed sapphire crystal with dual-sided AR
- Stainless steel case with screw set HEV (seen at 10)
- Display case back
- Black/grey bezel is ceramic
- Orange bezel is aluminum only
- 600 m (2000 ft) WR
- Can be had with white or orange numerals
- $5800 – $6000 (strap or bracelet)
- 45.5 mm version seen at right. 42 mm above
- Chronograph is only available in this size
- Cal 9300
- Domed sapphire crystal with dual-sided AR
- Stainless steel case with screw set HEV (seen at 10)
- Display case back
- Black/grey (ceramic) or orange (aluminum) bezel
- 2 register chrono display
- Elapsed hours and minutes on same register
- 600 m (2000 ft) WR
- $7700-$7900
PO Titanium Liquidmetal (ref: 232.90.46.21.03.001 and 232.90.46.51.03.001)
- Special edition available in blue only
- Available as 3 hand or Chrono (45.5 mm only)
- Cal 8500 or 9300 (3 hand/chrono)
- Grade 5 titanium case and bracelet (optional)
- Ceramic bezel with Liquidmetal numbers and scaling
- Blue rubber strap or Ti bracelet
- 3 hand – $8300 (with bracelet)
- Chrono $10,500 ($10,000 on strap)
There are a lot to choose from and to get the best understanding of the dizzying number of variations available on each model we suggest checking out the Seamaster area of Omega’s website. While these new models are more expensive than their older siblings, they represent a considerable step forward in design and technology. Omega fans have been receptive to the new pricing, especially when considering these new models have been developed to compete against the king, Rolex. At $6000 for a 42 mm Planet Ocean and nearly $8000 for a comparable 40 mm Rolex Submariner, it seems Omega has made an easy choice for many buyers (regardless of which watch is better). I own a discontinued Seamaster model from a few year backs and while these new models are thicker and have traded the traditional sword hands for something more modern, they are definitely still Seamasters and I think they look and feel amazing and I hope to be able to get one in for the full review treatment soon.
slf
I’m still waiting for the Planet Ocean 45.5 GMT (Steel or Ti).. that’s the missing link in their chain.. I’d buy it in a minute 🙂
Sinn144GMT
When walking into an Omega Boutique inuring about a PO Chrono GMT, I was told to wait for Basel (three more days) and that the caliber would lend itself for a GMT hand from the center
Sinn144GMTTiAr
Well, the PO GMT didn’t come this Basel 2012, but the yopenly speak of the Aqua Terra GMT as being “the first” of the new calibers with GMT. Read: “more to come”. My dream PO Chrono GMT Liqumetal Ti
henry
I like the direction Omega has been moving over the years. Making slow but sure progress with their watches internally and externally. Addition of co-axial has been interesting if anything else, and their design has been getting better. I was surprised how good Aqua Terra looked. And although I am not of golf, their Aqua Terra golf looked very chic with green accents.
MrTissot
New in-house co-axial chronometer movement, 60 hour power reserve. Wow! Amazing stuff! I have the previous 3 hand Seamaster Planet Ocean and it’s a beauty. Still, I have tested the power reserve when fully wound and it went for 56 hours instead of Omega’s claimed 48 hours. These timepieces are better than what they say. Real true value. I love the way Omega has combined the Hour and the Minutes sub-dials into one on the chrono model. Awesome move Omega. Love it so much. Excellent for using as a second time zone. This is even better than a GMT imho.
MrTissot
Ooops! I just realised something! My mistake. Unfortunately, to be able to use the chrono model’s combined running hours and minutes sub-dial as a second time zone would mean having the chrono running permanently. I guess not a good idea!
Dylan
Yep… Still missing a GMT model.
Even if the 9300 based chrono has the quickset hour hand like the new Speedmaster Moonwatch, to use the subdial as a second timezone, you a) have to start it at exactly 12 noon or midnight in either your home or destination timezone; and b) leave the chrono running for days, weeks or months on end, almost certainly throwing out the accuracy and draining the reserve.. Both are poor options and together rule out any use of the 9300 based watches as a GMT.
I’ll stick by my faithful Seamaster GMT great white until they do a proper PO GMT..
Linz
I really wish they would skeletonize these chrono models like the chrono 300m platform. It would make them so much more practical!
davidfricks
Does anyone know why the went with grey ceramic instead of black? Was it to avoid looking too much like a Submariner?
iZraihL
What a great collection! I like the PO Titanium Liquidmetal one. And one of my most favorite watch collections are found in Patek Philippe watches Australia.