Arms-On Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Extremely Deep O-MegaSteel

As we’ve defined within the article speaking concerning the titanium version, Omega is releasing this yr an ultra-dive watch, a mannequin that summarizes every little thing the model does finest, mechanically and concerning resistance to all attainable exterior components. Primarily based on the teachings discovered with the Planet Ocean Extremely Deep Skilled that reached the deepest level within the ocean through the 5 Deeps Expedition to the Mariana Trench, Omega now releases what’s principally a barely-downgraded model out there for a large viewers, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Extremely Deep 6,000m. One of many hardest mechanical dive watches ever created (virtually to prototype ranges), it’s additionally out there as an entire assortment of metal watches, however Omega being Omega, the R&D workforce determined that they wanted a brand new metal alloy, and it’s named O-MegaSteel. 

Born in 1948, the Seamaster assortment is unquestionably the one which bears many of the model’s improvements. Wanting on the current historical past, the gathering is now divided in 4 ranges; the traditional Seamaster Diver 300m (also called the Bond Watch), the extra informal and civilian Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m, the vintage-inspired and freshly revamped Seamaster 300 that pays tribute to the primary skilled model of 1957 and eventually, the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m, essentially the most sturdy and superior watch throughout the assortment. The latter was launched in 2005 and has since recognized a number of evolutions, with the addition of ceramic bezels and new actions, such because the current Grasp Chronometer Calibre 8900. And now that the Ploprof 1200M has been discontinued, there’s an empty house within the assortment for a real skilled deep-dive watch.

This Planet Ocean assortment already served as a vessel for the event of what’s principally THE most superior dive watch ever created, the Seamaster Planet Ocean Extremely Deep Skilled. When hooked up to the outside of the submarine piloted by Victor Vescovo, through the 5 Deeps Expedition, this watch made it to the deepest level recognized by mankind, when it made its world document dive of 10,928 metres within the Mariana Trench. And the watch itself… It’s able to resisting a stress of 1,500 bars (thus a depth of 15,000 meters). It packs every little thing the model is able to and has been designed utilizing applied sciences borrowed from the precise submarine. 

Omega is a model that doesn’t actually imagine in technical achievements for the only real objective of communication. As such, the event workforce believed that among the options used within the Extremely Deep prototype needed to discover their option to the wrist of hardcore dive watch fans – let’s be sincere, this new assortment is a distinct segment product. And this outcomes on this new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Extremely Deep 6,000m assortment, out there in a stand-alone titanium model instantly modelled after the 5 Deeps Expedition’s prototypes, and this assortment of fashions made in a model new alloy named O-MegaSteel.

The brand new O-MegaSteel alloy

It must be talked about, however Omega is a pioneering model in relation to metallurgy and the creation of particular alloys. To start with, the model is now referred to as the primary to have ever used 904L metal for a watch, again within the early Nineteen Seventies, with the Ploprof Analysis Program (again then this alloy was named Uranus metal). Now, if you happen to have a look at the model’s portfolio, you’ll see that almost all treasured alloys are distinctive to Omega (or shared with some manufacturers of the Swatch Group). Omega certainly used Sedna Gold (pink gold), Canopus gold (white gold) or Moonshine gold (pale yellow gold). Titanium can be broadly utilized by the model, and now it’s time for a particular metal alloy to enter the race. 

Dubbed O-MegaSteel (pun very a lot meant), this alloy goals at bringing higher specs in virtually all areas. A nickel-free alloy, it’s stated to convey higher hypoallergenic properties, in addition to higher resistance to corrosion. Then, it’s color is pretty extra white than traditional 316L or 904L alloys, leading to extra shine – the pendant is that it’s pretty extra advanced to machine and polish. 

Mechanically principally, that’s the place O-MegaSteel provides its finest outcomes. Concerning yield energy, it provides roughly twice extra resistance than different metal alloys. As a comparability, 316L metal is given for 200-250 MPa (relying on the alloys), 904L is given for 220 MPa and grade 5 titanium for 800-900 MPa. O-MegaSteel is introduced for 560 MPa, which signifies a resistance to emphasize and fraction no less than twice superior to different conventional alloys. 

As for hardness, which in actual life signifies the resistance to scratches and thus the power to maintain your watch clear and glossy, 316L metal has a hardness of 200 HV, 904L metal has a hardness of 175 HV and the brand new O-MegaSteel has a hardness of 300 HV, so about 40% higher than traditional metal alloys. 

All of those components mixed make for a brand new alloy with nice mechanical properties, but in addition an alloy that’s completely tailored to luxurious watchmaking and dive watches. 

The brand new Seamaster Planet Ocean Extremely Deep assortment

Along with the stand-alone titanium mannequin, Omega is releasing 6 new references of the Planet Ocean Extremely Deep in chrome steel. And there are noticeable variations between the titanium and metal fashions, and never solely concerning the supplies. The titanium model principally is an evocation of the watch that made it to the underside of the Marina Trench. And whereas sharing the identical specs, the O-MegaSteel fashions are fairly completely different in execution and even in case design.

Wanting on the specification sheet for the Planet Ocean Extremely Deep O-MegaSteel fashions, you’ll discover an identical diameter – 45.5mm – and top – 18.12mm. But, the case has a special form with a symmetrical design and a crown safety module that’s fairly new for Omega. Additionally, the lyre-lugs have been redesigned for one thing extra instrumental, extra trendy too. Lastly, the lug-to-lug dimension, if nothing quick, is about 52mm – which isn’t exaggerated for a watch of this measurement. As for the diving specs, we have now right here once more the 5.2mm semi-conical EFG sapphire crystal (a brand new defect-free course of), with a form that’s impressed by the porthole of the 5 Deeps submarine, for an excellent distribution of the stress when the stress rises. The crown additionally makes use of this identical building, so is the caseback and altogether, there are 4 patents pending concerning the case structure. And sure, the watch is waterproof to six,000m or 600 bars (and in actuality the watches are examined to 7,500 metres as a result of a 25% security margin), making it one of the vital spectacular fashions ever to be commercialized.

There are different drastic variations between these Planet Ocean Extremely Deep O-MegaSteel fashions and the titanium model. As an example, the unidirectional bezel is right here fitted with a elegant ceramic insert, the place the 60-minute scale is obtained because of Liquidmetal expertise. The watch is freed from helium escape valve regardless of being compliant with saturation diving and it meets the ISO 6425 customary for saturation divers’ watches, which is licensed by Switzerland’s impartial testing physique METAS alongside the magnetic resistance and accuracy of the motion – a premiere within the watch business.

On the wrist, little doubt that the Planet Ocean Extremely Deep, particularly these barely much less instrumental and shinner O-MegaSteel fashions, make a press release… Weight and measurement, even on the metal bracelet, will remind you that you just’re sporting a real instrument meant to dive deeper than you’ll ever think about. Absolutely, it’s all about technical achievements and it makes for a watch that received’t be at its place on the workplace. However the over-engineered really feel, full of applied sciences throughout, makes it fairly a cool mannequin.

The watches of the Seamaster Planet Ocean Extremely Deep O-MegaSteel assortment can be found both on an built-in rubber strap (22/18mm) with pin buckle or a metal bracelet. The latter exhibits a brand new design, with bigger polished bevels on the edges, new 3-link building and a clasp that could be a correct micro-machine, with the patented rack-and-pusher micro-adjustment and with an additional diver extension.

Not counting the differentiation between metal or rubber, there are 3 foremost variations of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Extremely Deep out there. The primary has a gradient blue-black dial with a black bezel. The second has a gradient grey-black dial with an orange bezel. Lastly, there’s a stable white dial with a blue bezel. On all variations, the dials are classically painted (not ceramic) with a clear lacquer. On prime, you’ll discover ordinary PO-style components, such because the utilized hour markers, the utilized Arabic numerals and the broad-arrow fingers. All components are right here made from 18k white gold and stuffed with white Tremendous-LumiNova.

Contained in the case is the in-house, Grasp Chronometer licensed calibre 8912, an automated motion with 2 barrels, 3.5Hz frequency, 60h energy reserve and co-axial escapement. All of Omega’s applied sciences have been built-in, comparable to the sensible time zone perform, the silicon “Si14” stability spring, a free sprung-balance and naturally the magnetic resistance to fifteen,000 gauss. The motion is right here hidden underneath a stable metal caseback, composed of two components and with newly developed gaskets. It’s laser-engraved with a sonar sample and the seahorse emblem – and the ornament will all the time be aligned.

Availability & Value

The watches of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Extremely Deep O-MegaSteel assortment will quickly be out there and are a part of the everlasting portfolio. They are going to retail at EUR 11,800 on rubber strap and EUR 12,100 on metal bracelet.

For extra particulars, please go to omegawatches.com.