Last year I expected Omega to make the most of the 75th anniversary of the Seamaster range or the 30th anniversary of the Diver 300m. What we did get was the summer blue dial editions, which were OK, but not ground breaking. I’d also predicted an all-new Planet Ocean to replace the current model in service since 2016, but all we got was a high tech ceramic GMT at £21,000.
Omega Planet Ocean GMT Dark Grey Ceramic
New Dials
So this year we see the release of 3 boutique only models in Grey, Linen and Green along with their chronograph counterparts. These watches share the same case size as the regular planet ocean at 43.5mm and retail for £6,700, £400 more than the regular justified by the limited run and the additional dial finishes. The chronograph version are 45.5mm and at £8,500 are only £200 more than the regular equivalent, go figure.
A few months back I had the opportunity to try all three models on at the Omega Boutique in the Royal Exchange London and can honestly say I thought the grey dial version to be pretty outstanding. All three models have a fully brushed case rather than the brushed and polished cases on the regular model and I think it’s the matching of the grey mat dial and beige luminova that just works and makes it quite the stealth watch with a real tool watch vibe.
215.32.44.21.01.002
The linen or sandy coloured version is nice, but I’m not a fan of the white date disk. This sticks out a little too much for my tastes. Oddly this is matched well on the grey and green.
215.32.44.21.09.001
As for the green, it’s just not for me. I like the vertical brushed grey dial, but couldn’t see myself ever picking this one over the grey or a traditional blue dial.
215.32.44.21.06.001
Looking at the range, there’s a whiff of IWC to the colour choices where you could argue the Mojave Dessert and Woodland green coloured Pilots Watches have a passing resemblance. And that is a criticism that is becoming a common trope with Omega despite the excellent execution of their range. From the colourful dials of the shades Aqua Terras to the 2 tone Speedmasters, some would argue that Omega is following trends rather than setting them.
Great Straps
On a plus point all 3 models come on a new integrated rubber strap with a hobnail style embossed pattern that looks like sailcloth with a contrasting white stitch. Why they didn’t use an actual sailcloth style material like the Artem strap I have for my IWC Pilot 41 I’m not sure and would be fitting for what is essentially an aquatic themed watch. Artem do offer a 21mm strap for an Omega style clasp that would work nicely.
IWC IW388108 Pilot Chronograph 41
Buying a new Omega strap
And it’s at this point during my time with these 3 watches that I inquired if there was a blue version of this strap. As you know I wear my Planet Ocean mainly on rubber and have had the blue strap from the good planet GMT for around 5 years. Although I do wear and enjoy the watch on the bracelet, it’s the rubber strap that makes most sense to me as it’s not a daily and I find the full steel package a little on the weighty side. After a quick check on the Omega accessory system they did indeed have one in blue that I ordered.
Omega Planet Ocean GMT Good Planet
The strap cost £260 which is a little steep, but in line with other OEM straps, and I’m yet to find an integrated strap that wears as well as these genuine Omega ones. You’ll need the clasp also which I luckily have, but expect to pay almost the same again for one of those.
Look at it this way, for £500 or £260 in my case, you can give your watch a new lease of life, and given the previous strap lasted 5 years and successive summer holidays has stood the test of time well unlike similarly priced leather straps.
I’m really happy with the result and blue of the strap matches the blue of the dial far better than the original. The strap was posted out to me and came in a nice red carry case complete with strap tool and spare spring bars. If you order from a boutique, make sure you ask for this as they don’t always offer them. They also through in a pen which I use daily. Omega do great pens.
Why you need a Planet Ocean
The Omega Planet Ocean is for me the perfect companion for sunny days and shorts. The perfect holiday companion. I plan to take it with me on holiday again this year, although I’ll try not to drop it on a hard stone floor this time. But again, testament to the design and toughness of this watch. Other than a small scuff on the bezel edge, it remains accurate and reliable. I may get it pressure tested this year, but will go another 5 years before it needs a service.
New Planet Ocean in 2024?
Now getting back to the replacement model. Could this be the year? Maybe not, but who knows what’s to come in the latter part of the year. One thing the guy in the boutique did mention was Omega rarely release a replacement model without a new movement, and that’s true and makes sense. Omega don’t tend to do a movement upgrade and make a small dial change as Rolex do. So with the 8900 coaxial master chronometer calibre coming out first in the Globemaster in 2015, I suspect that model may take the honours ahead of the Planet Ocean. I suspect we’ll see an update soon on a limited run similar to the Speedmaster Super Racing with a version of the new Spirate regulator, a potential trigger point for wider deployment. One to look out for.
Specifications
Between lugs 21 mm, Case Measurement 43.5mm, Lug‑to‑lug 49.3 mm, Case Thickness 16.2 mm, Case Steel, Crystal Domed scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment on both sides, Water resistance 60 bar (600 metres / 2000 feet), Total product weight (approx.) 138 g, Calibre Omega 8900 Movement Type Self winding, Power reserve 60 hours
