This month we see the release of another Omega special edition. You may think I’m saying that with a little turn up to my nose, but not so. I’m a big fan of the Planet Ocean, and own the 43.5mm blue ceramic on a steel bracelet. It looked good on James Bonds wrist back in 2006 and was the ideal antidote to the somewhat effeminate look of the classic Seamaster Diver 300, that I personally never warmed to. A bit too dressy maybe.
The Planet Ocean is not that watch, and offers a more classic and timeless appeal that I believe will endure. Now in its 3rd iteration, it’s still a ‘beefy’, some may say, oversized. In 43.5mm form factor as this one is and 16.5mm thick, you should try before you buy. However, the case design cheats this size a little and feels compact across the wrist. The bracelet or strap pulls nicely down just past the bezel. The case design is familiar and dates back to the 1960’s, but I believe the coin edge of the Planet Ocean bezel is superior to the scalloped edge of the Seamaster Diver 300.
I’m pleased to see that Omega have stuck to key design cues with this watch over the 2 model refreshes. The steel 3 hander in 43.5mm size is the sweet spot in the current range, not the fussy Chronograph or precious metals. I wear mine on a factory Omega rubber strap with deployant clasp. As good as the bracelet is, I would seriously recommend trying on the rubber as well. They feel like different watches with a lot of the heft removed swapping steel for rubber.
All 43.5mm 3 hand Plant Oceans released since 2016 have the tried and tested 8900 caliber in Master Coaxial Chronometer form.
Omega are pushing all their models towards Master Coaxial Chronometers, where the watches are tested and certified twice. Firstly, the movement is tested by the Official Swiss Chronometer Control (COSC) with precision criteria of -4/+6 seconds per day. Then the complete watch and its movement undergo eight Master Chronometer tests set by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) with criteria of 0/+5 seconds per day.
You have probably gathered by now that my allegiances to the Planet Ocean may skew my view of this edition, so what do I think? My first question is: Who is this watch for? On the face of it, we have a handsome design with some really nice detailing. Look closer though, and there may be one too many niche design cues that limit appeal.
First Impressions. I love the colour scheme. I think the blue bezel, white dial and red accents are really well balanced and echo that of the official America’s Cup logo. With the event not scheduled until 2021, Omega must be crossing all their fingers and toes that this event goes as planned. It has been a kiss of death recently for Omega and sporting event special editions.
The blue ceramic bezel still has the usual diver 60 seconds registers. But as this is a yachting based watch, the first 10 minutes have been segmented by 5 minute countdown and start indicators. These are beautifully executed in white and red liquid ceramic. The graduated section represents the time allowed to prepare pre-race. So form with function.
On the reverse side is a wave edged caseback with commemorative wording and ‘America’s Cup‘ logo transferred on the sapphire crystal. Although this obscures the machine decorated 8900 caliber, you can still see the rotor and balance wheel. This could have been an opportunity for Omega to introduce a solid case back and ‘try out’ a slimmer case. However, the Coaxial movement is key to Omega’s marketing and insists on showing it off.
It won’t have escaped your notice that Omega has had a bit of a run on white dials recently. With the introduction of the White Dialled Seamster Diver 300 and new Original Orange Planet Ocean Omega had no need to develop a new dial, adding only red to the Arabic numerals and blue to the indices.
Like the Original Orange Planet Ocean, this America’s Cup has the diving registers filled with liquid ceramic and Super-LumiNova. This replaces the Liquid Metal inserts on the standard models. Maybe a nod to where Omega plan to go with the Planet Ocean and maybe also the end of rubber inserts. This is a pleasing feature and provide a luminescent bezel without the need for a sapphire cover as with the Omega’s Blacpain sibling.
Moving on to the rubber strap. This is another area where Omega have managed to match the colour scheme really well. I have a lot of time for the Omega rubber straps, despite the high price. The way the deployant clasp hides the excess length is far more favourable than having to cut down to length. I’ll have to check when I’m next able to visit an AD, but I hope Omega are starting to roll out the low profile deployant as seen on the recent James Bond – No Time to Die. This takes out some of the thickness under the wrist where the strap layers up.
Moving on to the two elements that would otherwise pull me in as a prospective buyer: First, the whole yachting thing. No, I’m not of that persuasion, so wouldn’t be drawn into it purely for the sporting tie in. No more than a Bond fan would buy a Bond special or a Space geek buy a watch with Snoopy on the dial (fool). However, I do think the the overall look has plenty of showroom appeal.
So we come to the second, it’s the Auld Mug seconds hand counter weight. I’m just not a fan of novelty counter weights, not even when it says 007. The only novelty counterweight that is remotely acceptable is on the IWC Top Gun, but even IWC have seen fit to banish the F-15 from the latest iteration. I get it. It’s a commemorative watch that will appeal and sell well to the fraternity, and may catch the eye of the casual buyer. But for me, this is a step too far.
Omega continue to keep pushing the boundaries on new materials and colour combinations with the ceramic bezels. Adding luminova is a great next step. After all the trouble Rolex got into trying to mix blue and red ceramic on the GMT, it’s clear that Omega have nailed it. Well done.
I like the white dial, and I like the overall colour scheme and blue rubber strap. If you’re into yachting and looking for an ideal regatta timer, why would you look past this and go for a Rolex Yacht-Master? No countdown feature unless you go for the Yacht-Master II…..not for me, and at £5,650 with the high likelihood of a discount, this is a lot of watch and worth your consideration.
Dating back to 1851, the America’s Cup is renowned as the oldest trophy in international sport and has become the source of fierce international rivalries and spectacular sailing duels. Now, as the 36th edition of the “Auld Mug” approaches, the Swiss watchmaker OMEGA is announcing its role as the event’s Official Timekeeper. This will mark the third time in history that OMEGA has served in the prestigious sailing role, ever since the brand begun its partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand in 1995. Returning to New Zealand in 2021, OMEGA’s timekeeping excellence and long experience in sailing is sure to be highlighted through new technologies and never-seen-before equipment that will enhance every second of racing.
The moment will also provide another chance for OMEGA to celebrate its long-standing partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand. This special relationship began alongside the legendary sailor Sir Peter Blake, and has continued for 25 years, with a shared passion for innovation, technology, speed and accuracy.
Speaking about the announcement, OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann said, “The America’s Cup has a truly special place within the OMEGA brand. From ingenuity and precision, through to the competitive energy and history, every part of it appeals to our spirit. We’re very excited about our role next March and also for the chance to be on-board with Emirates Team New Zealand once again.”
CEO of the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, Grant Dalton, said, “We’ve worked with OMEGA for many years now and we truly respect their high standards of excellence. We know they’ll bring a lot of experience to the event.”
“Our goal is to have the very best people for every part of the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada. The choice of OMEGA was obvious. They not only have a distinguished history as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, but they have also established themselves as the leader of timekeeping on the water.”
With this announcement comes the release of the brand new OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Limited Edition. Presented on a structured rubber strap, the 43.50 mm timepiece is crafted from stainless steel and is limited to just 2,021 pieces. Most notable is the blue ceramic diving bezel, which incorporates white and red liquid ceramic to create a 5-minute countdown for racing.
The polished white ceramic dial of the watch includes the competition’s name transferred at 6 o’clock. A special America’s Cup logo has also been placed on the counterweight of the central seconds hand. On the reverse side, the America’s Cup logo is transferred on the caseback’s sapphire crystal, through which you can see the OMEGA Master Chronometer Calibre 8900.
The 36th America’s Cup is set to take place in March 2021. Competitors will sail in AC75, 75 foot foiling monohulls, with the course stretching across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour in New Zealand.
Specification
Steel on rubber strap
Reference: 215.32.43.21.04.001
Price: £5,650.00 (UK 24th May 2021)
Technical Data
Features
