Omega has long been associated with precision, innovation, and a spirit of exploration. From the Speedmaster's legendary journey to the moon to the Seamaster's mastery of the deep,
Omega watches have consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible. The Seamaster collection, in particular, has a rich history of accompanying divers and adventurers on their underwater exploits. Building on this legacy, Omega presents a compelling addition to the Seamaster Planet Ocean lineup: the Planet Ocean Worldtimer.
This isn't Omega's first foray into the realm of world-time complications. Since 2017, the Worldtimer has been a respected member of the Aqua Terra 150M family. However, this new iteration sees the intricate mechanics and detailed aesthetics transposed into a bolder, more robust ceramic form. The Seamaster Planet Ocean Worldtimer is presented in two distinct variations, offering globetrotters a choice of styles to match their personal preference.
Courtesy of Omega
Both versions share a substantial 45.50 mm case, crafted from brushed black ceramic (ZrO2). This material choice is a nod to the popular Planet Ocean Deep Black models, and it offers several advantages. Ceramic is incredibly hard and scratch-resistant, ensuring the watch will maintain its appearance even after years of adventurous use. It's also lightweight and hypoallergenic, making it comfortable to wear on the wrist, even for extended periods. The unidirectional rotating bezel, also made of black ceramic, features a laser-ablated diving scale. This scale is polished in positive relief, meaning the numerals and markings stand out from the bezel, providing excellent legibility.
The heart of the Worldtimer, and arguably its most captivating feature, is the intricate depiction of Earth at the center of the dial. This miniature globe, viewed from directly above the North Pole, is rendered on a grade 5 titanium surface. The continents and oceans are created using a laser-ablation process, followed by the application of varnish in either turquoise or grey, depending on the model. This technique results in an astonishing level of detail, offering a unique and captivating perspective of our planet. Surrounding this topographic map is a 24-hour indicator, printed beneath a hesalite glass ring. This ring clearly differentiates between day and night, allowing the wearer to easily track time in different time zones.
The outer section of the dial continues the theme of sophisticated technicality. It's finished in a DLC black color, providing a stark contrast to the central map and ensuring optimal legibility. The dial surface is further embellished with a laser-ablated and polished honeycomb pattern, adding a subtle texture and visual interest. The applied hour markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, a luminescent material that glows brightly in low-light conditions. One version features white Super-LumiNova, offering a classic and highly legible display, while the other boasts a new grey Super-LumiNova, for a more modern aesthetic.
Courtesy of Omega
Encircling the dial and its outer ring are the names of various global destinations, including Omega's hometown of Bienne, Switzerland, at GMT+1. These city names aren't merely decorative; they allow the wearer to quickly determine the time in different parts of the world, a crucial feature for frequent travelers. By aligning the current time with the corresponding city on the bezel, the time in other locations can be easily read off the 24-hour ring.
Turning the watch over reveals another treat for the eyes: the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8938. This self-winding movement, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, is a testament to Omega's commitment to horological excellence. The Calibre 8938 boasts a Co-Axial escapement, a technology pioneered by Omega that significantly reduces friction within the movement, leading to improved accuracy and longevity. It is also a certified Master Chronometer, meaning it has passed rigorous testing by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). This certification guarantees exceptional precision, resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, and an impressive power reserve of 60 hours. The movement is beautifully finished with rhodium plating and Geneva waves in arabesque, a traditional decorative pattern that adds a touch of to the mechanism.
The Planet Ocean Worldtimer is not just a sophisticated travel companion; it's also a highly capable dive watch. True to its Seamaster heritage, it boasts a water resistance of 60 bar (600 meters / 2000 feet), making it suitable for even the most demanding underwater adventures. This impressive water resistance is achieved through a combination of robust case construction, screw-down crown, and a Naiad Lock caseback, which ensures a perfectly aligned and hermetically sealed case.
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The two distinct variations of the Planet Ocean Worldtimer offer different aesthetic choices. The first model features turquoise varnish on the Earth map and outer ring, creating a vibrant and eye-catching contrast against the black dial and case. The hands and indexes are filled with white Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility in all conditions. This version is paired with an integrated black structured rubber strap, featuring turquoise stitching that complements the dial accents. The foldover clasp is made from ceramic and ceramised titanium, ensuring durability and comfort.
The second model presents a more subdued, monochromatic aesthetic. The Earth map and outer ring are finished in grey varnish, offering a subtle contrast to the black dial. The hands and indexes are filled with the new grey Super-LumiNova, creating a modern and understated look. This version is also fitted with a black structured rubber strap, but with a grey underside and grey stitching. The foldover clasp, like the other model, is crafted from ceramic and ceramised titanium.
The integrated rubber straps on both models are designed for both comfort and durability. The structured pattern on the strap provides a secure grip, even when wet, and the high-quality rubber is resistant to wear and tear. The foldover clasp is easy to operate and ensures a secure fit on the wrist. The combination of ceramic and ceramised titanium in the clasp construction adds to the overall robustness and lightweight nature of the watch.
The Planet Ocean Worldtimer uses grade 5 titanium, a material known for its exceptional properties. This alloy is lightweight, incredibly strong, and highly resistant to corrosion. These characteristics make it an ideal choice for a watch designed for demanding environments. The use of titanium in the central map and clasp further contributes to the overall lightness and comfort of the timepiece.
Courtesy of Omega
Omega's expertise in ceramics is evident in the Planet Ocean Worldtimer. The brand has been working with this material for over a decade, and the result is a watch case that is both visually striking and incredibly durable. Ceramic is significantly harder than stainless steel, making it highly resistant to scratches and everyday wear. It is also chemically inert, hypoallergenic, and non-magnetic, adding to the watch's overall practicality.
The technical specifications of the Planet Ocean Worldtimer highlight its impressive capabilities. The 45.5 mm case diameter is substantial, yet the lightweight ceramic construction ensures it remains comfortable on the wrist. The lug-to-lug distance of 51.5 mm and thickness of 17.4 mm contribute to the watch's robust presence. The domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, provides a clear view of the dial and protects it from damage.
The self-winding Calibre 8938 movement operates at a frequency of 3.5 Hz, ensuring smooth and accurate timekeeping. The 60-hour power reserve means the watch can be left unworn for a couple of days without needing to be reset. The GMT/Worldtimer function is intuitive and easy to use, making it a practical tool for frequent travelers.
Courtesy of Omega
The meticulous attention to detail extends to every aspect of the Planet Ocean Worldtimer. From the intricate laser-ablated Earth map to the polished ceramic bezel, every element is executed to the highest standards. The combination of brushed and polished surfaces on the case creates visual interest, while the Super-LumiNova ensures excellent legibility in all lighting conditions.
The two Planet Ocean Worldtimer models are priced at $14,800. This price point reflects the watch's sophisticated movement, high-quality materials, and intricate craftsmanship. These models are available for purchase now through Omega Boutiques and Authorized Dealers, allowing enthusiasts to add this impressive timepiece to their collection.
Case: 45.5 mm diameter, 17.4 mm thickness, 51.5 mm lug-to-lug, 22 mm between lugs. Brushed black ceramic (ZrO2). Black ceramic bezel with laser-ablated diving scale, polished in positive relief. Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Water resistant to 60 bar (600 meters / 2000 feet).
Movement: Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8938. Self-winding, Co-Axial escapement. Certified Master Chronometer, approved by METAS. Resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. GMT/Worldtimer functions. Free sprung-balance with silicon balance spring. Automatic winding in both directions. Rhodium plated finish with Geneva waves in arabesque. 60-hour power reserve. Frequency of 3.5 Hz.
Dial: DLC black color with a laser-ablated and polished honeycomb pattern. Central world map on grade 5 titanium surface, laser-ablated with continents and color varnish. 24-hour indication under hesalite glass. Turquoise varnish with white Super-LumiNova (215.92.46.22.01.006) or grey varnish with grey Super-LumiNova (215.92.46.22.01.007). Global destinations encircling the dial.
Strap: Integrated black structured rubber strap. Turquoise stitching (215.92.46.22.01.006) or grey stitching with black-grey underside(215.92.46.22.01.007). Foldover clasp in ceramic and ceramised titanium.
Price: $14,800
Reference Number: 215.92.46.22.01.006 (Turquoise), 215.92.46.22.01.007 (Grey)
Notes: Features a detailed world map display created via laser-ablation on a grade 5 titanium surface. Introduces a Worldtimer complication to the Planet Ocean collection.