A review of the Planet Ocean and Seamaster Professional

Posted by: Downtown Mike

Copyright © 2006
Some Rights Reserved

Dec 14, 2006 - 11:36 AM

INDEX:

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INTRODUCTION

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Since I own both of the latest versions of Omega dive watches, I thought it would be a worthwhile endeavour to do a comparison between the two. The first is the latest and greatest from Omega; the Planet Ocean 2201.50.00 - 42mm black on black on bracelet. The other is the Omega Seamaster Professional: Electric Blue 2255.80.00 - 41mm blue face with polished bezel on bracelet. Ideally, I would have liked to compare my PO to the black on black SMP (2254.80.00) as it would have been a more of an "apples to apples" type of review, but sometimes you just have to work with what you got.

Model Name:

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Model Reference:

2201.50

2255.80

Omega Calibre:

2500C

1120

Base Calibre

ETA 2892-A2

ETA 2892-A2

Movement Type

Automatic

Automatic

VPH

25,200

28,800

Power Reserve

48 hrs

44 hrs

Water Resistance

600 m

300 m

CASE

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Case Dimensions (in mm):

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Advertised Size

42

41

Top Lug to Bottom Lug

47.7

47.3

Lug Width

20

20

Width + Crown

44.5

45.7

Width: 2:00 - 8:00

42.7

41.2

Bezel Diameter

39.8

40.8

Crown Diameter

6.6

5.3

He Valve Diameter

5.8

5.3

Thickness

14.5

11.5

Thickness:

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Case Dimensions (in mm):

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Thickness

14.5

11.5


The SMP measures in at 11.5 mm, while the PO is moderately thicker at 14.5 mm. After wearing the SMP you do notice the extra 3mm on your wrist, but the size isn't such where it has directly resulted in a door frame knock.

Dial and Hands:

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You have got to love the wave pattern on the Seamaster (at least I do); I think it gives the watch another dimension, particularly with the "Electric Blue" colouring. It can appear as a brilliant bright blue or a much darker, almost black blue depending on how the light hits the dial. I must admit that initially I was slightly disappointed that the Planet Ocean didn't have such a pattern on it. Nevertheless the matte black dial is very legible, with the applied hour markers producing a slight sparkle. The applied hour markers along with the Omega symbol give the watch a more expensive and refined appearance, while the SMP is sportier. One feature I appreciate on the PO is that the date wheel is black with white numbers; which really finishes it off.


The sword hands on the SMP scream legibility, even at night. The generous amounts of superluminova on both the hands and dial of the SMP make it one of the most legible watches I have ever seen. The arrow hands on the PO are also quite legible, but slightly less than that of the SMP. Style wise I prefer the PO hands, but for actual time-telling ability, the SMP reigns supreme.

Bezel:

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Case Dimensions (in mm):

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Bezel Diameter

39.8

40.8


The polished stainless steel bezel insert on the SMP gives the watch a slightly flashier look than that of its sportier black SMP sister, the 2254.50. It takes 120 clicks to rotate the uni-directional bezel counter clockwise. The grip on the sides of the bezel is satisfactory, but you have to pay attention when you are working it as it can prove to be a bit slippery. The polished bezel insert has a tendency to acquire fingerprints and reflect glare (especially when taking its picture!), and thus takes away some of the legibility of the minute markers on the bezel. It could probably be argued that this diminishes this particular watches' functionality as a pure dive / tool watch. I would classify it as a functional fashion watch.

With the Planet Ocean you will find the coin edge bezel (the 45.5 mm has more of a scalloped edge), and is a great deal easier to use than that of the SMP. The ratcheting (also in half minute increments) feels firm and seems more precise, but that may have more to do with its' age relative to my somewhat older SMP. Interestingly, the printing on the bezel in on the outer 2/3's, leaving a narrow ring of exposed metal to surround the crystal. The legibility of the minute markers, sliver on top of black on the bezel is excellent.

Crystal:

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Both watches use slightly domed, 30mm diameter sapphire crystal. The SMP has anti-reflective coating on the inside, whereas the PO has the coating on both the inside and outside of the crystal. The Planet Ocean's crystal is thicker than that of the SMP, which in turn helps give the PO the higher water resistance.


The AR coating on the PO is simply great; it can appear that the crystal is missing from the watch altogether. Some people have indicated that they don't like AR coating on the outside of the crystal for the following reasons:
* there is the possibility of it getting scratched off,
* it gives the watch a slight blue tinge when viewed in a bright environment,
* fingerprints and smudges show more prominently on the AR surface.

From personal experience, I have not had any problems with the AR coating on the PO. While it is true that fingerprints are more noticeable on the crystal, I feel that the benefit of having an "invisible" crystal outweighs this detraction.

Crown:

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Case Dimensions (in mm):

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Crown Diameter

6.6

5.3

He Valve Diameter

5.8

5.3


I think Omega got the proportion and design of the crown just right with the PO, as the larger (6.6 mm) size allows for easier operation and yet does not result in any skin rubbing or irritation. By way of comparison, the crown on the SMP seems a little on the small side at 5.3 mm. Furthermore, winding the PO is extremely smooth and quiet!

Both watches have the manually operated, crown type helium escape valve on the case (both located at just after 10:00). The PO He valve is 0.5 mm larger in diameter than the one on the SMP. 

Case Back:

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The SMP has the familiar hippocampus surrounded in the wave pattern, along with 5 holes for the case-back opening tool. This case-back is the same on the other versions of the Seamaster Professional line. Of note, the most recent editions of the non co-axial "Bond" watch (2531.80.00) have an anti-counterfeiting symbol, which looks like a hybrid of an Omega symbol and an image of Earth engraved on the case-back. For some reason, Omega has omitted this symbol on the Planet Ocean (but it is present on the Planet Ocean Chronograph)

The Planet Ocean has a larger hippocampus on a matte hammered background. On the perimeter there are 6 notches for the caseback tool, along with "PLANET OCEAN" engraved. The detail on the case-back is superb, and adds to the fit and finish of the watch.

Water Resistance:

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Model Name:

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Water Resistance

600 m

300 m


Planet Ocean is rated to an impressive 600 metres, compared to 300 metres with the SMP. The higher water resistance can be attributed to the thicker case and crystal of the Planet Ocean. Both watches offer more than enough protection.

Appearance:

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The SMP is 41 mm across and 11.5 mm thick, and has very nice curves on the lugs. If you look at the lugs closely, you will notice that they are made up of three angles, which eliminate any sharp corners on the case. It's a very comfortable watch to wear.

The PO is 42mm wide and is moderately thicker at 14.5mm. The shape and details of the case are outstanding, with the outside edge being in a brushed finish. When the two watches are viewed side by side, the SMP appears to be bigger (at least wider). This is due to the SMP having a 1 mm wider bezel and a width including crown being 1.2 mm wider than the PO.  However, the Planet Ocean is actually 0.4 mm longer from lug to lug and wider from 2:00 to 8:00 by 1.5 mm. 

BRACELET

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Bracelet Dimensions (in mm):

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Bracelet Number

1580/952

1610/930

End Link Number

952

930

Width at Case

19.6

19.6

Width at Clasp

17.6

17.6

Thickness at Case

4.7

3.5

Thickness at Clasp

4.7

3.5

Clasp Width

18.1

18.1

Clasp Thickness

6.4

6.4


There is something to be said about Omega bracelets - they are very good and solid. One complaint that comes up regularly is the fact that the clasp seems to attract scratches. While it certainly is true given the size and the brushed finish of the clasp, these marks can be easily removed - apparently with a green Scotch Brite pad (I have not yet tried it). The two-button release mechanism is very slick and simple to use, and in my opinion much cooler than a simple fold-over clasp, and something you would expect so see on a higher end watch. Inside you can see the folding clasp is made from solid steel and looks very rugged, along with the divers extension. The presence of this divers extension does result a bit less functionality with no fine adjustment to the sizing of the bracelet. However with the use of the half-links provided, a comfortable fit can be achieved.

The SMP has the "Speedy" style bracelet; brushed with polished end pieces.
The PO has a newly designed bracelet, which features satin finished links and polished sides. : Notice how the links have a subtle curve to them. A very simple, modern and cool looking bracelet, and it's very comfortable to wear as well!

MOVEMENT

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Model Name:

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Model Reference:

2201.50

2255.80

Omega Calibre:

2500C

1120

Base Calibre

ETA 2892-A2

ETA 2892-A2

Movement Type

Automatic

Automatic

VPH

25,200

28,800

Power Reserve

48 hrs

44 hrs


The SMP is powered by the tried and true, COSC rated 1120 movement which is based on the ETA 2892-A2. While it is not a true "in-house" movement, it can at least considered an in-family movement as both Omega and ETA are part of the Swatch Group. Omega does heavily modify the movement by adding rhodium plating and two jewels, making it a 23 jewel movement. It runs at 28,800 BPH (8 beats per second), uses a lever escapement and has a 44 hour power reserve. It's a workhorse, and after getting it serviced, mine currently runs at an impressive -1.5 seconds per day.

The Planet Ocean has the latest incarnation of their co-axial 2500 movement (the "C" version), which is actually based on the same ETA base ebauche as the SMP, but has the co-axial escapement, an additional four jewels over the 1120 (27 jewels in total) and a free sprung balance added. The COSC rated 2500C beats at a slightly slower and unique 25,200 BPH (7 beats per second), which apparently increases the stability of the movement along with the addition of a larger and heavier balance. An additional benefit of the reduced rate is that the power reserve has been increased by 4 hours to 48 hours. As a comparison to the Seamaster, my Planet Ocean runs at just under -2 seconds per day.

The 2500C is a natural evolution of the 1120. A misnomer of the co-axial movements is that they are a more accurate movement. This is not necessarily true; in fact my SMP is currently more accurate than my PO. However, the 2500C will have longer service intervals and be more accurate in the long term due to the reduction of friction (and wear and tear) within the escapement. Furthermore, I was recently talking to a watchmaker at my local Omega AD, and he was saying that his experience with the new co-axial movements is that they are much more precise than the 1120 movements. Specifically he said that they are more consistent throughout the entire power reserve range, and in particular, the performance drop off at low power is significantly less in the 2500C than in the 1120. He also said that the 2500C has better amplitude performance, especially when operating at low power reserve. It seems that Omega has made a big step forward by incorporating the co-axial escapement into their movements.

PRICE

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MSRP:

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Canada

$4,500

$2,600

U.S.A.

$3,400

$2,150

U.K.

£1,875

£1,200

Australia

$4,900

$3,100


Here in Canada, the MSRP for the PO and SMP is $4500 and $2600 respectively. There is a ton of value in the SMP as you can get a very solid watch that is very comparable in quality of build to a Rolex Submariner. The extra $1900 gives you another 300 metres of water resistance, the 2500C co-axial movement and additional design quality.

VERSITILITY

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Not only do these watches look good on the bracelet, I think they also look good on a strap. The blue face on the SMP Electric Blue is somewhat more limiting than the black on black of my PO. A nice benefit is that both watches share the same lug width of 20mm!

OVERALL

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These are two very high quality dive watches produced by Omega. The Planet Ocean is very reminiscent of the late 1950's and early 1960's Seamaster 300 CK 2913, so it is nice to see Omega acknowledging their roots. Movement-wise, co-axial is clearly the direction that Omega is going, so the demise of the 1120 SMP's is undoubtedly going to be sooner rather than later.

After weighing these factors in each section, I must say that that you can't really go wrong with either watch. The PO is by all accounts a nicer watch, but more expensive. However, it is unfair to say that you would be settling for an inferior watch if you bought an SMP; the price, legibility and reliability make for a lot of value.

THE WINNER

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A decision must be made… between these two watches; I would choose the Planet Ocean. Yes, it is more expensive, but you get a refined co-axial movement and a classic Omega design. The best of both worlds!

Some Rights Reserved:

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Permission for personal, educational or non-commercial use is granted. The author retains all other rights not specifically mentioned here. For all other use please contact the author.

Thanks for reading.
Downtown Mike

                                          
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 2201.50.00, Omega Seamaster Electric Blue 2255.80.00, 1975 Omega Genève, Omega Seamaster Bond Chronograph 2599.80.00, Omega f300 Tuning Fork circa 1970, Omega Speedmaster Professional "Snoopy Award" LE 3578.51.00

Appendix: Tale of the Tape:

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Model Name:

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Model Reference:

2201.50

2255.80

Omega Calibre:

2500C

1120

Base Calibre

ETA 2892-A2

ETA 2892-A2

Movement Type

Automatic

Automatic

VPH

25,200

28,800

Power Reserve

48 hrs

44 hrs

Water Resistance

600 m

300 m

Case Dimensions (in mm):

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Advertised Size

42

41

Top Lug to Bottom Lug

47.7

47.3

Lug Width

20

20

Width + Crown

44.5

45.7

Width: 2:00 - 8:00

42.7

41.2

Bezel Diameter

39.8

40.8

Crown Diameter

6.6

5.3

He Valve Diameter

5.8

5.3

Thickness

14.5

11.5

Bracelet Dimensions (in mm):

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Bracelet Number

1580/952

1610/930

End Link Number

952

930

Width at Case

19.6

19.6

Width at Clasp

17.6

17.6

Thickness at Case

4.7

3.5

Thickness at Clasp

4.7

3.5

Clasp Width

18.1

18.1

Clasp Thickness

6.4

6.4

Weight (in grams):

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Head

90

76

Bracelet

86

72

Total

176

148

MSRP:

Planet Ocean:

Seamaster Professional:

Canada

$4,500

$2,600

U.S.A.

$3,400

$2,150

U.K.

£1,875

£1,200

Australia

$4,900

$3,100