Omega Seamaster Watches

Manufacturer: Omega Model: 2201.51

Customer Reviews

If you can afford this watch, it's worth the price..., August 25, 2008
By Darwin Tesla "In vinculis etiam audax"

If you are like me, then you enjoy researching big ticket items as much as the purchase. I can't say that it eliminates buyer's regret but the hangover doesn't last nearly as long. I purchased the Omega Planet Ocean 6 months ago with some trepidation because of the price and a bad experience that I once had with a Rolex. I was concerned about the price because it cost considerably more than the Omega Seamaster. The Seamaster is also a diver's watch and has a proven track record. In fact, the watch that James Bond* wore in Casino Royale was a special edition quartz Seamaster. In this review, I will attempt to answer the following questions:

Is it worth paying more money for a Planet Ocean, than for it's predecessor, the Seamaster?

How does the Planet Ocean stack up to more expensive competitor, Rolex Sea Dweller?

*Note: James Bond wore the Planet Ocean in a Quantum of Solace.

While conducting this review, I'll also try to educate the novice on the basic components of a watch: bezel, movement, band, crystal, case, and the face (dial, marker, hands). Without understanding each of these components, you cannot accurately compare watches. Of course, there are other factors as well as intangibles to be taken into consideration (warranty, prestige, price, etc.).

1. The crystal is the transparent cover that allows one to view the time while protecting the face of the watch from damage. The difference in quality and price varies according to the scratch resistance (hardness) of the crystal and the anti-reflective coating that have become standard on high end diver's watches. Any watch costing more than $150 will generally have one of three crystals: Mineral, Sapphire, and Ceramic. All Rolex and Omega watches come with Sapphire or Ceramic. Ceramic (yttrium-stabilized zirconia) is the newest and most technologically advanced material. For the sake of concision, the minor advantages of a ceramic bezel aren't worth the premium price at this time.

The Planet Ocean and all of the competing diving watches in this class come with sapphire crystal. Sapphire crystal is aptly named because it's literally a lab produced corundum. For those of you who are not gemologists, sapphires and rubies are fancy names for red and blue corundum! Corundum has a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamond = 10). Ergo, nothing below 9 on the Mohs hardness scale should easily scratch it. I'm very hard on watches but still haven't managed to scratch the P.O.'s sapphire crystal. The harder a substance, the more brittle it is, therefore, you're be just as likely to shatter a sapphire crystal than scratch it. If the crystal is raised (i.e. Sea Dweller), the exposed edge is also susceptible to being chipped. Fortunately, this is not a problem with the Planet Ocean since the sapphire crystal sits flush with the stainless steel bezel (replaceable).

Besides the way the sapphire crystals are mounted, the chief differences between diving watches involve the anti-reflective coating, or lack thereof. The Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Sea Dweller both put the anti-reflective coating on the inside of the crystal while the Planet Ocean has translucent blue tinted anti-reflective coating on both the outside and inside of the crystal. Note: You can only see the 'blue tint' by tilting the watch at an angle. Before purchasing this watch, I read an amateur review from a Sea Dweller owner who stated that Omega made a mistake because the exterior anti-reflective coating leaves noticeable marks when scratched. I've found that criticism to be highly exaggerated. In fact, I wear this watch daily and have put some scratches on the band but cannot find any marks on the coating. If you are actually going to use this watch for it's intended purpose (scuba diving), then you will absolutely want to have this exterior coating because it works much better than the interior coating alone! IMHO, I love the crystal's signature bluish hue because it's the simplest way to distinguish an authentic P.O. from a cheap forgery.

2. Movement is the 'motor' of the watch that keeps the time, date, etc. Each separate mechanical function of a watch is called a 'complication'. With premium watches, you generally have three choices when it comes to movement: Quartz, winding, and automatic. Quartz watches are more accurate and less expensive, but require batteries. Question: Why would anyone with half a brain want an automatic watch then? Answer: Multiple reasons! While automatic and winding movements are less practical and generally require more maintenance over the long haul, the difference is the artistry, ingenuity, and elegance of a mechanical movement. This is where the Omega Planet Ocean surpasses virtually every other watch out there including the Rolex Sea Dweller. The Caliber 2500 movement is based on an ETA 2892-2 (ETA is owned by the same company, Swatch group that owns Omega). Several innovations make this 27 jewel movement extraordinary. Due to the 'Co-Axial Displacement' the self winding (automatic) movement has managed to substantially reduce friction, thus requires much less lubrication than any other automatic movements manufactured today! What that means to you, my friend is that your new Planet Ocean watch will not require expensive servicing for 10 YEARS! FYI, that's twice as long as any Rolex. The drastically reduced friction within the movement also doubles the lifespan of the watch! Additionally, Caliber 2500 movement has been equipped with a 'free sprung balance' that's a 'state of the art' simplified regulating system which greatly improves the COSC timing precision. In other words, this watch keeps exceptionally accurate time for a mechanical watch. In my experience, this watch has kept almost perfect time +/- 1 second a day and under 2 seconds a week. FYI: All mechanical watches tend to run fast by a few seconds per week during the first 6 to 18 months because of the initial factory lubrication. As the lubrication thins and spreads, high end mechanical watches generally become more accurate. Since the P.O. doesn't need as much lubrication, the accuracy out of the box is amazing. It's the only mechanical watch that I've owned that's lived up to it's billing when it comes to keeping time.

3. Case: The Omega Planet Ocean's case is beautiful, rugged, and well designed with twice the water resistance rating of the Seamaster at 600m/1200ft. While that's half of the water resistance of the Rolex Sea Dweller, it's a moot point since the diving depth record with a breathing apparatus is only 313m! To give you a reference point, the most advanced atomic submarine (US Sea Wolf class) has a maximum diving depth of 500 meters. Omega invented the helium release value that made watches better suited for longer deeper dives. Without it, the pressure change upon returning to the surface would pop out the crystal. On the Planet Ocean, the release value is manual and looks like another winding clasp but is inscribed 'He' (the scientific symbol for helium). FYI- the safety value doesn't need to be deployed for normal swimming and diving.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the beautiful depiction of the Omega sea monster [hippokampoi] is on the case back. Not only is it attractive, but it's the easiest way to determine if the watch is a genuine Planet Ocean. While counterfeit watches don't seem to have trouble imitating the Rolex green hologram sticker, I've searched the internet and have never seen a convincing forgery of the Omega sea monster on the back case. If you don't believe me, then go to the fake watch sites on the internet and do a comparison. The counterfeiters know that most people who purchase counterfeit watches are only interested in fooling passive onlookers.

4. On the Planet Ocean, the bezel is the black or orange 'coin edged' unidirectional rotating stainless steel ring that surrounds the crystal. The Omega Planet Ocean's 'easy grip' bezel has 120 clicks (stopping points) stopping precisely on the markers. FYI: If you are diving with this watch, then the bezel is one of the most important features. For others who simply enjoy the styling and durability of a diving watch, the bezel provides a quick way to determine the quality, precision, and attention to detail that was put into the watch.

5. The band is the least important feature of a watch as far as I'm concerned. The band can be changed and will probably be replaced long before the watch dies of natural causes. Nevertheless, an expensive watch should come with a solid clasped high grade stainless steel, gold, or titanium band (I abhor leather and plastic). The Omega Planet Ocean's band is first rate. I found the it to be very comfortable and secure with no sharp edges. The clasping mechanism works flawlessly. Being that it is a diving watch, the clasp has a clever mechanism that painlessly extends the band to allow it to fit over a diving suit (or jacket sleeve). Fortunately, the band is brushed stainless steel so it doesn't show scratches like the polished case.

6. Face (dial, marker, hands)- The Planet Ocean's hands and makers are coated with Superluminova resin. That means that when you turn out the lights, you do not have trouble making out the time for 30 minutes or so. The arrow tipped hands distinguish the Planet Ocean from the Sea Master and the Ocean Dweller. Another cool feature is that you can distinguish the hands from one another even at 12:00! The date does not require magnification. I've always felt that magnified dates aka cyclops interferes with the elegance of a watch. While this is a matter of personal preference, many people must agree since Rolex does not include the cyclops on the Sea Dweller.

Finally, I must mention the size. The Planet Ocean is a relatively big watch at 45.5mm and weighs 9oz. I like bigger watches but it's a matter of taste. I'm a large man (6'3" 210lbs) so it fits me proportionally. For someone with a smaller frame or thinner wrists, Omega makes a slightly diminutive version (42mm) of the standard PO. Whichever version you choose, the Plane Ocean will never be mistaken for a lady's watch!

CONCLUSION: While the PO does cost more than the Seamaster, I believe that it's well worth the extra price because of the improved movement and styling. You are also paying $5000 less than the Sea Dweller. I love my Planet Ocean and highly recommend it.



This is an amazing watch, December 13, 2007
By P. S. Gifford- Horror author "to read example...

I have owned this watch for a year and a half now and it is my favourite watch in my stable. I opted for the brown leather strap, which dresses it up a bit. It keeps great time ( it sits in a watch winder when not being used.) It is a far classier option than a Rolex, in my opinion.

And what can I tell you- James Bond whers one!

PS Gifford



Watchmakers Advice, December 21, 2007
By Claude H. Suddreth "Opinion Expert"

I am rather opinionated when it comes to luxury watches. This comes from spending 2 years in watchmaking school, studying directly under the guidance of a certified master swiss watchmaker who came here from Europe. Watches, especially mid to high grade swiss watches, are a passion of mine. I am not loyal to a brand or a style or anything else. I judge them for what they are, in terms of quality, function, construction, and style. A watchmakers point of view.

This said I will tell you that this particular watch is what I consider to be a "best kept secret" sort of watch. This is an AUTOMATIC watch (read: Mechanical - NOT Quartz), and of CHRONOMETER grade function. Chronometer as used here is a measure of accurate timekeeping, not quality - a point often misunderstood - and is used mostly from a marketing point of view by companies such as Rolex. HOWEVER. This movement in THIS watch is actually EXCELLENT in terms of quality, time keeping ability, and construction - easily comparable to other Swiss made movements from other famous manufacturers costing several times as much. This watch, properly serviced, will provide a lifetime of use - and probably more. Absolutely the sort of watch you pass down to the next generation.

All in all - and EXCELLENT choice - especially for those seeking their first QUALITY Swiss watch purchase.

Definitely recommended!



The last sport watch you'll ever need to buy., October 25, 2007
By Anonymous "Anonymous"



This review refers to the Model 2218.50, XL version (45 mm case) with steel bracelet. The opinions of the movement, adjustment and reliability are also applicable to the model with rubber strap and leather / lizard strap.

This is a hefty timepiece, it weighs 9+ ounces (over half a pound), it feels and exudes quality and is bound to illicit a glance and a double take. The domed double anti glare sapphire crystal is super sharp and sometimes hard to determine it is even there.

The exterior is a combination of brushed and polished stainless steel, most notably the trademark Omega horns are this blended finish.

The screw down crown is adorned with the Omega logo and easy to open, the first position enables manual winding for a power boost, the helium escape valve at 10:00 is adorned with the periodic symbol "He".

Clockwise turns of the crown in second position adjusts the date forward, the date can't be adjusted backwards. Time adjustment is easy and rapid; no adjustment for seconds is available.

The unidirectional bezel rotates counter clockwise 120 clicks and lines up perfectly with every second marker, the solid feel of the rotation is nothing less than you'd expect from an Omega.

The luminescent material of this watch is a glow magnet, just a few seconds exposure to sunlight or held close to a lamp will turn the face of this watch into a lighthouse! Combined with the chrome and split bezel hands of the subdials and this timepiece can be used as a signal mirror for low flying aircraft.

The Omega 3313 movement is identical to their 3303 movement except the 3313 has the co-axial escapement, this is the same movement inside the Omega DeVille and will be used in future models.

The accuracy of this watch is only surpassed by my Omega SeaMaster Quartz 300 2221.80, my Quartz Omega never loses or gains a second and the PO gains less than 5 seconds a week. The days I don't wear it, I spend 60 seconds winding it and store it standing vertically for optimum movement.

The bracelet includes the scuba extension of all SeaMasters, but has no convenience pins for rapid adjustment or for bodily weight fluctuation. It releases easily with the double release pins and feels confidently closed when clasped.

I've performed testing of the power reserve, it continues to function about 43 hours with a full wind.

The watch can also function with a running chronograph for over 40 hours on a full wind, that is impressive.

Overall, I'd recommend this watch for anyone who wants an exquisite sport timepiece which isn't out of place at a formal, like all of the Omegas made before it; I expect this watch to endure for my grandchildren and their grandchildren.



PO Semaster excelent watch!!!!, October 1, 2009
By Ivan "VELEZ"

I Boughtthis watch version XL and its the best size for me ,the quality its excelent, the antireflectling glare looks very good, i recomend this watch and this watch have the COSC certification swiss only the 2% of the watches made in swiss has it , five stars.....



Great Watch, November 20, 2008
By S. Yeung

I'm not an expert on watches, I'm just a normal guy who works outdoors in the wilderness in Northern Ontario, Canada. I was given this watch by my dad as a gift over a year ago.

The first thing about the watch that caught my attention is the size, the face and band are big. It's heavy too. Originally, I intended to only wear the watch on special occasions, since it costs more than a year's worth of rent for me, but I figured that the watch is supposed to be designed to withstand up to 600m/2000ft of water pressure, so it should be able to withstand the Canadian elements and it would be a waste to leave it sitting in my desk. I'm happy to say that I have worn this watch everyday for over a year now and aside from scratches on the band, it runs perfectly. Last summer I worked as a fire ranger and even that job couldn't wreck this watch.

The back of the watch also has a very intricate and stylish engraving of a seahorse that seems to impress people when to ask to see the watch. The second hand moves very smoothly, it does not tick pause tick like most watches. The hands and hour markings glow in the dark very brightly compared to other watches I have owned (swiss army victorinox) If you want a watch that you don't have to worry about then I recommend this watch. I do suggest that you go to a store and try one on first before buying, it's a large and bulky watch, it would look funny on someone with thin wrists and scrawny arms.



Very Cool Watch, November 22, 2008
By dasn0wman "dasn0wman"

Make sure to get the one with non-red markers, James Bond wears the version with all white markers. James Bond also wears the XL version (45.5mm case) And obviously, he doesn't wear the one with the orange bezel (yeeech). There are two versions of this watch coming out just like for the last James Bond watch. But seriously, do you think James Bond would wear a watch that says "Quantum of Solace" or "007" engraved in back of his watch? Seriously. Do yourself a favor and get NOT get the limited edition, but the regular model. But I guess people buy for different reasons.

Having said that, this is a great, practical watch for everyday wear if you want to look cool with a touch of class. I would not wear this for sports or to the gym because I like to keep my watches in near mint condition. The price is not awfully expensive as a Rolex but works possibly even better and looks just as great as a Rolex. I'm very suprised how much the Omega Seamaster is beginning to look more and more like a Rolex Submariner. The last Seamaster is quite distintive in that it's Bond version has a blue face with a nice geometrically carved bezel and intricate bracelet band (but not to everyone's tastes). Now, for the Planet Ocean, we see the famous fluted bezel that is signature of Rolex. We see the Bond version is all black a la Bond Rolex Submariner. And gone also is the intricate-looking band which now looks very much like the Rolex Oyster bracelet with just a slightly different line of design. There are some differences. The PO case is quite elegant and very reminiscent of car body design. However, the side profile of the case still lacks the elegance of Rolex. Another obvious difference is the size. The Rolex Submariner is 40mm which is perfect for any wrist. Last Seamster Professional was 41mm which is still perfect. This watch? A whopping 45.5mm!!! It's huge. Make sure you are fine with the size. With a large diametered case also comes the added weight! I love the nice heft but this may not be suitable for everyone. Although many of these differences are quite subjective, what is pretty much objective is the clasp of these watches. Time and time again, people complain why the most famous all watches come with a flimsy, cheap clasp? Omega Seamaster clasp totally blows it away as it is very solid and quite easy to operate.

So now we have an Omega that looks and feels much like a Rolex. Omega is like the Lexus of watches. It does a lot of things great and maybe even better but it will always be second status to Rolex a la Lexus to Mercedes. No matter how hard Lexus tries to be a Mercedes, it will always be a Lexus. With that said, both Lexus and Omega make solid, quality products with a more affordable price tag. Give this, I would wear an Omega practicially everyday and just leave the special occasions for my Rolex Submariner. However if you are really particular on wanting the very best, you may want to be a bit more patient in saving for that Rolex. I gave so many reasons to buy this watch but the only reason to buy a Rolex is because it's a Rolex!



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