Comments:
On my 16 cm wrist, the 42 x 13,75 mm case is surprisingly wearable. Probably due to the reasonable 47,50 mm lug-to-lug.
The orange bezel and numerals are undoubtedly eye-catching.
The angular, "agressive" design, works well, in my opinion, with such a robust and "toolish" timepiece.
The haptic feeling when turning the crown is great.
I like it that there is no see-through caseback. I much prefer to see the Seahorse than an industrially finished movement on such a watch.
The single fold clasp is strong and feels reassuring.
But it is also a bit too thick and large, in my opinion.
For smaller wrists, the wearability of the clasp isn't as good as that of the case.
Ref. 217.30.42.21.01.001
The black bezel / silver numerals variant is the way to go if you want a less flashy watch.
One is eye-catching and playful, the other understated and more discreet.
Ref. 217.30.42.21.01.002
I thought the blue bezel / white numerals variant would be a good compromise, mixing color and discretion, but it's the one I liked the least. It has neither the charm of the orange variant nor that of the black one.
For me, it's either left or right: flashy or understated, but no middle ground.
Ref. 217.32.42.21.01.004
The rubber strap makes the watch significantly lighter and it has a very nice feel on the wrist.
Unfortunately, I don't really like the clasp and folding system.
Once again, it makes the clasp too bulky. This, in my opinion, is where Omega falls short and absolutely needs to improve.
If I were to buy a Planet Ocean, I would definitely buy the rubber strap in addition to the bracelet. I was told that the rubber strap and fitting clasp cost around €600 in total (2 x 300).
New Planet Oceans: some hands-on impressions
Ref. 217.30.42.21.01.003
On my 16 cm wrist, the 42 x 13,75 mm case is surprisingly wearable. Probably due to the reasonable 47,50 mm lug-to-lug.
The orange bezel and numerals are undoubtedly eye-catching.
The angular, "agressive" design, works well, in my opinion, with such a robust and "toolish" timepiece.
Of course, the links with a polished center part are debatable as they are suggesting luxury rather than "toolishness".
But they also add contrast and variety to the design. Omega undoubtedly wanted to play on both fronts: tool and luxury watch.
The haptic feeling when turning the crown is great.
I like it that there is no see-through caseback. I much prefer to see the Seahorse than an industrially finished movement on such a watch.
The single fold clasp is strong and feels reassuring.
But it is also a bit too thick and large, in my opinion.
For smaller wrists, the wearability of the clasp isn't as good as that of the case.
Ref. 217.30.42.21.01.001
The black bezel / silver numerals variant is the way to go if you want a less flashy watch.
One is eye-catching and playful, the other understated and more discreet.
Ref. 217.30.42.21.01.002
I thought the blue bezel / white numerals variant would be a good compromise, mixing color and discretion, but it's the one I liked the least. It has neither the charm of the orange variant nor that of the black one.
For me, it's either left or right: flashy or understated, but no middle ground.
Ref. 217.32.42.21.01.004
The rubber strap makes the watch significantly lighter and it has a very nice feel on the wrist.
Unfortunately, I don't really like the clasp and folding system.
Once again, it makes the clasp too bulky. This, in my opinion, is where Omega falls short and absolutely needs to improve.
If I were to buy a Planet Ocean, I would definitely buy the rubber strap in addition to the bracelet. I was told that the rubber strap and fitting clasp cost around €600 in total (2 x 300).
What do you think?
Do you like these new Planet Ocean models and do you have a favorite?
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
Nice pictures. Not tried on yet but plan to do so. The orange looks the best. To tone it down, would probably have it on black rubber strap
I hope you’ll be able to try them on soon.
Yes, if you want the orange bezel to look a little less flashy the black rubber is probably a good choice.
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for this great review!
As much as I like Omega, these are not for me.
The design is pretty generic and without the brand name on the dial these could be from any brand out there.
I guess with my Seamaster 300 Summerblue and the NTTD version of the SMP Professional I am sufficiently well equipped with Omega divers 🙂
The design is pretty generic and without the brand name on the dial these could be from any brand out there.
I guess with my Seamaster 300 Summerblue and the NTTD version of the SMP Professional I am sufficiently well equipped with Omega divers 🙂
Yes, Gerard, given your Omega duo,
this Planet Ocean doesn’t seem necessary!
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
Nice write up
I have played with the new PO a few times now as well and agree with your points. I do like this new variant a lot more than the old one
Great Review and it looks very nice on your wrist, I like the design, the black dial variant would be perfect for me and then get it pvded
I was thinking the case and bracelet pvded, leave the bezel and crown alone ala 70s Heuer
Great photo report
47 L2L is better than I anticipated, that said the clasp on the bracelet looks huge. Looking forward to checking it!
Yes, the LTL is well done,
but the clasp is too thick. Omega needs to improve this, imo.
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
Emmanuel,
Great post! Recently visited the Omega Boutique on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Asked to see the new PO. Robert jumped at my request. He promptly brought an Orange Bezel with Steel Bracelet and a Blue Bezel on Black Rubber.
Impression 1:
The Orange Bezel is semi-translucent. The color density seemed under par. The color harkens back to the original design, but the color density seemed weak.
Impression 2:
Loved the boldness of the Orange 12/3/6/9 numbers. They were quickly evident when looking at the dial.
Impression 3:
Loved the feel and finish of the Bracelet. Nice micro-adjust.
Impression 4:
It fit my wimpy wrist perfectly. Love it.
Impression 5:
I’ve made comments about this watch looking more like a Seiko than an Omega. I still stand on my thoughts. However, there are enough tweaks to see the Omega design philosophy. The problem is you have to work too hard at it. YMMV.
Impression 6:
The Blue Bezel variant is the best. Bezel color is more opaque and the “White” numerals stand out for that added dial “pop”. When I look at a dial, I want to be able to discern the time quickly. (I’m over 50 and my eyes aren’t what they used to be.)
Impression 7:
Hate the Rubber Strap. Not for what it is, but for what it will be. I have watches that are over 20 years old. This fitment is unique. Can I get a strap from Omega 10-years from now? Twenty years? The Rubber Strap felt good. If I bought this watch, I would buy both the metal and the rubber.
Impression 8:
The “White” numerals on the Blue Bezel variant stand out like those of the Orange Bezel. Perfect.
Impression 9:
The Blue Bezel with Stainless Band is the optimal variant. Again, YMMV.
Impression 10:
Omega should have used the Blue Bezel dial with “White” numerals on the Black Bezel model. If they had done this, I would recommend the Black Bezel watch as it would be more discrete.
In the end, I am fan of Omega. I only own a CK 859, but would love to add a PO to the collection.
Thank you for detailing your impressions, John-E !
I understand your preference for the Blue Bezel variant, but I don't share it. I really thought this variant would be the ideal compromise, but it felt like a mixed bag: not as discreet as the Black, not as lively as the orange. Just, not enough of something, whether understatement or playfulness. Just my feeling, of course.
Where I agree with you 100% is that "if I bought this watch, I would buy both the metal and the rubber".
Anyway, I hope you'll be able to add a PO to your collection: it would make a great duo with the CK 859.
Best, Emmanuel
Where I agree with you 100% is that "if I bought this watch, I would buy both the metal and the rubber".
Anyway, I hope you'll be able to add a PO to your collection: it would make a great duo with the CK 859.
Best, Emmanuel
Great comments John! So nice to read your impressions on this watch!
I absolutely agree with you that the black bezel version should have had the white numerals of the blue bezel version.
I finally opted for the blue due to the dial but my first decision was to get the black bezel. I preferred de dial of the blue instead and accepted the more flashy blue bezel.
Cheers!
Abel
I finally opted for the blue due to the dial but my first decision was to get the black bezel. I preferred de dial of the blue instead and accepted the more flashy blue bezel.
Cheers!
Abel
a closed back is indeed better
I agree
But I don't like that cheapass laser engraving
these looked imo much better
I have not tried on the watch — but, I have been up close to them and a bit underwhelmed by the case and the bezel colors.
Your observations about the bracelet and the rubber strap are well taken. I want to like the orange bezel — but, simply not warming up to it.
I can understand your underwhelmed impression.
I find this new design quite attractive personally, but probably not to the point of wanting to buy one.
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
At some point I would like to add the orange one.
On steel, not sure about the orange on orange combo works for me. Maybe black rubber...
I didn't get the opportunity to try on the orange bezel / black rubber combo,
but it certainly makes the watch a little less flashy.
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel