RW16610
July 25th, 2009, 06:22
The Omega Seamaster Professional is a fantastic watch that got a lot of it's recognition / popularity thanks to the James Bond films. Great looking, rugged "sport" watches that still somehow look elegant enough to be worn to a black tie event. Many variations and options with this line of watches from Omega and they seem to be constantly expanding that for the better.
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean was one of two Bond watches for the new film at the time, 2006 "Casino Royale".
2220.80.00
http://www.gemnation.com/images/watches/Omeg/2220.80.00.jpg
From - gemnation.com
was one of them and of course. Basically an updated version to the one introduced back in 1995 for Golden eye. It features a new Omega 2500 Co-Axial movement, longer hands (hour, minute, second), hour markers with metal surroundings and of couse "Seamaster" written in red letters at the top of the dial under the applied metal Omega symbol with the name also in metal for this model.
The second watch featured in that movie is this, Planet Ocean:
2900.50.91
http://www.jamesbondwatch.co.uk/i/planet-ocean-big.jpg
From - jamesbondwatch.co.uk
It is the exact same model as the one in this review accept it comes on the rubber strap from the dealer when you buy it, so has a different refrence number.
Now I will review the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 2200.50.00
Various parts of the watch (case, crystal, bezel, Helium escape valve, crown, dial, bracelet + clasp, movement and packaging) will get "scores" from 1-5, depending on how well they are made / function:
1:Not satisfactory
2: Mediocre
3: Satisfactory
4: Very good
5: Excellent
CASE:
The case gets a score of 4 from me.
Solid, very well made case to say the least. Do not think Omega could have done a much better job on this aspect of the watch. Over all my only issue is the fact the case in general / area round the lugs is less refined. That takes some getting used to but it is part of what gives this watch it's character, profile and heft.
For the caseback, Omega did a great job as always. Love the detail where it says "Seamaster", has the Seahorse and the Omega logo under that. Also as you can clearly see in the second image down for this section, it says "Planet Ocean" and you can not see the anti counterfit engraving Omega does now (it might not be on all Omega models, it depends).
When the watch is on your wrist you can hardly notice that stuff is there, if at all. Feels extremly comfortable and once it is not on too tight will leave no imprints.
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/4074/dsc01996.jpg
http://www.geneva-watch.ch/pics/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean4.jpg
From - geneva-watch.ch
http://www.delldeaton.com/images/Omega29075091purchase018.jpg
From - delldeaton.com
CRYSTAL:
The crystal gets a score of 4 from me.
Very nice looking, domed sapphire crystal with the anti reflective coating on both sides. The only draw back to that in my books is the fact the crystal shows little scratches on the outside over time if it touches certain surfaces or what not.
Omega did a fantastic job with this, easy to see from almost all angles and the advantage to the anti reflective coating on the outside is that nice, blue - purple reflection you see sometimes depending on lighting and angle. Either way it does the job well!
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6772/dsc01992g.jpg
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/4074/dsc01996.jpg
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8223/dsc01999q.jpg
BEZEL:
The bezel gets a score of 5 from me also.
The aluminum / steel insert has some very inique styling to it. At first it makes you think there is a metal ring around the sapphire crystal but that is actiually just part of the bezel insert that is silver and only the edge (a bit more than 50% of it) is black / orange depending on the model. Similar styling to more common dive watches on this one, with minute markers up until 15 on the bezel and the rest is numbered every 10 minutes with lines in between.
The actual bezel rotates very nicely and is easy to grip wet or dry with bare hands or gloves. 120 clicks and of course uni directional. This way if a diver is under water and the bezel turns by accident, it can only shorten the dive time and not extend it. For obvious safety reasons and oxygen managment.
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8223/dsc01999q.jpg
http://www.ewatchparts.com/images/id0547.jpg
From - ewatchparts.com
Omega also has a Diamond bezel option for one of the steel models like the one in this review and the Chronograph as shown in the picture below:
http://www.watcheshead.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-jewelry.jpg
If that is your thing, you could always buy that from Omega at some point and have it installed. To me it takes away the contrast, striking appearance and function of the bezel for calculating elapsed time but to each their own! Would looks nice though.
HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE:
The Helium Escape Value (HEV) gets a score of 4 from me.
Of course, I am not a commercial diver who does decompression. For those who do not know, that is the purpose of this second crown looking thing at the 10 o clock position.
Definition from Omega.ch
"Decompression system which allows helium to escape from inside the watch when the watch is worn for professional use in pressure chambers. (Long-term underwater work, crude oil exploration, etc.)"
On the other models like the 2220.80.00 it has the same grips as the crown and at the end has the Omega symbol (just like the crown as well). On the Planet Ocean like you can see in the pictures below, it has more chunky, dull grips (still easy to hold onto though) and says "He" on it for Helium.
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/4074/dsc01996.jpg
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8223/dsc01999q.jpg
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7421/dsc02000.jpg
Some prefer the look of these Seamaster watches if they did not have this value (normal users do not need that), but for me I think it adds character and is "cool" to have there for the sake of it.
CROWN:
The crown gets a score of 5 from me.
It is VERY easy to grip / screw in or out and of course has the Omega symbol on it. Part of the case acts as a partial crown guard and it does not hurt the wrist at all if you wear it closer to the end by your hand.
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4176/dsc01987r.jpg
DIAL:
The dial gets a score of 5 from me.
It looks fantastic, and it is VERY easy to read in day or night. Only the Omega symbol is metal that is applied. Also the hour markers are applied with metal surroundings. The dial is both functional and yet elegant somehow. Omega did a VERY good job on this aspect.
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7421/dsc02000.jpg
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/8200/dsc01982i.jpg
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/4049/dsc01983.jpg
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4300/dsc01984b.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4282/dsc01985x.jpg
BRACELET & CLASP:
The bracelet and clasp both get a score of 5 from me.
Omega really did well with this one (part number 951). Super hefty, nice (actual) solid end links as you can see in the picture below, well / solid construction and the clasp is the time proven one from before basically but under "Professional" it also says "Planet Ocean".
http://www.ofrei.com/images/ome020st1579951.jpg
From - ofrei.com
http://www.ofrei.com/images/ome1581953.jpg
From - ofrei.com
http://bestsource123.com/ome117st1579951a.jpg
From - bestsource123.com
http://bestsource123.com/ome117st1580952a.jpg
From - bestsource123.com
And the same dive suit expansion as the others:
http://www.omega-addict.com/reviews/seamaster/openclasp.jpg
From - omega-addict.com
My only draw back to this is the fact it does not have a system with screws. Although this is time proven and does the job, for me I like being able to adjust the bracelet when ever with something as simple as a jewellers screwdriver. Either way, Omega made a very solid bracelet that will last generations.
The advantage to this pin system is you can remove / change all of the pins or links accept for 4 of them (the ones attached to the end link all the way down to the first pin in the links you can remove). If it ever gets stretched with time, you can simply change those pins or replace individual links. This makes up for all and is why it got the score it did.
MOVEMENT:
The movement also gets a score of 5 from me.
The Omega 2500 Co-Axial is just so amazing. AD's say no service for 7 - 10 years depending on use, because of this Co-Axial technology. Keeps amazing time within Chronometer specs and is rugged. As you can see, it is well decorated and just looks fabolous. This is NOT an in-house movement. It is based on an ETA (which Swatch group, owners of Omega SA and many others) now have.
http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/articles/caliber-2500a.jpg
From - rolexreferencepage.com
http://www.omegarolex.com/images/movements/o2500.jpg
Source on picture
For more info on this movement visit either:
http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/
or
http://www.omegarolex.com/
PACKAGING:
Gets a score of 4 from me.
It comes in the normal red Omega box set (that all of the other watches come in) seen below:
http://www.watches.co.uk/watch_pics/extrapics/om8280-seamaster-box.jpg
Source on picture
The instruction manual depends on your AD mostly. As you all know, the watches and boxes get shipped to the AD seprately as with any other brand. The watches get shipped in a plastic container all in a box from Switzerland and the box sets come alone and they are matched up in the AD, kept in a safe in the back or put on display with the boxes in the back room. The hard cover manual is normally intended for watches costing over a certain price (my guess is about $4,000.00+ CAD). Nothing wrong with the soft cover version though, exact same booklet as it covers every type of watch & movement you can think of (hints why it is so thick) aso due to different languages.
Some AD's will just give you the two hang tags but others might remove them when you buy it. If you request to keep them as part of the package it should not be an issue I do not think, see below:
http://www.jamesbondwatches.com/images/Omega29075091purchase015.jpg
Source on picture
http://www.jamesbondwatches.com/images/Omega29075091purchase014.jpg
Source on picture
ALSO! The Seamaster Planet Ocean (I think) is the first to come with it's own cleaning cloth seen below:
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5743/planetoceancloth.png
Source unknown
I personally do not use it, keep it in my box for the future as an accessory / collectors item but will look for another one to be kept new in the plastic bag (they come folded in a little plastic ziplock bag, similar to the ones removed / spare links go in) seen below:
http://www.jamesbondwatches.com/images/Omega29075091purchase004.jpg
Source on picture.
It has only been a few days but I really like and enjoy this watch. It grows on me more and more each day. Hope you all enjoyed reading this review as requested (it is my first actual in depth one).
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean was one of two Bond watches for the new film at the time, 2006 "Casino Royale".
2220.80.00
http://www.gemnation.com/images/watches/Omeg/2220.80.00.jpg
From - gemnation.com
was one of them and of course. Basically an updated version to the one introduced back in 1995 for Golden eye. It features a new Omega 2500 Co-Axial movement, longer hands (hour, minute, second), hour markers with metal surroundings and of couse "Seamaster" written in red letters at the top of the dial under the applied metal Omega symbol with the name also in metal for this model.
The second watch featured in that movie is this, Planet Ocean:
2900.50.91
http://www.jamesbondwatch.co.uk/i/planet-ocean-big.jpg
From - jamesbondwatch.co.uk
It is the exact same model as the one in this review accept it comes on the rubber strap from the dealer when you buy it, so has a different refrence number.
Now I will review the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 2200.50.00
Various parts of the watch (case, crystal, bezel, Helium escape valve, crown, dial, bracelet + clasp, movement and packaging) will get "scores" from 1-5, depending on how well they are made / function:
1:Not satisfactory
2: Mediocre
3: Satisfactory
4: Very good
5: Excellent
CASE:
The case gets a score of 4 from me.
Solid, very well made case to say the least. Do not think Omega could have done a much better job on this aspect of the watch. Over all my only issue is the fact the case in general / area round the lugs is less refined. That takes some getting used to but it is part of what gives this watch it's character, profile and heft.
For the caseback, Omega did a great job as always. Love the detail where it says "Seamaster", has the Seahorse and the Omega logo under that. Also as you can clearly see in the second image down for this section, it says "Planet Ocean" and you can not see the anti counterfit engraving Omega does now (it might not be on all Omega models, it depends).
When the watch is on your wrist you can hardly notice that stuff is there, if at all. Feels extremly comfortable and once it is not on too tight will leave no imprints.
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/4074/dsc01996.jpg
http://www.geneva-watch.ch/pics/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean4.jpg
From - geneva-watch.ch
http://www.delldeaton.com/images/Omega29075091purchase018.jpg
From - delldeaton.com
CRYSTAL:
The crystal gets a score of 4 from me.
Very nice looking, domed sapphire crystal with the anti reflective coating on both sides. The only draw back to that in my books is the fact the crystal shows little scratches on the outside over time if it touches certain surfaces or what not.
Omega did a fantastic job with this, easy to see from almost all angles and the advantage to the anti reflective coating on the outside is that nice, blue - purple reflection you see sometimes depending on lighting and angle. Either way it does the job well!
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6772/dsc01992g.jpg
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/4074/dsc01996.jpg
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8223/dsc01999q.jpg
BEZEL:
The bezel gets a score of 5 from me also.
The aluminum / steel insert has some very inique styling to it. At first it makes you think there is a metal ring around the sapphire crystal but that is actiually just part of the bezel insert that is silver and only the edge (a bit more than 50% of it) is black / orange depending on the model. Similar styling to more common dive watches on this one, with minute markers up until 15 on the bezel and the rest is numbered every 10 minutes with lines in between.
The actual bezel rotates very nicely and is easy to grip wet or dry with bare hands or gloves. 120 clicks and of course uni directional. This way if a diver is under water and the bezel turns by accident, it can only shorten the dive time and not extend it. For obvious safety reasons and oxygen managment.
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8223/dsc01999q.jpg
http://www.ewatchparts.com/images/id0547.jpg
From - ewatchparts.com
Omega also has a Diamond bezel option for one of the steel models like the one in this review and the Chronograph as shown in the picture below:
http://www.watcheshead.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-jewelry.jpg
If that is your thing, you could always buy that from Omega at some point and have it installed. To me it takes away the contrast, striking appearance and function of the bezel for calculating elapsed time but to each their own! Would looks nice though.
HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE:
The Helium Escape Value (HEV) gets a score of 4 from me.
Of course, I am not a commercial diver who does decompression. For those who do not know, that is the purpose of this second crown looking thing at the 10 o clock position.
Definition from Omega.ch
"Decompression system which allows helium to escape from inside the watch when the watch is worn for professional use in pressure chambers. (Long-term underwater work, crude oil exploration, etc.)"
On the other models like the 2220.80.00 it has the same grips as the crown and at the end has the Omega symbol (just like the crown as well). On the Planet Ocean like you can see in the pictures below, it has more chunky, dull grips (still easy to hold onto though) and says "He" on it for Helium.
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/4074/dsc01996.jpg
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8223/dsc01999q.jpg
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7421/dsc02000.jpg
Some prefer the look of these Seamaster watches if they did not have this value (normal users do not need that), but for me I think it adds character and is "cool" to have there for the sake of it.
CROWN:
The crown gets a score of 5 from me.
It is VERY easy to grip / screw in or out and of course has the Omega symbol on it. Part of the case acts as a partial crown guard and it does not hurt the wrist at all if you wear it closer to the end by your hand.
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4176/dsc01987r.jpg
DIAL:
The dial gets a score of 5 from me.
It looks fantastic, and it is VERY easy to read in day or night. Only the Omega symbol is metal that is applied. Also the hour markers are applied with metal surroundings. The dial is both functional and yet elegant somehow. Omega did a VERY good job on this aspect.
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7421/dsc02000.jpg
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/8200/dsc01982i.jpg
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/4049/dsc01983.jpg
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4300/dsc01984b.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4282/dsc01985x.jpg
BRACELET & CLASP:
The bracelet and clasp both get a score of 5 from me.
Omega really did well with this one (part number 951). Super hefty, nice (actual) solid end links as you can see in the picture below, well / solid construction and the clasp is the time proven one from before basically but under "Professional" it also says "Planet Ocean".
http://www.ofrei.com/images/ome020st1579951.jpg
From - ofrei.com
http://www.ofrei.com/images/ome1581953.jpg
From - ofrei.com
http://bestsource123.com/ome117st1579951a.jpg
From - bestsource123.com
http://bestsource123.com/ome117st1580952a.jpg
From - bestsource123.com
And the same dive suit expansion as the others:
http://www.omega-addict.com/reviews/seamaster/openclasp.jpg
From - omega-addict.com
My only draw back to this is the fact it does not have a system with screws. Although this is time proven and does the job, for me I like being able to adjust the bracelet when ever with something as simple as a jewellers screwdriver. Either way, Omega made a very solid bracelet that will last generations.
The advantage to this pin system is you can remove / change all of the pins or links accept for 4 of them (the ones attached to the end link all the way down to the first pin in the links you can remove). If it ever gets stretched with time, you can simply change those pins or replace individual links. This makes up for all and is why it got the score it did.
MOVEMENT:
The movement also gets a score of 5 from me.
The Omega 2500 Co-Axial is just so amazing. AD's say no service for 7 - 10 years depending on use, because of this Co-Axial technology. Keeps amazing time within Chronometer specs and is rugged. As you can see, it is well decorated and just looks fabolous. This is NOT an in-house movement. It is based on an ETA (which Swatch group, owners of Omega SA and many others) now have.
http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/articles/caliber-2500a.jpg
From - rolexreferencepage.com
http://www.omegarolex.com/images/movements/o2500.jpg
Source on picture
For more info on this movement visit either:
http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/
or
http://www.omegarolex.com/
PACKAGING:
Gets a score of 4 from me.
It comes in the normal red Omega box set (that all of the other watches come in) seen below:
http://www.watches.co.uk/watch_pics/extrapics/om8280-seamaster-box.jpg
Source on picture
The instruction manual depends on your AD mostly. As you all know, the watches and boxes get shipped to the AD seprately as with any other brand. The watches get shipped in a plastic container all in a box from Switzerland and the box sets come alone and they are matched up in the AD, kept in a safe in the back or put on display with the boxes in the back room. The hard cover manual is normally intended for watches costing over a certain price (my guess is about $4,000.00+ CAD). Nothing wrong with the soft cover version though, exact same booklet as it covers every type of watch & movement you can think of (hints why it is so thick) aso due to different languages.
Some AD's will just give you the two hang tags but others might remove them when you buy it. If you request to keep them as part of the package it should not be an issue I do not think, see below:
http://www.jamesbondwatches.com/images/Omega29075091purchase015.jpg
Source on picture
http://www.jamesbondwatches.com/images/Omega29075091purchase014.jpg
Source on picture
ALSO! The Seamaster Planet Ocean (I think) is the first to come with it's own cleaning cloth seen below:
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5743/planetoceancloth.png
Source unknown
I personally do not use it, keep it in my box for the future as an accessory / collectors item but will look for another one to be kept new in the plastic bag (they come folded in a little plastic ziplock bag, similar to the ones removed / spare links go in) seen below:
http://www.jamesbondwatches.com/images/Omega29075091purchase004.jpg
Source on picture.
It has only been a few days but I really like and enjoy this watch. It grows on me more and more each day. Hope you all enjoyed reading this review as requested (it is my first actual in depth one).