Fresh off the Baselworld 2016 presses, we have the newly updated Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Master Chronometer GMT. With a new color scheme, METAS certification, and a Master Chronometer movement, this is the next evolution of Omega’s 600m GMT diver. Receiving a number of small updates and tweaks over the previous version, this new version further refines an excellent sport watch with a full complement of Omega’s latest technologies.
Just as with the past generation, the new Omega Watch 951 Replica Seamaster Planet Ocean Master Chronometer GMT uses a 43.5mm-wide steel case that measures some 17mm thick. This initial black/white version features the world’s first bi-ceramic (Zr02) polished bezel insert, with past models featuring a similar 24-hour scale, but limited to a single color. This new bi-directional bezel looks fantastic and is vaguely reminiscent of the black/silver aluminum bezel of the long-discontinued Seamaster Professional GMT 2234, with excellent legibility and strong contrast.
The Omega Watches 600m Replica Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 premiered from the ’90s, helping reveal that Omega was not stuck in 1969 with the wound mechanical Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” as their cutting-edge astronaut gear. But similar to Breitling’s Professional line of watches, also with hybrid analog-digital displays, the Omega Speedmaster X-33 was likewise convincingly intended for skilled aviation functions. It stays a peripheral branch of the Speedmaster collection that particularly dedicated watch fans and new fans also can enjoy.There’s no motive, however, that it has to be exclusively for aviation and aerospace, as the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ Limited Edition watch shows. I felt it was worth mentioning the sailing team members use the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ while on board because it does add some credibility to the watches’ intended sensible use and durability (water-resistance aside). This may cause some watchnerds to blink, as this is basically the minimal water-resistance rating for any modern watch, and this one is designed to be involved with watersports. Boats ideally stay on top of the water, yes, however 30m of water immunity refers to the water pressure under 30m of absolutely still water. We generally recommend that you don’t do anything besides washing your hands using a 30m-water-resistant watch – mostly dress watches. Granted, there are a lot of buttons and places where water ingress becomes an issue about the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ, and it looks like they are supposed to actually be used – but even most G-Shocks include 200m water-resistance.
The dial continues the strongly legible design with the same layout we saw on previous models, with wide hands, large applied markers and a simple but easily distinguished GMT hand. Unlike most versions from the last generation, this new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Master Chronometer GMT does not feature a GMT hand with any additional coloring. Most past models, aside from the versions with a platinum or gold case, have featured GMT hands with some use of orange.
Aside from the new dial and bezel materials, the main story here is the inclusion of the Planet Ocean models in Omgea’s growing Master Chronometer family. Thanks to the METAS-certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8906, the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Master Chronometer GMT is magnetic resistant to 15,000 gauss, using Omega’s Si14 balance spring and a free-sprung balance. Ticking at 3.5Hz, the automatic 8906 features 60 hours of power reserve thanks to a pair of series-coupled barrels. The movement, replete with its rhodium-plated rotor and bridges, Geneva wave finishing, and blackened screws can be viewed via a newly designed sapphire display caseback. We’ll have to wait for hands-on images for that, though.
The new movement provides the same functionality and is controlled via a single crown at three. The HeV (helium escape valve) at 10 o’clock, now a signature element of modern Seamasters, also remains unchanged. As expected, the crystal is sapphire and has a dual-sided anti-reflective treatment, allowing for an unobstructed view of the polished black ceramic (Zr02) dial. As with other Planet Ocean models, the lume is blue Superluminova for the hour markers and hour hand, while the minute hand and bezel pip use a green material that provides faster low-light reading.
Available on a rubber-lined leather strap, or a fully brushed steel bracelet with a fold over clasp and dive extension, the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Master Chronometer GMT, complete with its METAS certification and 4-year warranty, will retail for 7,000 CHF. Check back soon and follow us on Instagram for live pics of all of Omega’s Baselworld 2016 announcements. omegawatches.com