Luminant on the dial is excellent. Those “broad arrow” style hour and minute hands never look bad and the thick amount of two colors of SuperLumiNova on the dial really make it glow brightly in the dark. Omega ensures that lume is also placed on the seconds hand, as well as the GMT hand. The dial further includes the case which is integrated into the 3 o’clock hour marker against a black dial. I like how the date font is silver versus white to meld with the rest of the dial as nicely as possible.
So let’s talk movements. Today, all Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean watches contain in-house made Omega movements. Omega is moving toward an “all in-house made” policy more and more, and the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean range has always been among the first timepiece families to get new movements (in addition to the Aqua Terra family). With the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Omega debuted its caliber 8605 Co-Axial automatic chronometer, which is based on the 8500 movement family. Omega fits it with a lot of desirable tech, including, of course, their lauded Co-Axial escapement technology. The movement also has some silicon parts, including the escapement as well as the hairspring. Like other Omega-made movements the 8605 is beautifully made with a luscious variety of polished surfaces and a grand presentation that befits a timepiece of this value. So another good reason Omega designed the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean with an exhibition caseback window. The movement of course is COSC Chronometer certified for accuracy.
While I am very much a metal bracelet guy, I do happen to be very fond of the high-end rubber straps Omega has been using for the last few years on Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean models. This one comes in black with orange stitching to match the colors on the dial. It also has a fold-over deployant strap and sits snugly and comfortably on the wrist. Oh, and even though the watch case is in steel, the deployant is in titanium. I tend to recommend the rubber strap for actual sport because it secures the watch better, but for more formal or casual situations the bracelet is a very good choice.
It would be difficult to dispute that for the most part the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT speaks for itself. Omega has rather rapidly moved upmarket over the years with their dive watches but they haven’t ignored the fact that they need to include a lot of extra value to justify their prices. With a world-class design, in-house made movement, excellent parts, and killer ceramic and Liquid Metal bezel, there isn’t much else others offer that Omega hasn’t done as well or better. It makes for a solid diver or all around daily wear. You’ll choose the particular version that is right for you, but it is really hard to go wrong with an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean in most situations. This particular Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT ref. 232.32.44.22.01.002 retails for $7,800. omegawatches.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Omega
>Model: Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT
>Price: $7,800 (for ref. 232.32.44.22.01.002)
>Size: 43.5mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Certainly
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Tool watch lover with the money to spend on something good from a big name brand.
>Best characteristic of watch: Perfect Planet Ocean size in overall well refined package that doesn’t skimp on features or style.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Despite high level of legibility, dial might be too shiny for some tastes. Lack of dedicated 24 hour scale on dial.
