Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Introduction
The Planet Ocean 600M is a bold collection of luxury dive chronometers. The watch extends the Seamaster’s reputation of highly detailed, functional tool watches that can be worn every day. Despite its relative youth, the Planet Ocean 600M is considered a classic Omega design with unrivaled water resistance that sets it apart from other options in the category.
Omega Planet Ocean History and Timeline
The Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M debuted in 2005 as a dive watch in the Seamaster collection of Professional watches. The first generation (ref. 2900.50) took its inspiration from the iconic Seamaster 300 (ref.165.024) and its familiar case, bezel, broad arrow hands, matte dial and markings. It launched with the calibre 2500 Co Axial movement and featured a date window at 3 0’clock.
The first 600M was available in steel with a bracelet or strap (leather or rubber) and choice of black or orange aluminum bezels in 42mm and 45.5mm. Orange is a Planet Ocean hallmark frequently used to add a pop of color to numbers, markings, logos and other design elements. The hand-wound calibre 3313-powered Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph version was introduced a year later, followed in 2009 by the Liquidmetal limited edition with its beautifully finished and highly durable ceramic/Liquidmetal bezel.
With the second-generation Planet Ocean came a migration to the in-house calibre 8500 movement. A ladies 37.5mm version was added, as were gold and titanium cases. Omega offered standard, chronograph and GMT versions, all with ceramic/Liquidmetal bezels. The orange bezel was discontinued with the shift to ceramic but reappeared in 2019 (ref.215.3X) as part of the third generation.
The Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M had its most recent overhaul in 2016. Introduced were new case sizes – 39.5mm, 43.5mm and 45.5mm – as well as a migration to the calibre 8800/8900 Co Axial Master Chronometer movement. Two-tone models were added along with ceramic “Big Blue” and “Deep Black” versions. In addition to the orange bezel, the 600M bezel is also available with a rubber treatment that marks the first 15 minutes of a dive.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Timeline
James Bond and the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
The Planet Ocean 600M has adorned James Bond’s wrist in several films, including Casino Royale (2005), Quantum of Solace (2008) and Skyfall (2012). Beyond Bond, celebrity fans of the Planet Ocean include George Clooney and swimmers Michael Phelps, Chad Le Clos and Alexander Popov.
A Professional Diver's Watch:
Planet Ocean Features
Planet Ocean Features
In 2019, the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional travelled 10,925 meters below the ocean’s surface to the bottom of the Marianas Trench. It is recognized as the deepest dive in history and serves as testament to Planet Ocean’s ability to perform under any conditions.
Point being: the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M was designed for serious diving. All models are water resistant to 600 meters and feature a screw-down crown, manually operated helium escape valve at 10 o’clock and a dive extension on bracelet-equipped models. Standard three-hand, chronograph and GMT versions are available.
In typical Omega fashion, the collection has evolved to include a range of colors, materials, strap/bracelet options, sizes and movement types.
Highly legible luminous number
All Planet Ocean models provide highly legible luminous numbers and markings behind a distortion-free domed sapphire crystal that is treated with anti-reflective material. Owners frequently remark on the clarity of the crystal in even the most extreme temperature and underwater conditions.
Bezel
Bezels are highly detailed, especially the ceramic/Liquidmetal variety. They rotate smoothly and the micro-knurling and 120-click engineering make them easy to grip and locate.
Lyre lugs
Planet Ocean cases feature Omega’s lyre lugs with polished beveled edges and are available with an exhibition caseback.
Thickness
All Planet Oceans have substantial heft and thickness; models powered by the calibre 2500 have the thinnest profile at ~13.5mm, while the anti-magnetic Co Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8900-equiped models are up to 19.5mm thick.
Planet Ocean Value and Collectability
Since it is a fairly new edition to the Seamaster family, there is a healthy supply of pre-owned Planet Ocean 600M watches in excellent condition. Unlike vintage watches carrying the signs of decades of wear, you are likely to find clean Planet Oceans free of scratches and blemishes in exactly the style you seek.
The prices on most used Planet Oceans are currently trending below retail. This signals an excellent value-buying opportunity since over time, prices are forecasted to increase. Models from the first and third generations bearing Omega’s orange bezel are especially popular. Look for limited editions including the Liquidmetal, Michael Phelps, America’s Cup and Bond models as well as Big Blue and Deep Black variations. A wide variety of new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean watches for men and women are available with Omega’s 5-year warranty.
Watchmaker's Perspective
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional currently holds the record for the deepest dive by a watch, at 10,928 meters. This is an incredible achievement, made even more impressive by the engineering that went into the watch to make it possible.
First, consider the crystal of the watch. In any normal watch, the crystal would be one of the first parts to fail as it experiences the high pressure of a deep dive. The Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional solves this problem by eliminating the use of the traditional rubber gasket between the crystal and case. Instead, Omega uses molten LiquidMetal to completely bond the crystal to the case.
Another part of a traditional watch that can easily fail at deep depths are the spring bars, which hold the strap to the watch case. Omega removed the spring bars completely, and instead formed special lugs that curve inwards with a small center gap. This one-piece design eliminates the weak point where the spring bar interfaces with the case lug and looks very futuristic. Now you can rest assured, if you ever need to dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional has you covered!
