Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean – a look at the fourth generation

The Seamaster Planet Ocean has served as Omega's most professional and rugged diving watch over the past twenty years – the PloProf excepted. Now that the model is celebrating an anniversary we are served a completely new generation, the fourth in order. Eqotime via Filip Ericsson presents the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 2025 and at the same time dives deep into the model's history.

Text: Filip Ericsson Image: Omega and others

Background – from the Seamaster 300 to the Planet Ocean

Omega's first professional diving watch was launched in 1957 in the form of the Seamaster 300 (CK2913). In 1964 came the successor Seamaster 300 ref. 165.024 and 166.024 (with and without date respectively), a model that was tested in earnest by combat divers within the British Royal Navy.

It is precisely this reference that is often mentioned as the source of inspiration for the Planet Ocean – both in terms of design language and functional direction. Even though the Seamaster Professional had already existed since 1993, and become globally known as the ”Bond watch” after Pierce Brosnan's GoldenEye (1995), according to Omega a more uncompromising, professional diving instrument was missing from the range.

The Seamaster Professional – with its wave-patterned dials and softer case shapes – has long balanced between tool and luxury product. The Planet Ocean would instead become the serious alternative. Think Rolex Submariner versus Sea-Dweller.

Planet Ocean 2005 – 600 metres of water resistance

When the first generation Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean was launched in 2005 it was offered in two substantial sizes: 42 mm and 45,5 mm. The thickness? 14,5 mm and a full 17 mm respectively.

The water resistance was specified at 600 metres – a technical feat that cemented the model's professional position. The power source was the Caliber 2500, Omega's first Co-Axial movement (introduced in 1999), based on the ETA 2892-A2. The Planet Ocean became the first Seamaster model with this movement.

The characteristics were clear: an orange bezel (alongside black), a helium valve and broad “arrow hands” inspired by the 1964 Seamaster 300.

Generation 2 (2011) – in-house and a display back

In 2011 the second generation arrived. The Caliber 2500 was replaced by the in-house Caliber 8500 with a further developed Co-Axial construction. A display back was introduced – a somewhat unexpected choice for a professional diving watch, but understandable since Omega wanted to show off its new movement.

A 37,5 mm version as well as a titanium case were also added here.

Generation 3 (2016) – Master Chronometer

The third generation, presented in 2016, got more harmonious dimensions: 39,5 mm and 43,5 mm. Inside sat the Caliber 8900 – METAS certified according to the Master Chronometer standard, which means extreme precision, high antimagnetism and rigorous tests.

In 2022 the extreme Planet Ocean Ultra Deep was also introduced – 45,5 mm in diameter and 18,12 mm thick – with 6000 metres of water resistance. The prototype was already tested in 2019 at 11 000 metres depth in the Mariana Trench. Inside: the Caliber 8912.

The new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean – specifications and design

Now the fourth generation is here.

If we are to be honest, the Planet Ocean has historically been somewhat anonymous in shape. Functional – yes. Iconic? Not always. That is something Omega now appears to have addressed.

The new model takes clear inspiration from the Ultra Deep, with a more powerful and more architectural case, a broader bezel and sharper lines. At the same time there are references to vintage Seamasters such as the Seamaster 120 ref. 166.0251 (“Baby Ploprof”)

The helium valve is gone. There is no date. The dial is smooth. The back is closed and executed in titanium. All of this signals a more purebred tool watch.

Dimensions and movement

The case measures 42 mm in diameter and has a thickness of 13,79 mm. Combined with extremely short lugs this makes the model considerably more wearable than earlier generations – a professional diver that actually works just as well for everyday wear as under more demanding conditions.

Inside sits Omega's proven Caliber 8912, a Master Chronometer certified movement with 38 jewels, a frequency of 25 200 vibrations per hour and 60 hours of power reserve. The movement is also antimagnetic up to 15 000 Gauss and METAS certified, which gives a technically very strong specification in the segment.

The bezel is in ceramic and the closed titanium back is adorned with a laser-etched seahorse – a classic and unmistakable Seamaster detail.

Eqotime's comment

The new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is a clear step forward compared to the previous generation. The design language is more stringent, the expression more distinct and the wearability better thanks to slimmed-down dimensions.

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