Here we are with the Omega 2022 Novelties.
Among the novelties, the watch that caught my attention the most was Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep. In the same year, Omega introduced a prototype model, Ultra Deep Professional, which can go to a depth of 15,000 meters. After three years, they greeted watch enthusiasts with a commercial model. The new model offers water resistance up to 6000 meters. Diver watches have to withstand up to 25 percent above the technically stated value, so, in practice, we are talking about a 7500-meter water-resistant watch. Is it necessary? Absolutely not. So, does this prevent us from admiring it? Not at all!
The watch has two different case alternatives as Grade 5 titanium or a special steel alloy called O-Mega Steel. According to the Omega, O-Mega Steel is 40% stronger and 50% harder than standard steel. Moreover, its color is much lighter. While the steel version comes with a bracelet made of the same alloy, the titanium version has a NATO-style, recycled polyamide fabric strap passed through Manta-shaped lugs.
More interestingly, Omega obtained this water-resistant rating with an 18mm thick case that doesn't feature a helium release valve. Offering more than 50% more depth rating than your nearest competitor with a case design like that is one heck of an achievement. The automatic Caliber 8912, which offers a 60-hour power reserve, has a magnetic resistance of 15,000 Gauss, and is certified by METAS, is the last fruit on the cake in this whole engineering show. While it's too bold for most wrists, I think Planet Ocean Ultra Deep is a "conversation-starter" engineering marvel.
I think it will not be that unpleasant with the new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Collection. The processing of pale-toned colors on the metallic-finished dials offers a very pleasing appearance. I can't wait to try the 38mm case size on my wrist.
I love all the dial alternatives on the updated smaller, thinner Speedmaster 57. The more antipathetic I approach the color green in other brands, the more I find the green of Omega pleasing. But when it came to actually buy one, my new favorite green watch is, in all honesty, the new Seamaster 300M Professional.
Omega, on the other hand, hit the jackpot with the green tone they offer in the new Seamaster. To give a more striking example, I identified the green Seamaster with the nobility of a British Racing Green Jaguar. Others, unfortunately, give me the impression of foil-covered, Japanese Rice-Rockets.
Finally, as for the golden Speedmasters, I express my admiration for the updated standard Speedmaster series at every opportunity. Well, while a gold Speedmaster might not interest me personally, I'm sure someone will like it very much. Getting back to the core specs of the new collection, we can agree that it is arguably the most successful manual winding sports chronograph on the market, right?
Long story short: Bravo Omega!
