Omega introduced the all black ceramic version of its successful sports watches sub-group Planet Ocean. The new models feature the GMT function and WR600M water resistance.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean family faced remarkable upgrades and new additions by the beginning of 2016 but none of them managed to create such impact as the all black ceramic collection. Planet Ocean family welcomed its latest sub-group finished in all black ceramic just like the mighty Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. The new collection will surely please the brand’s loyal followers and the rest of the watch aficionados who have a sweet spot for all black diver’s watches.
Let’s have a close look at that new collection sporting significant technical improvements besides their state-of-the-art appearance.
I believe Omega intended to keep the ceramic usage level at maximum possible as not only the case and the bezel but the dial is also made of fine ceramic. The surface finishing of the 45mm diameter and 17.18mm thick case varies depending on the color configuration of the models in the collection.
The Helium Release Valve -signature feature of the Planet Ocean line- is present at the side of the case at 10 o’clock position.
One remarkable feature of the watch is its impressive WR600M water resistance rating as I do not recall any other all ceramic diver’s watch bearing the same rating. It may look like a common feature as the PO family models sport the same WR rating however; when it comes to ceramic, it requires pretty much of precise engineering. Unlike the stainless steel or titanium, it is almost impossible to machine ceramic to have screw channels which are essential for the rotation of the caseback in order to secure the water tightness. Omega engineers came up with a patented locking system called Naiad Lock to obtain the required water tightness without damaging the ceramic caseback. Thanks to the brilliant locking system (named after the winding crown design found on the vintage dive watches of Omega ); the caseback requires only a 60 degrees rotation to get fully locked.
In addition to that, the casebacks on the new model line employ sapphire crystal displays as well. Another neat but pretty un-common feature for deep diving timepieces.
The bezels are built by the Liquidmetal and Ceragold technology which are in use for a while at the brand’s several models. Unlike the regular printed bezels, those high-tech pieces employ liquid metal ( or gold ) filled in the molds located at the bezel. Thanks to that technology, the most prone to aging part of a diver’s watch becomes pretty tough and virtually damage proof.
Besides the Liquidmetal and Ceragold, Omega uses vulcanized rubber to fill the molds on the bezel in order to get red and blue accent bezels.
Another cool feature of the Planet Ocean GMT Deep Black Ceramic lineup is the GMT function and its indicator’s location. Possibly to preserve the diver theme of the collection, Omega decided to place the GMT 24h indicator as an inner scale around the dial. The models feature a classic 60 minutes diver’s bezel and a 24h indicator at the same time without compromising the clean, simple, tool watch visual.
The Planet Ocean GMT Deep Black Ceramic models are powered by the brand’s in-house movement Caliber 8906 "Master Chronometer" with Co-Axial escapement. Movement and watch tested according to Master Chronometer certification process approved by Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). Thanks to its non-metallic parts the movement is resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. Caliber 8906 features the free sprung-balance with silicon balance spring upgrade, two barrels mounted in series to obtain the 60h power reserve when fully wound. The movement is exclusively finished with rhodium-plated rotor and bridges with Cotes de Genève decoration.
All models in the collection are offered on rubber or leather ( simulated ) straps. The straps are secured with the perfectly matching folding clasp built in fine black ceramic and blacked out titanium.
