Two watchmaking legends, Rolex and Omega, introduced a pair of special diver's watches one after the other.
The recently introduced Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 6000M Co-Axial Chronometer 45.5mm Ultra Deep and the new Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Challenge. In the rest of the article, I will talk about these two models with the code names UD and DSSD-C. Both watches have one purpose; to reach the deepest. Depths where sea creatures you don't even know exist, where sunlight can't reach, which will freeze you to the bone...
Although the aim of both brands seems to be to produce diving watches for industrial divers, it is obvious that the main reason behind the birth of these models is the show of strength. Easier said than done, we are talking about depths of 6000 or even 11000 meters. Yes, one is almost twice the other, but both are so extreme that making a comparison of the pressure resistance of watches would only be getting away from the essence of the matter.
Underlying the production and even design story of the two models in question lies an incredible amount of knowledge and engineering. I'm sure most people will complain about the dimensions of both watches that exceed the limits of comfort and will talk about how big they are to be used in daily life. Fortunately, the target clientele is not enthusiasts looking for a comfortable diver's watch.
Both Omega and Rolex have used Grade 5 titanium alloys in the cases of their watches. Although Rolex calls its alloy RLX Titanium, it is not possible to talk about a significant difference compared to Omega. The most important difference between the two watches is that one of them was launched with a titanium bracelet and the other with a NATO-type fabric strap. This difference brings the perception created by the watches on the wrist to two different levels. Rolex weighs 251 grams with the effect of the metal bracelet. On the other hand, Omega does justice to the word meaning of lightness with its total weight of only 123 grams. While Rolex draws attention with its Glidelock and diver extension equipped bracelet, Omega reveals its difference with its Manta Ray lugs and a fabric strap that peaks in durability.
Case dimensions: I think the most crucial details of the two watches lie at this point. Rolex has a 50mm diameter and a 23mm thick case. Omega, on the other hand, promises a much more comfortable and useful look/feel compared to Rolex with its 45.5mm diameter and 18.1mm thick case.
Both watches support extremely high water resistance values with thick sapphire crystals that are “bulletproof” toughness. Yes, Rolex is 11000M, and Omega is 6000M water resistant. The extreme strength difference between the two watches doesn't make much sense in practice. Naturally, as I mentioned at the beginning of the article, I do not find it meaningful to announce a winner from this comparison.
The dials of both watches are designed and manufactured based on maximum legibility, in line with ISO 6425 diving watches standards. Of course, it is possible to see a lot of unique design elements of the brands, in both models. Neither watch has a date complication. Honestly, I don't think you would ever think of the question of what day of the month was it when you were at these depths.
Omega has released the UD model in several different color combinations, and the same watch can also be purchased with a stainless steel case and bracelet if desired. On the other hand, there is no case/bracelet alternative other than titanium for Rolex's DSSD-C model.
