A Closer Look: Urban Diving with the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
Is a 6000m water resistant dive watch only to be used underwater? I decided to answer that question by taking the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep for a stroll in an urban environment.
As a certified SCUBA diver and a watch collector, when I have the occasion to do so, I take my dive watches into the depths of the ocean (after all, that’s what they’re for), but most of the time, life being what it is, I wear those tool watches on dry land, in my everyday life.
So, in order to test drive this Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep, my approach was to take it in the environment in which I wear my watches the most: the urban jungle.
And while the design and color scheme of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep most definitely evokes the ocean depths, its high tech and minimalist (in a good way) aesthetics also makes me think of modern architecture.
That’s why, today, it’s going into town.
Omega and Me
Although I collect all sorts of watches from many different brands, back in 2009, my watch collecting journey began with an Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” (ref. 3570.50.00). So, it’s no surprise the brand holds a special place in my heart. After all, it was the starting point of my interest in watches.
Eventually, I was invited to Omega HQ in Biel and met Omega’s CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann, who, even at our introduction, has never shown anything but true passion for the brand. Plus, he is a very friendly and approachable guy, whether you meet him at the Omega HQ, the Omega Museum, or a golf open.
Deep Dive: The Aesthetics
Upon discovering the watch at its release during Omega Days 2022, I immediately liked the aesthetics.
What really appealed to me was that it screamed tool watch. And yet, the quick set hour hand is a reminder that this watch wasn’t only made for underwater adventures but to be your companion as you travel the world, whatever the time zone, as it will never be a hassle to adjust once you arrive at your destination. However, despite all that seriousness, it sports a playful gradient seconds hand going from white to cyan, which is a nice touch.
I believe tool watches should be stealthy, rugged, and extremely easy to read. And this Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep pretty much succeeds on all fronts because it’s all about utility. For example, not having any polished parts on the case appeals to me because, when you dive in shark inhabited waters, you’d rather not have a shiny object on your wrist that could be mistaken for a fish’s scale.
Deeper into the Specs
Where things get even more extreme in the development of this Ultra Deep is when you realize that it can go down to a depth of 6000m. That’s right, Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep can go TWENTY times deeper than my 2015 Seamaster 300 James Bond Spectre LE, and it achieved this by adding only 4.5mm to the case diameter.
That’s it. There wasn’t even a need for a helium escape valve. How is this possible? Well, by using a sapphire crystal created via the “Edge-Defined Film-fed Growth” (EFG) process.
A unique kind of sapphire crystal produced only by Omega, EFG ensures the resulting sapphire crystal is deprived of all imperfections that could cause fragility in the material when exposed to extreme pressures. The sapphire crystal is then formed into a shape that guarantees extreme pressure resistance and allows the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep to be a tool watch fit for saturation diving.
And so, due to these technical innovations, a helium escape valve is not necessary. Plus, the anti-reflective coating is applied to both sides of the crystal, ensuring the watch is readable, whatever the conditions.
Although I’ll never dive as deep as 6000m, it’s reassuring to know that whatever you decide to throw at it will just be a walk in the park for the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep.
Perfect for Any Environment
When I first went hands-on with the timepiece, I was already aware the case was made with sand-blasted Grade 5 titanium. Still, given its impressive specs, I was expecting a relatively heavy watch.
However, much to my surprise, despite its 45.5mm case size, the weight of the piece was very reasonable. Moreover, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep felt very comfortable and natural on the wrist.
Interestingly, wearing this watch while surrounded by ultra-minimalistic, almost futuristic architecture led me to realize just how adapted this timepiece is to the urban environment. Specifically, it was the parallel between the watch’s advanced materials and the buildings’ (made essentially from concrete, glass, and steel) “monobloc” visual constructions.
The buildings reminded me of the construction of the Ultra Deep’s “Manta Lugs,” which are fixed. However, it’s only after you remove the NATO strap (made from recycled fishing nets) you can fully understand and appreciate just how solid this Grade 5 titanium timepiece is.
And, as unlikely as this may seem, it’s comforting to know you can go anywhere with the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep.
Not Only for Ultra Deep Diving
So, is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep exclusively adapted and meant for use while diving where light can’t reach? The answer is obviously NO!
The Ultra Deep can easily be an everyday wrist companion.
Given the lightness of the titanium case, you forget the watch’s size, so I’d most definitely wear it on dry land. But I must admit, I am dying to take it for a dive.!
One day, hopefully.
Pricing & Availability
Available in stores soon, the Seamaster Planet Ocean 6000M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 45.5mm Ultra Deep will retail from $12,300. For more information, visit the Omega website.
(Photography by Pierre Vogel)