Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Master Chronometer GMT Dark Grey
OMEGA’s Latest Seamasters Push the Limits of Ceramic and Catch the Wind!
Hot on the heels of the recently revealed Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black “ETNZ” Edition that honors the defending America’s Cup champions comes a next-generation Planet Ocean crafted from silicon nitride ceramic. What does that mean for you? Read on.
By Mike Espindle
Executive Editor
According to OMEGA, the new Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Dark Grey Ceramic is the first time it has utilized silicon nitride ceramic on such a large scale for a timepiece, as it is used throughout the case’s body, OMEGA’s patented NAIAD Lock caseback, and the bezel.
What does that mean for the owners of this GMT-capable diver? Well, for starters, they should expect this new Planet Ocean to feel even lighter on the wrist because silicon nitride ceramic (Si3N4) is up to two times lighter than conventional ceramic.
Moreover, this type of ceramic boasts a lower thermal expansion tendency than other ceramics, which means it has better thermal shock resistance than typical ceramic, along with the expected hardness, fracture toughness, and oxidation-fighting properties of ceramic in general. Basically, it sets a new bar for ongoing durability.
Toss in some Grade 5 titanium to fill out the metallic components of the GMT-equipped construction, including the movement, and the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Dark Grey’s “light-but-tough” story is complete.
Serious & Sober
Overall, this piece’s dark grey presentation communicates an understated, all-business dive watch, but its orange-bordering-on-red detailing on the badging, GMT arrow, and the extended tip of the central seconds hand means that it will also look at home in a meeting room or out-on-the-town.
Meanwhile, its exhibition caseback reveals black-and-grey movement tones that jibe perfectly with that serious design zeitgeist.
On a grey textured rubber strap, sporting a helium release valve at 10 o’clock, and certified to depths of 600 meters, this timepiece covers all the bases of a pro-grade workhorse tool watch but also brings a big-dose of grey-toned sophistication and style appeal that downplays the very technical nature of the silicon nitride ceramic material.
Finally, its Calibre 8906 Ti’s (featuring a 60-hour power reserve) has a Co-Axial Master Chronometer rating, while, all told, this superb timepiece weighs in at just 107 grams.
Sails Up or Diver Down
Next up, the recently revealed OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Deep Black “ETNZ” Edition is a race-ready chronograph with an almost all-black presentation that is livened up with pops of turquoise along the tachymetric scale on the outer dial, the central seconds hands, stitching and detailing on the tactical rubber strap, chrono pusher bases, and on “Emirates Team New Zealand” logo on the solid caseback.
However, the most eye-catching use of the hue is right where you want it to be: on the special regatta-style “countdown” indicator at 3 o’clock.
The start of a sailing race can make or break the final results. As teams tack back and forth, hovering around the starting point ahead of the official kick-off, this timer can aid in getting into the best position possible when the horn finally blows for the start.
Sails Up or Diver Down
The 45.5mm black ceramic case features a brush-finished black unidirectional bezel with large white enamel diving numerals, the traditional triangle indicator, and abundant Super-LumiNova.
Plus, its helium escape valve at 10 o’clock and other cues remind you that in addition to its race capabilities, the Deep Black “ETNZ” Edition is as legitimate below the waves as any Seamaster, especially since it can dive to a depth of 600 meters like its dark grey compatriot discussed above.
Powered by the in-house produced Calibre 9900 (modified for the countdown timer function), this movement, with its 60-hour power reserve and column-wheel chronograph, also has Co-Axial Master Chronometer status after being put through an exhausting series of tests by Swiss regulator METAS.
Pricing & Availability
The 45.5mm Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Dark Grey Ceramic retails for $22,200 and comes on a grey textured rubber strap. Find out more here. The Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Deep Black “ETNZ” Edition lists for $13,300 and is boxed with an additional all-turquoise rubber strap as well as two NATO-style optional straps.
You can learn more on OMEGA's website.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph "ETNZ" Deep Black
