Omega has cemented its reputation as a leading manufacturer of water-resistant watches, and the Seamaster collection stands at the forefront of their success. Renowned for their impressive range of models suitable for various aquatic activities, Omega has captivated watch enthusiasts with their splash-proof Aqua Terra, the Seamaster 300M for diving, and the PloProf and Planet Ocean for deep-sea exploration.
Most recently, it is the Omega Planet Ocean Ultra Deep that has captured the attention of dive watch enthusiasts worldwide. Introduced in 2022, this new flagship dive model pushes the boundaries of water resistance to an astonishing level, boasting an incredible capability to withstand depths of up to 6,000 meters (20,000 feet). Such unparalleled durability and functionality make it a remarkable timepiece for professional divers and explorers.
The origins of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep range can be traced back to the prototypes used during Victor Vescovo’s groundbreaking dive to the Mariana Trench in 2019. These prototypes, which accompanied Vescovo’s submersible, demonstrated Omega’s commitment to innovation and the pursuit of underwater excellence.
With its exceptional water resistance, the Omega Planet Ocean Ultra Deep has become an icon in the world of dive watches. Its extraordinary capabilities and striking aesthetics have captivated the hearts of watch enthusiasts, making it a symbol of adventure and exploration.
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Beginnings of the Omega Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
The inception of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep can be traced back to the remarkable journey of the Omega Ultra Deep Professional watches during Victor Vescovo’s record-setting dive to the Mariana Trench in 2019. These prototypes, specially designed to accompany Vescovo’s submersible, played a crucial role in exploring the depths of the ocean and collecting valuable data for scientific research.
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Omega’s collaboration with Vescovo showcased their commitment to pushing the boundaries of dive watch technology. The Ultra Deep Professional prototypes were subjected to extreme conditions during the dive, reaching the crushing depths of the Mariana Trench, approximately 10,928 meters (35,853 feet) below the surface. This unprecedented dive highlighted the immense challenges faced by both divers and timepieces in the most hostile underwater environments. The prototypes were a colossal 55 x 28mm.
Building upon the success of the Ultra Deep Professional prototypes, Omega released commercial versions of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep in 2022. While slightly smaller than the original prototype, these commercial iterations kept the extraordinary water resistance of 6,000 meters (20,000 feet). The decision to make these remarkable timepieces available to the public further solidified Omega’s commitment to innovation.
The Planet Ocean Ultra Deep stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the remarkable advancements in watchmaking technology. By drawing inspiration from Vescovo’s historic dive, Omega has showcased their ability to create timepieces that can endure the most extreme conditions and fulfill the demands of professional divers and explorers.
To date, there are three iterations of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep, two released in 2022; and a new model introduced in 2023 in time for the Seamaster’s 75th anniversary as a collection.
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Omega Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Variations
The Planet Ocean Ultra Deep collection offers several captivating variations, each with its own distinctive features and characteristics. Let’s delve into the details of these remarkable timepieces:
Titanium Edition
For the commercial production of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep, Omega set a goal of 6,000m water resistance. Since this is considerably lower than the depth rating for the Mariana Trench expedition, it allowed Omega to size down the commercial releases.
The Titanium Edition of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep measures 45.5 x 18.12mm, a more realistic size for daily wear. This is a large watch still, but since it is crafted from lightweight and durable sandblasted grade 5 titanium, renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, this variation ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist while providing remarkable robustness.
It also features an Edge-Defined Film-Fed Growth (EFG) sapphire crystal, which involves a special process removing imperfections that make crystals prone to shattering. AR coating on both inner and outer layers as well as its unique shape also aid in pressure resistance.
It keeps the extraordinary water resistance of 6,000 meters (20,000 feet), allowing divers to explore the depths with confidence. The matte black titanium dial and bezel complement the titanium case with bright blue accents. A NATO-style strap with blue detailing completes its nautical look.
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O-MEGASTEEL Edition
From the lone titanium Ultra Deep model, we go to the O-MEGASTEEL editions, which are presented in three bezel colors: black, blue, and orange.
The O-MEGASTEEL editions of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep showcases Omega’s proprietary material, O-MEGASTEEL, which combines exceptional strength and enhanced corrosion resistance. Standard 316L steel would not be able to handle the pressure at 6,000 meters, so Omega created their own patented steel alloy that can not only take the pressure, but is also more scratch-proof. In addition, it has a lighter hue and shinier finish that is comparable to white gold.
Just like the titanium Ultra Deep, the O-MEGASTEEL editions measure 45.5 x 18.12mm, but are slightly smaller lug to lug. They also have the EFG sapphire crystal whose properties, as previously explained, allow the Ultra Deep to be used in saturation dives without the need for a helium escape valve.
The O-MEGASTEEL case exhibits a sleek and robust aesthetic, harmonizing with a choice between three colorways: blue-to-black dial, grey-to-black dial with orange accents and an orange bezel insert, and a white dial with blue accents and bezel insert.
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75th Anniversary Model
In celebration of Omega’s 75th anniversary, the brand introduced a special edition of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep in O-MEGASTEEL. This unique model features a darker blue color scheme, adding an air of sophistication and exclusivity.
The dial of this limited-edition timepiece showcases an impression of the Challenger Deep, the deepest point in the Mariana Trench, paying homage to Omega’s rich diving heritage. With a water resistance of 6,000 meters (20,000 feet), this anniversary model combines aesthetic elegance with exceptional functionality. If you shine a UV light on the dial, you’ll find hidden text stating “Omega was here”, and a marker for the world record dive of 10,935 meters.
Each variation of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep collection maintains a slightly smaller profile compared to the original prototype, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. These timepieces exemplify Omega’s commitment to innovation and meticulous craftsmanship, providing divers with unmatched performance, reliability, and style in the most demanding underwater environments. Whether it’s the lightweight and durable titanium, the robust and corrosion-resistant O-MEGASTEEL, or the exclusive 75th anniversary model, the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep variations cater to the more demanding needs of professional and leisure divers alike.
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Omega Planet Ocean Ultra Deep – Final Thoughts
The Planet Ocean Ultra Deep collection exemplifies Omega’s dedication to producing high-quality dive watches. With its outstanding water resistance and durability, these timepieces cater to professional divers and watch enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s the lightweight titanium edition, the robust O-MEGASTEEL variation, or the exclusive 75th anniversary model, the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep offers unparalleled performance, reliability, and style.
For those interested in acquiring a Planet Ocean Ultra Deep, SwissWatchExpo is a reputable destination. As a trusted online retailer specializing in luxury watches, SwissWatchExpo offers a curated selection of pre-owned Omega timepieces, including the coveted Planet Ocean Ultra Deep models.
With their commitment to authenticity, quality, and customer satisfaction, SwissWatchExpo ensures a seamless and reliable purchasing experience for watch enthusiasts worldwide. Explore the Omega Planet Ocean Ultra Deep, and over 2,500 authentic, pre-owned luxury watches at SwissWatchExpo.
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