This past summer, Omega expanded its range of Master Chronometer-certified Planet Ocean watches, which debuted at Baselworld 2016, with four new black-ceramic-cased models called Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black. This new collection will be among Omega’s highlights at the upcoming WatchTime New York event on October 14-15.
The Deep Black collection adds touches of color and gold to a one-piece 45.5-mm case of black zirconium oxide ceramic (ZrO2 technically, referred to as ceramic) complemented with similarly black ceramic bezels and dials. Omega has devised a ceramic case for this collection that has been tested for water resistance to 600 meters, or about 2,000 feet, which the firm claims is the first ceramic watch case tested to reach such depths.
The Planet Ocean Deep Black models differ by accent color (red, blue, black, or gold) and one features its bezel, crowns, hands and indices forged from Omega’s own 18k Sedna gold (above). All also boast a new GMT ring that has been fixed to the dial, while each model’s diving scale is built directly into the ceramic bezel using markers and numerals made with Liquidmetal (a substance used in other Omega models and by other brands throughout the Swatch Group) or Ceragold, a proprietary Omega gold-ceramic alloy.
Omega injects red or blue vulcanized rubber directly into the bezels of two models to colorfully mark the 15-minute dive-time indication, as well as to match the hands and the 12, 6, and 9 indication colors on those models. (You’ll find similar color accents on the steel Planet Ocean watches that debuted at Baselworld.) Rubber-injected “He” marks the Helium valve on the red and blue models, while the symbol is in Liquidmetal on the black model.
Two Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black models — the Black and the Sedna gold versions — feature ceramic cases and dials polished for a glossy effect. The blue- and red-accented versions feature cases and dials that are matte finished, which Omega says offers better visibility underwater. For the gold model, Omega uses its 18k Sedna gold to accent the hands and indices; the three other Deep Black dials feature hands and indices of 18k white gold. All are coated in white Super-LumiNova that emits green and blue colors (as seen below).
Each of these new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black watches is fitted with Omega’s Master Chronometer Caliber 8906, which boasts resistance to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss–a key feature of Omega’s Master Chronometer certification.
You’ll recall that Omega announced the Master Chronometer certification in 2015, explaining that each Master Chronometer watch will be certified as having passed eight tests set by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The tests are said to replicate or exceed real-life wearing conditions highlighted by the enhanced resistance to magnetic fields. This standard, first offered with the new Omega Globemaster late last year, is meant to verify the watch’s precision and performance and is added to the COSC certification Omega already extends to these watches. Omega also adds a four-year warranty to this expanded certification.
A look at the caseback of these new Deep Black models reveals more than a clear view of that Caliber 8906, which features a silicon balance spring, Omega’s proprietary Co-Axial escapement and a 60-hour power reserve. Developing a new ceramic case for dive models necessitated new technology, specifically a patented ceramic Naiad Lock, to ensure a water-resistant caseback for a material rarely used to case dive watches. With the caseback thus locked tight, Omega added another aesthetic touch to the Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black design by orienting the caseback so that the engraved wording always sits perfectly in position, with “Deep Black” at the top of the caseback and “Planet Ocean” below.
Three of the Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black watches come on a black rubber strap that looks like a fabric strap. Each offers contrasting stitching (red, blue, or white). A wave pattern can be found on the underside. On the Sedna gold model, the strap is water-resistant leather with the same anti-bacterial rubber underside. The fold-over clasp is made from ceramized titanium, while the clasp cover is made in ceramic with two types of finishing. All straps are treated with an anti-bacterial coating.
Tickets are going fast for WatchTime New York, America’s luxury watch show, which kicks off in a few days at Manhattan’s Gotham Hall. Don’t miss out on your chance to get up close and personal with the new Planet Ocean Deep Black models and numerous other luxury timepieces; click here to reserve your spot!
