Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic


by Matthew Boston
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Omega, Over $30,000

Omega has produced the Seamaster since 1948, an automatic winding chronometer and quartz watch and famous for being the choice of James Bond since 1995. Typically the Seamaster has a stainless steel case and bracelet or is Bond style with Omega symbol clasp, screw-in crown and caseback and engraved with the Omega hippocampus logo.

They’ve now introduced yet another new addition to the lineup: the Seamaster Planet Ocean Orange Ceramic. Its quite an exuberant flash of colour from the brand who only recently released the much more subdued “Dark Side of the Moon” Speedmaster.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic – Bezel

The bezel is the standout feature of this new Seamaster model. The bi-directional 24-hour GMT bezel has Omega’s specially developed 850-grade platinum Liquidmetal used for the bezel numerals and features division lines, inner ring and downward triangle. Orange has been used before on the Seamaster; the 2011 Omega PO Chrono had an orange aluminium bezel and 12 marker as well as button accents. But this is the first time for an orange ceramic bezel (patent pending) . Ceramic has become a popular material for watch bezels due to its high level of scratch resistance and light weight, although it is difficult to create colour versions of it and is a a very time consuming and expensive process. Because of this difficulty and the fact that this is the first wristwatch to feature an orange ceramic bezel Omega have placed the words “world premiere” on the case back.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic

The reason for this being a limited edition of only 8 pieces could well be due to the dificulty and cost of producing the orange ceramic bezel. In colours other than black and white ceramic is difficult to manufacture, this is due to the colour fading or disappearing completely in the final baking procedure of manufacture, light colours in particular prove the most challenging, that’s why Omega feels this watch to be such a breakthrough and worthy of the “World Premiere” inscription on the case back.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic – Dial

The dial is very legible despite being effectively a silver on silver colour scheme. It features an attractive shimmering sand-blast effect and the hands and indexes are made from 18k white gold. Just above the central section of the hands there is a small “PT 950” indicationg the type of platinum used in construction. The dial shows the time, GMT 24 hour hand as a second time zone, as well as the date.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic – Case and Strap

Being a more high end model, Omega has used Platinum 950 platinum not just for the watch case but also the bezel material, dial, buckle and strap stitching. The case measures 43.5mm and is brushed and polished. Despite its precious metal construction the Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic is still intended for serious diving with a rating of 600 meters and also a helium release valve.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic

The Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic watch comes with both an orange alligator strap and an orange rubber one and changing tool. The alligator strap has highlight stitching and platinum clasps.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic – Movement

The in-house made Omega Co-Axial movement is COSC Chronometer certified, the GMT model using the Omega caliber 8615 automatic movement. To help maintain the accuracy of the watch the movement also has an si 14 silicon hairspring that does not require lubrication. Since this is one of Omega’s higher end models the movement has an automatic rotor as well as a bridge made of 18k rose gold as well. These can viewed through the glass caseback, around the edge of which is inscribed the limited edition number as well as the words “limited edition” and “world premiere”.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic - Caseback

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic – Caseback

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic – Conclusion

This is certainly one of the flashiest and most extravagant looking watches Omega have produced, not just in terms of appearance but also in amount of precious metal used. Showcasing their latest advance in Ceramic technology, this watch will no doubt likely blaze the way for more Omega watches in the future featuring ceramic, both in the upper and hopefully lower price ranges. Retail price is 59,000 Swiss Francs and a limited edition of 8 pieces.

You’ll find a nice Hands-On review by Ariel Adams of  the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic on ABTW.

    Author Bio

    Articles by Matthew Boston

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Matthew Boston has worked in the computer graphics industry for 17 years in various parts of the world, currently residing back home in the UK. His interest in watches was first piqued as a youngster when he was fascinated by a Seiko digital watch he received. He's also founder of UniqueWatchGuide which is dedicated to sharing the news about timepieces that are unusual, unconventional and more often than not unobtainable.