The Planet Ocean Chronograph, it's tempting!

[rw16610]

There's not much to say here really. I'm a HUGE fan of water sports that swims weekly at the rec centre and plans to go snorkeling etc on a tropical holiday. I've owned the older Seamaster Professional (from Casino Royale) and the Planet Ocean with the aluminum bezel. These watches had some aspects that really annoyed me. Those bracelet pins were a major factor after sizing the Planet Ocean myself and seeing how flimsy they felt. The watch is strong nonetheless but the image of that pin bending around the way it did made me lose a lot of confidence in the watch.

Omega clearly addressed this and any other issues with the updated ceramic (Liquid Metal) Planet Ocean. I've always wanted an automatic chronograph (I have a Quartz already, the Raymond Weil W1 Parsifal), a watch with an exhibition case back to admire the inner workings, and of course a rugged high end dive piece I could travel with or beat up on during my weekly swims.

An Oyster can certainly handle that, no doubt. I've worn my Explorer II to the pool only a couple of times (literally) since owning it in 2010 as I tend to baby this watch. The Seiko Monster and my Orient proved to me how great it will be to have another watch I would do all of that stuff in and then some. The chronograph can be useful for too many reasons to list and despite the size and thickness I LOVE this watch. So much so that I actually started to consider aiming for this before even bothering with my beloved 116710 LN GMT Master II.

A lot of Rolex Oyster Professional watches are very similar. After owning the Explorer II for almost 6 years I don't think it would hurt to have a nice dive watch that looks totally different to mix it up a bit more. Some day I'll certainly have both but right now I'll post a few lovely images found online (from Google) to better express why I can't seem to get this watch out of my mind:













I'll always have my Explorer II unless I somehow decide to flip it and add about $2,500 to get the GMT. Brands like Breitling, Panerai, Auddemars Piguet, and Hublot have opened my eyes to the world of larger watches. I've seen some MASSIVE watches still look good with a suit and tie or casual attire. Having a watch with another useful feature also makes it less boring for the long haul. When I do buy this watch you can count on the fact I'll be sitting there messing around with the Chronograph and admiring the lovely movement. 2016 has me excited to start putting funds aside and doing everything in my power to make this happen much sooner. Those pictures above are killing me!

[carl]

Yeah, those pics are almost killing me as well! Maybe it's a watch that I should go and take a look at, too. The whole watch has a robustness about it that almost makes you want to strap it on your wrist, and wear it all day, every day, for anything you would be doing.

I do agree there is something very special about the gold version, but that is only available with a leather strap, I believe. I also believe that this watch screams out to be on the beautiful steel bracelet. I am always so surprised when I strap it on my wrist, at how comfortable and well balanced it feels. The weight, size and thickness may not appeal to a lot of people - that's why there are so many watches to choose from - but I believe that all those factors are essential in the enjoyment of this watch.

The pics that you show here portray more accurately the shade of the greyish bezel, as it really looks washed out in the photos on the website. It suits the watch perfectly. I'm a big fan of the Ti model as well, but I thing for the long term this is more appealing. I wouldn't be surprised if the bracelet might be updated eventually to one with the adjustable clasp, and I'm sure at some point the chrono movement will also be upgraded to the anti-magnetic one.

Can't wait to see it on your wrist! It is a very exciting watch indeed.


And, I almost forgot to mention: ENABLER!!!!

[Baco Noir]

The point about having more variety than just Oysters is so valid to me. I really try to look for variety in form, function and brands. With the vast options that we have available to us today, I can't see myself just sticking with one brand / style.

[iceman]

To many nice different watches out there to just stick to 1 brand. I think most people on stick with Rolex due to to resale value.even if you don't plan on flipping, you always know you'll closer to cost price with a Rolex than most other brands.

[rw16610]

Dec 25, 2015 16:05:01 GMT -6 carl said:

Yeah, those pics are almost killing me as well! Maybe it's a watch that I should go and take a look at, too. The whole watch has a robustness about it that almost makes you want to strap it on your wrist, and wear it all day, every day, for anything you would be doing.

I do agree there is something very special about the gold version, but that is only available with a leather strap, I believe. I also believe that this watch screams out to be on the beautiful steel bracelet. I am always so surprised when I strap it on my wrist, at how comfortable and well balanced it feels. The weight, size and thickness may not appeal to a lot of people - that's why there are so many watches to choose from - but I believe that all those factors are essential in the enjoyment of this watch.

The pics that you show here portray more accurately the shade of the greyish bezel, as it really looks washed out in the photos on the website. It suits the watch perfectly. I'm a big fan of the Ti model as well, but I thing for the long term this is more appealing. I wouldn't be surprised if the bracelet might be updated eventually to one with the adjustable clasp, and I'm sure at some point the chrono movement will also be upgraded to the anti-magnetic one.

Can't wait to see it on your wrist! It is a very exciting watch indeed.


And, I almost forgot to mention: ENABLER!!!!

You know what's funny? I would totally go for this model posted above over the one with the updated bracelet and movement. I didn't realize the lack of the "Si" marking on the back meant it has a normal hairspring instead of the silicone one. If so that could be the one thing that would make me want it updated but chances are the regular one would serve me well for many years.

It would be ideal to get one that comes with the new box though! At least I have time to figure all of this out since I won't be moving any watches to expedite the process. I wonder if the dealers / boutiques replaced all existing boxes in stock with the new ones for all watches? With a box like that I wouldn't just bury it in the safe but would likely put it on my side table to use regularly as a storage case for a watch I'm not wearing.

When the accuracy allows, I like keeping them on my side table with the crown up so I can glance at the time in the middle of the night if need be. Not to mention I tend to admire the lume from bed sometimes (true WIS I guess?).

Go give it a try again and see what you think! Does the Rolex AD there also sell Omega? If so get some side by side comparison shots if you can!

Dec 25, 2015 16:58:06 GMT -6 Baco Noir said:

The point about having more variety than just Oysters is so valid to me. I really try to look for variety in form, function and brands. With the vast options that we have available to us today, I can't see myself just sticking with one brand / style.

I've finally come to realize this! My current collection made this super clear to me. Looking back on things all of my choices / options were so limited, it was a true shame. Since the Explorer II was my first Rolex I would like to hang onto it for life. If for some reason though I can't justify owning several Rolex watches when I'm able to do so it (or one of the others) will likely go. Right now I don't seem to like the GMT Master II enough to part with the Explorer II for it. If I was the GMT would have been on my wrist for a while now.There's something about the simple fixed bezel design that makes this piece a keeper.

Years back at a Ulysse Nsrdin AD they tried to tell me this but I figured they only wanted to sell the watch. Rolex is still my top brand but with their current line 1 is more than enough for me until I explore some of these other brands!

Have you ever had any regrets selling the 16600 Sea-Dweller?

Dec 25, 2015 17:12:49 GMT -6 iceman said:

To many nice different watches out there to just stick to 1 brand. I think most people on stick with Rolex due to to resale value.even if you don't plan on flipping, you always know you'll closer to cost price with a Rolex than most other brands.

Yeah, the resale value for most is a huge bonus / selling point. Thankfully I'm at a stage now as a watch collector where I know my next purchases will without a doubt be keepers. This is also what made me realize. The Explorer II is now worth over $1,500 more than what I paid in 2010, but so what? I could likely never bring myself to sell this watch.

I found that owning the Seamaster Professional and then the Planet Ocean one after the other (I had both at the same time actually) was rather boring. Although the Explorer II was not always my top pick this factor pushed me towards it to get something different with a more useful day to day feature. Now with that already here the next logical step seems to be a Chronograph.

[carl]

Well, you know all these fantastic updates on the movements and bracelets are great. But, as you say, the present model would last anybody a lifetime, and keep going long after. Just look at all the vintage watches, that are still going after all these years!

The Rolex AD doesn't have Omega, so it will be back at the Boutique to take a look. If I was going for a PO, though, it would likely be the non-chronograph model, but the XL size. That would be a good thing for me, though, as I would be saving over 2 grand!

[rw16610]

XL is without a doubt the way to go for a Planet Ocean. The 42mm never seemed right to me either on the wrist. I could never pinpoint why.

Thankfully for you with a Speedmaster there's no need for another chronograph. For me though with my collection it's the only way to go.

I would quite possibly look for one pre-owned for around $6,000 CAD which seems about right based on the eBay listings for new ones.

I'm somewhat amazed at how few watches truly interest me enough to actually own one. This can only be a good thing I guess.

Since my flipping days are long over I want to invest more time into this process so I can be sure of the lifelong keeper and this still seems to be one of them.

[dsimon9]

Watch is gorgeous.  Will keep an eye out for it, to see what it looks like in real life.  Great post.

[carl]

Thought I would throw this pick of a GMT model in just for fun. The bezel on this stainless steel GMT is actually black ceramic polished (but not the Liquid Metal version) for someone who would want a black bezel instead of the grey:



Mind you, the ceramic bezel on the regular model and the chronograph is a lot nicer IRL than some of the pics, especially it looks washed-out in the pics on the Omega website.

[Baco Noir]

I've always liked that model carl. It's well laid out and the pops of red are restrained, but very nice. Like the cyclops on the Rolex watches, I'v never warmed up to the He valve (referred to as the wart) on the Omega divers.

[carl]

Dec 28, 2015 23:22:11 GMT -6 Baco Noir said:

I've always liked that model carl . It's well laid out and the pops of red are restrained, but very nice. Like the cyclops on the Rolex watches, I'v never warmed up to the He valve (referred to as the wart) on the Omega divers.

I agree that the small things are so important, too. That HE valve is pretty prominent,too. And I just find the greyish bezel on the PO very contentious. I love the PO, but I know that if I got one, I would tire of that bezel. I keep comparing it to the LE Liquidmetal PO that came out in 2010. Even though it is 42mm, and I prefer the XL, I still think it is the most beautiful PO to date.

[rw16610]

That's such a nice watch! For some reason though the only GMT Planet Ocean I would want is the 18K Gold model seen here:



Even so, nothing else really seems to do it for me the way the Planet Ocean Chronograph does. Nothing else seems to offer everything I've wanted - Blue lume, Chronograph, exhibition case back, ceramic bezel, independent jumping hour hand, and anti magnetic now too! After more time spent browsing I've seen quite a few with "Si14" on the edge of the case back:




If that's indeed the case this just got A LOT easier. With this watch there seems to be no limitations for me. Also, as annoying as the Helium valve was on my 2220.80.00 Professional at times, it's all part of what makes the Seamaster unique to me. To me the watch wouldn't be the same without it and over time it grew on me.

[raygmurphy]

Its great to be a part of this community and love to be a part of this discussion.

[rw16610]

Jun 27, 2016 3:37:49 GMT -6 raygmurphy said:

Its great to be a part of this community and love to be a part of this discussion.

Welcome to the forum! My appreciation for the above mentioned watch has increased since Omega made updates to the entire Planet Ocean line recently. The only thing I wish it had was a glossy dial.


Since starting this topic way back I ended up getting a 2225.80:

 


It seems like a much more versatile watch for me and there's something special about a Chronograph with 3 sub dials. 

[carl]

Jun 27, 2016 16:54:50 GMT -6 rw16610 said:

Jun 27, 2016 3:37:49 GMT -6 raygmurphy said:

Its great to be a part of this community and love to be a part of this discussion.

Welcome to the forum! My appreciation for the above mentioned watch has increased since Omega made updates to the entire Planet Ocean line recently. The only thing I wish it had was a glossy dial.


Since starting this topic way back I ended up getting a 2225.80:

 


It seems like a much more versatile watch for me and there's something special about a Chronograph with 3 sub dials. 

I sure think you got the right one, Rommel. I do like that wavey dial, though. Must say, I do love that PO, the one you started the thread with. Wonder if that one is still available, or a thing of the past with all the new models they just introduced. That one beats them by a good mile.