Hot Take: The New Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Dark Grey With A Titanium Caliber 8906
The latest Planet Ocean by Omega is an impressive piece packed with the brand’s latest innovations. The 45.5mm case is made of silicon nitride ceramic [Si3N4] and houses a movement made of titanium components. It’s tough, it’s light, and it’s multi-functional. Without further ado, let’s have a look at this new Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Dark Grey reference 215.92.46.22.99.002.
Planet Ocean 600M GMT Dark Grey
On paper, this might be your perfect do-it-all watch! For example, the case is made of highly resistant silicon nitride ceramic, which is only 50% of the weight of zircon ceramic, with Grade 5 titanium elements (e.g. the dial, bezel, and crown). Inside, we find Omega’s caliber 8906Ti; as its name suggests, it’s (partially) made of this lightweight material. The result of the weight reduction is a watch that shows 107 grams on the kitchen scale. For a large diver watch with a diameter of 45.5mm and a thickness of 17.4mm, that’s light!
A sandblasted titanium dial
The dark gray ceramic case and bezel insert contrast nicely with the titanium bezel and the sandblasted titanium dial. Omega used blackened hands and indexes filled with white Super-LumiNova for visibility in dark conditions. The combination makes it a perfectly readable watch. As a good Planet Ocean tradition goes, Omega used a few orange elements on the dial. Finally, the tips of the second hand and GMT hand are in orange, as well as some printing on the dial.
Caliber 8906Ti
Now, let’s take a look at the movement. Based on the caliber 8900 series, this new movement is made of titanium. It features a black ceramized Grade 5 titanium main plate and bridges. Its decoration is achieved through laser ablation. Omega uses this technique for several watch components (e.g. the wave dial on the Seamaster Diver 300M.)
Just like nearly every Omega watch, the Co-Axial movement has been certified as a chronometer by COSC. Afterward, the entire watch goes through the testing procedures closely monitored by METAS to achieve Master Chronometer status. It is, therefore, antimagnetic up to 15,000 gauss and accurate up to 0/+5 seconds per day (on average). Additionally, this Planet Ocean 600M Dark Grey has a GMT function, which serves to track an additional time zone. An overview of all specifications is in the chart below this article.
Initial impressions of the Planet Ocean GMT Dark Grey
Coincenditally, we published a (historical) overview of Planet Ocean models just one day ago. Going through all the Planet Ocean models, I have to admit that I am more in favor of the very first editions than the later models. Those first ones were a bit more “raw” if that makes sense. They lacked the glossiness the latest models achieve with their use of ceramic. They were also a little bit thinner (but still over 14mm) and available in a smaller diameter (42mm).
When seeing this new Planet Ocean GMT Dark Grey, I immediately thought it was a rather good-looking version. It uses ceramic but still has that rugged utilitarian look to it. However, the dimensions of 45.5mm × 17.4mm are a bit more than I would have liked to see. I don’t consider myself a part of the diameter police at all whatsoever as I have pretty large wrists, but I think a few millimeters less wouldn’t have hurt anyone.
I am also aware there’s a lot of criticism towards the He valve at 10 o’clock, but I must admit, I kind of like it. Furthermore, it has become a core element of the Seamaster’s design, and it doesn’t bother me. The color scheme of the watch is very much to my taste. And the use of sandblasted titanium and ceramic as the ingredients to achieve this look is impressive. The price of this watch, €24,700, is quite a jump up from the regular Planet Ocean collection, but it’s probably due to the titanium movement (remember the Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light?) and the new ceramic material used for the case.
You can find more information on this latest release on the Omega website.
What do you think of this latest release? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
