Today I will be doing an updated review of my wife's Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Co-Axial Reference 2208.50.00. The previous review was done on February 14, 2014 and you can find the link here: Omega Planet Ocean. Since I got it for her, a number of interesting things happened to it that I would like to share.The Basics
The model of Planet Ocean I got for my wife is made out of stainless steel, A rather large watch, the casing is 45.5 mm wide and paired with a stainless steel bracelet. Lug width is 22 mm while its lug-to-lug length is 52 mm. Topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the watch has a height of 17 mm. It features a black dial with a date window at the 3 o’clock position and its call-to-fame is its orange unidirectional rotating divers’ bezel. The watch is capable of 600 meters of water pressure and is powered by Omega's in-house Co-Axial calibre 2500 automatic movement.
This model's call-to-fame is the bright colour of its bezel. The unidirectional aluminum and steel insert rotating bezel is painted orange. There is a lumed pip at the 60 minute position as required under the ISO 6425 Divers' Watch Standard. The bezel is designed with a gear tooth-like design rotates very nicely in 120 click increments. Both sides of the domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal have been given an anti-reflective coating to reduce glaring.
The design of the watch casing follows the Swiss standard with the technical specifications NHIS 91-10 or ISO 1413 (international equivalent). Although OMEGA does not report the shock resistant capability of this watch, by the fact that it follows ISO 1413 implies it is capable to withstand up to 5,000 Gs.
Although the Planet Ocean is sizable, it can be worn with formal wear relatively easy. This gives it a distinct advantage of being an all rounder. It is pity that a very high percentage of Planet Oceans would not be able to see action as it was designed for.
After four years of active wearing by my wife, water vapour appeared inside the watch. Even with the crowns screwed in, water was able to ingress into the watch. I had to send it for repairs. Sent it on 30 August 2018 and only got it back on 18 February 2019, a nearly six months repair cycle! It seems that the watch had to go back to Switzerland to effect the repairs as the damage to the Caliber 2500 movement was extensive. It was also pricy. Cost me a whopping RM4,106.50.
The Refresh
The watch came back with its very own Omega Travelling pouch in red. The embossed brand on the top of the pouch is subtle.
Inside, the watch was well padded. The foam padding was neatly cut to fit the watch.
Omega even polished all the obvious scratches on the watch. Although some of you would think re-polishing a used watch washes away the history of the watch, in this case, I don't mind at all. It is always nice to see a relatively unscathed watch. They even changed the clasp and tighten the links to make the bracelet working like new with a locking experience indistinguishable from what one get with a new watch.
Despite the price paid, I was pleased with the result.
Omega also took the liberty of returning the spoiled movement. I received the previous dial, old gaskets, spoiled movement, old spring bars and the damage clasp unit (including the divers' extension system).
I was made to understand that the old dial has some value in the parts market.
The Wearing Experience
It wears just like new. A substantial watch with great wrist presence. The orange of the bezel pops up gloriously (I just am amazed with all the damage suffered by the various parts of the watch, not a scratch was found on the bezel).
The way the bracelet curves inward from the edges of the links as well as curve lugs makes it blend as natural as possible to the wrist and clothes despite its substantial size.
Photo Gallery
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