Omega Planet Ocean: New Models Hands-On Review

quattro · 2025-12-27T10:25:54Z

Explore quattro's hands-on review of the new Omega Planet Ocean models. Get insights on wearability, design, and community debate on the clasp and color options.

quattro

WPS member · Omega forum

68 replies3855 views27 photos

quattro's hands-on review of the new Omega Planet Ocean models offers an invaluable, early collector's perspective on these significant releases. His detailed observations on wearability, design nuances, and clasp functionality provide crucial insights for anyone considering these contemporary dive watches. This article synthesizes community reactions, highlighting shared sentiments and diverse opinions on Omega's latest iterations.

68 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Ref. 217.30.42.21.01.003

On my 16 cm wrist, the 42 x 13,75 mm case is surprisingly wearable. Probably due to the reasonable 47,50 mm lug-to-lug.

The orange bezel and numerals are undoubtedly eye-catching.

The angular, "agressive" design, works well, in my opinion, with such a robust and "toolish" timepiece.

Of course, the links with a polished center part are debatable as they are suggesting luxury rather than "toolishness".

But they also add contrast and variety to the design. Omega undoubtedly wanted to play on both fronts: tool and luxury watch.

The haptic feeling when turning the crown is great.

I like it that there is no see-through caseback. I much prefer to see the Seahorse than an industrially finished movement on such a watch.

The single fold clasp is strong and feels reassuring.

But it is also a bit too thick and large, in my opinion.

For smaller wrists, the wearability of the clasp isn't as good as that of the case.

Ref. 217.30.42.21.01.001

The black bezel / silver numerals variant is the way to go if you want a less flashy watch.

One is eye-catching and playful, the other understated and more discreet.

Ref. 217.30.42.21.01.002

I thought the blue bezel / white numerals variant would be a good compromise, mixing color and discretion, but it's the one I liked the least. It has neither the charm of the orange variant nor that of the black one.

For me, it's either left or right: flashy or understated, but no middle ground.

Ref. 217.32.42.21.01.004

The rubber strap makes the watch significantly lighter and it has a very nice feel on the wrist.

Unfortunately, I don't really like the clasp and folding system.

Once again, it makes the clasp too bulky. This, in my opinion, is where Omega falls short and absolutely needs to improve.

If I were to buy a Planet Ocean, I would definitely buy the rubber strap in addition to the bracelet. I was told that the rubber strap and fitting clasp cost around €600 in total (2 x 300).

What do you think?

Do you like these new Planet Ocean models and do you have a favorite?

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Planet Ocean models, despite being touted as thinner, did not achieve a significant reduction in thickness, missing an opportunity to differentiate themselves further in the market.
The decision to include polished center links on the bracelet, while adding a touch of luxury and contrast, sparks debate among collectors who prefer a purely 'toolish' aesthetic for a robust dive watch.
Many collectors, including quattro, appreciate the solid caseback featuring the Seahorse emblem over a display caseback, preferring the iconic design to an industrially finished movement on a tool watch.
The clasp design on both the bracelet and rubber strap variants is a consistent point of criticism, with multiple contributors finding it too thick and bulky, negatively impacting overall wearability, especially for smaller wrists.
While quattro initially found the blue bezel variant to be a less compelling compromise, seeing it in person and through other collectors' photos, he reconsidered its potential as a 'perfect middle ground' between flashy and understated.
The orange bezel variant is consistently praised for its eye-catching and playful character, while the black bezel is favored for its classic, understated appeal, with the blue often seen as a less distinct option.
The angular case design and symmetry of the Arabic numerals are generally well-received, contributing to the watch's striking appearance.
The bracelet's quality and feel are a point of contention, with one 'omegamanic' finding it sharp and cheap compared to older Planet Ocean bracelets, suggesting the NTTD mesh bracelet as a superior alternative.

The Discussion

Mister M

Dec 27, 2025

Nice pictures. Not tried on yet but plan to do so. The orange looks the best. To tone it down, would probably have it on black rubber strap

quattro

Dec 27, 2025

I hope you’ll be able to try them on soon.

Yes, if you want the orange bezel to look a little less flashy the black rubber is probably a good choice. Best, Emmanuel

jlux

Dec 27, 2025

Thanks for this great review!

As much as I like Omega, these are not for me. The design is pretty generic and without the brand name on the dial these could be from any brand out there. I guess with my Seamaster 300 Summerblue and the NTTD version of the SMP Professional I am sufficiently well equipped with Omega divers 🙂

quattro

Dec 27, 2025

Yes, Gerard, given your Omega duo,

this Planet Ocean doesn’t seem necessary! Best, Emmanuel

Dec 27, 2025

Nice write up

I have played with the new PO a few times now as well and agree with your points. I do like this new variant a lot more than the old one

quattro

Dec 27, 2025

I think I like this new version more too.

Best, Emmanuel