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New Planet Oceans: some hands-on impressions
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
Lifestyle
Explore how Omega Planet Ocean owners customize their watches with rubber straps. See jlux's photoshopped concepts and community reactions.
21 replies1748 views
New Planet Oceans: some hands-on impressions
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 wel...
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
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 sufficie...
Yes, Gerard, given your Omega duo,
this Planet Ocean doesn’t seem necessary! Best, Emmanuel
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
Great photo report
47 L2L is better than I anticipated, that said the clasp on the bracelet looks huge. Looking forward to checking it!
Yes, the LTL is well done,
but the clasp is too thick. Omega needs to improve this, imo. Best, Emmanuel
Thank you for detailing your impressions, John-E !
I understand your preference for the Blue Bezel variant, but I don't share it. I really thought this variant would be the ideal compromise, but it felt like a mixed bag: not as discreet as the Black, not as lively as the orange. Just, not enough of someth...
Great comments John! So nice to read your impressions on this watch!
I absolutely agree with you that the black bezel version should have had the white numerals of the blue bezel version. I finally opted for the blue due to the dial but my first decision was to get the black bezel. I preferred de dial of the blue instead a...
a closed back is indeed better
I agree But I don't like that cheapass laser engraving these looked imo much better ...
I have not tried on the watch — but, I have been up close to them and a bit underwhelmed by the case and the bezel colors.
Your observations about the bracelet and the rubber strap are well taken. I want to like the orange bezel — but, simply not warming up to it.
I can understand your underwhelmed impression.
I find this new design quite attractive personally, but probably not to the point of wanting to buy one. Best, Emmanuel
At some point I would like to add the orange one.
On steel, not sure about the orange on orange combo works for me. Maybe black rubber...
I didn't get the opportunity to try on the orange bezel / black rubber combo,
but it certainly makes the watch a little less flashy. Best, Emmanuel
So I tried them on as well…
As an omegamaniac that owns three PO’s I like the case shape. I do not like the bracelet. It feels sharp and cheap compared to the bracelets on my PO’s. I like the mesh bracelet from NTTD. I would use that one. I like the functionality of the minute marke...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I hope your wishes will be fulfilled at some point. They should be, as it is certain that other iterations will be made along the way. Best, Emmanuel
I tried the strap version several times, the clasp is very much improved and much smaller then your shot suggest.
There shortly will be a S version for the strap, too. This system is lightyears ahead of the clasp Omega used on their straps from ca. 2016 until now. Thank you very much for your nice report!
Good to know!
But, imo, Omega could still do better as far as the clasps are concerned. At least, that's the part I like the least, personally. Best, Emmanuel
The micro adjust is very easy to use
and convenient, but I didn’t pay enough attention to the aesthetic aspect of it, unfortunately…
Thank you 😂
How could the design department at Omega think "well, this is how a 9000 EUR watch should look like" 😆
Thanks for taking the time to share your detailed impressions 🙂
Firstly, I hadn’t noticed the edge detail of the solid case back, which is a nice touch even if only for functional purposes (removal). Secondly, from the initial release my immediate preference was for the blue, however, I am somewhat swayed by your opin...
Concerning the blue bezel, don't take my word for it: you might very well feel differently once
you have the timepieces in your hand. I personally don't like the mesh bracelet and have always been disappointed by Omega's clasp/strap system for sports watches. The clasp of the Speedmaster Moonwatch is an exception, though, as it is thin and much smal...
I feel it’s a missed opportunity 🤷🏻♂️
It was touted as a thinner, more elegant PO and unfortunately it did not become that. I find the design striking enough and a sufficient change from what went on before - so far, so good. But the watch could have been three mm thinner while offering the s...
I feel very much like you.
And I would add that the price point is pretty high, which does not help to consider acquiring such a watch when you don't intend to wear it as your main/daily wrist companion. That said, in person, these models are attractive and, as you say, I'm sure th...
Thanks for the great pictures, Emmanuelle.
I have tried on the blue bezel variant with a bracelet and I really liked the look of it. I particularly like the more angular design, which really distinguishes it from the Submariners. Whilst they are all nice, for me the orange is too much and the all ...
I understand your feeling, Jon, and I really thought
I would feel the same way. But for whatever reason, I felt more attracted to the orange or the black. But the only thing that matters is that each of us finds the one that works for him! Cheers, Emmanuel
Not bad...
...one reviewer had a problem with the strap 'bowing' out and not hugging his wrist...
Straps and clasps of sports watches are a weak point from Omega imo.
They should really improve this part of their game. Straps and clasps are a weak point
The new PO iteration is amazing!
The case, dial, and bracelet looks striking, and yes, the clasp in the bracelet is huge! Still a fantastic overall! I completely agree with you on the blue, and for me, the orange is a winner!
I like your enthusiasm!
I must say that I found this new PO attractive. And yes, the orange version is definitely eye-catching ! Best, Emmanuel
Solid review! There’s just something not right and I can’t put my finger on it.
That said the orange is very eye catching.
A “kermit” green bezel color option …
Would be awesome … numerals can stay white. Anyone feels the same?
Interesting suggestion: why not?
But it would probably be a little too “Rolex-like”. At least I don’t think I’ve often seen a green bezel done by Omega (but I could be wrong: I’m far from being an expert). Cheers, Emmanuel
Hi Mister M,
Am I seeing double, or did you make the exact same comment on December 27th? You were the first to comment and I replied: cf. above! Cheers, Emmanuel
Thank you for the review and impressions
What I like: - eye catching bezel, especially orange and to a lesser extent the blue one - symmetry of the four Arabic numerals - angular case design - slimmer case What I don’t like so much: - pricey compared to the competition - in the black bezel versi...
I agree with all your points,
except maybe concerning the numerals of the black variant: I personally like that they are more discreet. Best, Emmanuel
Hello dear Emmanuel! Thank you so much for sharing this most…
… complete, thorough and beautifully illustrated report about the new SM 600 PO line. I agree with most of your comments on this new watch and it was very interesting to read your perception on this model. I had ordered one from our local Boutique as soon...
Huge congratulations, dear Abel, on this acquisition
and many thanks for sharing these photos of your beautiful watch! As I have mentioned in my post, during my try on session, I was torn between the eye-catching orange and understated black and the blue had a hard time making a case for itself. But seeing ...
Thank you so much dear Emmanuel for your kind …
… comments. My big pleasure to add my view and pictures of this most interesting new offering from Omega. I can easily understand that when evaluating the purchase of a watch different persons will have different views about it and specially with colors. ...