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Watch Omega - Customer reviews - Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Steel XL Mens Watch 2201.51 |
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Manufacturer: Omega
List Price: $3,550.00
Our Price: $2,525.00
You Save: $1025 (29%)
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Average Customer Rating:
-
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Name: D. Fricke
Location: Greensboro, NC
Date: 2008-08-25
Customer Rating: -
Summary: If you can afford this watch, it's worth the price...
Comment: I purchased this watch 6 months ago with some trepidation because of the price and a bad experience that I once had with a Rolex. I was concerned about the price because it cost considerably more than the Omega Seamaster. The Seamaster is also a diver's watch and has a proven track record. In fact, the movie that James Bond wore in Casino Royale was a special edition quartz Seamaster. What made this watch superior to it's predecessor or the Rolex Sea Dweller?
Note: If you are like me, then you enjoy researching big ticket items as much as the purchase. I can't say that it eliminates buyer's regret but the hangover doesn't last nearly as long.
While conducting this review, I'll also try to educate the novice on the basic components of a watch: bezel, movement, band, crystal, case, and the face (dial, marker, hands). Without understanding each of these components, you cannot accurately compare watches. Note: There are also other factors to be taken into consideration (warranty, prestige, price, etc.).
1. The crystal is the transparent cover that allows one to view the time while protecting the face of the watch from damage. The difference in quality and price varies according to the scratch resistance (hardness) of the crystal and the anti-reflective coating that have become standard on diver's watches. Any watch costing more than $150 will have one of three crystals: Mineral, Sapphire, and Ceramic. All Rolex and Omega watches come with Sapphire or Ceramic. Ceramic is the newest technological advancement and the hardest, but not worth the premium price at this time. I'm hard on watches but still haven't managed to scratch a sapphire crystal. The Planet Ocean and all of the competing diving watches in this class come with a Sapphire crystal. There is a difference though. The Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Sea Dweller both put the anti-reflective coating on the inside of the bezel while the Planet Ocean has put the slightly blue tinted anti-reflective coating on the outside and inside. Before purchasing this watch, I read a review saying that Omega made a mistake because the exterior anti reflective coating will leave noticeable marks when scratched. I've found that remark to be greatly exaggerated. In fact, I wear this watch daily and have put some scratches on the band but cannot find any marks on the coating. If you are going to use this watch while scuba diving, then you will absolutely want to have this exterior coating because it works! Another thing that I love about the coating is that it would be very difficult for fakes to duplicate the PO's signature bluish hue.
2. Movement is the motor of the watch that keeps the time, date, etc. With all top watches, you have two choices when it comes to movement: Quartz and Automatic. Quartz watches are more accurate and less expensive but do require batteries. Question: Why would anyone with half a brain want an automatic watch then? Answer: Multiple reasons! While automatic movements are less practical and require more maintenance over the long haul, the difference is the artistry, science, and beauty that of an automatic movement. This is were the Omega Planet Ocean surpasses virtually every watch out there including Rolex. While the Caliber 2500 movement is based on ETA 2892-2 (ETA is owned by the same company, Swatch group that owns Omega) movement, the innovations involved make this 27 jewel movement extraordinary. Due to the 'Co-Axial Displacement' this self winding (automatic) movement has managed to substantially reduce friction, thus requires much less lubrication than any other automatic movement manufactured today! What that means to you, my friend is that you will not need to take your Planet Ocean watch into servicing for the an incredible 10 YEARS! That's twice as long as any Rolex. You can also expect the movement to have a much longer life span since less friction means parts wear out slower! Additionally, Caliber 2500 movement has been equipped with a 'free sprung balance' that's a state of the art simplified regulating system which greatly improves the COSC timing precision. In other words, this watch keeps exceptionally accurate time. In my experience, this watch has kept almost perfect time +/- 1 second a day!
3. Case: The Omega Planet Ocean's case is beautiful, rugged, and well designed with twice the water resistance rating of the Seamaster at 600m/1200ft. That's also half of what the Rolex Sea Dweller is which is a moot point anyway since the diving depth record with a breathing apparatus is only 313m! To give you a reference point, the most advanced atomic submarine (US Sea Wolf class) has a maximum diving depth of 500 meters. Omega invented the helium release value that made watches better suited for longer dives. The release value looks like another winding clasp but is inscribed He (the scientific symbol for helium). Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the beautiful depiction of the Omega Seamonster is on the case back.
4. On the Planet Ocean, the bezel is the black or orange 'coin edged' unidirectional rotating stainless steel ring that surrounds the crystal. The Omega Planet Ocean's 'easy grip' bezel has 120 clicks (stopping points) stopping precisely on the markers. FYI: If you are diving with this watch, then the bezel is one of the most important features. For others who simply enjoy the styling and durability of a diving watch, then the bezel of a diving watch is a quick way to determine the precision of a diving watch.
5. The band is the least important feature of a watch as far as I'm concerned. The band can be changed and will probably be replaced long before the watch. Nevertheless, an expensive watch should come with a solid clasped high grade stainless steel or gold band (I abhor leather). The Omega Planet Ocean's band is first rate. I found the band to be very comfortable and secure with no sharp edges. The clasping mechanism works flawlessly. Fortunately, the band is brushed stainless so it doesn't show scratches like the polished.
6. Face (dial, marker, hands)- The Planet Ocean's hands and makers are coated with Superluminova resin. That means that when you turn out the lights, you do not have trouble making out the time. The arrow tipped hands distinguish the Planet Ocean from the Sea Master and the Ocean Dweller. Another cool feature is that you can distinguish the hands from one another even at 12:00! The date does not require magnification. I've always felt that magnified dates aka cyclops interferes with the elegance of a watch. Of course, that's a matter of personal preference.
Finally, I must mention the size. The Planet Ocean is a relatively big watch at 45.5mm and weighs 9oz. I like bigger watches but it's a matter of taste. I'm a large man (6'3" 210lbs) so it fits me proportionally. For a man with a smaller frame or thin wrists, Omega makes a slightly smaller 42mm version of the PO. One thing is for sure, the Omega Plane Ocean will never be mistaken for a lady's watch!
Here's the conclusion: While the PO does cost more than the Seamaster, I believe that it's worth the extra price because of the improved movement and the improved styling. You are also paying $5000 less than the Sea Dweller. I love my Planet Ocean and highly recommend it.
Name: P. S. Gifford
Location:
Date: 2007-12-13
Customer Rating: -
Summary: This is an amazing watch
Comment: I have owned this watch for a year and a half now and it is my favourite watch in my stable. I opted for the brown leather strap, which dresses it up a bit. It keeps great time ( it sits in a watch winder when not being used.) It is a far classier option than a Rolex, in my opinion.
And what can I tell you- James Bond whers one!
PS Gifford
Name: Claude H. Suddreth
Location: Phoenix, AZ USA
Date: 2007-12-21
Customer Rating: -
Summary: Watchmakers Advice
Comment: I am rather opinionated when it comes to luxury watches. This comes from spending 2 years in watchmaking school, studying directly under the guidance of a certified master swiss watchmaker who came here from Europe. Watches, especially mid to high grade swiss watches, are a passion of mine. I am not loyal to a brand or a style or anything else. I judge them for what they are, in terms of quality, function, construction, and style. A watchmakers point of view.
This said I will tell you that this particular watch is what I consider to be a "best kept secret" sort of watch. This is an AUTOMATIC watch (read: Mechanical - NOT Quartz), and of CHRONOMETER grade function. Chronometer as used here is a measure of accurate timekeeping, not quality - a point often misunderstood - and is used mostly from a marketing point of view by companies such as Rolex. HOWEVER. This movement in THIS watch is actually EXCELLENT in terms of quality, time keeping ability, and construction - easily comparable to other Swiss made movements from other famous manufacturers costing several times as much. This watch, properly serviced, will provide a lifetime of use - and probably more. Absolutely the sort of watch you pass down to the next generation.
All in all - and EXCELLENT choice - especially for those seeking their first QUALITY Swiss watch purchase.
Definitely recommended!
Name: Anonymous
Location: United States
Date: 2007-10-25
Customer Rating: -
Summary: The last sport watch you'll ever need to buy.
Comment:
This review refers to the Model 2218.50, XL version (45 mm case) with steel bracelet. The opinions of the movement, adjustment and reliability are also applicable to the model with rubber strap and leather / lizard strap.
This is a hefty timepiece, it weighs 9+ ounces (over half a pound), it feels and exudes quality and is bound to illicit a glance and a double take. The domed double anti glare sapphire crystal is super sharp and sometimes hard to determine it is even there.
The exterior is a combination of brushed and polished stainless steel, most notably the trademark Omega horns are this blended finish.
The screw down crown is adorned with the Omega logo and easy to open, the first position enables manual winding for a power boost, the helium escape valve at 10:00 is adorned with the periodic symbol "He".
Clockwise turns of the crown in second position adjusts the date forward, the date can't be adjusted backwards. Time adjustment is easy and rapid; no adjustment for seconds is available.
The unidirectional bezel rotates counter clockwise 120 clicks and lines up perfectly with every second marker, the solid feel of the rotation is nothing less than you'd expect from an Omega.
The luminescent material of this watch is a glow magnet, just a few seconds exposure to sunlight or held close to a lamp will turn the face of this watch into a lighthouse! Combined with the chrome and split bezel hands of the subdials and this timepiece can be used as a signal mirror for low flying aircraft.
The Omega 3313 movement is identical to their 3303 movement except the 3313 has the co-axial escapement, this is the same movement inside the Omega DeVille and will be used in future models.
The accuracy of this watch is only surpassed by my Omega SeaMaster Quartz 300 2221.80, my Quartz Omega never loses or gains a second and the PO gains less than 5 seconds a week. The days I don't wear it, I spend 60 seconds winding it and store it standing vertically for optimum movement.
The bracelet includes the scuba extension of all SeaMasters, but has no convenience pins for rapid adjustment or for bodily weight fluctuation. It releases easily with the double release pins and feels confidently closed when clasped.
I've performed testing of the power reserve, it continues to function about 43 hours with a full wind.
The watch can also function with a running chronograph for over 40 hours on a full wind, that is impressive.
Overall, I'd recommend this watch for anyone who wants an exquisite sport timepiece which isn't out of place at a formal, like all of the Omegas made before it; I expect this watch to endure for my grandchildren and their grandchildren.
Name: Anonymous
Location: United States
Date: 2007-09-14
Customer Rating: -
Summary: The last sport watch you'll ever need to buy.
Comment: The last sport watch you'll ever need to buy.
This review refers to the Model 2218.50, XL version (45 mm case) with steel bracelet. The opinions of the movement, adjustment and reliability are also applicable to the model with rubber strap and leather / lizard strap.
This is a hefty timepiece, it weighs 9+ ounces (over half a pound), it feels and exudes quality and is bound to illicit a glance and a double take. The domed double anti glare sapphire crystal is super sharp and sometimes hard to determine it is even there.
The exterior is a combination of brushed and polished stainless steel, most notably the trademark Omega horns are this blended finish.
The screw down crown is adorned with the Omega logo and easy to open, the first position enables manual winding for a power boost, the helium escape valve at 10:00 is adorned with the periodic symbol "He".
Clockwise turns of the crown in second position adjusts the date forward, the date can't be adjusted backwards. Time adjustment is easy and rapid; no adjustment for seconds is available.
The unidirectional bezel rotates counter clockwise 120 clicks and lines up perfectly with every second marker, the solid feel of the rotation is nothing less than you'd expect from an Omega.
The luminescent material of this watch is a glow magnet, just a few seconds exposure to sunlight or held close to a lamp will turn the face of this watch into a lighthouse! Combined with the chrome and split bezel hands of the subdials and this timepiece can be used as a signal mirror for low flying aircraft.
The Omega 3313 movement is identical to their 3303 movement except the 3313 has the co-axial escapement, this is the same movement inside the Omega DeVille and will be used in future models.
The accuracy of this watch is only surpassed by my Omega SeaMaster Quartz 300 2221.80, my Quartz Omega never loses or gains a second and the PO gains less than 5 seconds a week. The days I don't wear it, I spend 60 seconds winding it and store it standing vertically for optimum movement.
The bracelet includes the scuba extension of all SeaMasters, but has no convenience pins for rapid adjustment or for bodily weight fluctuation. It releases easily with the double release pins and feels confidently closed when clasped.
I've performed testing of the power reserve, it continues to function about 43 hours with a full wind.
The watch can also function with a running chronograph for over 40 hours on a full wind, that is impressive.
Overall, I'd recommend this watch for anyone who wants an exquisite sport timepiece which isn't out of place at a formal, like all of the Omegas made before it; I expect this watch to endure for my grandchildren and their grandchildren.
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