Watch Omega - Customer reviews - Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Steel XL Mens Watch 2201.51

Manufacturer: Omega

List Price: $3,550.00
Our Price: $2,529.99
You Save: $1020.01 (29%)
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Average Customer Rating: -

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Spotlight customer reviews:

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: California
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: S. Yeung
Location: Northwestern Ontario, Canada
Date: 2008-11-21
Customer Rating: -

Summary: Great Watch
Comment: I'm not an expert on watches, I'm just a normal guy who works outdoors in the wilderness in Northern Ontario, Canada. I was given this watch by my dad as a gift over a year ago.

The first thing about the watch that caught my attention is the size, the face and band are big. It's heavy too. Originally, I intended to only wear the watch on special occasions, since it costs more than a year's worth of rent for me, but I figured that the watch is supposed to be designed to withstand up to 600m/2000ft of water pressure, so it should be able to withstand the Canadian elements and it would be a waste to leave it sitting in my desk. I'm happy to say that I have worn this watch everyday for over a year now and aside from scratches on the band, it runs perfectly. Last summer I worked as a fire ranger and even that job couldn't wreck this watch.

The back of the watch also has a very intricate and stylish engraving of a seahorse that seems to impress people when to ask to see the watch. The second hand moves very smoothly, it does not tick pause tick like most watches. The hands and hour markings glow in the dark very brightly compared to other watches I have owned (swiss army victorinox) If you want a watch that you don't have to worry about then I recommend this watch. I do suggest that you go to a store and try one on first before buying, it's a large and bulky watch, it would look funny on someone with thin wrists and scrawny arms.

Name: dasn0wman
Location: Brooklyn, NY United States
Date: 2008-11-23
Customer Rating: -

Summary: Very Cool Watch
Comment: Make sure to get the one with non-red markers, James Bond wears the version with all white markers. James Bond also wears the XL version (45.5mm case) And obviously, he doesn't wear the one with the orange bezel (yeeech). There are two versions of this watch coming out just like for the last James Bond watch. But seriously, do you think James Bond would wear a watch that says "Quantum of Solace" or "007" engraved in back of his watch? Seriously. Do yourself a favor and get NOT get the limited edition, but the regular model. But I guess people buy for different reasons.

Having said that, this is a great, practical watch for everyday wear if you want to look cool with a touch of class. I would not wear this for sports or to the gym because I like to keep my watches in near mint condition. The price is not awfully expensive as a Rolex but works possibly even better and looks just as great as a Rolex. I'm very suprised how much the Omega Seamaster is beginning to look more and more like a Rolex Submariner. The last Seamaster is quite distintive in that it's Bond version has a blue face with a nice geometrically carved bezel and intricate bracelet band (but not to everyone's tastes). Now, for the Planet Ocean, we see the famous fluted bezel that is signature of Rolex. We see the Bond version is all black a la Bond Rolex Submariner. And gone also is the intricate-looking band which now looks very much like the Rolex Oyster bracelet with just a slightly different line of design. There are some differences. The PO case is quite elegant and very reminiscent of car body design. However, the side profile of the case still lacks the elegance of Rolex. Another obvious difference is the size. The Rolex Submariner is 40mm which is perfect for any wrist. Last Seamster Professional was 41mm which is still perfect. This watch? A whopping 45.5mm!!! It's huge. Make sure you are fine with the size. With a large diametered case also comes the added weight! I love the nice heft but this may not be suitable for everyone. Although many of these differences are quite subjective, what is pretty much objective is the clasp of these watches. Time and time again, people complain why the most famous all watches come with a flimsy, cheap clasp? Omega Seamaster clasp totally blows it away as it is very solid and quite easy to operate.

So now we have an Omega that looks and feels much like a Rolex. Omega is like the Lexus of watches. It does a lot of things great and maybe even better but it will always be second status to Rolex a la Lexus to Mercedes. No matter how hard Lexus tries to be a Mercedes, it will always be a Lexus. With that said, both Lexus and Omega make solid, quality products with a more affordable price tag. Give this, I would wear an Omega practicially everyday and just leave the special occasions for my Rolex Submariner. However if you are really particular on wanting the very best, you may want to be a bit more patient in saving for that Rolex. I gave so many reasons to buy this watch but the only reason to buy a Rolex is because it's a Rolex!

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