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Lunaen
·With the recent release of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep (PO UD), I've been thinking about the Planet Ocean (PO) sized for us mere mortals. Omega first introduced the Planet Ocean in 2005 with subsequent updates in 2011 and 2016, or about once every 5-6 years. Now that 2023 marks 7 years since the last update, would it be feasible to expect another refresh for the Planet Ocean line in the coming year? If so, what would you like to see changed? Here's what I'd like:
Case Dimensions
This is a big one for me as with small wrists it's hard to find a PO model that doesn't look ridiculous. I've been eyeing the 39.5 model, but the thickness is enough to make me think twice. I'm excited about the new O-MegaSteel alloy that's been released and would like to see it applied to more models in the catalogue. With this steel, I think it's feasible that Omega can reduce the thickness of the case. Who knows, maybe Omega will see what Tudor has done with the Pelagos 39 and decide to release a planet ocean "lite" that is thinner at the cost of lower water resistance. Although most of the thickness is due to the dual sapphire crystals, in my opinion even a 1mm decrease in thickness would be substantial.
I would also like to see Omega increase the case diameter of the 39.5mm model slightly to 40.5 or 41.5 mm so the proportions are less can-like. The current 39.5 has a lug to lug distance of about the same as a 36mm datejust, and it makes the dive watch seem somewhat horizontally compressed.
Finally, Omega has shown with the Ultra Deep that saturation diving does not require a helium escape valve. Although I don't mind the valve I know that many people do, and Omega taking it out of their most serious diver yet could mean changes for future models.
Movement
I think the current generation Omega movements are brilliant and honestly I wouldn't change much. I also doubt that Omega would introduce a new line of movements with a single product line update.
Bracelet
Although I haven't gotten the chance to handle it in person yet, the steel bracelet on the PO UD appears to be more refined than the current generation PO offering. There is a pretty significant taper (22mm to 18mm) compared to the almost nonexistent taper on the current lineup, and the clasp is also flush with the flanking links, giving the bracelet a more svelte appearance. I also love the polished bevel running down the side of the links, a nice tough that differentiates the design even more. If Omega sized down this bracelet to 20mm->16mm and slapped it onto a 40.5mm model, I might have to pull the trigger.
PO UD bracelet - Source: watchesbysjx.com
Current PO bracelet - Source: authenticwatches.com
Case Dimensions
This is a big one for me as with small wrists it's hard to find a PO model that doesn't look ridiculous. I've been eyeing the 39.5 model, but the thickness is enough to make me think twice. I'm excited about the new O-MegaSteel alloy that's been released and would like to see it applied to more models in the catalogue. With this steel, I think it's feasible that Omega can reduce the thickness of the case. Who knows, maybe Omega will see what Tudor has done with the Pelagos 39 and decide to release a planet ocean "lite" that is thinner at the cost of lower water resistance. Although most of the thickness is due to the dual sapphire crystals, in my opinion even a 1mm decrease in thickness would be substantial.
I would also like to see Omega increase the case diameter of the 39.5mm model slightly to 40.5 or 41.5 mm so the proportions are less can-like. The current 39.5 has a lug to lug distance of about the same as a 36mm datejust, and it makes the dive watch seem somewhat horizontally compressed.
Finally, Omega has shown with the Ultra Deep that saturation diving does not require a helium escape valve. Although I don't mind the valve I know that many people do, and Omega taking it out of their most serious diver yet could mean changes for future models.
Movement
I think the current generation Omega movements are brilliant and honestly I wouldn't change much. I also doubt that Omega would introduce a new line of movements with a single product line update.
Bracelet
Although I haven't gotten the chance to handle it in person yet, the steel bracelet on the PO UD appears to be more refined than the current generation PO offering. There is a pretty significant taper (22mm to 18mm) compared to the almost nonexistent taper on the current lineup, and the clasp is also flush with the flanking links, giving the bracelet a more svelte appearance. I also love the polished bevel running down the side of the links, a nice tough that differentiates the design even more. If Omega sized down this bracelet to 20mm->16mm and slapped it onto a 40.5mm model, I might have to pull the trigger.
PO UD bracelet - Source: watchesbysjx.com
![Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Ultra-Deep-6000m-clasp.jpg](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwatchesbysjx.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F03%2FOmega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Ultra-Deep-6000m-clasp.jpg&hash=93da39b68aa12fa755b4c2570b32185c)
Current PO bracelet - Source: authenticwatches.com
![omega-planet-ocean-chronograph-22mm-titanium-bracelet-020ti1590867-14.jpg](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Faah%2Fmovadobaby%2Fomega-planet-ocean-chronograph-22mm-titanium-bracelet-020ti1590867-14.jpg&hash=65fc63013051263526514a84cd4ee24b)