Figured I'd start a thread about this because something that keeps on coming up is that the 8500 is a very thick movement and even some very reliable and knowledgeable people keep saying that, primarily due to the fact that the Planet Ocean 8500 is a rather thick watch. Just as a basis for comparison: Omega Cal 8500/8501: 29mm diameter 5.5mm thickness (5.6mm for Cal 8501) Omega Cal 1120: 25.6mm diameter 4mm thickness Omega Cal 2500: 25.6 diameter 4.1mm thickness Omega Cal 1164 (ETA 7750): 30mm diameter 7.9mm thickness Rolex Cal 3135: 28mm diameter 6mm thickness Rolex Cal 4130: 30.5mm diameter 6.5mm thickness Omega Cal 491 (vintage): 28mm diameter 5.55mm thickness Omega Cal 501 (vintage): 28mm diameter 5.55mm thickness Omega Cal 564 (vintage): 27.9mm diameter 5mm thickness Omega Cal 321 (vintage): 27mm diameter 6.74mm thickness So in other words, the Cal 8500 movement is thinner than the Cal 501 movement in this watch:
It also frequently comes up among sub owners claiming that the Cal 8500 is "too thick" when the reality is its the 600M water resistance of the Planet Ocean coupled with its displayback that result in the height of the current PO. Personally its not a big deal to me but at least there is a good potential for some thin watches in the future based on this calibre.
... but putting a 5.5 mm movement in a beefy case leads to a "thick" watch. I've tried it on a few times but still find it too heavy on the wrist. Not sure I could get use to it but keeping a hopeful and open mind as I love the look and idea of an in-house movement.
Was just sent this interesting tidbit about the co-axial calibers: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B438brx5ipkcTjhVYUVYME5wdEE
I would love to see this movement in a 37-38mm case time only no date stainless steel case with a black piepan dial with white gold arrowhead markers. That I would pay boutique retail prices for!
I would pay their asking price of $4700 for a 38.5 mm AT on a strap if they could put the sunburst blue dial on it.
My personal favorite of the 8500's is this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-DeVil...963863120?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item4abaefe250Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network The sapphire case sides as well as case back really looks cool in person and the size is great
My personal favorite of the 8500's is this one: The sapphire case sides as well as case back really looks cool in person and the size is great
I wonder if they will ever offer a solid caseback for the PO8500 so it can sit a 1mm lower or so... If they did I'd buy.