Why only 60m rating on the cosmic 2000 divers?

Mpnunes · May 29, 2021

This question came up on another thread I had started about my Dads refurbished Seamaster Cosmic 2000 diver. It’s curious, as the watch itself seems like it should be rated higher.... It’s a solid case with screw down crown, but for a diver, 60 m rating is not very deep. Granted most recreational divers never go below 150 ft so the rating would be more than satisfactory for those purposes, but still curious why they wouldn’t have rated it to at least 100 m. Any thoughts/info would be greatly appreciated !!

X350 XJR · May 29, 2021

I don't think the case design with the press in back was really ever intended for diving duties. The Cosmic 2000 was really a sports watch and not intended as a tool watch. The case design was an answer to a question which no one asked, a bit of a bastard child.

JwRosenthal · May 29, 2021

^^ yup. These were from a time when sport watches were all the rage- primarily skin divers. Omega offered several “diver” lines including the 60, 120, 200 & 300. The 300 was the only actual “pro diver” of the bunch- but the rest look great on your yacht or at the country club pool.

Mpnunes · May 29, 2021

JwRosenthal
^^ yup. These were from a time when sport watches were all the rage- primarily skin divers. Omega offered several “diver” lines including the 60, 120, 200 & 300. The 300 was the only actual “pro diver” of the bunch- but the rest look great on your yacht or at the country club pool.

Interesting. Thanks for the perspective and background

flqt-9000 · May 29, 2021

Mpnunes
This question came up on another thread I had started about my Dads refurbished Seamaster Cosmic 2000 diver. It’s curious, as the watch itself seems like it should be rated higher.... It’s a solid case with screw down crown, but for a diver, 60 m rating is not very deep. Granted most recreational divers never go below 150 ft so the rating would be more than satisfactory for those purposes, but still curious why they wouldn’t have rated it to at least 100 m. Any thoughts/info would be greatly appreciated !!

Nice example by the way!

wilderbeast · May 30, 2021

To further add to what has already been said, the “non-diver” Cosmic 2000s are definitely more clearly styled as sports watches. Mine would also originally have had the 60m rating but its styling is far more like an ancestor to the Aqua Terra than as a dive watch.

I read your other threads on your dad's watch with interest. You’ve got a really cool heritage piece there! Cosmic 2000s have been somewhat overlooked so far by collectors (10xx movements, a real pain to open for service, etc) but I love the style of these: chunky 70s watches that wear surprisingly modern on the wrist.

Pvt-Public · May 30, 2021

Why only 60m rating on the cosmic 2000 divers?
The really simple answer is ........... because that’s what Omega decided. 👍😗

Mpnunes · May 30, 2021

wilderbeast
To further add to what has already been said, the “non-diver” Cosmic 2000s are definitely more clearly styled as sports watches. Mine would also originally have had the 60m rating but it’s styling is far more like an ancestor to the Aqua Terra than as a dive watch.

I read your other threads on your dad's watch with interest. You’ve got a really cool heritage piece there! Cosmic 2000s have been somewhat overlooked so far by collectors (10xx movements, a real pain to open for service, etc) but I love the style of these: chunky 70s watches that wear surprisingly modern on the wrist.

Beautiful piece! Your analogy to the Aqua Terra makes perfect sense...I guess the Cosmics could be considered the ancestor to the Aqua Terra line? The non diver version is such a great looking watch...and i agree that they’re all very underrated. I don’t see many of the divers around at all and not a ton of information about them. This forum has been hugely helpful, and I really appreciate all the great info.

wilderbeast · May 30, 2021

Mpnunes
Beautiful piece! Your analogy to the Aqua Terra makes perfect sense...I guess the Cosmics could be considered the ancestor to the Aqua Terra line? The non diver version is such a great looking watch...and i agree that they’re all very underrated. I don’t see many of the divers around at all and not a ton of information about them. This forum has been hugely helpful, and I really appreciate all the great info.

You’re right in that the Cosmic divers aren’t often seen, and the analogies above given with skin divers are spot on - “dive style” watches that can take a certain amount of water exposure. Often the bezels get swapped out for incorrect replacements (I note your dad's had lost its before refurb with Omega).

I was actually in the market for one of these some time ago, but was warned off by other more experienced members. It truly is a great community here and so much knowledge! Enjoy yours, and be a proud member of the Cosmic 2000 club!

Mpnunes · May 30, 2021

wilderbeast
You’re right in that the Cosmic divers aren’t often seen, and the analogies above given with skin divers are spot on - “dive style” watches that can take a certain amount of water exposure. Often the bezels get swapped out for incorrect replacements (I note your dad's had lost its before refurb with Omega).

I was actually in the market for one of these some time ago, but was warned off by other more experienced members. It truly is a great community here and so much knowledge! Enjoy yours, and be a proud member of the Cosmic 2000 club!

Thanks for sharing the link. I really debated whether or not I wanted a full refurb vs keeping as much original as possible. As you note, bezel was lost at some point so I knew that would need to be replaced. I know replacing all original parts reduces value of vintage watches but in the end decided I wanted to restore to like new condition and wear the watch as my dad did when he bought it. I’m looking forward to many years with this piece and then passing it down to my son. I remember being fascinated with this watch when I was a kid. He literally wore it all the time and it’s what started my interest in time pieces. Btw, he thinks he may have bought it in 1971, which would be a birth year watch for me. Thinking about doing an archive search with Omega to verify but I almost don’t want to know! Would hate to be disappointed if it isn’t 😀

wilderbeast · May 30, 2021

I think in your case, you made the right call. It has huge sentimental value, you want to pass it on and you now have a supremely presentable and rather niche vintage Omega as part of the collection. I’m sure it will bring you and yours much joy over the next 50 years of its existence!