Our editors recently embarked on an ambitious underwater expedition, descending 11 feet below the surface to rigorously test a range of divers' watches, including several models from Omega's esteemed Seamaster Planet Ocean collection. This wasn't a casual dip; we subjected these timepieces to a series of demanding tests designed to evaluate their legibility, ease of use, and durability in genuine diving conditions. This comprehensive review delves into our findings, providing a detailed analysis of several key Planet Ocean models.
The goal was simple: to determine which watches truly lived up to the hype and the demands of professional and recreational diving. We assessed each watch across three core criteria: legibility underwater, ease of operation while wearing thick gloves, and resistance to the pressures and potential impacts of a submerged environment. Our testing encompassed a variety of scenarios, from simple visual checks to more strenuous tasks involving manipulation of the watch's functions while submerged.
The Contenders: A Diverse Selection from the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Lineup
Our testing included a diverse selection from Omega's Planet Ocean range, allowing for a comprehensive comparison across different styles and functionalities. The watches tested included:
* Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph: This model, a staple in the Planet Ocean line, represents a powerful blend of diving functionality and sophisticated chronograph capabilities. We tested its chronograph functions underwater, paying close attention to the ease of use and the clarity of the chronograph subdials.
* Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Watch (non-chronograph): This simpler, more streamlined version allowed us to assess the core diving capabilities of the Planet Ocean without the added complexity of the chronograph. We focused on its legibility, bezel operation, and overall comfort during extended underwater use.
* Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph (various sizes): We included models in different sizes, such as the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 39.5mm review and larger variants to understand the impact of size and weight on underwater usability.
* Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black: This iconic model, known for its striking design and impressive water resistance, underwent rigorous testing to evaluate its performance under pressure. The Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black test focused on its robustness and the legibility of its distinctive dial in low-light conditions.
* Omega Planet Ocean 600m: This highly robust model, designed for extreme depths, underwent additional testing to evaluate its resilience against pressure and potential impacts. The Omega Planet Ocean 600m review focused on its performance in challenging underwater environments.
Legibility: Seeing Clearly Under Pressure
Legibility underwater is paramount for diver safety. Even in relatively shallow water, visibility can be significantly impaired by murky conditions or poor lighting. Our testing focused on the clarity of the dial markings, the luminosity of the hands and markers, and the overall readability of the watch face at different depths and light levels.
Across the board, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean models performed admirably. The Super-LumiNova® luminous material used on the hands and indices provided exceptional brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in low-light conditions. The contrasting colors of the hands and markers against the dial further enhanced legibility. The size and design of the hour markers and hands were also well-suited for underwater viewing, minimizing any potential for confusion. Even the smaller 39.5mm models demonstrated excellent legibility, suggesting that size is less of a factor than the overall design and luminescence. The Omega Planet Ocean 39.5 review highlighted this aspect, praising its exceptional readability despite its compact size.
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