Cover At the launch of the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean in Chongqing, China
At the launch of the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean in Chongqing, China
1 / 1
The Seamaster Planet Ocean, Omega’s professional dive watch, has evolved into a stylish companion for daily wear on land
Does anyone really miss the helium valve of the Seamaster Planet Ocean? Bad news if you do, as Omega has decided to remove this once-standard feature from the dive watch in its attempt to refine it. Other than that, the fourth-generation Planet Ocean retains its core DNA as a functional professional dive tool with a depth capability up to 600m.
The 42mm timepiece has a slimmer profile, by almost 3mm, than the previous iteration. The integrated bracelet is also more elegant, and features a series of flat links with two brushed outer rows and one polished row at the centre. The titanium caseback features the Seahorse emblem; beneath beats the Master Chronometer Calibre 8912 with a 60-hour power reserve. As for water resistance, an inner titanium ring seals the watch tightly.
Read more: How the Omega Seamaster went from a dress watch to a James Bond classic
Above The new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean collection
The new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean collection
1 / 1
The latest collection was first launched in Miami, in the presence of its campaign ambassador Glen Powell. Asia later received its own launch in Chongqing, China, a metropolis built along the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. It was held at the contemporary Yifang Art Museum, where we were introduced to the brand’s new Chinese ambassadors Wei Daxun and Song Weilong. Also in attendance were Thai actor and model Gulf Kanawut, as well as Filipino celebrities Kyle Echarri and Enchong Dee, who were invited as special guests of the brand.
See also: Longines’ high-frequency Ultra-Chron is back in its original 1960s form
Omega launches the new Seamaster Planet Ocean in Chongqing with celebrities from China, Philippines, and Thailand (from left): Eechong Dee, Wei Daxun, Gulf, Song Weilong, and Kyle Echarri
1 / 3
As the event venue, Yifang Art Museum seemed the antithesis of the Planet Ocean’s adventurous spirit. Revived from an unfinished concrete structure, its series of walls, walkways and pools of water creates the vibe of a serene outdoor gallery. Yet, it felt appropriate for the more understated Planet Ocean—calm, sophisticated, restrained. Indeed, it inspired guests to linger over the latest timepieces on full display, pausing in between for flutes of champagne and delicate bites of Peking duck.
Above Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann
Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann
1 / 1
Earlier in the day, CEO Raynald Aeschlimann dialled in via Zoom for a chat with the media. With the Planet Ocean looking sleeker than ever, the line shifts closer to a lifestyle sports watch, but Aeschlimann was quick to note that it remains very much the Planet Ocean that we know and love.
“We felt strongly that the Planet Ocean could broaden its audience with something that is more lifestyle-driven. We have a great history in dive watches, but we are also experts in making stylish, elegant watches. So now we have an attractive mix of the two—slimmer, but keeping its DNA as a functional dive watch. A dive watch can also be a nice watch to wear [daily],” he said.
Read more: Omega CEO on the record-breaking Ultra Deep, the metaverse and younger consumers
Above Gulf Kanawut wearing the Omega Planet Ocean in black
Gulf Kanawut wearing the Omega Planet Ocean in black
1 / 1
The Planet Ocean’s core character as a 600m instrument will never be erased, assured Aeschlimann. “There’s no argument—it gives the watch credibility. Twenty years ago, when we launched the Planet Ocean, it was to show our ability and our strength [in producing a reliable, high-performance diving watch].”
Aeschlimann noted that the Omega customers demanded that they stay true to this provenance. “The experience of buying a luxury product is also about the brand’s commitment to making the best product in its class. They loved the idea of a watch that can dive so deep, but perhaps would prefer something a bit more elegant. I believe success comes from respecting the past.”
That said, legacy is nothing without progress. “Respecting our legacy is also about improving the quality of dive watches," he reiterated.
Above Omega announced its partnership with the Seamaster Seahorse Rescue Centre at the Miami launch of the Planet Ocean
Omega announced its partnership with the Seamaster Seahorse Rescue Centre at the Miami launch of the Planet Ocean
1 / 1
With the new Planet Ocean, Omega recently announced its partnership with the Seamaster Seahorse Rescue Centre dedicated to the conservation of endangered seahorse species in the Adriatic Sea.
“This project feels deeply personal to Omega. With our passion for the ocean and historic association with the seahorse, we were immediately drawn to this important work. It’s wonderful to see the rehabilitation that’s already being done, and to know that the global cooperation of brands like Omega can help the initiative to grow,” said Aeschlimann.
Initiatives like this give the Planet Ocean more than just the technical credibility Aeschlimann talked so much about—it is also a symbol of Omega’s longstanding commitment to the oceans and the responsibility that comes with it.
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
