The present watch is a representative of the series launched by the brand in 2022, whose aim is to show what Omega can do in the production of deep-sea watches and, of course, to fill the gap in the model range that opened after the discontinuation of the cult PloProf. The stylish OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep pays tribute to Omega’s diving heritage. Especially for this model, the brand developed a unique alloy and gave it the modest name O-Megasteel.
A nickel-free alloy, it is claimed to provide better hypoallergenic properties, as well as better resistance to corrosion. In addition, its colour is considerably whiter than the classic 316L or 904L alloys, which results in greater brilliance, while another characteristic is that the material is much more complex to machine and polish. But the biggest differences compared with the alloys traditionally used in the watch industry are in the mechanical characteristics, where O-Megasteel delivers its best results. In terms of yield strength, it offers approximately twice the resistance of other steel alloys. By comparison, 316L steel is at 200–250 MPa, depending on the alloys, 904L is at 220 MPa, while Grade 5 titanium is at 800–900 MPa. O-Megasteel is rated at 560 MPa, which indicates stress and fracture resistance at least twice as good as other traditional steel alloys. As for hardness, which in real life shows scratch resistance and thus the ability to keep your watch fresh and shiny, 316L steel has a hardness of 200 HV, 904L steel has a hardness of 175 HV, while the new O-Megasteel has a hardness of 300 HV, or around 40% better than classic steel alloys. All these elements create a new alloy with excellent mechanical properties, but also one that is ideally suited to the production of luxury watches.
The other innovation is the special EFG sapphire crystal, 5.2 mm thick, with a shape inspired by the portholes of the Five Deeps submersible, for whose dives the prototype of the model was created. And last but not least – the overall architecture of the case, the caseback and the crown, whose structure is built with the help of 4 new patents from the brand, and in combination with the entire heritage and many years of experience, this allows the watch to have water resistance of an almost unthinkable 6000 m. And considering that it is tested to 7500 m, we really must give Omega the palm of victory in the production of deep-sea watches. Thanks to all this, the watch easily meets the ISO 6425 standards, and together with the accuracy of the movement and its magnetic resistance, it also meets the highest METAS standards.
This watch delivers exceptional performance and great style both above and below the water. The massive steel case, the blue-black dial with luminous hands and markers intended to ensure excellent visibility even in low-light conditions, the blue tip of the seconds hand and the steel Arabic numerals “3”, “6”, “9” and “12” – all this allows the watch to be a true instrument in the hands of professionals. The dial is sealed by scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating and is “crowned” by a unidirectionally rotating steel bezel with a ceramic insert, minute markings and serrated edges for easier grip.
The movement gives new reasons for admiration – Omega’s new Co-Axial 8912, operating at the unusual-for-other-movements frequency of 25,200 vibrations, or 3.5 Hz, with a power reserve of over 60 hours, 39 jewels and 202 components, two barrels, the brand’s Nivachoc anti-shock system, and so on.
