HOT Omega Planet Ocean – Heirloom of the Future
The 42 mm Planet Ocean is one of the finest looking dive watches in the Omega collection. While the Planet Ocean ‘Big’ (2900.50.91), at more than 45mm diameter, may suit those who wish to wear a timepiece that can be easily transformed into a navy SEAL landing craft (there is even space to attach a couple of high powered out-boards), it is the PO ‘Normal’ (2201.50.00) that I believe will ultimately become a true ‘collector’s piece.
The Planet Ocean is powered by an officially certified automatic Omega Co-Axial calibre 2500 movement, which is a beautifully modified ETA 2892 ebauche, complete with free-sprung balance. The movement beats along at 25,200 half revolutions per hour, which, combined with a larger and heavier balance wheel, improves the stability of the movement. The slower beat rate allows a corresponding increase in the power reserve to 48 hours.
Planet Oceans come with a helium release valve (see the second crown at 2200). While this is a boon for deep sea divers who need to release built up helium to avoid serious damage to their watches, please rest assured that you will not need to use this function when you explore the depths of your swimming pool.
So, for the investment of around $3000.00 USD (depending on the discounts you may extract from an authorised dealer) you can own an heirloom of the future.
Trendy Omega Constellation Double Eagle Chronograph
The Omega Constellation Double Eagle reference 1619.51.91 chronograph is without doubt the sportiest and most agressive looking iteration of the Constellation brand. The Double-Eagle is a nich market high-end tool watch with head-turning looks that are both sophisticated and ‘edgy’.
Sitting in a relatively conservative case body, the DE draws its exceptional overall effect from the colour palet, dial furniture and other stylistic elements that are used to accessorise the case: Solid 18k red gold chunky markers are applied on a checkerboard dial (in one version) with a stark white chapter ring; Stubbed dauphine hands, merging sub-dials contrasting with a minimalist sub-dial at nine o’clock come together to create a striking visage.
The model featured in this review is powered by the Omega calibre 3313. It pays to know that in its earlier incarnation there were quite a few concerns expressed by collectors about the movement while there has been a low incidence of public reports about the reliability of the calibre 3313 Double Eagle model.
Calibre 3313 is a self-winding chronograph movement with column wheel mechanism and Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision stability and durability of the movement. It features a free sprung balance and a 52 hour power reserve. Water resistance is guaranteed to 100 metres. The 41mm case is fitted with a domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
