Founded in 1848 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, by Louis Brandt under the name of La Generale Watch Co. The Omega name became so popular that it was spun off and the Omega Watch Co was formed in 1903. They were chosen as the official timekeepers for Britain’s Royal Flying Corps combat units in 1917 and for the American Army in 1918.

Omega are also famous for being the first watch on the moon in 1969, as Omega watches were the choice of NASA. James Bond has also worn an Omega in films since 1995.

Having gone through a merger with Tissot to form SSIH Geneva, then the restructuring of this company, Omega became part of the Swatch Group in 1998.

How does it look and feel?

Released as part of Omega’s collaboration with the Good Planet Foundation and launched alongside the movie ‘Planet Ocean’, the Seamaster has to be seen to be appreciated, as the pictures really do not do it justice. The dial, the case and the scratch-resistant curved sapphire crystal glass are designed to reflect light in a very impressive manner that is difficult to capture on camera.

Marketed as a professional dive watch, with water-resistance up to 600M / 2000ft, the Seamaster is, oh, so much more. Yes, it does the job, and does it very well, but you don’t want to wear it just when you are diving! This watch looks the business, whatever the situation or occasion.

At 43.5mm, the case size sits comfortably in the middle of Omega’s Planet Ocean range. This is a matter of personal preference but I, for one, feel that they have got it about right at this size. It sits nicely on the wrist and has the weight and feel of a quality timepiece. Some may also find it a little thick, but, again, I am of the opinion that it is about right.

You have the choice of a high-end rubber strap in blue with orange stitching (to match the watch face), or the traditional steel bracelet. Unfortunately, there is no quick way to interchange between the two.

Under the Hood

As mentioned, the watch is water-resistant to 600M, giving Omega the one-up on the Rolex Submariner, probably the nearest competitor for this watch and which ‘only’ has a 300M resistance! The Seamaster also has, of course, a helium escape valve at the 10 o’clock position!

The blue ceramic bezel is bi-directional, with a 24-hour scale and which can also serve as a third time-one indicator.

Movement is by way of the Omega-made caliber 8605 Automatic Co-Axial, an extension of their 8500-movement, with silicon balance spring and 60-hour power reserve. This impressive movement is visible through the sapphire crystal back window.

The SuperLumiNova dial makes the GMT easy to read in darkness, as is par for the course for the Planet Ocean range.

Conclusion

If you are into diving, then this watch will do everything you want it to. If, however, you have no interest in diving, but a love of high-quality, technically adept, beautiful looking watches, then the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT GoodPlanet is one for you. A thing of real beauty and a head-turner for sure!

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Pros:

• Stunning looks
• Water-resistant to 600M
• Light reflection

Cons:

• No quick-change strap system
• Some may consider the case a little on the thick side

The technical bit!

• Official Certified Swiss Chronometer C.O.S.C.
• 60 hour power reserve
• 24-hour chronograph
• Unidirectional divers bezel
• 600 meters water-resistant
• Helium escape valve
• Blue ceramic bezel
• Sapphire Crystal scratch-resistant glass
• 100% Swiss made
• Diameter: 43.5mm
• Rubber or steel bracelet