In celebration of the New Year we will take a look at one of my favorite watches of recent years, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal Titanium. Photos taken over the New Year’s holiday at Königsleiten ski village in Österreich (Austria) mark the occasion. Enjoy the review!
The Lineup
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal Titanium is offered in the “Big Size” case (45.5mm) in both a chronograph (Ref. 232.90.46.51.03.001) and non-chronograph (Ref. 232.90.46.21.03.001) format on a titanium bracelet. Each model is also offered on a blue rubber strap with folding clasp (chronograph Ref. 232.92.46.51.03.001 and non-chrono Ref. 232.92.46.21.03.001):
Upon its introduction in 2011 this watch (in its several variants) became the first Planet Ocean to be constructed in titanium and also the first to depart from the black and/or orange color scheme of the Planet Ocean series. It was also the first PO to receive the in-house Caliber 8500 (Caliber 9300 in the chrono) with the co-axial escapement and silicium balance spring. Also notable is the “Liquidmetal” bezel (a ceramic+zirconium alloy), a rarity for the Omega lineup in place of the standard aluminum bezel insert, and the new
Dial
The dials are standard fare for the current Planet Ocean series, save for the blue color.
I would only point out that the 3-9 bi-compax layout of the chronograph is itself new the series as of 2011.
lume…note also also the orange sword-style hand of the chrono sub-dial at 3 o’clock…
Bracelet
The titanium bracelet is of the look and quality enthusiasts have come to expect from the Planet Ocean series. Sturdy, screw-in pins for link adjustment and the superb Seamaster folding clasp. The blue rubber strap is an equally attractive option for a bit sportier and/or more casual look.
Caliber
Omega Caliber 8500 is an in-house Omega movement. Automatic (winding in both directions) with Co-Axial Escapement, free sprung-balance, 2 barrels mounted in series. Bridges and the oscillating mass are decorated with exclusive Geneva waves in arabesque.
Caliber 9300 is also Omega in-house; automatic (2 serially mounted barrels), chronograph movement with column wheel mechanism and Co-Axial escapement; silicon balance-spring on free sprung-balance. Rhodium plated finish with exclusive Geneva waves in arabesque.
Price
Perhaps the only uncomfortable aspect of this watch is its price: non-chronos retail starting at $7,900 for Ref. 232.92.46.21.03.001 (on rubber) and $8,600 for Ref. 232.90.46.21.03.001 (on bracelet); chronographs retail starting at $10,000 for Ref. 232.92.46.51.03.001 (on rubber) and $10,600 for Ref. 232.90.46.51.03.001 (on bracelet). This compares to a range of $6,100 to $8,200 for the current stainless steel models (also with Cal 8500/9300). Of course savvy shoppers who negotiate or go grey market can realize a price lower than this.
So overall on price a surprise to some, yes. But to be fair, I think that the higher price point is to be expected, even if it is not welcomed. By moving the price point up from base Planet Ocean models, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Titanium Liquidmetal becomes even exclusive and thus special for those who are fortunate enough to own one.
Conclusion
In summary, I think it is safe to say that the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Titanium Liquidmetal represents one of the more compelling options in the Planet Ocean collection today, if you are amenable to the meaningfully higher price point. Likewise, with its titanium case and blue color-set, it represents a more individualistic and exclusive choice for those who still want to wear one most popular high-end sport/dive watch series on the market today.
Special thanks to long-time Perpetuelle reader and my friend from down-under for the hands-on pics.
