The Omega Seamster’s history begins with its release in 1948. Throughout its history, the OMEGA Seamaster is best known for its role as the trusted watch of 007 agent James Bond. The Seamaster was originally designed, however, to accompany sailors in their marine adventures. It was modeled after the OMEGA Marine, which was the brand’s first water-resistant watch. The watch’s luminescent arms and markers make it highly visible underwater and therefore the perfect dive-watch.
The most well-known series is the Seamaster Professional, which was introduced in 1994. It first became well-known to the public in the James Bond movie Golden Eye in 1995. The Seamaster has been featured in every major Bond film since, and is sure to star in future installments as well. The Seamaster Pro line has a water resistance rating to 300 meters.
All of the standard (time/date) and chronograph models include the helium escape valve at 10′. The GMT does not include the escape valve, but still maintains the 300m rating. The most common standard automatic versions use an Omega modified ETA 2892. When introduced, it used the Omega 1109, but in 1996 Omega replaced it with the Omega 1120. The 1109 was updated to the 1120 to fix a winding flaw and add a rhodium finish to certain parts for extra durability. In 2006, Omega started fitting Seamaster Pros with their improved Co-Axial Omega 2500 (also based on the ETA 2892). Each Seamaster Pro also sports a unidirectional rotating bezel, originally with an aluminum insert. In 2012 Omega started releasing the Pro with a ceramic insert.
The Seamaster also typically sports a stainless steel case, a bracelet screw-in crown, and a caseback engraved with the Omega logo, sapphire crystal, and helium release valve. The history of OMEGA Seamaster watches has undergone many updates and advancements over the years, all the while regarded as a very reliable and attractive timepiece.
Seamaster Planet Ocean
The Planet Ocean was introduced in 2004 and had the Omega 2500 Co-Axial movement from the start. Omega beefed up the case significantly to enable the Planet Ocean’s to go even deeper, with a water resistance rating of 600 meters. The Planet Ocean (and the Aqua Terra line) are the first Seamasters to get the latest features, such as: ceramic and LiquidMetal bezels, the Si 14 silicon balance spring, and most recently the in-house Omega 8500 caliber. Until 2012, the PO was only offered with a black dial. In the past couple of years, Omega added blue and white options. The Planet Ocean is only offered with automatic movements.
The Omega Planet Ocean is offered in 4 sizes. The smallest being 42mm wide, 14mm thick. Next up is the Planet Ocean Big Size (previously labeled XL) at 45.5mm wide, 17mm thick. Finishing up the line is the Chronograph at 46mm wide, 18mm thick! The newest size option is 37.5mm is marketed to be worn by women and was only recently introduced. We have yet to personally see one in this smaller size.
