Fidestro Posted August 19, 2008 Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 Hi, My name is Fidestro and I have a confession to make...... I hate the Planet Ocean. Ok, maybe not hate. Hate is a strong word. I dislike the Planet Ocean. I don't mean the rep either although obviously it falls in criticism here as well. I was wearing my (one of my) gen Seamaster the other day and really stared at the dial. The wave pattern is amazing in the right light, the design of the case, the shape of the crown guards, all are extra touches that made me fall in love with this watch years ago. Then I look at the P.O. It is more of a "tool watch" which I am fine with, but at the same time it bores me to death. Any fine detail is gone on the dial, it is regular black without any embossed design. The markers are just average, same with the hands. The bezel is not contoured like the SMP. The bracelet is completely brushed and has none of the shiny touches of the SMP. It is big for the sake of being big. It is almost like they took out the neat design touches on the SMP and just replaced them with sheer size on the PO. On top of that we get slapped in the face with a big price increase because it features the "new improved" (the jury is still out on that one) Co-Axial movement. It seems that perhaps Omega is having PO backlash. Remember how everyone went apeshit over the fact that Daniel Craig was to wear a PO in the new James Bond flick coming out in November, then Omega issues the new special edition James Bond and it is a regular SMP style (although one with a new dial, a kind of hybrid between the black dial and the markings, hands, and bezel layout of the blue dial). I guess there are only so many ways to dress up the plain jane PO. Having said that however I must state that I would bet my house that Omega is cranking out a special Michael Phelps Planet Ocean as I type this that will probably be limited to 800 or 8000 pieces. Something with eight in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted August 19, 2008 Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 The funny thing is, I'm exactly the opposite, I hated the PO when it came out, I brought three different reps, and ended up selling them all as I couldn't get used to them. Then I built up an Ultimate PO in black with the new black rubber strap and its one of my favorite watches now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted August 19, 2008 Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 Personally, I've always loved it. I hardly (if ever) wear mine any more, but I do still really like it. I'd totally agree with the 'tool watch' description, but, I'd put this as a rebuttal... Is it so bad that it is a tool watch, rather than a 'dressier' watch, such as the 2220.80? Different strokes for different folks, different watches for different requirements Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted August 19, 2008 Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 I think the PO is more of a nod to their vintage heritage, which I thought was a nice touch. I think it could have probably been marketed a little better, but all in all, I see it as an interesting hommage to the original. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted August 19, 2008 Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 I think the PO is more of a nod to their vintage heritage, which I thought was a nice touch. I think it could have probably been marketed a little better, but all in all, I see it as an interesting hommage to the original. Absolutely, that's always been my thoughts about the PO's design lineage as well. A 're-imagining' of the original classic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shundi Posted August 19, 2008 Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 I own the gen seamaster and a few gen vintage omegas (seamaster, constellation, deville, geneve) and I do not like the PO either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted August 19, 2008 Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 I own the gen seamaster and a few gen vintage omegas (seamaster, constellation, deville, geneve) and I do not like the PO either That's interesting. Out of curiousity, what is it that puts you off it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kollektor Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 First time I saw it at my Omega AD, I wasn't interested one whit. Back then, I had my eye on that black Seamaster Pro chrono with the column wheel movement (similar to the America's Cup). The PO grew on me over time and now its among my favourite pieces. Simple, understated and just lovely. Takes a little getting used to for the paradigm shift to kick in... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidestro Posted August 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 Personally, I've always loved it. I hardly (if ever) wear mine any more, but I do still really like it. I'd totally agree with the 'tool watch' description, but, I'd put this as a rebuttal... Is it so bad that it is a tool watch, rather than a 'dressier' watch, such as the 2220.80? Different strokes for different folks, different watches for different requirements A tool watch should not be made in Rose Gold! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabouncer72 Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 (edited) the PO is a very sexy watch, although the dial is plain, the bezel in conjunction with it gives a smooth and slick feel to it, a feeling that makes you want to slip that wrist in there and buckle it good. OH BABY Edited August 20, 2008 by dabouncer72 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidestro Posted August 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 the PO is a very sexy watch, although the dial is plain, the bezel in conjunction with it gives a smooth and slick feel to it, a feeling that makes you want to slip that wrist in there and buckle it good. OH BABY Are we talking about watches or hookers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabouncer72 Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 Are we talking about watches or hookers? We are talking about watches, but it doesn't hurt to personify them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbieG Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 I love it - the 42MM that is. The 45MM is just a completely different watch and in comparison is less accidentally refined. The watch was designed as a 42MM and the 45MM is an after thought to be big just for the sake of being big. I realize that some love that piece, but they are not the same watch in any way really. But hey, huge watches are in so for the time being it is holding up well, thanks in part to Casino Royal for starters and Clooney and the Olympians recently. The 45MM holds up best on rubber IMO. I agree that it can't be dressed up in either size. Steel, Rubber, or Leather and only OEM will do. It doesn't want to be a versatile watch in that sense. It is like a Sub that way but less common. I love it for all the reasons you mentioned but the key thing to remember is that this watch is special BECAUSE it isn't so special. Understated. And finally, to me it is of no consequence that a watch gets overmarketed - particularly with sporting events. The fact that I see more and more of them only punctuates its success in design. The PO has actually started to cross over in that Omega is now getting more positioning with the Hollywood set much in the way Breitling has been recently. Again, not that I care but I think it is a nod to the succes of the PO's design. It is the watch that has the brand going places so good for them. In a nutshell: 1. The brushed bracelet and polished surfaces on the case 2. The AR makes the matte dial stand out and be really, really deep black 3. The indices are large and interesting and the lume is amazing 4. The hands are just the coolest. I love that they are cartoonish actually 5. The fit, finish and overall value are really hard to beat at the price point. Aint she purty? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samurai Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 Well.....whadya know.....am wearing my PO today Quick pics from my cam phone: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iceberg1459 Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 heres my confession.. i dont like omega at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 A tool watch should not be made in Rose Gold! You're absolutely right. I think the RG version is a mockery of the SS design. [Edit to add] Even with all this talk though, my PlanetOceanitis still hasn't flared up again, and the PO hasn't managed to prize the PAM from my wrist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tribal Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 As ever, its all a question of taste. I bought the 42,5mm Version in the past but it has no wrist time so I sold it. The design is ok but nothing special and you are right the SMP is the nicer watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadtorrent Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 I have to say, when the PO Chrono came out, I fell in love with the orange model. However, when I tried the gen on at the AD, it was so huge in terms of weight, thickness, strap, everything that it came across too much to me like wearing a brick. Maybe it's just that I have skinny chicken wrists...but hey...you have to work with what you have. Looking more and more at the PO non-chronos with the orange numbers like Samurai's, I'm starting to be drawn back to it. The Broad Arrow style hands are nice, with the updated bezel font making things more updated. The orange numbers add a splash of colour, and the stick markers remind of the old Steve McQueen 1655 Rolex Explorer...nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkerouac Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 SMP stands on its own unique merits. I see the PO as an updated competitor to the Submariner rather than as a competitor to the SMP. As a stylish and modern competitor to the Submariner I think the PO stacks up extremely well..... but then I'm not a huge Rolex fan. By the way, I'm wearing the same version as Samurai this a.m. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 What's not to like? The most versatile watch I've ever owned, and it looks just as good with a suit as it does a pair of jeans. No problems wearing it on the golf course, and I've cut the lawn with it on, without feeling silly. The matte dial has little reflection, the markers are big and glow well, as are the hands. All making for a watch that is easy to read no matter what the lighting conditions. No worries about water intrusion either, and this is the watch I always grab when going to the beach. Shiny bits? Who cares, when you use a PO to its full potential, those shiny bits would just get scratched to hell anyway. And don't worry about Daniel Craig getting bored of the PO any time soon, he will be sporting the black/white 45mm on SS bracelet in the next film. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigpops Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 I like the Planet Ocean, though these days i like it less than i used to. At one time, i had 5 different versions of it (2x 45mm UPOs, 1 Asian 45mm, and 2x 4th gen 42mms) I liked it so much. Now i'm down to 2. A UPO, and a UPO lite (the first proper ones). Neither of these have the bracelet attached. The orange one is on a silix 22mm black rubber strap, and the black one is on one of Joshua's crocodiles with Omega deployant. I think it went down on my list when i got my Breitling Chronomat Evo. That watch is just so stunning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordRasta Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 Well you're right. It is a tool watch. It's a diver's watch, more functional than flashy. I respect your views, to each his own. I personally love the watch, I have a highly modded ZPO, probably the only of it's kind and a daily beater I wear. Like Andreww, I wear the beater doing every and anything and I usually wear the ZPO when I go out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidestro Posted August 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 How many of you guys are posting with gen pricing in mind vs. how many of you are posting in terms of I like it because it is $300? Kind of a weird question I know being that we are all here but it is always something I consider when purchasing a rep. I would never buy something way out of my gen price range like a PP or AP for this reason. I would rather buy another car than a gen of those. It just seems odd that as Omega is trying to go upmarket they release this kind of a tool watch. And no one has commented yet on the movement price hike because the Co-Axial is supposed to be the best movement since the invention of the sun dial (this is another reason I think you are all posting just in terms of it as a rep). I thought of several tool watches I really like and thought of several "vintage throwback" watches I really like as well (Breitling SuperOcean Heritage for example). I can think of a ton of watches in gen price range of the PO that I would buy before the PO and I can think of a ton of reps in the $300 range that I go to before I go to my UPO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slask111 Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 I just love the UPO. Simple, robust, manly. Hair on your chest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 How many of you guys are posting with gen pricing in mind vs. how many of you are posting in terms of I like it because it is $300? Kind of a weird question I know being that we are all here but it is always something I consider when purchasing a rep. I would never buy something way out of my gen price range like a PP or AP for this reason. I would rather buy another car than a gen of those. It just seems odd that as Omega is trying to go upmarket they release this kind of a tool watch. And no one has commented yet on the movement price hike because the Co-Axial is supposed to be the best movement since the invention of the sun dial (this is another reason I think you are all posting just in terms of it as a rep). I thought of several tool watches I really like and thought of several "vintage throwback" watches I really like as well (Breitling SuperOcean Heritage for example). I can think of a ton of watches in gen price range of the PO that I would buy before the PO and I can think of a ton of reps in the $300 range that I go to before I go to my UPO. Price isn't even a consideration to me. Rep or gen, I think the PO is a nice tool watch, and a nice design homage, regardless of what it cost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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