The All-New, 4th-Generation Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean (Incl. Video)

As the longest-running collection of Omega, the Seamaster has all the credentials to be called emblematic. While the model debuted in 1948, it’s mostly the launch in 1957 of the Seamaster 300 that gave the collection its true diving edge. But we have to keep in mind that there’s more than one Seamaster. The name encapsulates several sub-collections, such as the Aqua Terra, the Ploprof or the most iconic of them all, the one that made it to Bond’s wrist, the Seamaster Diver 300M. And at the top of the range, there’s the Planet Ocean 600m, the brand’s technological flagship, created in 2005 and characterised, amongst multiple elements, by its orange bezel. After a second-gen in 2011 and a third-gen in 2016, the collection that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, enters its fourth generation. And the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean isn’t a soft mid-life facelift, but a rather drastic change of design. Angular case, no more HEV, no-date display, new bracelet… The 4th Gen PO is nothing you’ve seen before.

We’re not going to do the entire story of the Seamaster line and Planet Ocean collection here. This is something that we’ve extensively covered in several articles, including a video about the origins of the model, as well as a recent Evergreen article covering every single detail about the first three generations of Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m. If that’s something you need for context, sit back and enjoy reading. If not, then let’s get straight to the all-new, fourth Generation Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, released in time for the model’s 20th anniversary.

A Strong Design Evolution for the Planet Ocean

Even if the Seamaster PO600m has known three generations in the past (2005, 2011 and 2016), each bringing its lot of new features, such as the ceramic bezel in 2011 or the Master Chronometer movements in 2016, the design of the Planet Ocean has remained more or less the same over the years, with only minor touches to give the watch more resistance, more advanced features or more modernity.

Looking at the 2005 model or the latest releases of the third generation of PO600m, there’s an undeniable common theme. The Seamaster PO has always been a somewhat beefed-up version of the Seamaster Diver 300M, sharing the same overall inspiration. Both watches were using 1960s models as a reference. The Planet Ocean has, since its launch, been characterised by the following elements: a slightly asymmetrical case with classic Omega twisted lyre-shaped lugs, an overall rounded design, a helium escape valve at 10 o’clock, a slightly recessed crown within the caseband, the latter having a curved polished bevel, a dial with trapezoidal applied markers, Arabic numerals at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, broad arrowhead hands, a date window at 3 o’clock, a wide diving bezel that has evolved in material over the years but retained the same overall design, and a bracelet attached to the case thanks to classic end-links, again rounded. And very often, orange accents.

Well… forget almost everything you know about the Seamaster Planet Ocean, as for the 20th anniversary, this fourth generation makes a clean slate of the past. Omega has decided to give its flagship dive watch collection its own distinct identity, differentiating it from the SMP and Diver 300M. Angular, masculine, more technical, less classic Omega maybe, but also back to more reasonable proportions…

The evolution is obvious. The 4th-Gen PO gets rid of its curves, doesn’t feature lyre-shaped lugs anymore, has no more resemblance to the 300M, and even the divisive helium valve is gone. This decision, explained by the fact that modern manufacturing makes its presence obsolete, will certainly be as divisive as its initial presence. Some will be happy, some will regret it. Even without it, the PO retains the same 600m water-resistance, without the risk of helium build-up inside the case. 

There’s one element carried over from the 6000m Ultra-Deep collection, which doesn’t feature a HEV either. Indeed, this new PO features an inner titanium ring (around the crystal, internal to the bezel) that provides the material strength required to seal the watch when diving at depth. The inner ring was an aesthetic part of the Planet Ocean in 2005 and the Seamaster 300 of the 1960s. With this new technical design, Omega has been able to keep the same look, but also give the inner ring a functional benefit that is suitable for the watch’s 600m water-resistance.

A point that will surely be appreciated is the return to the original 42mm diameter. Indeed, the 2025 Seamaster Planet Ocean was designed to be more modern, yet smaller and easier to wear, while maintaining the same diving credentials. The thickness is now 13.8mm, a whopping 2.3mm decrease compared to the previous generation, measured at 43.5mm x 16.1mm. In the same vein, the new and angular case has been shortened, and the bracelet is now integrated differently, with a first link that’s far shorter and articulated. As such, this serious dive watch sits more comfortably on most wrists. A flat sapphire crystal, rather than a domed element, is also responsible for this slimmer profile. 

Made mostly of stainless steel, with a solid titanium screwed caseback (no more sapphire back here), it is sharper, edgier and certainly nothing like you’ve ever seen in the collection. Omega claims to have sourced inspiration from the 1980s, with models like the Seamaster 120m Mayol. On top, the bezel has also been retouched. There’s a more pronounced serrated profile, and this unidirectional rotating bezel features a wide ceramic insert with a simplified diving scale, marking a break in the 20-year lineage. The insert is available in black, blue, and, of course, orange, the signature colour of the collection since its release in 2005. 

Classic PO 600m dial

While the case certainly is new, the dial of this fourth-generation Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean feels like an evolution rather than a revolution. All models, regardless of the bezel colour, rely on a legible and highly contrasted matte black dial. Omega has retained the signature arrowhead hands and the bold trapezoidal applied indexes that are filled with Super-LumiNova (both mildly larger), as well as Arabic numerals at cardinal points, resulting in an overall familiar look.

There are, however, mild evolutions to give the watch more modernity and to remain consistent with the new, angular and sharp edge of the watch. The numerals are now open-work and squarer, with a sharper look to match the case and bracelet. It’s also a nod to the original Planet Ocean, which also featured (printed) open-work numerals. And as you can see, there’s now an applied numeral at 3 o’clock, since the new PO is a no-date watch. 

Depending on the chosen edition, the dial shows subtle differences. The watch illustrating this article features varnished Arabic numerals in matte orange to match the bezel’s orange ceramic insert. The classic black version features a diving scale made of white enamel and is accompanied by rhodium-plated Arabic numerals. Finally, the blue edition also features a white enamel diving scale, but relies on varnished Arabic numerals in a matte white finish. The finishing touches include printed, connected minute scales between the hour markers, an applied logo, and printed details of the watch’s model and movement. 

Master Chronometer Movement

No surprises, however, inside the case. The new Planet Ocean relies on Omega’s in-house automatic calibre 8912, which also powers the Ultra-Deep. This movement, with Co-Axial escapement and Master Chronometer certification, beats at a rate of 25,200vph. Thanks to a twin-barrel system, the power reserve is rated at 60 hours, and it features a practical time zone feature, so you can adjust the hour hand by one-hour increments, without disturbing the rest of the display. And although we can’t see it, the movement is decorated in Omega’s typical style. This means Geneva waves in arabesque on the rotor and bridges, blackened balance wheel and screws, and red infilled engravings. Proven mechanics, strong precision, and everything you’d expect from the brand in terms of innovation.

A new, slimmer bracelet

The fourth-generation Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is released as a collection of 7 models, with each reference available either on a steel bracelet or a black rubber strap, with the orange edition also available on a bold orange rubber strap. The rubber straps are connected to the case thanks to steel end-links, offering a pleasant feeling of integration, in line with the angular shape of the watch. There’s also a bracelet effect in 3D, again to give them more consistency. These are closed by a classic foldover clasp (no micro-adjustment).

More importantly, there’s a new steel bracelet to match the edgier design. It is now a flat 3-link design, with brushed outer links and polished inner links, all faceted. The bracelet is slimmer and now appears almost integrated into the case, with a first link that’s articulated for improved comfort. The bracelet is closed by a folding clasp that’s adjustable to six positions and also features a diving extension. 

Thoughts, availability & Price

There’s no hiding that this 2025 Seamaster Planet Ocean collection marks a strong break in the collection, giving it its own style, much different from anything done before in the PO collection, but also strongly differentiated from the other Seamaster models, in particular the Diver 300M. It surely retains familiar traits on the dial and, as you’d expect from Omega, the overall quality is undeniable. So are the specs, above industry average. 

While the new, more angular and edgier design of the case and bracelet will generate discussion – and on this topic, as always, to each his own – the comeback to a reasonable 42mm and a much slimmer profile can only be appreciated, especially when it doesn’t compromise the diving credentials. In a way, it’s a good thing if this watch sparks debate. The Seamaster Planet Ocean, without a HEV, with a sharper design, has simply become something different from what it used to be. It’s a more fitted design, as Omega states, a watch that looks more at the future than the past. It’s a bold move, one that will certainly be a bit divisive, but sometimes it’s good to make a clean slate of the past and start fresh. Let us know what you think in the comments.

The 2025, fourth-generation Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is released as part of the permanent collection and will be priced at CHF 6,700 (black and blue) or CHF 6,900 (orange) on a rubber strap and CHF 7,200 (black and blue) or CHF 7,400 (orange) on a steel bracelet – all prices are excluding taxes. For more details, please visit omegawatches.com.