Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceramic 8520: In Depth Review

[jlc123]

Get ready for a long read, but please bear with me.

Background:
This watch made it onto my radar about a month and a half ago and when I finally saw it in the steel I knew I had to have it. I reluctantly parted with my Rolex Air King (which I still miss) and got my PO 3 and a half weeks ago. The honeymoon stage has finally worn off, so I have a clear head and can assess the watch more objectively.

Specifications:
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceramic 8520
Model #: 232.30.38.20.01.001
Diameter: 37.5mm
Movement: Omega’s in house 8520
Water Resistance: 600m/2000ft

Bezel:
I used to not see the point to ceramic, well I hadn’t had the chance to examine it in person. Ceramic looks magical, so much better than aluminum. The matte gray bezel of the Planet Ocean is amazing. The design team hit a home-run with the off gray bezel. The contrast between it and the dial give this tool great beauty.
Rating: A+

Dial:
The dial is jet black, which of course, looks great on most watches. The silver 6-9-12 and other hour markers look great together and stop the piece from being too boring. I originally thought I would not like the mini hour markers at 3-6-9-12, but I think it looks good in person. The printed orange “Seamaster” and orange tip of the seconds hand look great and bring a beautiful flare of color to this utilitarian piece. The watch is beyond legible and I really love the broad arrow hands. The lume is excellent and the blue is a really nice color. My one problem is the two tone lume, because the minute hand is green and all the other lume is blue. I understand the purpose, but I just think it looks weird.
Rating: A

Case:
I elected to go for the 37.5mm case as opposed to the 41.5mm version, because I have puny wrists. I think its a great size and is fine for both men and women, but it may be too masculine for some women’s taste. It has a really solid feel and is well designed, a nice combo of brushed and polished. The crown looks nice, some of it is polished and some brushed. I like the aesthetic quality that the He escape valve brings as opposed to functionality. It makes the piece look like a true diver. The saphire caseback is both awesome and unorthodox, but I will touch upon that later. My one negative (or it can be a positive, on some days I like it and on others I don’t), the watch is VERY thick.
Rating: B+

Movement:
The 8520 has been very accurate so far, losing roughly 2 seconds daily. It is well decorated and has a solid power reserve. The 8520 is very attractive. My problem with it is its thickness though, its VERY thick. As I am no expert, I will leave the technical merits to others.
Rating: B+

Bracelet:
The bracelet looks nice and has a great quality feel. Its nothing spectacular or game changing, but its a very solid bracelet and works with a watch of this caliber and price. The clasp is simple and also well designed, but again, it is no game changer.
Rating: B+

Final Thoughts:
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is a fantastic watch. I think the value is decent considering everything you get, ceramic bezel, in house movement, great quality feel, and a well established brand. Its great as a daily wearer and can be pulled off with a suit, despite its sportiness. Omega has done a great job with upgrading the PO and introducing their in house calibers to the line. Despite my great love for the watch, there is one thing Omega has to work on. Its more of a problem with the movement than the PO itself. The movement is too thick, the next generation of Omega’s in house calibers MUST be thinner, so the PO can be bought back to a reasonable thickness. Overall, I cannot recommend this watch enough. The PO is a fantastic piece and should not be overlooked. My final grade would have to be A-, a flat 90/100. Thank you for reading my lengthy review and now some pics:




More to come from me soon: Rolex Submariner 14060m Review and Sub vs PO comparison
Thanks again for reading!!!

[malarky_hk]

Congrats on the new watch! Nice write up as well. Thanks.

[jlc123]

Thanks Mark!

[Maxtor]

Great review. The thickness of the watch put me off a bit too (I find the 2254.50 the right heft). But I do love the look of the PO... so maybe one is in my future as well. Enjoy the watch.

[jlc123]

Originally Posted by Maxtor

Great review. The thickness of the watch put me off a bit too (I find the 2254.50 the right heft). But I do love the look of the PO... so maybe one is in my future as well. Enjoy the watch.

Thanks Max! If you haven't handled it in person, I would highly recommend doing so.

[bcacncnc]

Congrats and great review. My wife also has the 8520 movement in her seamaster. Btw. How thick is the watch in millimeters?