New Planet Ocean 2011

[Sporting Lisbon]

Hello Forum,

Despite not having any photo or idea of the new PO, i was wondering if you guys would already buy the actuall PO or waite for the new model.

My other question is how much expensive it will become as it will have the new in house movement, and if the "old" model will become cheaper or even discontinued..


I would like to know all your opinions.
Cheers

[king1412]

I had the same dilemma - buy the current PO2500 or wait for the proposed PO8500. I decided to buy the Liquid Metal Planet Ocean. Ordered one and just waiting for the call.

I don't think the PO2500 will become cheaper as the old Aqua Terra Co-Axial 2500 did not become cheaper when the new Aqua Terra Co-Axial 8500 was released. As for the new price of the proposed PO8500, just use the price increase between the AT2500 to the AT8500 as a guide.

[htc8p]

i think the PO2500 will still be around since some people will not be able to wear a larger sized PO

its still a long wait for next year.

[HoustonGuy76]

Someone explain to this watch neophyte what the difference is between the current movement of the PO versus the proposed 8500 movement. Is it just a matter of them making it in house? If so, what's the real (not perceived) benefit in that?

[Chuck]

how much was the price difference between AT2500 and AT8500?

[htc8p]

from what i read, the new inhouse movement will end up thicker and larger with coaxial and double barrel

the PO is currently 42mm plus lugs making already as big as my PAM

i have tried on the 45.5 mm and it is way too large

[Sporting Lisbon]

Originally Posted by Chuck

how much was the price difference between AT2500 and AT8500?

Originally Posted by HoustonGuy76

Someone explain to this watch neophyte what the difference is between the current movement of the PO versus the proposed 8500 movement. Is it just a matter of them making it in house? If so, what's the real (not perceived) benefit in that?

We need some help here please :D

[jmsrolls]

The 39mm cal 2500 AT had a MSRP of $2950.

The MSRP of the 38.5mm cal 8500 is $4850 for a difference of $1900.

Add another $1K or so for the ceramic bezel and expect the 2011 Planet Ocean to retail for $6500-$7000 compared to the current MSRP of $7375 for a black Sub-C.

Fr. John†

[jmsrolls]

As for the differences in the movements, here is part of the original press release:

BIENNE/Geneva, 24 January 2007. Always at the forefront of technical innovations and renowned as the watchmaking company which produced the first-ever industrialised movement, OMEGA presented its exclusive in-house manufacture calibre 8500/8501 to a select audience during a press conference which took place today at the Cité du Temps in Geneva.
Replete with technologically- advanced features, the new automatic movement is a COSC*-certified chronometer comprising 202 completely redesigned components. It is naturally equipped with an upgraded version of OMEGA’s proprietary Co-Axial technology guaranteeing prolonged timekeeping accuracy and reliability over time. This virtuoso 13-lines movement has two barrels which increase the energy source to provide greater stability, thus ensuring an impressive 60-hour power reserve. These attributes are complemented by a bi-directional self-winding mechanism and a time-zone function which enables the precision to be maintained when the hour hand is set. The intricate beauty of the mechanism is echoed in the luxurious decorative finish as fine black screws complement the delicate snail-wave engravings. This movement is also available with an 18 ct red gold rotor and balance bridge (calibre 8501).

Basically, the 8500 movement was designed around the co-axial escapement and incorporates other state of the art horological technology.

On the other hand, the 2500 movement is the "tried and true" cal 1120 with the addition of the co-axial escapement. Omega chose the 1120 as the "test-bed" for the co-axial back in the late 1990's incorporating it in the DeVille, Constellation, and Aqua Terra lines. Early examples experienced problems primarily due to over lubrication which resulted in modifications to the movement with 2500B and 2500C versions.

Although some seem to continue to experience problems with the 2500 movement, I have owned seven since 2004 and all have been very accurate and reliable.

Fr. John†

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by HoustonGuy76

Someone explain to this watch neophyte what the difference is between the current movement of the PO versus the proposed 8500 movement. Is it just a matter of them making it in house? If so, what's the real (not perceived) benefit in that?

The cal. 2500 was basically a modified version of the previous generation cal. 1120, which itself is based on the ETA cal. 2892. The Co-Axial escapement was effectively added on and the beat rate was reduced, but initially had a few teething problems with the A and B versions. We're now on the C version, and it has proved itself as very accurate and dependable.

The cal. 8500 was designed specifically with the Co-Axial escapement in mind, and as such, should be a better match for it. The size of the movement has increased slightly (which is why, in the Constellation range, for example, Omega are running a two-tier system where the cal. 2500 powers the slightly smaller men's size models, whilst the cal. 8500 powers the larger size ones), and it is a much more decorated movement. Omega wanted to make it more exclusive as well, hence the decision to stop basing it's Co-Axial movements on ETA ebauches. It has the potential to be a very, very good movement, but in my experience, there are one or two reliability issues at present.

Hope this helps

Chris

[Sporting Lisbon]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

The cal. 2500 was basically a modified version of the previous generation cal. 1120, which itself is based on the ETA cal. 2892. The Co-Axial escapement was effectively added on and the beat rate was reduced, but initially had a few teething problems with the A and B versions. We're now on the C version, and it has proved itself as very accurate and dependable.

The cal. 8500 was designed specifically with the Co-Axial escapement in mind, and as such, should be a better match for it. The size of the movement has increased slightly (which is why, in the Constellation range, for example, Omega are running a two-tier system where the cal. 2500 powers the slightly smaller men's size models, whilst the cal. 8500 powers the larger size ones), and it is a much more decorated movement. Omega wanted to make it more exclusive as well, hence the decision to stop basing it's Co-Axial movements on ETA ebauches. It has the potential to be a very, very good movement, but in my experience, there are one or two reliability issues at present.

Hope this helps

Chris

Hey there Chris!

thank you so much for your answer.

Let me ask you a last question, in your opinion is it worth to buy the actual version, or waite 1 more year ?

As it will probably cost 40% more, and as you said that it probably wont be as reliability as the present model, i am not feeling that bad buying it right now! What ya think?


Please help me

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Sporting Lisbon

Hey there Chris!

thank you so much for your answer.

Let me ask you a last question, in your opinion is it worth to buy the actual version, or waite 1 more year ?

As it will probably cost 40% more, and as you said that it probably wont be as reliability as the present model, i am not feeling that bad buying it right now! What ya think?


Please help me

In my honest opinion, the current Planet Ocean is an excellent watch. It feels like a watch built to be used properly, and the price makes it a very interesting prospect too. As you say, the implementation of the cal. 8500 and the possible use of ceramic as well is going to make the price balloon, and put it squarely in the firing line of the Sub-C, and at that kind of price, I'd pick the Rolex.

So my advice would be to buy the current model, as I really don't think there's anything out there right now that can match it in terms of features for the money.

[Sporting Lisbon]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

In my honest opinion, the current Planet Ocean is an excellent watch. It feels like a watch built to be used properly, and the price makes it a very interesting prospect too. As you say, the implementation of the cal. 8500 and the possible use of ceramic as well is going to make the price balloon, and put it squarely in the firing line of the Sub-C, and at that kind of price, I'd pick the Rolex.

So my advice would be to buy the current model, as I really don't think there's anything out there right now that can match it in terms of features for the money.

Thats how the WIS talk

Thank you so much mate!

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Sporting Lisbon

Thats how the WIS talk

Thank you so much mate!

No problem, anytime

[Chuck]

thanks so much for the advice... i think i will be getting the current 42mm PO as well...

[HoustonGuy76]

Newbie question...what does "WIS" mean?

[himmelblau]

watch idiot savant, WIS

Brian