OMEGA Sport Watches

How to Choose Your Omega Sports Watch

The first criterion is how you intend to use the watch in water, as this will determine which model is best suited to your needs. The Aqua Terra 150M is water-resistant to 150 metres, making it suitable for swimming and everyday wear. The Seamaster Diver 300M, water-resistant to 300 metres, features a unidirectional rotating bezel and a helium escape valve for diving. The Planet Ocean 600M goes even further: it is water-resistant to 600 metres and also features a helium escape valve.

The second criterion is case size, which should be matched to your wrist. The Aqua Terra is available in 38 mm, with a thickness of 12.2 mm, and 41 mm, with a lug-to-lug length of 47.9 mm and a thickness of 13.2 mm. The Diver 300M measures 42 mm in diameter, 49.9 mm from lug to lug and 13.6 mm in thickness. The Planet Ocean is thicker, measuring 43.5 mm in diameter and 16.16 mm in thickness. For a watch that fits discreetly under a shirt cuff, a thickness of less than 14 mm is generally preferable.

The third criterion is power reserve, which is particularly useful if you alternate between several watches. The Diver 300M's Calibre 8800 offers a 55-hour power reserve. The Calibre 8900, found in the 41 mm Aqua Terra and the Planet Ocean, provides up to 60 hours.

Finally, consider the strap or bracelet. Stainless steel is suitable for versatile everyday wear, while rubber is ideal for time spent at sea and sporting activities.

Which Watch Suits Which Lifestyle?

If you wear your watch at the office as well as at the weekend → Aqua Terra 150M.

If you have a slim wrist → Aqua Terra 38 mm.

If you enjoy recreational diving → Seamaster Diver 300M.

If you dive at greater depths or want a robust case → Planet Ocean 600M.

FAQ

Can you swim with an Omega Aqua Terra?

Yes. The Aqua Terra 150M is water-resistant to 150 metres and features a screw-down crown, making it suitable for swimming in a pool or in the sea. For scuba diving, a Diver 300M or Planet Ocean, both equipped with a diving bezel, is a more suitable choice.

What is the purpose of the helium escape valve on a Seamaster?

It allows helium accumulated inside the watch case during saturation diving, practised by professional divers, to escape. For recreational use, there is no need to operate it. It should remain closed while the watch is in the water.

What is the difference between the Diver 300M and the Planet Ocean 600M?

The Diver 300M is thinner, at 13.6 mm, and water-resistant to 300 metres. The Planet Ocean is water-resistant to 600 metres, has a thicker case (approximately 16 mm) and is equipped with the Calibre 8900, which offers a 60-hour power reserve. The choice depends on your wrist size and the diving depths you intend to reach.

Is an Omega sports watch resistant to magnetic fields?

Yes, if it is a Master Chronometer-certified model. The Calibres 8800 and 8900 are certified by METAS and can withstand magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss. Everyday items such as phones, speakers and magnetic clasps therefore do not affect their accuracy under normal conditions.

Should you rinse your watch after swimming in the sea?

Yes, this is recommended. Rinsing the watch with fresh water removes salt and sand that can accumulate around the bezel and bracelet. Make sure the crown is securely screwed down before rinsing, then dry the watch with a soft cloth.

Read more