Planet Ocean Chronograph Master Chronometer Cal.9900 Review, thoughts and action pics

[Mystro]

It's been awhile since I did a in-depth Omega review as the forum veterans will remember my PO 2500 series of info and tutorials. Well, "I am back baby" to quote Frank Costanza. My search for a Alpha hi function Diver has led me right back to the spectacular Omega Planet Ocean Chronograph Master Chronometer.



I own many brands of watches that fill different rolls in my collection. Many Rolex Panerai, etc... As a diver that dives with ALL my diver watches, I needed a full function ultra diver to fill the gap from my light weight divers I use a lot on free dives like my Panerai Pam 661 Carbotech. In the world of alpha divers only a few rise to the top of the list like the DSSD, POC, etc...



These are the well overengineered, no compromise, hard core divers that are not designed to look good with a suit or even fit under a suit cuff.
I narrowed it down to the JC DSSD and the new POCMC. To me they represent the very best of what they do. The POC nudged out the amazing Ploprof simply because it does more functions and represents Omegas best of the best movement technology.

Obviously Omega was the ultimate winner of the ultra divers for many reasons I will explain. I also want to add I am NOT a price point buyer. I buy my watches to wear and use. The best watch won on its technical and build quality merits for my needs. Looks are subjective but the dial to bezel ratio is significantly better on the POC. Even though there is alot going on with the POC face, it is large and spread out enough to look symmetrical and easy to read even under water.



Omega Planet Ocean Chronograph Master Chronometer 215.30.46.51.002


I always buy my Omega dive watches on the bracelet as its cheaper to get a rubber strap than the bracelet. I plan on keeping the POC on the bracelet. Resizing the excellent bracelet was easy with the correct screw driver and pin pusher.



Note how the screwdriver head fits all the way down into the screw. This is how you dont mark up your screws. I cant stress to use a good screwdriver. (FYI Panerai screwdriver is too thick)



A major game changer since my last PO2500 is the micro adjusting clasp similar to my Subs and SD43. I took out enough links so that the watch fits how I typically wear it. One adjustment from the tightest out of 6 micro positions in the clasp. This allows me to use a 3mm wetsuit with a quick micro adjustment all the way out and avoid the divers extension all together. I also can make the bracelet fit tighter in snowy weather.




I wanted to get a few dives in with my new POC to give some real world feedback. First I noticed that the sapphire case back is brilliant on a diver this hard core. It also feels better against the wrist spreading out its 45mm size better than the SD43 for me. The pic speaks for itself compared to the boring Rolex case back. Its not a liability so why not give the owner some visual enjoyment. (FYI Sapphire does not transmit temperature like metal so it may actually be a tangible asset).



The new METAS independent standard of accuracy is on another level for a production watch and Omega's fit and finish is outstanding. Build quality is a work of art from the ceramic dial, ceramic bezel, hands, markers, lume, etc... I can go on and on why the new POC looks and feels superior to the competition. The PO signature orange rubber inlay on the ceramic bezel is seamless and looks like a matt ceramic. The orange "pop" so much better and is a clear advantage when reading under the water. It is hard to take a accurate pic as my camera tends to over saturate the actual color.




IMO, this orange addition to the bezel is a game changer in real diving function. Its so much easier to read over any dive watch I have used. Size of the big 45mm POC is not as big of a deal as other make it out to be. Its 19mm thick but it is spread out over a 45mm watch. This is like the Rolex DSSD 17.7mm spread out on its smaller size.
Weight of my POC with three links out is about 220g. Thats alot lighter than a platinum Rolex and comparable to a 18K Sub so its a non issue. Omega now lets the endlinks point down greatly reducing the overall size as the watch wears on the wrist. Here is it with my Panerai Pam 661 Carbotech 44mm. For a alpha hard core diver, it wears extremely well on my 7" wrist.






The chronograph function is outstanding in function and feel. Button push is firm and crisp and I love that it doesn't need screw down pushers. I have been timing some of my dive gear like battery life, outboard motor run time, etc.. This ability to time sub activities with a dive bezel puts the POC 3 notches above anything else. I cant believe how much I am now timing multiple operations all on one time piece.



I looked up my METAS certification and the results mirror my +.25 seconds a day. Whats amazing is it seems to keep this accuracy/regulation in almost every restion position I have tested it in.



To sum it up this watch is THE alpha diver IMO. It looks the part but it also oozes quality and has major wrist presence. The polished ceramic has a major bling factor without looking like its trying to be a piece of flashy jewelry. Omega has really stepped up to another level in just a few years since my last PO2500. When some brands are coasting on their reputation, Omega is working to improve their watches on every level and raise the standard across the industry.

[DocHolliday]

Excellent review. Thanks for sharing!


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[1William]

Great review of a very cool watch. Now I am going to do some research, that is how it starts.

[uscmatt99]

Great review! I have it's older brother, the POC 8900. I don't dive, but it's my go-to snorkeling watch

I remember some criticisms of Omega for adding complications like a chrono or GMT to a dive watch, that it was disrupting the purity and intent of a dive watch, etc. etc. but I use my chrono function all the time. Usually on land, but sometimes just for kicks in the pool when I'm having a breath holding competition with the kids. To my knowledge, at least when it was released, the POC was one of the few chronos that could be safely used underwater.

Regarding accuracy, I'm jealous of yours. Mine has been rock solid for years now, but wasn't regulated as tightly as it could have been. It's pretty much +4s per day in any position, while being worn, resting on the side, or on a winder. Such a great watch.

The rubber strap with deployant is my personal favorite way to wear this watch, though I miss out on the adjustability of my bracelet where I had the adjustable clasp installed by the boutique. Here's one with my wife's really cool mini-Seamaster.

Native environment by uscmatt99, on Flickr

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by uscmatt99

Great review! I have it's older brother, the POC 8900. I don't dive, but it's my go-to snorkeling watch

I remember some criticisms of Omega for adding complications like a chrono or GMT to a dive watch, that it was disrupting the purity and intent of a dive watch, etc. etc. but I use my chrono function all the time. Usually on land, but sometimes just for kicks in the pool when I'm having a breath holding competition with the kids. To my knowledge, at least when it was released, the POC was one of the few chronos that could be safely used underwater.

Regarding accuracy, I'm jealous of yours. Mine has been rock solid for years now, but wasn't regulated as tightly as it could have been. It's pretty much +4s per day in any position, while being worn, resting on the side, or on a winder. Such a great watch.

The rubber strap with deployant is my personal favorite way to wear this watch, though I miss out on the adjustability of my bracelet where I had the adjustable clasp installed by the boutique. Here's one with my wife's really cool mini-Seamaster.

Native environment by uscmatt99, on Flickr

That looks great. I probably will get the rubber strap just as a option as the PO is designed to look stunning on rubber and a bracelet. The two dial chronograph is a superior design as most eyes are trained to read a clock face faster and easier than multiple dials. To me it’s like wearing two dive watches in one watch. You don’t need a GMT movement with this design so it is really a automatic watch that excels at anything you could possibly throw at it. Other than a Moonphase, there isn’t anything else you could make it do.

As far as accuracy, I think with the Master Chronometer METAS certification now days, the emphasis is on the watch being as accurate as it can and always leaning on the gain time side. I would be happy with +4 as it’s much easier to stop set and hack the watch. When a watch looses time is when most get irritated. We did a poll years back that most would rather have a watch gain +3 to +5 rather than loose -1 second.
I am doing some timing trials now and the results have been impressive to say the least. I am doing a full running chronograph test and the accuracy hasn’t changed at all. I am still getting +.50 in every position with the chrono running. My PO2500 had outstanding accuracy so the capability has always been there.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by 1William

Great review of a very cool watch. Now I am going to do some research, that is how it starts.

Your doomed. I was the same way when looking for a hardcore diver. I own all the other brands and am not a one brand collector.
The POCMC dial to bezel ratio really gives the watch face a lot more room than most other models. The actual viewing area is huge on this watch only to be beaten by non-bezel divers like the Panerai.
You will find the new POCMC stands above all the others in form and function. It’s built way beyond the needs of even the most serious diver but that’s the point here. It’s like the gratuitous 700hp super car that needs no practical explanation to want one. Good luck on your journey.

[Mystro]

Chainsaw tested and approved.



I am seeing a theme here.

[lowmandfl]

Such a great review and awesome photos. Thank you for taking the time to write this. I actually just tried on the PO 9900 black and blue versions. I went in thinking the black was the way to go, but I really liked the all blue version, it was such a great color.

What I noticed was the great balance, and even though the watch is big it was super comfortable. Definitely considering it as my next purchase.

[shalako]

I really like this watch, owned one for a while now and prefer the matching strap option.

[Uppersouth]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Chainsaw tested and approved.



I am seeing a theme here.

Love the matching Kubota, Stihl, Omega orange!

[AlTinkster92]

Beautiful, reminds me of the "Big Blue" back years ago. Enjoy!!!