GMT Master vs Planet Ocean GMT

[Nsingh]

Hello All. I recently purchased a brand new GMT II ceramic from David SW who is the best person to buy from on the forum! I haven't pulled off the plastics, sized it, etc. yet as I figured I would celebrate with it on my B-Day coming up in a couple weeks. As it remains in an untouched virgin state, I have been contemplating whether I should keep it or get something else. Today I happened to be at a client location that is very close to the Omega Boutique in Troy Michigan. I encountered the below Omega Seasmaster Planet Ocean GMT caliber 8605 43mm.

It's a nice watch (or timepiece as the boutique specialists call it...) IMHO nicer than the regular 42 mm PO 8500 caliber. I had the new 8500 caliber and flipped it cause I was not wowed by the matte ceremic bezel and matte dial. This watch on the other hand had a great glossy bezel and dial.





As well as I loved the finish on the new PO GMT, I can't say I am a big fan of the size. The watch is way too top heavy for my taste. I love the fit and feel of the sub-C & gmt-II C..they fit like a glove! I remember proper sizing on my PO 8500 was a real pain.

The bezel is nice but definately lacks real estate, seems cramped and doesnt wow like the GMT Master II.

I have to say that I feel much better now and will stick with the GMT Master II...no buyers remorse whatsoever



I also tried on the PO Chronograph 9300 caliber. Great looking watch but way too big! Just can't see a watch of that size becoming a timeless icon....I am sure it would be a very uncomfortable as an all-day wearer. Here is a picture...as you can tell - way to big for my 7 inch wrist!!




I am also convinced that the Omega I currently do own is the best in terms of look, feel, and finish. The SMP 300M Ceramic. Great watch at an excellent price point....I suggest for others to check it out! Hope you enjoyed my post!

[versatile1]

I have to ask, what kind of money are they asking for the Omega GMT?

[Piloto]

Two thumbs up here. That PO GMT is beautiful, but...

At 43mm it looks like a wall clock.

[Jack T]

Here is my PO 2201.59, predecessor to the PO 8500. Yes, it is tall, and at 42mm has become the largest timepiece I am likely to ever own. But...aesthetically I feel it is more appealing than its Submariner counterpart; it may not have the Rolex panache, but it's value is incomparable.

[Nsingh]

MSRP on the PO GMT is 7800. Only 650 less than a brand new GMT at an AD. I doubt any of the trusted sellers can get their hands on it yet. I wouldn't be surprised in the next 6 months you can pick one up 25 to 30% off msrp.

[Nsingh]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Here is my PO 2201.59, predecessor to the PO 8500. Yes, it is tall, and at 42mm has become the largest timepiece I am likely to ever own. But...aesthetically I feel it is more appealing than its Submariner counterpart; it may not have the Rolex panache, but it's value is incomparable.

Jack - I loved the old PO..I had a 45mm and I am also a big Omega fan. I should have not flipped it for the new PO..the old PO wore much more comfortably!

[KBM]

Some great photos of great watches. Thanks for sharing.

[honeybear]

The Omega I really want is the Great White with the sword hands, and the less fussy bracelet.

[Rolexitis]

Nice choice. I love my gmt2c

[SUBversive]

Love omega but have to say, the rolex gmt is the winner.

[toulouse]

Rolex wins. I like Omegas though.

[Billywiz]

Rolex for me every time zero hesitation.

[peitron]

I waited patiently for the new Omega caliber GMT, and postponed pulling the trigger on the GMT Master IIc for almost two years. When the PO GMT was finally announced I did like the OP and called DavidSW.

At that price point, Omega would have to really wow me, and the watch simply didn't do it for me.

18mm thick? That's just obscene.

Helium valve and 600m depth rating on a watch without a diving bezel? WTF?

I'm very happy with my choice, imho the best GMT in the market today.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[lig]

GMT2C is in the top 3 of my favorite modern Rolex models available. I'd keep it but hey - it's *your* birthday - do what you like!

[psv]

I really want to love that Omega GMT Planet Ocean, but after tryin it on I'm definitely sticking to my GMTIIC. It is too big (43.5mm) and thick (18mm) for my wrist/taste, and I could have done without the HEV. It also need some type of bracelet micro adjustment.

Having said that, Omega is really uping the ante with nice releases, innovation on the movement front etc, and I'm all for competition.

[GermanyMatt]

I also tried on the PO GMT (in blue) and was surprised at just how top-heavy the watch felt, and how thick it is. It was not a balanced watch by any stretch of the imagination - there is no forgetting that you have this watch on your wrist. If it was a couple of mm thinner, a bit smaller, and about 2,000 less on the MSRP side, Omega would have a winner.
I had one of the previous PO's with the 2500D movement, but ended up selling it when I got my SubC. IMO, the previous PO is a fantastic value.

[MAJSmith]

Originally Posted by Piloto

Two thumbs up here. That PO GMT is beautiful, but...

At 43mm it looks like a wall clock.

I had the same issue. My last watch was a PO and at 42mm, it was at the limit of what I was comfortable with on my less than 7-inch wrist. When I started shopping for a GMT, the 43mm was just a bit too much. Fortunately I came across a circa 1994 Rolex GMT Master II and my problems were solved.

[htc8p]

PO is a dive watch having a thick case for a gmt just wont cut it.

[Latrodectus]

I would keep the GMTIIc

[gmtm2]

Originally Posted by Latrodectus

I would keep the GMTIIc

x 2!!

[DJF881]

I agree that the 600m waterproof case with the helium escape valve makes no sense on a GMT. The 42mm PO compares better to the Sub than their GMT does to Rolex's. But I'd definitely have to think twice about the 42mm diver as compared to any Rolex sport model.

[Rashid.bk]

GMTC for me. Omega has been making skyscraper watches lately and this one is another. I don't mind one tall watch but can't support a fleet and my one is my Deepsea, had an 8500 and sold it because of it's thickness.

It's a shame as I really like everything about the new Omegas, aesthetics, movements and engineering, haven't heard of a PO ceramic breaking. I got rid of my PO 2500, huge mistake, I'll be looking to add it again. Mega bonus if I could run into the 2500 LMLE.

[threemonkeys]

GMT is a sweet choice. Thanks for the fun read.

[Urosfan]

Gmt all the way

[travisb]

Good choice in sticking with the Rolex GMT-C.

[andyboy39]

Omega is an excellent brand, but for me GMT all day err day...

[HL65]

Keep GMT!

[Singslinger]

Nice post - I enjoyed reading it!

And yes, great watches!

[kenn18]

I was thinking of flipping my GMT IIc Two Tone for this PO GMT, haven't seen the actual one yet.. but if it's 18mm thick, that's like wearing a handcuff! Guess I'll have to scrap the idea and keep the Rolex GMT!

[Ardalan]

I like PO Chrono and GMT better.