Breitling Superocean vs Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
Two serious dive watches go head-to-head in an in-depth comparison.
Breitling Superocean vs Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
The Breitling Superocean II 44 and the Omega Planet Ocean 600m Master Chronometer are two very popular dive watches and each has their own fan base who will swear by their model of choice. How do you know which is the best for you and for your individual needs though?
Let’s compare and review two watches with similar aesthetic features from each of these collections and see how they differ “under-the-hood”. We will then compare what they have in common and take it all into consideration to find out which is the best choice for you and your needs.
We’ll take two models that come on a stainless steel case with a steel bracelet and a black dial. The first model we’ll look at is the Omega Planet Ocean 600m Master Chronometer reference # 215.30.44.21.01.001.
Here are the highlights and proprietary features that you will find on the Omega Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial Master Chronometer watch but not on a Breitling Superocean II 44 watch:
- Helium escape valve (this is used to release microscopic helium molecules that accumulate in the crystal when using a diving bell)
- Omega Co-Axial escapement (this helps to provide better accuracy and longer intervals between routine maintenance and factory servicing)
- Si14 silicon balance spring. One of Omega’s many ways of fighting magnetic waves from negatively affecting the watch’s movement and its precision.
- METAS certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology which tests the watch in real life on-wrist conditions and attesting to the water resistance, precision and magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss units. These tests are conducted by a third-party lab after the caliber had already undergone testing by COSC and received a COSC certification and the Chronometer designation.
- 50% longer power reserve duration (approx. 60-hours compared to the Breitling’s 40-hours) thanks to the Omega caliber 8900 automatic movement’s twin barrels.
- Transparent sapphire crystal case back that lets you see the movement in action.
- Green colored luminous fill on the dot at the starting point of the bezel and blue luminous fill for the index hours markers and hands.
- Black zirconium oxide ceramic dial with a high gloss finish.
- Black ceramic filled stainless steel one-directional rotating bezel with Liquidmetal diving scale numerals and markings.
- The stainless steel bracelet has a push-button micro-adjustment feature built into the clasp that allows you to make small adjustments to the size.
While this appears to be a pretty long list of added features, these added features come at a price. You’ll find a Breitling Superocean II 44 such as the model a17392d71b1a1 depicted here, has a retail list price of around $4,200 while the Omega Planet Ocean shown here (model 215.30.44.21.01.001) costs over one and a half times that price.
Does the Breitling Superocean II 44 have features that outshine the Omega Planet Ocean 600m? Certainly!
- The Superocean II 44 has a water resistance that is significantly greater than the Omega PO. The Breitling offers 1000m/3300ft of water resistance VS the 600m/2000ft of water resistance that the Omega Planet Ocean has.
- The Breitling also has a slightly thinner profile with a case thickness of 14.20mm compared to the Omega’s 16.04mm.
- The Superocean II 44 has more pronounced crown guards. This kind of has the appearance of some popular dive watches such as the Rolex Submariner, Deepsea or Sea-Dweller. The Omega, on the other hand, doesn’t. This is just a matter of personal taste but worth mentioning.
- A more visible date window with an easier to read font and color.
- Professional III stainless steel band which has slightly wider than usual center links.
- A lower price tag; while this is not a feature per se, it’s something people often consider.
One thing to consider if you are very particular about the looks of your watch. The Breitling Superocean II 44 collection only has about 6 watches in the collection and most look very similar with slight variations on the dial color and band color. The Omega Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial Master Chronometer 43.5mm series has a larger selection and with more variety of styles and some with some really sporty looking straps as well such as the model below.
Now let’s compare what these two watches have in common.
- Both watches can handle some serious underwater depths. Typically, any watch with 500m/1650ft and up water resistance rating is intended for serious diving. Both these watches surpass that threshold of water resistance rating.
- Both watches have Chronometer designations and come with a COSC certification for its high precision. While Omega has a second designation from METAS, a COSC certified Chronometer means it is a highly precise mechanical movement.
- Both watches come on a satin-finished stainless steel bracelet.
- Both have a case diameter that is nearly identical with the Planet Ocean 600m falling only a half a millimeter short of the Superoceans 44mm size.
- Both watches have highly legible dials with luminous hands and hour markers/numerals.
- Both watches are made by recognized brands that have been around for quite some time.
- Both Breitling and Omega have a 5-year warranty on their watches
Summary
Both manufacturers make excellent dive watches. With regards to water resistance, the Breitling can handle more pressure on the case but in terms of almost every other feature regarding the mechanical movement, Omega is a few steps ahead. Omega is also a more recognizable brand. Then again these come at a higher cost. Want to see more? Use the buttons below to browse each of these collections.
