zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: sorry to post almost the same message again but
: i am not computer literate.i am looking for
: a watch that i can wear a lot,and still hand
: down to my son later.i like the p.o. and the
: blue and white a.t.are the movements the
: same?i think i may be obsessed with these
: watches.this will also be my first omega.i
: currently own a tissot.i can only afford to
: buy one omega for now,so i want to make sure
: i get the right one.thank you john r.for
: hooking me up with your a.d.

The Planet Ocean and the newest production Aqua Terras both have the exact same movement, caliber 2500C. So, you are getting the same movement regardless of which watch you buy. Let me try to summarize the major differences as best I can to help you decide:

1) The Aqua Terra is a bit dressier, and it has no bezel (unlike the Planet Ocean).

2) The Aqua Terra retails for $2795 vs. $3195 for the Planet Ocean (current prices that will go up Feb. 1)

3) The Aqua Terra has a see-through sapphire caseback. The Planet Ocean has a steel caseback.

4) The Aqua Terra is water resistant to 150 meters, the PO is 600 meters.

5) The Planet Ocean has an anti-reflective coating on both sides of the crystal, while the Aqua Terra's is on the inside only. The outer coating can scratch, so many people have been unhappy with it. It does reduce extra glare, but at the price of reducing "scratch resistance".

6) The PO has a dual push button deployment clasp. The AT has a single button deployment clasp that blends in as part of the bracelet.

7) Both watches have all brushed bracelets and look nearly identical to the untrained eye.

8) The PO is a more serious dive watch, since it has much more luminova on the dial and hands and much greater water resistance. The PO also has very nice applied dial markers that give it a more sophisticated look.

9) The PO has the helium relief valve, which you will probably never use.

All in all, I would not hesitate to recommend either watch. Both have been excellent sellers for Omega and are considered exceptional values for the money. They both have a superb movement with a co-axial escapement, and they both have that "timeless classic" look to them. Just look at both of them - do you think that 20 years from now either of them will look horribly dated? How long has the Rolex Submariner been around, virtually unchanged?

I would look both watches over very carefully at an AD, consider your lifestyle (if you need a serious dive watch or a more dressy watch with no bezel), and pick the one that YOU like best. If you do buy an Aqua Terra, just make sure you order one with caliber 2500C to ensure you get the newest version. 2500C is in ALL Planet Oceans.

Best of luck.

-John

P.S. After 24 hours my new Aqua Terra is dead-on with the atomic clock, so if this is any indication of the 2500C's accuracy, I'd say it's a winner!!!!