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19 April 2007

OMEGA Planet Ocean ‘Orange Mécanique’ Co-Axial Chronograph

This year, OMEGA adds a further twist to the high-jewellery Planet Ocean with the arrival of the ‘Orange Mécanique’ Co-Axial Chronograph. In this stunning and glamorous new version, zesty orange sapphires and white diamonds adorn a fully functional chronograph. True to Omega’s exceptional spirit of excellence this COSC certified chronometer and chronograph retains many of the original diver’s watch functions, including a helium escape valve and water resistance to 600 metres/2000 feet.

The captivating combination of extravagant gem stones and superior engineering make for a beautiful yet fully functional watch. The white gold dial is overlaid with black mother-of-pearl creating an attractive dark blue shade that stands out against the bright orange of the alligator strap and the baguette cut sapphires on the bezel. The hours are marked by baguette cut diamonds that alternate with the orange Arabic numerals. The chronograph thirty minute and hour totalisers are positioned at 3 and 6 o’clock while the small seconds is located at 9 o’clock.

Should you wish to take this bejewelled chronograph to the darkest depths of the ocean, the facetted rhodium-plated arrowhead hour and minute hands will be visible thanks to the Super-LumiNova coating. Furthermore, the 45.5 mm stainless steel case features both a screw-in crown and case back, the latter is decorated with the Seamaster seahorse medallion. Water-resistant to a depth of 600 metres (2,000 feet), the Planet Ocean ‘Orange Mécanique’ chronograph is equipped with a helium escape valve positioned at 10 o’clock and embossed with the chemical symbol for helium “He”. The helium escape valve allows any atoms of this gas that may have accumulated to escape preserving the watch and the movement from potential decompression damage.

At this level of luxury, choice is everything so the white gold bezel is available in five different alluring combinations of baguette cut diamonds and orange sapphires. The bezel options are: all orange sapphires; sapphires alternating with diamonds at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock; an uninterrupted row of diamonds from 12 to 3 o’clock and sapphires from 3 to 12 o’clock; an uninterrupted row of sapphires from 12 to 3 o’clock and diamonds from 3 to 12 o’clock; or finally one diamond to every two sapphires.

The Planet Ocean Chronograph is driven by the Calibre 3313, a self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of 52 hours. The Co-Axial escapement, proprietary of OMEGA technology, considerably reduces friction in the heart of the watch mechanism and offers improved long-term reliability and accuracy. A free-sprung balance further improves this COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certified chronometer. The column-wheel mechanism serves to perfect the chronograph’s performance. It ensures a smooth start to the sweep of the seconds hand when the chronograph is activated and provides precision stop and reset functions. The rhodium-plated movement has been given a luxurious finish and the bridges are decorated with attractive circular graining, Geneva waves and gold-plated engraving.

The dial is enclosed behind a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides for optimum clarity. This model is presented on an orange alligator strap with a stainless steel foldover clasp.