For a watch company firmly rooted in a nation many miles from the nearest coastline, OMEGA's passion for the ocean is boundless. Our connection to the sea has taken us to extraordinary places. It's a fascinating story - and we're proud to share it with you.
OMEGA'S OCEAN HISTORY
Decades before venturing into space, OMEGA set out to explore the sea. In that time we have played a significant role in ocean exploration and will no doubt continue to do so, as the huge body of water that claims two thirds of our planet remains one of earth's great mysteries.
1932
The Dive Begins
OMEGA’s diving watches are amongst the most trusted and innovative in the world. See where that story began, with the pioneering Marine timepiece of 1932.
1948
The Seamaster is born
Since 1948, the Seamaster has been the ultimate choice for “town, sea and country.” Discover its World War II origins and its legacy beneath the ocean.
1957
Diving icons of OMEGA
As explorers have gone deeper into the ocean, OMEGA has followed them with increasing excellence. Discover the evolution of our most important diving watches.
2019
Reaching the Challenger Deep
In 2019, the OMEGA Seamaster was part of a World Record dive to the deepest place on Earth. See how our “Ultra Deep” survived the greatest challenge imaginable.
The Making of a diving legacy
1932
1932 - The Marine
1932
The Marine
The world’s first divers’ watch available to civilian divers was characterised by a clever double case design. Water-resistance was insured by a leather disc on the inner case, which was then hermetically sealed against the outer case when it was locked by the steel locking system. The artificial sapphire crystal was also 10 times more resistant than ordinary glass.
1948 - The First Seamaster
1948
The First Seamaster
The watchmaking expertise that OMEGA acquired during World War II was transformed into an elegant collection for everyday wear. Reliable, tough and resistant to water, the first Seamaster was defined by its strong case and thick lungs, as well as its long leaf-shaped hands, which all combined to create a robust yet sophisticated sports watch.
1957 - The Seamaster 300
1957
The Seamaster 300
OMEGA’s first professional divers’ watch was loved for its exceptional reliability and easy-to-read display, which included a black dial, luminous indexes, and large hands. The diving bezel was built with a special safety feature to prevent accidental turning, while the "Naiad" star on the crown symbolised the ingenious high-pressure water-proofing system.
1963 - The Seamaster 300 2nd Generation
1963
The Seamaster 300 2nd Generation
The evolution of the Seamaster 300 was distinctive for its uncluttered legibility, including luminous baton hands and large tritium indexes. Even the British Royal Navy relied on Seamaster 300s like these for support on the ocean, with the thicker bezel ensuring clear readability deep down beneath the waves.
1971 - The Seamaster 600 "Ploprof"
1971
The Seamaster 600 "Ploprof"
Created to withstand the ocean’s most crushing pressures, the ingenious Ploprof is known for its monocoque case, which prevents the entry of helium atoms, and which houses a system of over-compressed gaskets for exceptional performance. For advanced safety, the crown is protected by a large locking nut, while the red button controls the locking system of the bezel.
1972 - The Seamaster Diver 120m
1972
The Seamaster Diver 120m
In radiant blue, this model represents the first divers’ chronograph that was water-resistant to 120 metres. The substantial case includes push-buttons that remain perfectly functional at the watch’s promised depth, while on the dial, the design reveals an elaborate inner bezel and an orange tipped central-seconds hand for superb visibility.
1976 - The Seamaster 1000
1976
The Seamaster 1000
Until 2009, this was the most water-resistant model ever manufactured by OMEGA. It was built for professionals with major explorations in mind and was released to the public after several years of intensive testing. The thick "Pilot Line" case was purposedly curved to fit the diver's wrist and a ribbed caseback ensured that the watch remained firm against a wetsuit.
1993 - Professional Diver 300m
1993
Professional Diver 300m
The Diver 300M marked OMEGA’s triumphant return to the world of diving watches. In design, the watch was notable for its waved dial, skeletonised hands, perfectly circular indexes and a helium escape valve for serious explorations. Worn since 1995 by James Bond, the Diver 300M has also established a stylish legacy beyond the sea.
2005 - Seamaster Planet Ocean
2005
Seamaster Planet Ocean
The original Planet Ocean was inspired by the design of the Seamaster 300 from 1957, but established its own unique character through bold orange colouring, a water-resistance of 600 metres, as well as the revolutionary Co-Axial Calibre 2500, which enhanced long-term performance and set the course for the Seamasters of the future.
2022 - Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
2022
Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
Following a World Record dive in 2019, the “world’s deepest watch” has returned with a full 6,000 metre collection. Built in a variety of colours and using robust materials such as Grade 5 Titanium and new O-MEGASTEEL, each piece delivers incredible strength, ocean technology and precision for the most serious underwater expeditions.
1932 - The Marine
1932
The Marine
The world’s first divers’ watch available to civilian divers was characterised by a clever double case design. Water-resistance was insured by a leather disc on the inner case, which was then hermetically sealed against the outer case when it was locked by the steel locking system. The artificial sapphire crystal was also 10 times more resistant than ordinary glass.
1948 - The First Seamaster
1948
The First Seamaster
The watchmaking expertise that OMEGA acquired during World War II was transformed into an elegant collection for everyday wear. Reliable, tough and resistant to water, the first Seamaster was defined by its strong case and thick lungs, as well as its long leaf-shaped hands, which all combined to create a robust yet sophisticated sports watch.
1957 - The Seamaster 300
1957
The Seamaster 300
OMEGA’s first professional divers’ watch was loved for its exceptional reliability and easy-to-read display, which included a black dial, luminous indexes, and large hands. The diving bezel was built with a special safety feature to prevent accidental turning, while the "Naiad" star on the crown symbolised the ingenious high-pressure water-proofing system.
1963 - The Seamaster 300 2nd Generation
1963
The Seamaster 300 2nd Generation
The evolution of the Seamaster 300 was distinctive for its uncluttered legibility, including luminous baton hands and large tritium indexes. Even the British Royal Navy relied on Seamaster 300s like these for support on the ocean, with the thicker bezel ensuring clear readability deep down beneath the waves.
1971 - The Seamaster 600 "Ploprof"
1971
The Seamaster 600 "Ploprof"
Created to withstand the ocean’s most crushing pressures, the ingenious Ploprof is known for its monocoque case, which prevents the entry of helium atoms, and which houses a system of over-compressed gaskets for exceptional performance. For advanced safety, the crown is protected by a large locking nut, while the red button controls the locking system of the bezel.
1972 - The Seamaster Diver 120m
1972
The Seamaster Diver 120m
In radiant blue, this model represents the first divers’ chronograph that was water-resistant to 120 metres. The substantial case includes push-buttons that remain perfectly functional at the watch’s promised depth, while on the dial, the design reveals an elaborate inner bezel and an orange tipped central-seconds hand for superb visibility.
1976 - The Seamaster 1000
1976
The Seamaster 1000
Until 2009, this was the most water-resistant model ever manufactured by OMEGA. It was built for professionals with major explorations in mind and was released to the public after several years of intensive testing. The thick "Pilot Line" case was purposedly curved to fit the diver's wrist and a ribbed caseback ensured that the watch remained firm against a wetsuit.
1993 - Professional Diver 300m
1993
Professional Diver 300m
The Diver 300M marked OMEGA’s triumphant return to the world of diving watches. In design, the watch was notable for its waved dial, skeletonised hands, perfectly circular indexes and a helium escape valve for serious explorations. Worn since 1995 by James Bond, the Diver 300M has also established a stylish legacy beyond the sea.
2005 - Seamaster Planet Ocean
2005
Seamaster Planet Ocean
The original Planet Ocean was inspired by the design of the Seamaster 300 from 1957, but established its own unique character through bold orange colouring, a water-resistance of 600 metres, as well as the revolutionary Co-Axial Calibre 2500, which enhanced long-term performance and set the course for the Seamasters of the future.
2022 - Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
2022
Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
Following a World Record dive in 2019, the “world’s deepest watch” has returned with a full 6,000 metre collection. Built in a variety of colours and using robust materials such as Grade 5 Titanium and new O-MEGASTEEL, each piece delivers incredible strength, ocean technology and precision for the most serious underwater expeditions.
Innovation for the ocean
Omega at depth
Innovation for the ocean
At OMEGA, our designs are drawn from the deep, not plucked from thin air. It is the needs of professional divers that drives our technology. We consult first - and then we dive in.
Water resistant
For a divers' watch to remain water resistant at depth, it must survive crushing pressures. At OMEGA, we test our divers' watches in water at a minimum depth of 30 bar (300 m/1000 ft) depending on the model. For extra security, we then add 25% more pressure as set by international standards.
Helium valve
When working at great depths, professional divers stay in a diving bell and breathe a mixture of gases containing a high proportion of Helium (He). The escape valve prevents He molecules, which expand during decompression, from popping the crystal face and caseback of the watch.
The unidirectional rotating bezel
A unidirectional 60min diving bezel makes it easy for a diver to measure elapsed time, while preventing them from accidentally rotating it the wrong way and miscalculating their dive time. A notable exception to this is the Ploprof, which has a bidirectional bezel but features a security pusher to lock it firmly in place.
Luminescent hands, indexes and dot
Underwater, it can go from daylight to dark in an instant, so the different hands on the watch must be clearly distinguishable and the display uncomplicated and easy-to-read. All OMEGA divers' watches feature a luminescent dot on the bezel to mark the start-time of a dive.
Shock & scratch resistant
Diving is filled with unforeseen hazards, especially when exploring caves, shipwrecks and reefs. OMEGA's 'NIVACHOC' system protects the watch's regulatory organ, so that it remains functional even if knocked against hard surfaces. Protecting the dial is the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Extendable bracelet
A divers' watch must fit tightly around the wrist, so it's crucial that the bracelet extends to make extra room for the thickness of the diving suit.
Antimagnetic
Magnetic forces in electronic devices used on land, on deck and even under the sea, can throw a divers' timepiece out of synch. What's more, diving equipment often includes magnetic devices. So it is a force that must be resisted.
Pushers that work perfectly underwater
A pusher needs to work perfectly at depth, without letting water into the watch. This technological challenge has been met head-on by OMEGA.
Water resistant
1 / 8
Water resistant
For a divers' watch to remain water resistant at depth, it must survive crushing pressures. At OMEGA, we test our divers' watches in water at a minimum depth of 30 bar (300 m/1000 ft) depending on the model. For extra security, we then add 25% more pressure as set by international standards.
Helium valve
2 / 8
Helium valve
When working at great depths, professional divers stay in a diving bell and breathe a mixture of gases containing a high proportion of Helium (He). The escape valve prevents He molecules, which expand during decompression, from popping the crystal face and caseback of the watch.
Diver bezel
3 / 8
The unidirectional rotating bezel
A unidirectional 60min diving bezel makes it easy for a diver to measure elapsed time, while preventing them from accidentally rotating it the wrong way and miscalculating their dive time. A notable exception to this is the Ploprof, which has a bidirectional bezel but features a security pusher to lock it firmly in place.
Brightness
4 / 8
Luminescent hands, indexes and dot
Underwater, it can go from daylight to dark in an instant, so the different hands on the watch must be clearly distinguishable and the display uncomplicated and easy-to-read. All OMEGA divers' watches feature a luminescent dot on the bezel to mark the start-time of a dive.
Toughness
5 / 8
Shock & scratch resistant
Diving is filled with unforeseen hazards, especially when exploring caves, shipwrecks and reefs. OMEGA's 'NIVACHOC' system protects the watch's regulatory organ, so that it remains functional even if knocked against hard surfaces. Protecting the dial is the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Extension
6 / 8
Extendable bracelet
A divers' watch must fit tightly around the wrist, so it's crucial that the bracelet extends to make extra room for the thickness of the diving suit.
Anti-magnetic
7 / 8
Antimagnetic
Magnetic forces in electronic devices used on land, on deck and even under the sea, can throw a divers' timepiece out of synch. What's more, diving equipment often includes magnetic devices. So it is a force that must be resisted.
Pushers
8 / 8
Pushers that work perfectly underwater
A pusher needs to work perfectly at depth, without letting water into the watch. This technological challenge has been met head-on by OMEGA.
OUR OCEAN-INSPIRED WATCHES
For scuba divers content to explore the depths to more human-friendly levels, OMEGA has produced an exceptional range of divers’ watches packed with exceptional technology.
