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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Quartz |
| Case Size | 43.5mm, 45.5mm | 44mm | 43mm | 43mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48.7mm, 51.5mm | 50mm | 47.4mm | 49mm |
| Band | Nato strap, rubber strap, stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap | Leather strap, nato strap |
| Water Resistance | 600m | 200m | 300m | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Omega | Buy Now at Amazon | Buy Now at eBay | Buy Now at AliExpress |
Omega Planet Ocean
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 43.5mm, 45.5mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48.7mm, 51.5mm |
| Band | Nato strap, rubber strap, stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 600m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Omega |
Seapro Scuba 200
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 44mm |
| Lug to Lug | 50mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Amazon |
Christopher Ward C60 Orange Bezel (2010-2019)
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 43mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47.4mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at eBay |
Orkina PO-009
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| Movement | Quartz |
| Case Size | 43mm |
| Lug to Lug | 49mm |
| Band | Leather strap, nato strap |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at AliExpress |
A sum-of-all-Seamasters, the Planet Ocean is like the Megazord of the Omega diver family.
It flaunts a large size, lively dial designs, and impressive specs, which have also earned it the esteem of the pro diving community.
Basically, this watch is a major flex. Another reason it’s a flex is because wearing one means you have (or had) well over 10k to spend on a watch.
Unless you go for one of our six Planet Ocean homages, that is.
More than any of the lookalikes in the market, this edit does the iconic PO justice. Read on to figure out which of them, or the four alternatives, is the best for you.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
I built this list using my years of experience working with every Planet Ocean variant imaginable during my ten years as an auction house professional, as well as collecting watches for myself.
I also deliberated with many watch collectors and specialists in my field, and spent hours consulting watch forums, as well as reading and watching reviews.
When it comes to homages, we all have different priorities, and I made sure all are represented.
6 Best Omega Planet Ocean Homages
You know the Seapro Scuba 200 is a well thought-out homage because it not only encapsulates the burly look and vibe of the Planet Ocean, but it feels a PO on your wrist as well.
While its 50mm lug to lug size is close in size to most POs, the 15mm height is right on the money. Plus, that thick, excellently finished bezel has just enough resistance that working it is both easy and satisfying.
The dial face alludes to the PO, rather than just copying it, with sword hands and perfectly applied indices. My only complaint is the use of a mineral crystal—although the blur at the edges adds a charmingly vintage touch.
Function-wise, the Scuba 200 runs on Seiko’s NH35 movement, an automatic with hacking, and the ability to stay accurate even after years without servicing.
What I Like
- This watch offers a similar robust look that the Planet Ocean does, with enough thoughtful differences to make it a distinct watch on its own.
- The height and lug-to-lug size make this wear just like the PO.
- The NH35 automatic movement is reliable and can be seen through the exhibition caseback.
What I Don’t Like
- At this price point, I don’t see any reason why it couldn’t be equipped with a sapphire crystal.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
A popular Planet Ocean homage on watch forums across the internet, reviewers love the size and look of the Scuba 200. Many are particularly impressed with the perfect dial finishing and applications, considering the price.
While the NH35 is a competent movement, it’s not the prettiest to look at. Still, most reviewers agree that being able to see any movement in action is well worth it for the horologically curious (and I agree).
The Verdict
The Seapro Scuba 200 is our top pick because it takes the PO as its source material, and goes in its own direction, while still maintaining the overall aesthetic. Importantly, it maintains the overall robust feel and wear.
It’s also well-finished and has topnotch specs. With 200 meters of water resistance, a good crisp bezel, and an automatic movement that’s both reliable and exhibited, the Scuba satisfies the prerequisites of tool watch fans and horology nerds.
The Seapro Scuba 200 is our top pick because it takes the PO as its source material, and goes in its own direction, while still maintaining the overall aesthetic. Importantly, it maintains the overall robust feel and wear.
Image Source: EBay
Christopher Ward is known for taking classic styles and rebuilding it with brand-specific features—to premium Swiss standards, by the way. This C60 comes from the 2010-2019 run of watches, so a lot of the CW aesthetic cues are no longer used on current models.
I love this about it, since it gives it a touch of anonymity. It looks like the Planet Ocean, especially with its exquisite orange bezel, and it’s clearly at a high level of finishing and application, but the homage-curious set won’t immediately be able to put their finger on what it is, which makes you look like an insider of sorts.
It features the old CW logo, and the sword-and-spade hand combo that the brand doesn’t use as often as they used to.
Moreover, the wave texturing on the background adds dimensionality and helps the indices, hands, and orange accents pop even more.
Depending on what year the model you find is from, it’ll run on either an ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1 movement, both perfectly reliable enough for everyday timekeeping.
What I Like
- The watch’s perfect finishing and well-designed dial flaunt a high level of Swiss luxury.
- The retired CW features, like the hand design, add a level of rareness and collectibility.
- Regardless of the movement you end up getting, if it’s an automatic, you can rest assured it’s a reliable Swiss caliber.
What I Don’t Like
- This model is discontinued, though it will occasionally pop up on eBay, Jomashop, and other secondary and gray markets. The current C60 Trident Pro is also similar to the Planet Ocean, though it doesn’t come in an orange bezel and has updated visuals that are more easily associated with the Christopher Ward brand
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love how high-end the C60 looks at a glance, and the orange bezel makes it a go-to for homage seekers.
Something to watch out for, or at least be aware of, is that this exact model comes as a quartz watch. It’s often much cheaper, so if all you care about is the looks, or if you prefer a good quartz timepiece, it’s certainly something to keep on your radar.
If you’re dead set on the automatic, make sure you’re in contact with your seller to ensure that’s what you’re getting.
The Verdict
The orange-bezeled Christopher Ward C60 is a Swiss-made piece of “affordable luxury” with the same heavy tool aesthetic as the Planet Ocean. The mix of textures and applications, all flawlessly finished, make the watch unmistakably high-end.
Moreover, since CW no longer uses the brand-specific signatures on this watch, it offers a bit of mystery, making you look like a discerning acquirer.
The orange-bezeled Christopher Ward C60 is a Swiss-made piece of “affordable luxury” with the same heavy tool aesthetic as the Planet Ocean. The mix of textures and applications, all flawlessly finished, make the watch unmistakably high-end.
Image Source: AliExpress
The Orkina PO-009, or PO009 (make sure to try both when you’re doing an online search), is a real wonder. It’s literally always less than $50, often in the ~$30 realm, and it looks almost exactly like the Planet Ocean.
Orkina really went all out, considering that price point. The broad arrow hands are there, as well as the Arabic 3, 6, 9, and 12 cardinals that are associated with the standard PO models.
The finishing is even more impressive, showcasing a level of alignment and polish seen on watches literally 20 times its price.
You can find this watch with basically any strap, since Orkina makes leather, stainless steel, Natos, and rubber straps—and different designs of each.
What I Like
- The dial and bezel display a high level of finishing, punching way above its price point.
- Just like the PO, this dial and case works well with the different strap designs that Orkina partners it with.
- The design is almost exactly like the PO’s, from the broad arrow hands to the flush indices all the way down to the font of the Arabic cardinal numbers.
What I Don’t Like
- It doesn’t come in an automatic.
- Though this watch isn’t difficult to find, and it’s cheap enough that you likely won’t get ripped off on the secondary market, Orkina themselves don’t always have this watch on offer through their official outlets.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
If you head to any watch forum discussing Orkina, even mechanical fans will admit to how well the PO-009 emulates the Planet Ocean.
The main complaint is that, as I mentioned, Orkina themselves don’t always sell this exact model. They seem to just stick to models that get ordered a lot and often at any given time.
The Verdict
If you’re going for a close-to-template PO homage, you won’t find anything better for the price than the Orkina PO-009. It takes into account small details that other homage makers often ignore, like the font of the cardinal numbers and the shape of the crown. It may only be available as a quartz, but this makes it that much more affordable, and frankly, more accurate than any mid-tier mechanical.
If you’re going for a close-to-template PO homage, you won’t find anything better for the price than the Orkina PO-009. It takes into account small details that other homage makers often ignore, like the font of the cardinal numbers and the shape of the crown. It may only be available as a quartz, but this makes it that much more affordable, and frankly, more accurate than any mid-tier mechanical.
Interestingly, Orient’s standard Mako is a go-to Submariner homage. The Mako XL, which is a beefed-up Mako, ends up giving more Planet Ocean energy than it does MilSub or Rolex Sea-Dweller vibes.
Part of that has to do with the fact that like the PO, the elements on the dial are less standard and more dynamic. The arrow hands have a jagged but neat quality, while the indices, though not flush like most POs, are flat at the ends, suggesting it could be flush if you just pushed them closer to the edges (versus Rolex-style circular indices).
And since this is Orient, you get the brand’s signature bang-for-buck construction, from the in-house automatic to the silky dial background.
What I Like
- A well-designed PO homage, offering the same lively look, using distinct and unique elements.
- Orient’s 21-jewel in-house automatic movement is a reliable workhorse, dubbed “bullet-proof” thanks to its durability.
- The Mako XL comes in a few colorways including a versatile all-black, a satiny blue, and the rare and popular orange-bezel version.
What I Don’t Like
- The highly-collectible orange bezel version is difficult to find. When looking for it online, try using references FEM75004B9 and CEM75004B in your searches.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The Mako XL, or Planet Orient, is clearly another one of the most popular homages on watch forums, with the elusive orange bezel version, being the most popular of its colorway.
This guy was up for our top pick because of how highly recommended it is, if not for how difficult it is to find.
The Verdict
Regardless of which colorway you go for, the Planet Orient offers that brand-backed sense of reliability. It’s a horologically sound timepiece with a durable automatic movement, easy to operate bezel and crown, and an attractively muscular design.
Regardless of which colorway you go for, the Planet Orient offers that brand-backed sense of reliability. It’s a horologically sound timepiece with a durable automatic movement, easy to operate bezel and crown, and an attractively muscular design.
Image Source: Pagani Design
The Pagani Planet Ocean homages take their inspiration from the thick-bezeled 45.5mm PO variations, and serve them up in three colorways.
As always, Pagani impresses with great finishing and a fine 24-jewel Seiko automatic movement. While they don’t outfit this watch with a real sapphire, the synthetic sapphire is almost as scratch-resistant and fully impact-resistant.
One thing I find particularly notable is their exquisite rubber straps. They follow the Omega design to the tee, from the detailed weave pattern on the body, smooth sides, and perfect stitching.
The red-accented and orange accented variants even have their respective tonal bracelet accents.
What I Like
- This watch does an effective job of replicating the bigger PO models, but does it in a smaller 42mm size, suiting a wider range of wrist sizes.
- The rubber strap is beautifully-designed and detailed, offering form and function.
- Pagani can ship from the US, China, or Europe, depending on what’s closest to you.
What I Don’t Like
I’ve heard reports about QA issues from Pagani (which we’ll get into in the next section), so as always, keep in close touch with your seller. Make sure to confirm the brand’s policies that allow you to report faulty parts within seven days of the package’s arrival, and their one-year warranty.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers praise the watch for the reliable Seiko automatic movements they use. Many also spotlight the bright and long-lasting luminescence.
Whenever I recommend Pagani watches, I like to mention that some Reddit users report QA issues, including sending watches with the wrong movement. Again, make sure you’re in touch with an actual human anytime you’re buying a watch from China, and check your product as soon as you get it in case you need to report anything.
The Verdict
If you love the composition and design element proportions of the 45.5mm Planet Oceans, but find that it’s too big for you, the Pagani Planet Ocean is an excellent homage. It also has the high-end rubber bracelet down pat, and a dependable automatic movement.
If you love the composition and design element proportions of the 45.5mm Planet Oceans, but find that it’s too big for you, the Pagani Planet Ocean is an excellent homage. It also has the high-end rubber bracelet down pat, and a dependable automatic movement.
Image Source: AliExpress
The Paul Reis Mechanical Diver takes on the look of the modern Omega Planet Ocean. And to an extent few homage makers dare, they take on all of the popular colorways as well.
There are sixteen different variants available on AliExpress, including the black steel case and the blue steel case, both being difficult to find on the homage market.
The finishing is fine, especially for the price, though the subtle texture on the dial’s coloring adds great lightplay. Under certain lights, it almost glitters.
What I Like
- Paul Reis commendably takes on a large number of colorways, including different colored cases.
- The mystery movement is a cool-looking multi-layered automatic with a bronze-toned rotor and gold and silver toned pieces.
- The 75-day buyer protection policy provides a sense of security with purchase.
What I Don’t Like
- As with all Paul Reis watches, we aren’t told exactly what this automatic movement is.
- Its 30 meters of water resistance is pretty meager, especially considering it’s homaging a deep sea diver.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the different colorways, many even collecting several variations because of how affordable they are.
There are definitely complaints about the brand’s vagueness around the caliber they use. The exhibition caseback tells me it’s probably a Seagull or a Chinese Seagull-type caliber.
Given its price, this could’ve been our best on a budget pick, but bad mechanicals can come with a lot of issues, and at the end of the day, the movement on this watch is a mystery.
The Verdict
I call Paul Reis a best-kept-secret in the homage world, and their Mechanical Diver proves this. A lot of popular PO colorways are represented here, including the different case colors. Plus, the applications and finishing on this sub-50 timepiece definitely offer a lot of value.
I call Paul Reis a best-kept-secret in the homage world, and their Mechanical Diver proves this. A lot of popular PO colorways are represented here, including the different case colors. Plus, the applications and finishing on this sub-50 timepiece definitely offer a lot of value.
4 Quality Omega Planet Ocean Alternatives
While an homage is an affordable option designed to look like an expensive watch, an alternative is a comparable model, often a competitor, and sometimes even another watch from the same brand.
Before going for a Planet Ocean or a PO homage, it’s important for you to see what else is out there. You might find some alternative features you prefer.
Image Source: Bob’s Watches
Definitely the Planet Ocean’s arch nemesis, the Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller beats the PO when it comes to functionality. It has far more water resistance, and its already COSC-certified Chronometer is leveled up even more to Rolex’s standards, which is plus or minus two seconds a day.
It has a more standard dial though, looking more like a bigger Submariner, compared to the aerodynamic features on the Planet Ocean. So if you prefer a more classic aesthetic, Rolex hits all the marks.
Image Source: Jomashop
The Other Bond Watch – Omega Seamaster Diver – is the more wearable, more everyday-appropriate diver in Omega’s range.
It’s less water resistant than the PO, but with its Chronometer movement and 300 meters of depth capability, it’s more than enough for most people. Plus, it’s an iconic collector’s item thanks to its recognizable wave dial, and a sound investment piece as well.
Like the Planet Ocean, the Tudor Pelagos LHD is a robust tool with more functionality than the other divers in its range. It’s only 100 meters less water resistant than the PO, making it somewhere between a diver and a deep-sea diver.
However, its titanium case and polygonic design elements give it a more modern look and build. Titanium is much lighter than stainless steel, though just as strong. The LHD runs on a COSC-certified Chronometer, and is equipped with the signature Tudor snowflake hands.
Image Source: Grand Seiko
Even though it isn’t a deep-sea diver, the Grand Seiko SBGA463G boasts a function-forward aesthetic, just like the PO. Its large Omega-like arrow hand and its broad coin-edged bezel take up a lot of real estate, resulting in a timepiece that’s both industrial and elegant.
It’s powered by the brand’s special spring drive movement, which is a true innovation. Since Seiko is known for making great quartz and mechanical pieces, they took this know-how to create a movement that has the torque of a mechanical, but with quartz accuracy.
Which Omega Planet Ocean Homage Should You Get?
The Seapro Scuba 200 is the best option when it comes to Planet Ocean homages that go in its own direction visually, without compromising the source material, while also offering great functions.
The Seapro Scuba 200 is our top pick because it takes the PO as its source material, and goes in its own direction, while still maintaining the overall aesthetic. Importantly, it maintains the overall robust feel and wear.
If you can find it, the orange Christopher Ward C60 from the 2010s serves up high end Swiss quality for a much lower price tag than an actual PO. Meanwhile, for you guys on a tighter budget, the Orkina is an affordable quartz homage.
The orange-bezeled Christopher Ward C60 is a Swiss-made piece of “affordable luxury” with the same heavy tool aesthetic as the Planet Ocean. The mix of textures and applications, all flawlessly finished, make the watch unmistakably high-end.
Paul Reis and Pagani are basically legal replicas that come in a lot of colorways, and the Orient XL may be based on the PO, but is definitely a collectible in its own right.
You don’t have to drop over 11k to get the same look and feel as the Planet Ocean. Whether you prioritize looks or function more, all of these homages offer compelling value propositions for different reasons.
FAQs
Is the Omega Planet Ocean better than the Rolex Sea-Dweller?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Both offer deep-sea water resistance, though the Sea-Dweller has far more with at least 1220 meters. Still, the PO’s 600 meters is good enough for most people, and they have a wider range of designs to suit more personal styles.
Can you overwind a Planet Ocean?
Modern POs run on automatic movements, so there isn’t usually a need to wind them. However, most Seamasters are designed so that they can’t be overwound.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
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