Case #696 — Omega Planet Ocean 42MM Ref. 2209.5

Case #696 — Omega Planet Ocean 42MM Ref. 2209.5

Status: Available
Condition: Very Good Pre-Owned
Scope: Omega Box (Worn), eBay Authentication Card, and Booklet

Case Notes

The first-generation Planet Ocean has aged remarkably well.

At 42 mm, the 2209.50.00 delivers the substantial feel of a serious Omega dive watch without the much larger dimensions that would characterize later Planet Ocean generations. The bright orange aluminum bezel gives this configuration its unmistakable personality, paired with a black dial, broad-arrow hands, and the muscular steel bracelet that defined the early Planet Ocean.

This was Omega building a modern professional diver around unmistakably vintage Seamaster cues.

Inside is the Co-Axial Calibre 2500, a COSC-certified automatic movement with approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The surrounding case is rated to an impressive 600 meters and includes the helium escape valve that became one of the Planet Ocean’s defining visual signatures.

This example presents in Very Good Pre-Owned condition and is currently sized for approximately a 7¾ to 8-inch wrist.

The bracelet and clasp remain fully usable, though the diver-extension mechanism has a slight amount of looseness when handled. It does not detract significantly from normal wear, but we believe details like this should be disclosed rather than discovered later.

The watch includes its Omega presentation box, eBay Authentication card, and booklet. The box itself shows significant exterior wear consistent with age.

Production date is currently unknown.

The Evidence

Reference: 2209.50.00
Model: Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M
Year: Unknown
Case: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Lug Width: 20 mm
Dial: Black
Crystal: Sapphire
Bezel: Unidirectional Rotating Orange Aluminum
Crown: Screw-Down
Helium Escape Valve: Yes
Movement: Omega Co-Axial Calibre 2500
Movement Type: Automatic
Certification: COSC Chronometer
Frequency: 25,200 VPH
Jewels: 27
Power Reserve: Approximately 48 Hours
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Central Seconds, Date
Water Resistance: 600 meters / 2,000 feet
Bracelet: Stainless Steel
Clasp: Folding Dive Clasp with Diver Extension
Bracelet Fit: Approximately 7¾ to 8-inch Wrist
Condition: Very Good Pre-Owned
Condition Note: Diver extension has a slight amount of looseness
Included: Omega Box, eBay Authentication Card, and Booklet
Box Condition: Significant visible wear

Collector Provenance

The Planet Ocean arrived in 2005 as Omega’s more serious modern dive-watch platform.

While the Seamaster Diver 300M already occupied an important place in the catalog, the Planet Ocean pushed the specifications further while drawing heavily on Omega’s vintage Seamaster design language.

The early 42 mm references have become especially appealing because they combine modern construction with proportions that are considerably more restrained than many later Planet Ocean models.

The orange bezel became one of the defining signatures of the collection.

It was bold enough to give the Planet Ocean an identity of its own but was still paired with the traditional black dial and broad-arrow handset, creating a combination that became instantly recognizable as Omega.

Design Provenance

The orange bezel is the entire personality of this reference.

Against the black dial and steel case, it provides a strong burst of color without overwhelming the watch.

The aluminum insert also has a different visual character from the polished ceramic bezels used on later generations. It feels warmer and more period-correct for the first-generation Planet Ocean.

The broad-arrow hands and oversized luminous markers reinforce the vintage influence while remaining extremely easy to read.

At 42 mm, the watch also occupies what many collectors now consider the sweet spot for the early Planet Ocean design.

Technical Provenance

The Calibre 2500 represents an important period in Omega’s movement history.

Built around Omega’s Co-Axial escapement, the movement is COSC-certified and provides approximately 48 hours of power reserve.

The surrounding watch was built to much more serious specifications than its relatively restrained dimensions suggest.

The screw-down crown, helium escape valve, sapphire crystal, unidirectional dive bezel, and substantial case construction allow the Planet Ocean to carry a 600-meter water-resistance rating.

That combination of capability and wearable proportions is a major part of why the first-generation Planet Ocean continues to have such a strong enthusiast following.

From the Case File

This is a Planet Ocean that has been worn, but not abused.

The watch presents in Very Good Pre-Owned condition and retains the muscular presence that makes the first-generation 42 mm Planet Ocean so appealing.

The steel bracelet will accommodate approximately a 7¾ to 8-inch wrist.

The diver extension has a slight amount of looseness when handled. It remains functional, but we are noting it because condition details matter on a pre-owned watch.

The included Omega box shows significant wear, so buyers looking for pristine packaging should be aware that the presentation materials show considerably more age than the watch itself.

Also included are an eBay Authentication card and booklet.

BST Verdict

One of the most recognizable first-generation Planet Oceans.

The 42 mm case, orange bezel, black dial, Calibre 2500, and 600-meter capability capture the era when Omega was establishing the Planet Ocean as its heavyweight professional diver.

Case 696 offers that experience in Very Good Pre-Owned condition, with generous bracelet sizing and its accompanying box and documentation, while transparently accounting for the worn presentation box and slight play in the diver extension.

Every case deserves a closer look.