Omega has always tried to go farther. Never one to rest and say: ‘good enough’, the company has always pushed the envelope of what a timepiece is capable of. When organized sports became prevalent, Omega developed chronograph movements capable of measuring time down to a fraction of a second. When NASA called for watchmakers to submit timekeeping devices for manned space travel, only an Omega Speedmaster passed their rigorous testing.

So, when Omega announced they were strapping a modified Planet Ocean to the side of a submersible exploring the deepest portions of the oceans, it came as little surprise. And by deep—we mean very deep. Teaming up with modern-day explorer Victor Vescovo and his Five Deeps Expedition, the modified titanium Seamaster worked perfectly as it made the deepest dive in recorded history: 10,929 meters below the surface, in the Challenger Deep of the Mariana Trench. For comparison in feet that’s cruising altitude for most jumbo-jets—but under the ocean’s surface.

The prototype that Omega used spurred great interest amongst the watch world. How would a watch capable of withstanding such pressures be feasible to wear? When most dive watches are rated to perform at 300 meters, a depth even most hobby divers will never reach, would it even be feasible to make a wristwatch built to dive that deep? The case would have to withstand almost 9,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. Could it be done? Of course, Omega said.

Earlier this month they introduced the Ultra Deep, a production version of the same watch used in those expeditions. Sporting a case, bracelet, and aesthetic closely aligned with the rest of their Planet Ocean family, the Ultra Deep features cases built from two alloys: O-MEGASTEEL and Grade 5 titanium. The titanium was an easy choice—on top of being very tough under pressure, its relative lightness helps keep the bulk down from the 45.5mm by 18.12mm case. The O-MEGASTEEL is a new steel alloy developed by Omega that is not only twice as corrosion resistant than 316L stainless, but also brighter and whiter. Omega is offering the Ultra Deep on both a bracelet and rubber strap, complete with some unique hombre blue/brown/black dial combinations.

Under the hood, the Ultra Deep uses the same Master Chronometer 8912 automatic movement that powers the PloProf and the re-designed Seamaster 300. This allows the Ultra Deep 60 hours of power reserve, 15,000 gauss (1.5 tesla) of magnetic resistance, and accuracy certified by METAS. So not only is the new Seamaster 6000M tough, it’s also keeps impeccable time.

With the Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep 6000M, Omega has shown that there is no frontier too tough for their watches. Saturation divers (and desk divers alike) can appreciate the Ultra Deep for being exactly what it is—an indestructible timepiece. These pieces will be available at Gunderson’s soon, so be sure to contact us if you are interested in a specific model or color combination. No pressure…