Rolex VS Omega: The World's Deepest Dive Watches (Deepsea Challenge & Planet Ocean Ultra Deep)

A Discussion around the Rolex Deepsea Challenge & Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional. Both watches performed flawlessly as they travelled 10,000+ Meters to reach the ocean floor. Both withstood 13,500 Kilograms of pressure and proved that their technology is sound. But did they also manage to represent their respective brands well? How were their styles translated into overbuilt dive watches?

#RolexDeepseaChallenge #OmegaPlanetOceanUltraDeep #ChallengerDeep

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[victorvescovo]

Hi there. Wonderful video - thank you for producing it! Just a few corrections or amplifications if I may.
- The Omega Ultra Deep went to 10, 925 meters on April 28th, 2019, as certified by multiple instruments and sonar readings; the Rolex watch went down to 10, 908 meters which is what James Cameron reported as his maximum depth on his dive in 2012.
- The Rolex was certified to 12, 000 meters, the Omega to 14, 000 (and it was tested to that depth in a pressure chamber)
- The Omega Ultra Deep did *not* go to the bottom of all five oceans. It was only ready in time for the Challenger Deep/Mariana Trench dive and only went to that Deep. I didn't even make formal contact with Omega until after we had already dived the Puerto Rico trench (deepest point in the Atlantic). Inside the pilot capsule, I did always wear an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronometer (titanium). That particular watch has been to the bottom of all five oceans, and many other places on the seafloor.
- Three Ultra Deeps were made. Omega kept two, while I (the pilot of the sub) was allowed to keep one of them
- The Ultra Deep that stayed on the bottom for two days was actually attached to one of three robotic landers - not the sub - which is how it was able to stay down there for so long. It actually got stuck on the bottom temporarily, and the sub went down two days later and jostled the lander free. It was the deepest marine recovery in history (or ever will be, since the lander was in the deepest spot of Challenger Deep).
- The titanium for the Ultra Deep was actually from the "cut offs" (excess material) from the titanium sphere that made up the submersible Limiting Factor's pressurized pilot capsule
- The three Ultra Deeps ready in 2019 all made one journey to 10, 925 meters - the very bottom of the ocean. However, in June 2020, I took down my Ultra Deep (again, outside the pilot capsule, and exposed to 8 tons of pressure per square inch) -six- more times. No other watch had ever been to the bottom of the ocean multiple times. My Ultra Deep has now been to the bottom of the ocean seven times (I personally have been eight times). The watch continues to perform flawlessly.
Anyway, just some added color. Thanks again for making such a nice video.
Victor Vescovo
Pilot, DSSV Limiting Factor and Founder, Caladan Oceanic/The Five Deeps Project

[walkerb]

You know out there somewhere is a guy afraid to take these watches into the shower.

[thetaingsto]

The omega is more appealing for my taste. Its something fresh and I like the idea with the two steel bars for the Nato strap

[mgb]

I can see it now. The first watch on Mars. It would have a red dial and the brand ambassador would be Matt Damon.

[stevefox]

Both ridiculous, both impressive.
Omega takes it for me aesthetically.
Cheers 👍🏻

[shaverray]

Two astonishing watches which both (regardless of Cameron’s gripes about whether or not the Omega really went deeper than the Rolex) brilliantly achieved their technical design objectives. As for aesthetics, such as they are, the Omega nicks it by a small margin. Great video.

[lbco]

These are both amazing. I do hope Omega makes a version for retail sales.

[Spook]

My video has finally arrived! Thank you very much sir! I’ll spread this video around.

[shaunpatrick]

I think the dial, and especially the handset, on the Omega work better with such a rugged case than those of the Rolex do. It's great to see a no-date version of the PO dial too!

[yakitorisamurai]

Nice vid. No unnecessary intros. You went straight to the point. I love it.

What accent is that? It sounds like you're from Kensington.

[RLable]

Another fantastic vid! You and Nico are my favourite watch Youtubers!

[pilotstyle]

really cool topic, did not expect this one!

[brianmurphy]

you ended this very well...I was thinking the only thing left to test is deep space. Outstanding video...two great pieces highlighting what the brands can accomplish very well...

[MainerInJapan]

Very impressive pieces, to be sure. If Omega scaled the Ultra Deep down to 42mm, still in titanium, that would be an awesome daily wearer! I love the use of blues on the various elements.

[vaughanatkinson]

As always great content and a very interesting topic!

[mtCarson]

At 20mm lug width, still good with pairing with many aftermarket nato and leather straps. 👍 Thanks as always IDGuy.

[robertsullivan]

I'll take the Omega, I have a Seamaster 300m Pro. They would make the Alpha and Omega of my watch collection.

[Thomas_Burnett]

What a fascinating eye opener of a comparison you have delivered here IDGuy!
A Rolex with a crystal that is 14mm thick! I have Watches that are thinner than that! Both The Deep Sea Challenge and The Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional look immense. True “because we can” Watches. I agree that the Planet Ocean could be easier to actually try and wear. The fixed bars and option to use a fabric strap would make it a lot more comfortable!
Truly educational stuff here my friend. Hats off as always! ✊

[Ossory]

Another great video man. I can honestly say I'm a true fan of your channel my brother. Currently waiting for my explorer 2 to complete my collection: Nomos ahoi, omega globemaster, lange 1 and explorer 2. Anything else you would recommend adding?

[chiliprepper]

Clocks in a box. Just armored cases. Though I daily wear DS44. 😬👍