Watch Paparazzi

Golfer Rory Mcllroy spotted wearing Omega

Rory McIlroy was photographed with the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold ref. 232.63.46.51.01.001 on his wrist as he raised the 2015 Walter Hagen Cup — a Ryder Cup-adjacent team competition that saw Europe face the United States. The choice of a bold 46mm gold dress-sport hybrid for a trophy-lift moment was deliberate and confident, very much in keeping with McIlroy's public persona at the peak of his powers.

The Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold reference 232.63.46.51.01.001 sits at the very top of the Planet Ocean hierarchy. Its 46mm case is crafted in 18k Sedna gold — Omega's proprietary rose-red gold alloy — but this particular reference deploys 18k yellow gold throughout, paired with a black ceramic dial and the signature Ceragold bezel. That bezel is the watch's defining technical achievement: Omega developed a process of pressing molten 18k gold directly into a black zirconia ceramic ring under extreme heat and pressure, creating a composite that offers the warmth of gold with the hardness and scratch resistance of advanced ceramic. The result has never been fully replicated by rivals.

Powering the watch is the Omega Co-Axial calibre 8500, a manufacture movement beating at 25,200 vph with a 60-hour power reserve, twin barrels, and a free-sprung balance. Crucially, it was among the first Omega movements to feature the brand's own Co-Axial escapement fully in-house, reducing friction and servicing intervals significantly compared to conventional lever escapements. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback and carries COSC chronometer certification.

For collectors, the Planet Ocean Ceragold occupies a distinct niche. It is too large and assertive for traditional dress-watch collectors, yet too precious in material terms for hardcore divers. That paradox has kept secondary-market values relatively stable rather than explosive, but it has also built a loyal following among those who appreciate genuine material innovation over brand cachet alone.

McIlroy has long been associated with Omega as a brand ambassador, making this sighting entirely consistent with that relationship — but the specific choice of the Ceragold, rather than a Speedmaster or Constellation, signals a preference for technical substance dressed in conspicuous luxury. At a UK RRP of approximately £18,000 at the time of the sighting, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold ref. 232.63.46.51.01.001 represented one of the brand's most ambitious retail price points outside of high complications.