Omega PloProf 1200M: Why Is It Ugly & Misunderstood?

[roadwarrior]

1970 PLOPROF
The Ploprof made a bold style statement. Its case could not be mistaken for that of any other watch: the screwed-in crown was located at 9 o’clock under a protective buffer. This unique positioning allowed freer wrist movement and prevented inadvertent manipulation ideal for serious divers.

2016 PLOPROF
The watches in the Seamaster Ploprof 1200M collection have a similar look to the original, but their titanium cases, ceramic bezels on some models and OMEGA Co-Axial and Master Chronometer calibres take the extreme dive watch not only to new depths but also to new heights.

DESIGNED FOR DIVERS
The Ploprof’s bi-directional diving bezel is released and locked by the characteristic security pusher at 2 o’clock. An automatic helium escape valve is on the side of the case at the 4 o’clock position and allows helium atoms to escape during decompression – particularly useful for divers operating from diving bells. And the Ploprof is water resistant to an astounding 120 bar (1200 metres/4000 feet).

ON YOUR WRIST; ON YOUR WETSUIT
The Ploprof 1200M is available with a brushed mesh "Sharkproof" bracelet and a rubber strap. The bracelet, with its double extension system, is fitted with OMEGA’s new diving safety clasp whose pinned links allow precise adjustments to 18 positions. It features a divers’ extension to 26 mm so the watch fits perfectly over a diving suit.

THE REMARKABLE CO-AXIAL AND MASTER CHRONOMETER PLOPROF
The OMEGA Seamaster Ploprof is the world’s most recognizable dive watch. The models in the current collection are equipped with the revolutionary OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8500 or the fully magnetic resistant OMEGA Master Chronometer calibre 8912, so they deliver the best Ploprof performance ever.

REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT ON DISPLAY
The sapphire crystal in the caseback of the OMEGA Seamaster Ploprof allows a clear view of the state-of-the-industry movement powering this extraordinary dive watch.

THE PLOPROF COLLECTION
The OMEGA Seamaster Ploprof is a professional dive watch that offers incredible chronometric performance in the oceans’ depths or on dry land. The collection, with its dial, movement and bezel choices has made this iconic timepiece more stylish than ever before.

DESCRIPTION
In 2009, the brand created a completely updated version of its world-renowned Seamaster Professional 600, a watch able to withstand the crushing pressure divers experienced while exploring the ocean’s depths. The Seamaster Ploprof 1200M combines enhanced modern technology with an iconic timepiece, paying homage to OMEGA’s rich diving heritage.
This model features a black dial with a date window between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions. The black bi-directional rotating bezel, with its numerals and diving scale painted with white Super-Luminova inside the sapphire bezel ring, is mounted on a 55 x 48 mm stainless steel case and is presented on a “Sharkproof” stainless steel bracelet.
The OMEGA Seamaster Ploprof 1200M is water resistant to 1200 metres / 4000 feet / 120 bar, and boasts a screw-in crown, automatic helium escape valve and bezel security pusher. Powering this professional divers’ watch is the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8500.
PRODUCT SHEET (OPENS PDF-DOCUMENT)
FEATURES

• Bi‑directional rotating bezel
• Chronometer
• Date
• Helium escape valve
• Screw‑in crown

TECHNICAL DATA

• Between lugs: 24 mm
• Bracelet: steel
• Case: Steel
• Case diameter: 55 x 48 mm
• Dial color: Black
• Crystal: Scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment on both sides
• Water resistance: 120 bar (1200 metres / 4000 feet)

MOVEMENT CALIBRE OMEGA 8500
Self-winding movement with Co-Axial escapement. Free sprung-balance, 2 barrels mounted in series, automatic winding in both directions. Bridges and the oscillating mass are decorated with exclusive Geneva waves in arabesque.

• 60 HOURS POWER RESERVE
• SELF WINDING

OMEGA CO‑AXIAL 55 X 48 MM

Sep 16, 2020

IDGuy

A Discussion around the Omega Seamaster PloProf, its Design and History. One of the ugliest and misunderstood experimental dive watches that was actually better designed than the competition at the time. A peculiar model, developed to be one of the deepest dive watches of its time, the Plongeur Professionnel (PloProf) was built with the professional diver in mind. Using its famous monobloc case that we can now see represents a watch of the 1970's. But considering how inspirations today are leaning more towards 60's & 70's inspirations, could this watch be more relevant today than it has ever been?

All Images are Sourced from either Press Release Photos or Public Listings.
Below are a list of the common sources that are used in no particular order:

Bob’s Watches | Revolution Watch | HQ Milton | Hodinkee | Monochrome Watches | Jomashop | Analog Shift | Bulang and Sons | Robb Report | Watchfinder | WatchBox | Phillips Watches | Christies | Timekeepers Club | Fratello Watches | Bexsonn | Worn and Wound | A Collected Man | Oracle Time | Time + Tide Watches

 

[roadwarrior]

Sharkmaster 600 Specifications: --Case: Monobloc Brushed 316L surgical stainless steel - Ø 44 mm - Height 14.5 mm - Lug distance 24 mm - Lug to lug length 45.2 mm - Left to right 55 mm --Screwed crown --Sapphire crystal: 3.5 mm thick - inside AR coated. --Sapphire bezel inlay --Red bezel-release button --Water resistance: 600m/2000 ft --Dial, hands and bezel coated with swiss SuperLuminova --Bracelet: Comfortable 24x20mm mesh bracelet --24x20mm cuda strap --Movement: 25 Jewel Swiss ETA 2824-2 Sort by Date addedPrice: low to highPrice: high to lowName: A to ZName: Z to A​

 

[Bella Dino]

I’ve always liked it but never enough to buy it. The knock offs would be completely out of the question though.

 

[ScottyB]

iconic PLOPROF much homaged

 

[ScottyB]

I’ve always liked it but never enough to buy it. The knock offs would be completely out of the question though.

always liked it as net porn...never wanted the panic button or hunk o' steel on the saddle...even my HELSON mono block made me feel " THE WEIGHT "

 

[Bella Dino]

I have a close friend who is a technician at Omega and he owns one. I think the watch is really cool as a tool diver but I just don’t get in the water that often anymore. The new James Bond titanium on a mesh bracelet on the other hand. Stay tuned.

 

[ScottyB]

I have a close friend who is a technician at Omega and he owns one. I think the watch is really cool as a tool diver but I just don’t get in the water that often anymore.

not many who buy these get wet...mostly WALTER MITTY's... divers use wrist computers ...what i read...never did more than rock on the boat - blow through a tube in the FLA. KEYS and suck down a bunch of salt water and look at all the silted coral at JOHN PENNYCAMP too close to the sewage out flow of MIAMI and acid ocean

 

[Bella Dino]

not many who buy these gt wet...mostly WALTER MITTY's... divers use wrist computers ...what i read...never did more than blow through a tube in the FLA KEYS and suck down a bunch of salt water and look at all the silted coral at JOHN PENNYCAMP too close to the sewage out flow of MIAMI

That’s kind of my point it just really isn’t practical for me to have that watch and wear it in normal day to day activities.

 

[roadwarrior]

I would have no problem buying the Helson for less than one-tenth of the Omega. It is in the same vein, but that's what homages models are. It's amusing to me how some can buy Invicta or other brands which are blatant copies of Rolex and other brands. Yet, with others they almost have a snobbish attitude about other brands or so-called "knock-offs".

 

[Bella Dino]

I would have no problem buying the Helson for less than one-tenth of the Omega. It is in the same vein, but that's what homages models are. It's amusing to me how some can buy Invicta or other brands which are blatant copies of Rolex and other brands. Yet, with others they almost have a snobbish attitude about other brands or so-called "knock-offs".

To each his own. For the record I have the 71 Seadweller double Red that the M. Tissot knocked off. Lol. Some watches to give a little bit of a nod to another watch are OK but the Helson is just a straight knock off in every aspect again just my opinion and opinions are like butt holes everybody has one.

 

[roadwarrior]

To each his own. For the record I have the 71 Seadweller double Red that the M. Tissot knocked . off. Lol. Some watches to give a little bit of a nod to another watch are OK but the Helson is just a straight knock off in every aspect again just my opinion and opinions are like butt holes everybody has one.

Yeah you're right, butt to coin a WIT members phrase "The Snotnose Brigade" I had the same discussion about this one as well with one of the lards. I liked the compressor so much that I had to try the Zenith type 20 homage as well.

 

[Bella Dino]

Yeah you're right, butt to coin a WIT members phrase "The Snotnose Brigade" I had the same discussion about this one as well. I liked the compressor so much that I had to try the Zenith type 20 homage as well.

I don’t know? Maybe it’s just a question of timing? But there are a lot of watches that look somewhat like the watches you just posted above but there are no watches for the most part it look like that Omega. Maybe it’s just loyalty to a close friend of mine who makes his living selling the originals. It’s certainly not because I’m to go to buy a “homage”.

 

[Bella Dino]

Open and frank discussions are always a positive thing. Drive safely!

 

[roadwarrior]

Open and frank discussions are always a positive thing. Drive safely!

Like you mentioned it's definitely a personal preference. Some define the last ones I posted as rip-offs, but I don't see the names Longines or Zenith on the dials. We all buy what we like and I respect your take on the Omega. I do know that Swiss brands are not shy protecting intellectual property. I can show cease and desist letters from Swatch, Rolex and other brands putting certain models out of commission. Helson has been making the 600 and 1000 versions for close to a decade and haven't yet been ordered to cease and desist.

https://wornandwound.com/review/review-helson-sharkmaster-1000/

 

[Bella Dino]

Like you mentioned it's definitely a personal preference. Some define the last ones I posted as rip-offs, but I don't see the names Longines or Zenith on the dials. We all buy what we like and I respect your take on the Omega. I do know that Swiss brands are not shy protecting intellectual property. I can show cease and desist letters from Swatch, Rolex and other brands putting certain models out of commission. Helson has been making the 600 and 1000 versions for close to a decade and haven't yet been ordered to cease and desist.

https://wornandwound.com/review/review-helson-sharkmaster-1000/

Very true statement! The Swatch Group can be at times a group of insufferable D bags as well. I know I know I own a pile of swatch group watches LOL.