Omega is known to be one of the absolute best Swiss watch companies of all time. For decades, Omega has been the only brand truly able to compete with Rolex in terms of popularity, craftsmanship, and utility. And when it comes to popularity within the brand, one watch stands out: the Ploprof.
Key Takeaways about the Omega Ploprof
- The current Omega Ploprof collection is not the same as the original “Omega Ploprof” in terms of construction, materials, and movement.
- While the construction of the Ploprof has changed, many of the aesthetics and design elements have remained similar.
- The modern Seamaster Ploprof watches are certified by COSC and METAS and designed for divers.
- The new collection has made advancements to the technology of the original design as well as introduced new and more durable materials to offer maximum water resistance.
History of the Omega Ploprof
The name “Ploprof” comes from the term “plongeur professionnel,” which means “professional diver” in French. Despite being the most recognizable watch from Omega, the history of the Omega Ploprof watch is quite complex.
Omega initially created two different Ploprof models – the Seamaster 600 and the Seamaster 1000. Later, the Seamaster 1000 model became known as “The Grand,” and the “Ploprof” name was left with just the Seamaster 600 model.
Omega’s stainless steel Ploprof was made to be the watch of professional divers, and because of this, this watch was, and still is, crafted with the utmost care and expertise. To ensure that the watch is accurate and consistent even at great depths, the Omega Seamaster 600 (commonly referred to as the Omega Ploprof) features a rather unusual case design crafted from a single block of steel.
The Seamaster 600 is undoubtedly, the most recognizable watch ever made by Omega. Many people get the history of the model confused and simply refer to it as the Omega Ploprof., Technically, this title refers to both the Seamaster 600 and the Seamaster 1000. Today, Omega offers a new Ploprof collection – the 2016 Seamaster Ploprof 1200M – that takes the Ploprof to new levels.
Timeline of the Omega Ploprof Collection
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1969: The Seamaster 600 debuts at Baselworld in Basel, Switzerland.
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1971: The Seamaster 600 becomes available for retail sales in April.
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1972: The first iteration of the Seamaster 1000 is created with a Caliber 1002; fewer than 150 watches were made.
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1976: The second iteration is created with a Caliber 1012; only 300 watches were made.
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2016: The Seamaster Ploprof 1200M is created with titanium cases, ceramic bezels, and OMEGA Co-Axial and Master Chronometer calibers.
Under the Dial: The Omega Ploprof as a Dive Watch Chronometer
Omega’s new Seamaster Ploprof collection has received the label chronometer from the COSC (the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute). Additionally, the Seamaster Ploprof collection has also received a certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), guaranteeing that it performs at the highest standard of precision, magnetic resistance, and performance as set by METAS.
If you are considering an Omega Seamaster Ploprof watch to add to your collection, you can be confident that it will perform consistently and reliably, even at great depths.
Water Resistant
The original Omega Ploprof watch designs featured a unique design that prevented water from coming into the case. This was an essential feature of the Ploprof watches, which were designed for deep-sea diving. Today, the Omega Ploprof watches feature a new and improved design that utilizes a screw-in crown that is screwed into the tube of the case to prevent water from getting inside the watch.
Previous Ploprof models featured a solid construction stainless steel case, but today’s models come with a titanium case for optimal durability and water resistance. New Omega Ploprof watches have a water resistance level of 120 bar. If you are not familiar with this measurement, 120 bar means 1200 meters or approximately 4000 feet.
Functionality & Style of the Omega Ploprof Design
The new Seamaster Ploprof 1200M watches have a similar look to the original 1970 Ploprof watches. However, the newer models have a few fundamental design changes from their predecessors – even if they look very similar.
One of the largest changes the new Seamaster Ploprof models have is in the actual construction of the watch. Where the 1970 Ploprof watches were constructed from a single block of stainless steel, the newer models include a screw-in crown and transparent case back. Because of this shift in construction, the new Ploprof models include a helium escape valve (HEV) to allow helium to escape from the inside of the watch when the watch needs to operate in pressure chambers.
Bezel
New Omega Seamaster Ploprof watches feature a bi-directional rotating bezel – meaning that the bezel can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. This allows wearers to time events, read second or third time zones, and measure elapsed times. The bi-directional bezel is released and locked by the security pusher located at 2 o’clock.
Key Elements of the Omega Ploprof Design
If you are looking for a masterfully-created watch designed for diving, you need to know that your selection is going to be functional as well as beautiful. The new Omega Ploprof collection may be the perfect option for you. But, but before making any decisions, you should be familiar with the key design elements of the Omega Ploprof watches. With this knowledge, you can make a more informed decision on whether or not an Omega Ploprof is the right watch for you.
Case
The original Ploprof models were made with a solid stainless steel case that was completely sealed to remove the need for a helium escape valve (HEV) in the watch. The newer models, however, feature a screw-in crown and an HEV located at 4 o’clock. They are also constructed of titanium rather than stainless steel and feature a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal case back. This feature of the new Omega Seamaster Ploprof collection allows a clear view of the intricate movement that powers these complex dive watches.
Like the older models, the Omega Ploprof watches are quite large and heavy. The case measures 55 x 48 mm, and the watch is 18.3 mm thick in the most recent Omega Seamaster Ploprof models.
Materials
As mentioned above, one of the shifts that the Omega Ploprof models have seen over the years is a shift in materials. The 1970 models featured solid stainless steel cases and offered only a rubber strap. Today’s Seamaster Ploprof models feature titanium cases with clear sapphire crystal case backs as well as the option of a rubber strap or titanium brushed mesh bracelet. The bracelet also features a double extension system which allows the wearer to precisely adjust the size of the band into 18 positions. It also allows an extension of 26 mm so that the watch can fit over a diving suit.
Depending on the particular model, a modern Omega Seamaster Ploprof can be made of a combination of grade 2 titanium, grade 5 titanium, Sedna gold, ceramic, and sapphire crystal.
Movement
Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M watches are powered by the revolutionary Omega movement. Due to the clear case back, you can see this state-of-the-industry movement in action.
All Omega Seamaster Ploprof models in the current collection are fully equipped with fully anti-magnetic Omega co-axial master chronometer caliber 8912 movements. The magnetic-resistant movement means that the movement is unaffected by exposure to magnetic fields greater than 1.5 teslas.
Self-Winding Mechanism
The new models feature self-winding movement with co-axial escapement. It has a free-sprung balance with a silicon balance spring and offers automatic winding in both directions. New models also feature a time zone function and have a power reserve of 60 hours.
Conclusion
The Omega Ploprof is the world’s most recognizable dive watch for good reason. This collection of tool watches pairs excellent craftsmanship with durability and functionality, making them a good choice for any watch and diving enthusiast.
Keep in mind that if you are looking specifically for the original Ploprof design, you will have to look for second-hand options, as Omega no longer produces the Seamaster 600 model. You can, however, find the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M collection in both new and second-hand options.
Second-hand options are generally less expensive, but they can be more challenging to find. So if you are interested in finding either new or pre-owned Omega Seamaster watches, check out our collection here!
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