subject: Omega Seamaster 1200m: Return of the Ploprof! [print this page] Omega Seamaster 1200m: Return of the Ploprof!
Depending on when you were born and your level of interest in deep sea diving, you may be blissfully unaware of the legendary Omega Seamaster 600 or Ploprof as its more commonly known. Why Ploprof? Because these are the first letters of plongeurs professionnels the French words meaning "professional divers".
First launched in 1970 the Ploprof's sole purpose was to dominate the deep seas with its fearsome reputation for being able to withstand the crushing pressures endured by divers working in the darkest depths of the ocean. Add to that its rugged good looks and this timepiece quickly reached legendary status.
Modern Day Ploprof 1200m
Now the Ploprof is back and badder than ever! Earlier this year Omega introduced an updated version, which as the name subtlety indicates, is water resistant to an astonishing 1200m. Powered by a Calibre 8500 movement utilising Omega's infamous co-axial technology this watch is more than capable of providing the precise timing required by professional divers.
Striking Design with full functionality
The original Omega Seamaster 600m was renowned for its aggressive styling and oversized casing and thankfully the current model remains true to this heritage. Don't kid yourself, however, that this is a suitable everyday watch to wear with a suit or a polo. It's not. Like all creatures of the sea the Ploprof is most at home underwater and that is where it belongs.
So here's what you need to know:
The crown is located on the left-hand side of the watch at 9 o'clock and, as is standard on any dive watch worth its salt, it is a protected screw-in crown.
The bulky looking orange button on the right-hand side is actually the trademark bezel-release security pusher finished in an easy to see orange anodised aluminium.
Arguably the most important feature of the watch, pressing the bezel release allows the bezel to be rotated in either direction and then firmly locked in place to prevent it from being accidentally shifted during a dive.
As you would expect the watch also features an automatic helium escape valve located on the side of the case just below 4 o'clock.
Strapping It On
The Ploprof 1200M comes fitted with either a brushed mesh "Sharkproof" bracelet or on a rubber strap in a choice of black or orange. Whilst it is certainly asthetically appealing (and even sounds cool) I must say I highly doubt the effectiveness (or even relevance) of the sharkproof' bracelet should the unthinkable occur. It does add a nice touch though and gives a bit of that retro feel to the watch.
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 also features an extra divers' extension to 26mm so that the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit. A forgone conclusion really.
The Final Word
To be honest it has previously crossed my mind that this day would come (admittedly there was some praying involved) as it seems the logical step for Omega to take to combat Rolex's release of the Sea Dweller Deep Sea earlier this year. Given the watch's extraordinary heritage coupled with the robustness and mechanical brilliance of Omega's Co-Axial Calibre 8500 movement this watch really offers the complete package for professional divers.
