Omega

I have finally found the Seamaster 600 Ploprof that I had been hunting for quite some time now...man this is a beast !

Launched in 1970, the Ploprof is the Omega counterpart to the Rolex Sea Dweller - Poprof stands for “Plongeur Professionnel” - but the one piece case does not need a gas escape valve as helium cannot penetrate it.

Here's a picture that illustrates the complexity of the case structure:

I was looking for an early version with original dial, hands, bezel, etc...and I must say that it really makes a difference compared to a watch with "modern" service parts.

The mk1 dial - it is dark blue, but so dark that it seems to be black - is quite rare to find in decent condition, as it does not age well at all. That's why Omega replaced it very soon by another variant that says "Professional Seamaster 600" instead of "Seamaster 600 Professional". The hands too are specific to the early model.

The bulletproof case has sharp edges, it's definitely a toolwatch...And look at the thickness of the bezel !

The winding crown is secured by a very clever system that I have never seen on another watch

The bezel too is locked by a very unusual red button

The large bakelite bezel is designed to estimate the diving time, this one definitely shows scars of its adventurous life !

This very interesting vintage ad mentions the JANUS II experiment performed by Comex in 1970.

(credit: Omega)

The aim of this experiment was to test the ability of divers to work during several hours at -250m, breathing special gas mixtures. The Comex divers were using Ploprofs during this project, for this purpose about 10 watches had been delivered to Comex by Omega with special case engravings.

The experiments took place in Corsica and was a great sucess, it was soon followed by other experiments where Rolex watches were involved.

(Photo: Comex)

Here's a Comex diver wearing a Ploprof during another project in Labrador, some times later in the 1970's

(Photo: Comex)

Other professional divers have used the ploprof in these early days, for example here's a picture showing Albert Falco - a famous member of the Calypso crew who has worked many years with Jaqcues Yves Cousteau - wearing a ploprof over his wetsuit: 

(screen capture by Jean Michel)

The ploprof is a rugged sportswtatch that is also a terrific piece of design, you are allowed to wear it if you’re not a professional diver… here’s a picture of Giani Agnelli wearing is Poprof over hi shirt in the late 1970's…I have to try this someday !

In conclusion, the ploprof is not only a great piece of design that will catch the eye of the guy next to you on the beach this summer....it's above all a piece of history, a legendary toolwatch that leveled  the Rolex Submariner and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms in the conquest of the depths!

This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2011-01-30 04:31:49 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2011-02-08 12:46:10

Hi,

fabulous post and a hell of watch!

Exceptional condition - congrats and enjoy!

Erich

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Congrats on this marvelous original piece!  I'm clearly less of a purist (but, I hope, not less of a Purist) when it comes to this watch, so the piece that I have has the updated hands and bezel (and was a later series watch than yours, as is obvious from the dial):

I hope that you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine!  I haven't tried the Agnelli thing yet, but if we declare a "wear your Ploprof outside of your sleeve" day somtime this summer I'll join in...

Best,

Gary G

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Such a great way to describe this watch... This is a fine example of true tool-watch... Functionality over design... Very geeky looking watch but I say it's really cool! And Mr. Agnelli could really pull it off...

I'm actually quite interested to know more about the winding crown protector.. The idea seems similar to the one on Panerai watches but seems that it works differently...

Great post!


Sam

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...thanks for sharing your thoughts and great and detailed pictures.
Seems like your long hunt has been very fruitful when looking at your nice example
A question though, is this a Omega patent or..?

Best
Hans

(Credit: Carlos)

It technical and orignal case makes all the difference.

Not evident to wear on an everyday basis, but hey, a " strong " watch.

Best, and thanks for this nice and interesting post.

Nicolas.

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This is truely a piece of history, I'm not a big fan aesthetically, not easy to wear but for sure great to have in a divers collection.  Great post and pictures Jeff. 

Thanks

Matt  

...and a challenge to wear for an extreme watch collector...LOL

Congrats, Jeff !!! wow !!!

It´s a very, very important unit, with a a very rare 1st Gen. dial and hands in excellent condition, wellcome to the Ploprof owners fans club !!!

I´m very happy for you, my friend.

Kind regards from Spain.

Carlos.

...since you're more an expert here than I am.

              Cheers

                      Jeff

Thanks for your words, Jeff, but you are very modest, you´re agreat connoiseur.

 

Cheers !!!

What a stunning example of a classic diver.  This design is a polarizing one.  You look at its chunky angles -- all squares and intersecting circles, and at first think -- "What?!"  Then, your eyes start roving over the case a bit more, then the dial; noticing all the unique and wonderful details of the bezel release, "shark-proof" mesh bracelet, amazingly legible hands/indices, and it all becomes clear that the design is a winner.  I love it. 

Enjoy your treasure for many years to come!

Cheers,
Daos

for me it was not "love at first sight", it took me several years to get accustomed to that design !

            Cheers

                        Jeff

You have not only feasted our eyes with those
delicious pictures, but have educated us too.
A BIG Thank You.

Ed

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love the write up and love the piece

. . . for a Purist Consiglieri.



One slap across the face with the Ploprof on your wrist will be enough to shut up any chiacchierone!

Specially if a big hand...

Cheers !!!

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always been a sucker for there over engineered diver, you post is making me consider one of these legendary Omega.

Thanks

Drew

The dials are rare in state.

Mine 

c'est en grande partie ta montre qui m'a donné envie d'une Ploprof !

Amicalement

                   Jeff