Omega Ploprof 1200M

Return of a classic. The Omega Seamaster 600, also called the Ploprof, was a professional divers watch launched in 1971 which had a than very impressive 600 meter water resistance rating matching the rating of the Rolex Sea-Dweller 2000. “Ploprof” were the first letters of plongeurs professionnels – the French words meaning “professional divers”. While the Rolex Sea-Dweller 2000 evolved into the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 with an impressive 1220 meters water resistance rating, and finally evolve into the gargantuan Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA with a 3900 meter water resistance rating, the Ploprof disappeared into history. For 2009, the Ploprof is back.

Ploprof 1200M. Omega has introducing an updated version of its classic and distinctively recognizable wristwatch. The new Ploprof, named Ploprof 1200M, as its name suggests, has an improved water resistant of 1200 meters. The Ploprof’s case is distinctive with a screwed-in crown located at 9 o’clock under a protective buffer. The imposing 55mm x 48mm case size is also distinctive.

At the 2 o’clock position is the Ploprof’s characteristic bezel-release security pusher with an orange anodized aluminum ring. Pressing the pusher allows the bezel to be rotated in either direction and then locked firmly in position, ensuring that it cannot be accidentally shifted during a dive. The Ploprof has an automatic helium escape valve located on the side of the case at the 4 o’clock position. This feature allows helium atoms to escape during decompression, and is particularly useful for professional divers operating from diving bells. Finally, The Ploprof 1200M has a date window at the 4:30 position.

Movement. The new Polprof is equipped with a Omega's in-house self-winding Co-Axial calibre 8500 movement which produces 28,000 vibrations per hour. The movement has a 60 hour power reserve. The Co-Axial calibre 8500 makes it possible to adjust the hour hand separately to accommodate different time zones or for the changes to daylight savings and back to standard time. The time and date adjustments are made by unscrewing the crown to release the protective buffer and then pulling the crown to the appropriate position. The new Ploprofs, with their Co-Axial 8500 calibres, are COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certified chronometers.

Variants. The Ploprof 1200M is available either with a brushed mesh "Sharkproof" bracelet which looks similar to the metal divers suits design to resist shark attack or more conventional rubber strap in a choice of black or orange. 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 26 mm so that the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit.

About Omega SA. The forerunner of Omega was founded 1848, by Louis Brandt. The name Omega was first used in 1894. It was used as the name of one of the Louis Brandt brother’s watch movement calibers.