Designed For Purpose And Performance
The Omega Seamaster Ploprof 166.077 might be a polarising watch, often seen as oversised, clunky, and unattractive. However, before making a snap judgment, it’s worth appreciating for what it truly is. Much like the saying “never judge a book by its cover,” dismissing the Ploprof hastily would be a mistake. I for one, would be in its corner, as most who own one would, and defend this ugly duckling.
This watch was designed with performance and purpose in mind rather than aesthetics, making it the unique oddity in the Seamaster range. While some may glance at it and move on, those in the know understand its value. The Ploprof is a one-of-a-kind timepiece, engineered to endure the harshest conditions nature can offer.
The History of the Omega Seamaster Ploprof: An Iconic Diver’s Watch
The Omega Seamaster Ploprof 600 (reference 166.077) is one of the most recognisable and revered dive watches in the world. Its unique design and exceptional engineering have made it a favourite among professional divers and watch enthusiasts alike. Here’s a look at the history of the Ploprof and the reasons behind its iconic status.
The Genesis of the Ploprof
The story of the Ploprof, short for “Plongeur Professionnel” (French for “Professional Diver”), began in the late 1960s. During this time, deep-sea exploration and commercial diving were rapidly advancing, necessitating more robust and reliable equipment. Omega was approached by COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises), a pioneering deep-sea diving company, to create a watch that could withstand the extreme conditions of deep-sea diving,
Development and Innovation
Omega’s development of the Ploprof was thorough and intense, involving extensive collaboration with professional divers and engineers. The primary objectives were to ensure the watch could withstand immense pressure, provide superior water resistance, and remain legible and functional in the darkest depths of the ocean. Jacques Cousteau assisted Omega in developing their first waterproof watch, specifically designed and built for professional divers.
Released in 1970 after four years of rigorous testing, the Ploprof 600 was capable of reaching depths of 600 meters (2000 feet), an impressive feat at the time. Its unique features set it apart:
- Monobloc Case: The Ploprof featured a one-piece case to eliminate the need for a conventional case back, thereby reducing potential points of water entry.
- Crown at 9 o’clock: To protect the crown from damage and accidental adjustments, Omega positioned it at the 9 o’clock position, a rare design choice.
- Locking Bezel: The bezel was equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental rotation, ensuring the diver could accurately track their time underwater.
- Helium Escape Valve: Designed to release built-up helium gas that could accumulate during prolonged dives at great depths, preventing the watch crystal from popping off.
Iconic Design
The Ploprof’s design is unmistakable. Its robust and asymmetrical case, combined with the large orange minute hand and the bold dial, made it both functional and highly distinctive. The use of bright colours and oversized markers ensured maximum legibility underwater, while the chunky case conveyed a sense of indestructibility.
Cultural Impact
Beyond its technical prowess, the Ploprof gained fame through its association with legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and his team, who used the watch in their underwater explorations. This endorsement helped cement the Ploprof’s reputation as a professional-grade tool for serious divers.
Modern Iterations
In 2009, Omega reintroduced the Ploprof with the Seamaster Ploprof 1200M, which retained much of the original’s character while incorporating modern advancements.
It featured enhanced water resistance up to 1200 meters, an upgraded Co-Axial movement, and contemporary materials like titanium and ceramic.
The Helium Effect
A significant issue with professional dive watches is helium infiltration into the watch case. Helium is commonly used in diving bells when divers operate at substantial depths for extended periods. Despite a diving watch’s capability to endure specific water pressure, helium molecules can gradually penetrate the watch via its gasket materials.
When surfacing, the pressure decreases, causing the helium inside the watch to expand. This expansion can damage the watch, often by popping off the crystal, because the helium cannot escape quickly enough. Some brands, such as Rolex and Doxa, developed solutions to allow helium to escape rapidly from the watch through automatic or manual helium escape valves.
Omega took a different approach. They decided to create a watch case robust enough to prevent helium from entering at all. This decision led to the creation of the Ploprof. Omega tested the Ploprof to determine its maximum pressure resistance, finding that it failed at 1370 meters (137 bar) when the second hand stopped due to crystal and case deformation. The later re-edition of the Ploprof, introduced in 2009, does include a helium valve.
Why So Iconic?
The Omega Seamaster Ploprof 600 stands out for several reasons:
- Pioneering Design: Its unique case construction and innovative features were ahead of its time and have influenced the design of many dive watches since.
- Professional Endorsement: Its use by professional divers and explorers, including Jacques Cousteau, underscored its reliability and effectiveness in extreme conditions.
- Cultural Legacy: The Ploprof’s distinctive look and historical significance have made it a coveted piece among collectors and diving enthusiasts.
- Continued Evolution: Omega’s ability to modernise the Ploprof while retaining its core identity speaks to the watch’s enduring appeal and functionality.
My Thoughts
In conclusion, the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 600 is more than just a watch; it is a testament to Omega’s dedication to innovation, precision, and durability. With its unique design, professional-grade functionality, and rich history, it stands out as one of the most iconic dive watches ever created. Whether you’re a professional diver or a watch enthusiast, the Ploprof symbolises excellence in horology.
On a personal note, my Ploprof came with an extract from the Omega Archives, detailing its original sale location—Hong Kong—and noting it was initially supplied on a Corfam strap, which I unfortunately don’t have. This watch is substantial in size, especially considering that in the 1970s, the average watch size was around 35mm to 36mm. These watches were built for functionality, not fashion, and were primarily worn for diving.
This watch will remain in my collection as a cherished grail piece that I was fortunate to acquire. I hope to eventually swap the bracelet for an original Shark Mesh and pair it with a colourful rubber strap.
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