In the late 1960′s and early 1970′s Omega and Rolex battled for the top spot amongst diving watches. While Rolex was busy researching a helium escape valve Omega went a different direction: the Ploprof. It’s case was so tight that helium atoms could not get in during a dive. If they did get in the watch would risk exploding.

When the Ploprof was first produced it had a water resistance rating of 600 meters, which even by today’s standards is deep. The problem was not the functionality but rather the affordability. The retail for the Omega Seamaster Ploprof was double the Rolex Submariner and Omega’s sales suffered because of this.

As of 2009, the new Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M looks strikingly similar to the first model (the top is the old model, bottom is new). It has a half centimeter thick sapphire crystal to protect against high pressure. Unlike the first model the new Ploprof has an automatic helium valve. The date has been moved from 3:00 to 4:30. The new dial with luminous markers gives it a more substantial feel. The new and improved rotatable bezel is made with scratch resistant sapphire and non reflective coating. The numbers on the bezel are also luminous.

One unique feature the new model has is the ability to change the hour while the second and minute hands continue to run. This makes it much easier to adjust the hour accurately.

In order to move the bezel, one must hold down the orange button while rotating the bezel. This will ensure that the bezel will stay in place and not accidentally move.

The bracelet is a tribute to the popular Milanese bracelet from the 70′s. It is woven steel that looks almost like a cage. Omega calls this bracelet “sharkproof”. The folding clasp attached to the Milanese makes it easy for putting on and taking off the watch.

This beast of a watch weighs in at 279 grams and has a width measurement of 55 mm. While on the surface a watch with such great size might be an inconvenience while diving it is exactly what you need: a legible and functional watch.

Inside, the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M sports an automatic Caliber 8500 movement. It has a power reserve of 60 hours. It is also equipped with the new Nivachoc which absorbs the shock. The movement, like most Omega movements do, passed the COSC’s guidelines and received a chronometer certificate.

While this watch’s functionality trumps its styling, consumers may not mind. Retro styles have been in fashion recently along with big face watches. The Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M combines both of these popular trends. While the retail remains pricey ($9,000 for the stainless steel version and $8,800 for the rubber strap version) watch collectors and watch connoisseurs will definitely look to buy watches and keep an eye out for this diving watch.