Hands On The Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M Co-Axial Master Chronometer

Omega made a splash this year with the return of its iconic diver. Nicknamed the “Ploprof” (the first letters of plongeur professional – the French words meaning “professional diver”) it is one of the most rugged, robust and seaworthy divers’ wristwatches ever manufactured.

Inspired by the Seamaster Professional 600, a diving instrument made by Omega in the 1970s, the Seamaster Ploprof 1200M is a rather odd-looking contraption. You either love it or you hate it, but those who make up the former group vow a cult-like devotion to it. And that’s because it’s one of the most reliable divers on the market. Next to it, most diving watches look like pretenders.

As its names suggests the Seamaster Ploprof 1200M is water resistant to an astounding 120 bar (1200 meters / 4000 feet), and every feature has been engineered to make it the perfect underwater companion. The dial is simple, the hands oversized and superlumed to increase its legibility.
The large pusher on the case at 2 o’clock releases the bezel, in order to be able to set and measure the amount of time spent underwater, while the large crown-guard placed at 9 o’clock ensures maximum protection. While the bodywork they create is unusual, these components are vital for divers.

The new watches are made out of titanium, making this rather bulky watch incredibly light on the wrist. Although we doubt that will be the main concern for divers about to strap a weight belts to become negatively buoyant.

Under the water, very few watches are as recognizable as the Seamaster Ploprof 1200M. Omega have created four different variations, our favorite being the one with a blue dial as cool as the water on the coast of England, on a winter’s day.

Unfortunately, under the sea is where you’re most likely to see the watch. Compared to the rest of the Omega collection presented at Baselworld, we’re sorry to say it really did look like a fish out of water.

However, that didn’t stop us from admiring its new movement. This year’s Ploprof introduces in-house made caliber 8912, an automatic movement that has gone through the brand’s new double certification. Visible through the caseback, it’s a breathtaking achievement. Hopefully the watch owner surfaces before admiring it.

The Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M Co-Axial Master Chronometer is not for everyone, but it knows its public better than the competition. The model with a blue dial and 18k Sedna gold crown and bezel is priced at $ 18,000.