Lot 204
  • 204

Omega

Estimate
15,000 - 30,000 CHF
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • A STAINLESS STEEL OVERSIZED AUTOMATIC CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETMVT 29.027.641 CASE PROTOTYPE ENGRAVED 4-011 SEAMASTER "PLOPROF" PROTOTYPE CIRCA 1970
  • stainless steel
  • diameter 54mm
• cal. 1002 automatic winding movement, 20 jewels • blue dial, luminescent baton indexes, aperture for date, large orange minute hand • oversized asymmetric case, black bezel calibrated for 60 minutes, screw down and locking crown, large red button for releasing bezel to upper right • case, dial and movement signed • stainless steel Omega "mesh" bracelet, ref. 1266/237 

Condition

The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. The dial is in good condition with some signs of ageing. The case is in very good condition with only a few light scuffs, possibly unused. Overall in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Catalogue Note

The emergence and subsequent progression of scuba diving in industry during the 60s and 70s called for very especially designed equipment.  Watches in particular played a significant role in the undertakings of professional divers and were thus tools and relied upon heavily.  This new demand for precision timepieces that could tolerate the stresses of prolonged deep water submersion sparked a period of significant innovation within the major Swiss Manufactures, keen to capitalise on a fresh and growing market.

Omega, who had just recently put their watches on the moon, naturally embraced this new challenge with similar fervour.  And so, working in collaboration with COMEX (the Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise) the Omega Seamaster Professional 600 was born. The Plongeur Professional nicknamed ‘PloProf’ was marketed as being able to withstand depths of up to 2000ft , comfortably enduring  Omega’s ‘seabed-to-Everest torture’ testing. Further to this, tests conducted later by Ocean Systems Inc., a diving research centre operating out of the United States, concluded the watch was ‘more watertight’ than a submarine.

Released officially in 1970 after 4 years of continuous research and development, the ‘Ploprof’ has many distinguishing features.  Its large asymmetric case forged from a single piece of stainless steel, the red or orange pusher to the top of the case, bi-directional bezel and oversized broad arrow hands provided optimal functionality for divers while, at the same time, producing an aesthetic synonymous with the 1970s - features that are indeed as attractive now as they were then. This particular watch is separated from the majority by the signature, or lack thereof, to the dial.  Once the Ploprof was officially released dials were signed ‘Seamaster 600 Professional’, this watch however, confirmed as a prototype by Omega, is simply marked ‘Seamaster’ with no 600 or Professional designation.

In addition to the fantastic overall condition, adorned with a striking blue dial and orange minute hand, the tritium on the hands, indexes and bezel have taken on an incredibly attractive and consistent patina.