Omega

With the technical advancements that were made in the scuba diving in industry during the 60s and 70s came the need for better designed equipment. Watches in particular were important tools used by professional divers and were heavily relied upon. This new demand for precision timepieces that could tolerate the stresses of prolonged, deep-water submersion sparked a period of significant innovation within watch manufacture.

Omega, who had just recently provided watches to NASA for the astronauts that went to the moon, naturally embraced this new challenge with similar vigour. 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 able to withstand depths of up to 2000ft, comfortably enduring Omega’s rigorous , "Seabed-to-Everest"testing. 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 - an aesthetic that is as attractive now as it was then.

This watch was once the property of Belgian diver, Alain Rodrique. It is presented with numerous important documents and memorabilia testifying his fascinating career.