Omega Ploprof: the full review

Watch review archives can be found here.
Post Reply
User avatar
suddha
Action/Adventure Protagonist
Posts: 1698
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 7:22 am
Name: Jason
Location: 45 degrees north
Contact:

Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by suddha » Thu Jan 28, 2010 12:59 pm

OK, it's time to dig in and review this one. I've had it almost two months and worn it virtually nonstop for a wide variety of activities in several environments so I feel qualified to lend my opinions. I'm going to refer to it as the PP1200 from here on, for brevity's sake.

First, here are the specs from Omega:

Steel on rubber strap
Reference: 224.32.55.21.01.002

MOVEMENT
Caliber: Omega 8500
Self-winding movement with Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision stability and durability. Free sprung-balance, 2 barrels mounted in series, automatic winding in both directions to reduce winding time. Visible bridges and the oscillating mass are decorated with exclusive Geneva waves in arabesque.
Power Reserve: 60 hours
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
CASE & DIAL
Stainless steel case
Black dial
WATER RESISTANCE
Down to: 1200 meters
4000 feet
SIZE
Gents
Case Dimensions:
55 x 48 mm

Now my impressions...

Packaging:
As you've probably heard, the PP1200 comes in a neoprene zipper case. Since packaging usually gets looked at once and then resigned to the back shelf in my office closet, I am not picky in this category. But I have to say I love the box.
Image
The neoprene has the distinctive smell and texture of a new wetsuit, which conjures up a dive shop when you zip it open.
Image
Speaking of zipping, Omega spared no expense with the zippers. Gear geek that I am, I noticed that the case zippers are Riri, a Swiss make, which are top quality rubber-coated zips that are easy to grip and pull.
Image
Inside, you find the watch on a standard pillow and that's about it. Take it out, strap it on, zip shut the box, forget about it. Well, I do like to pull it out from time to time so I find that I store my extra straps inside.
Image

Strap
Let's start here, since it's what needs to be sized and is the most immediate concern when you first buy the watch. I bought my PP1200 on the orange rubber strap, not being a mesh guy myself. Omega has always impressed me with its rubber straps but this one is the best I've worn, including the vaunted Sinn rubber everyone raves about. It is a very thick, very comfortable rubber strap. Uncut, it would, no kidding, fit about a 12-inch wrist. Omega provides nice indentations and numbered cutting marks on the inside of the strap for fitting. I let the dealer do it for me but then fine-tuned at home cos I wanted it a bit tighter. The rubber is so thick and sturdy that I never worry about the spring bars at the clasp or the case tearing through. The inside of the strap has horizontal ribs, which echo the patterned case back but also help make the strap more pliable. I sourced a second, black rubber Omega strap and prefer it to the orange, since it is more subdued and serious-looking. Both straps are identical, with the linear "corduroy" and words "OMEGA" and "PLOPROF" in raised lettering on opposing sides.
Image
Image

Clasp
Truly a work of engineering genius, the big clasp is comfortable and balances the watch head nicely. It opens via two push buttons that squeeze two spring-loaded bows. Simple design that should hold up to a few thousand operations. It closes with an authoritative click and opens quietly and with no drama. Perhaps the highlight of the clasp though, is the ratcheting extension. Inside the clasp is a button marked "PUSH" which allows you to extend the clasp in small increments outwards an extra inch and a half (est.) to account for a wetsuit sleeve or the usual swelling and shrinking of the wrist. in addition to the ratcheting extension, there is also a fold-out dive extension which becomes operable once the ratcheting part is extended about half-way.
Image
Image
Image
Wearing the watch in Sri Lanka for three weeks, I found the ratcheting mechanism invaluable, as my wrist was almost a half-inch bigger than it is back here in cold, dry Minnesota. The strap stayed comfortable and secure and could be fine-tuned infinitely. In the field, I found two problems with the ratcheting extension. First, due to the fine tolerances in the back of the clasp, it is prone to collecting sand and grit. After wearing the watch body surfing and diving, the ratchet became difficult to operate and had to be carefully and thoroughly flushed with fresh water. Secondly, the ratchet can not be extended while on the wrist. You must remove the watch to push the release button to pull out the extension. Closing it up can be done while wearing.

Case and crown
The case, though brutish, possesses subtly beautiful curves and polished beveled edges, which offset the brushed surfaces that predominate. The finish, in some angles of light, almost looks PVD'd or dark gray. At 52mm wide and 260 grams (half a pound) you'd think this would be an uncomfortable watch to wear. But after an initial day or two of getting used to it, I now find it quite comfortable and no more obtrusive than my old Sinn U1 or IWC Aquatimer. It's dimension lug to lug is only 48mm, so it works on a variety of wrist sizes. With shrouded lugs, there is zero overhang and wears smaller than some other big watches I've had.

Image
Image

The case back is truly special, with a central engraved and ridged disc that is held in perfect horizontal orientation by an outer compression ring. The ridges on the central disc echo the original Ploprof's case back while the engraved center has the familiar and loved Seamaster hippocampus. I have found that the ridges collect all sort of dirt and DNA over time and requires some elbow grease to clean.
Image

The crown operates smoothly and you spin it like you would any crown. However, operating it moves the fitted guard in and out and it is keyed to fit perfectly into the corresponding slots on the case when shut. Winding is performed most easily by flipping the watch around and winding it like you would any watch (a nod to DMB for the tip here). Winding is predictably smooth and quiet and there is no danger of cross-threading at all. The extended crown guard does not dig into the wrist like an Autozilla crown will, for example. I wish there were more opportunities to use the crown on this watch because it is as much a pleasure as the bezel and pushbutton (see below).
Image

Bezel
The bezel is massive and easy to grip, both wet and dry, gloves or not. The watch can only be worn on the left wrist, if you want to be able to operate the push button bezel release, since you need your thumb, index and middle fingers to push and turn. Speaking of the push button, it is a joy to operate. It has a firm resistance to it and snaps back with a solid click. The anodized finish matches the minute hand and is a nice splash of color. No mushy feel here. I was worried that this would be a potential clog point for sand and grit but it fared well on my trip, both underwater and topside.
Image

The bezel insert is sapphire with fully lumed numbers and markings. Looked at straight on, the bezel is deep black and gorgeous. From a slight angle, it is a bit too reflective and has a grayish appearance. Lume is spectacular and is as visible at 4am as it was at 8pm.
Image

Dial and hands
Deep black dial with applied OMEGA logo and markers. The dial is highly legible with the trademark double marker at 12 and largewr hashes at 3, 6 and 9. The date window is at 4:30 and disappears into the dial unless you are looking for it. Date is white on a black background. I've heard some complain that the date is the wrong orientation but I don't take issue with it at all.

Hands are the much-copied Ploprof hands, with a massive sword-shaped minute hand in anodized orange trim. The orange trim matches the push button orange exactly. The second hand and minute hand are white trimmed and workmanlike. Lume on dial and hands is predictably spectacular.
Image

Movement
A very impressive movement lurks inside the PP1200. It's Omega's in-house co-axial 8500 calibre. I am not a movement expert but the high points to me are the extreme accuracy, long power reserve (two mainspring barrels yield 60 hours) and ability to advance the hour hand independently to account for time zone changes without having to hack the minute and second hands. Leave it to Sri Lanka to be off of the rest of the world by 30 minutes (GMT +5:30) though so I had to hack anyway. :banghead:

Timekeeping has actually improved since I got the watch. Out of the box, it ran about +5/day and I was disappointed. Now it is running at +1 or +2 consistently and I haven't had to touch it since I set it back to home time on January 16th.

The movement is allegedly decorated beautifully though I'm pretty sure I'll never see it.

Diving with it
Overkill, plain and simple. Dive watches had their day in the '60s and '70s and are now lovely backup timers to all but a few divers who have better math skills than me. Having said that, there is something about being able to take such a beautiful chunk of Swiss engineering 100 feet under the sea. The PP1200 is predictably legible and accurate underwater and the highly adjustable clasp is easy to crank down as a wetsuit sleeve compresses at depth. I must say though, that the locking bezel, while ingenious, is more trouble than it's worth. I was able to set the bezel easily but not as easily as a good secure Doxa or Marathon bezel. I guess there is peace of mind knowing that, when you glance at your wrist, the marked position is where you left it due to the lock. But the push button is largely a vestigial novelty.
Image
I never once got a comment on a dive boat or on shore from people about it. I think that, despite it's unique appearance, the PP1200 flies under the radar and could be mistaken for a geeky dive computer to the casual observer, at least on the black rubber strap.

Living with it
As an everyday wear piece, it is surprisingly comfortable, as I noted above. But unless you're an iconoclastic dresser, I doubt it will see much time under a shirt sleeve in the office. Thankfully, I don't spend any time in an office setting. :grin:

I'm someone who likes to wear my watches for anything and everything. The PP1200 is on my wrist 90% of the time but I do find myself taking it off when I go running or swimming or skiing, in favor of its much lighter brother, the 2254 Seamaster Pro. The PP1200 feels too heavy and tall for aerobic pursuits or active sports, though come summer, I'm sure it will see its share of action.

I know, as a chronic flipper, my words ring hollow to many of you. But I can fairly confidently say, that this is the most special watch I have owned and will be with me for a very long time. It feels like a masterpiece.

That's the full report. Did I overlook anything? Any questions, let me know.

Over and out.
Image
Image

User avatar
Pasquale
Becky
Posts: 18390
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:23 pm
Name: Pasquale
Location: Queens NYC

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by Pasquale » Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:06 pm

Jason

As usual an unbelievable review and pics. Cause of you this watch is now on my radar.
If theres ones watch you gotta have in your collection, it def needs to be the Ploprof !!

Stunning.

:clap:
Pasquale

Image
NSC

User avatar
ElChingon7
Official DWC Boot Whore
Posts: 4208
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:48 am
Name: Glæn

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by ElChingon7 » Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:09 pm

Wow Jason, solid review. I have never been a PP guy, but I feel like I am after reading that :clap: :clap:
WTF

User avatar
aikiman44
Tiki Extraordinaire
Posts: 9437
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:50 am
Name: J

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by aikiman44 » Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:11 pm

Agreed, I love the review and pics. :thumbsup:
I hope the PloProf remains in the stable for some time to come.
"We'd better synchronize our watches."

User avatar
suddha
Action/Adventure Protagonist
Posts: 1698
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 7:22 am
Name: Jason
Location: 45 degrees north
Contact:

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by suddha » Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:22 pm

Thanks guys... it took a while to write, so you can imagine my horror when, clicking "Submit" it took me to the Login screen! Thank goodness I could click Back and copy the text out. :doh:
Image

User avatar
aikiman44
Tiki Extraordinaire
Posts: 9437
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:50 am
Name: J

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by aikiman44 » Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:38 pm

Jeez, if I'd lost that I'd go on a reign of terror. :nutkick:
"We'd better synchronize our watches."

User avatar
matt.wu
Wu
Posts: 29817
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:33 pm
Name: m@
Location: SF Bay Area, CA, USA

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by matt.wu » Thu Jan 28, 2010 4:00 pm

Yes, you are a chronic flipper, but no - your words in no way ring hollow with me. That was an outstanding review and a very pleasant read. Thanks for taking the time to do it.

I actually am a very firm believer that Omega got it very right with the date window coloring, at least. Granted, it's orientation makes it harder to read a glance when worn on the left wrist, but at least in terms of coloring (white on black), I think that it's perfect. :thumbsup:

:clap: :clap:
:htfu:

ezcheese
Cheese Connoisseur
Posts: 14413
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 10:25 am
Name: Derek
Location: NC

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by ezcheese » Thu Jan 28, 2010 5:46 pm

suddha wrote:Thanks guys... it took a while to write, so you can imagine my horror when, clicking "Submit" it took me to the Login screen! Thank goodness I could click Back and copy the text out. :doh:
Yeah, the site times out after 45 minutes when composing a message. I have gotten into the habit of clicking the preview button occasionally if I'm writing a long post to keep the site alive.

Great review. :clap:
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

User avatar
vbuskirk
Thread Jacker Extraordinaire
Posts: 7279
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:36 pm
Name: Chris
Location: Nashvegas

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by vbuskirk » Thu Jan 28, 2010 7:23 pm

:clap: Hall of Fame post. I'm glad your here. :salute:
Chris

User avatar
Diaboliq
Strap Maker Extraordinaire
Posts: 2871
Joined: Fri Dec 25, 2009 4:24 am
Name: Joe
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Contact:

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by Diaboliq » Fri Jan 29, 2010 2:26 am

Great review and great shots. :love:
Click:
Image

User avatar
Enskeri
Posts: 528
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:34 am
Location: Finland

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by Enskeri » Fri Jan 29, 2010 4:07 am

Good review! :thumbsup: When Omega first announced this I was skeptical. But now, i rather like that beast. There's so many details on that watch and it's so different than anything else out there. Yeah it's a bit blinged compared to the original, but in my books definitely cool watch! :headbang:
Image

User avatar
GGD
Posts: 3977
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:09 pm
Location: AUSTRALIA

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by GGD » Fri Jan 29, 2010 4:31 am

Awesome, AWESOME review mate :clap:

I couldn't be anymore jealous :mrgreen: If I could have only one watch, that would be it :thumbsup:

I hope you enjoy it for many years to come!!!

User avatar
ANOMALY
Lume Flasher
Posts: 1152
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:00 pm

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by ANOMALY » Fri Jan 29, 2010 5:16 am

Great Review...

Awesome Watch...

Great pics!
Image

User avatar
suddha
Action/Adventure Protagonist
Posts: 1698
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 7:22 am
Name: Jason
Location: 45 degrees north
Contact:

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by suddha » Fri Jan 29, 2010 6:29 am

Thanks, everybody! I enjoyed writing the review...
Image

User avatar
BSears
The Grumpy Global Mod
Posts: 19191
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:22 pm
Name: Mr. Dibs
Location: Big Blue Nation, Land of the Free-Home of the Brave

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by BSears » Fri Jan 29, 2010 6:51 am

ElChingon7 wrote:Wow Jason, solid review. I have never been a PP guy, but I feel like I am after reading that :clap: :clap:
+1 - stellar pics, great review, fantastic watch. I love that you got it into it's own element. :clap: :cheers:
You give respect, you'll get respect - you just don't know your place.

User avatar
jimyritz
Masshole
Posts: 24431
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:48 am
Name: Mike
Location: Boston

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by jimyritz » Fri Jan 29, 2010 7:53 am

Jason,

Just read the review--outstanding :clap:

Thanks for putting it together.....

Mike

J.Bond

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by J.Bond » Tue Feb 02, 2010 1:17 pm

That was a splendid report! Congrats!

JB

User avatar
deepcdvr
Flipper Extraordinaire
Posts: 13267
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:29 pm
Name: Paul

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by deepcdvr » Wed Feb 03, 2010 4:18 am

WOW... (how did I miss this post?)

Jason... This was an excellent review! Thanks for spending the time writing it. Your pics are awesome, too!

I've seen the watch in person twice (through a window.. :crybaby: ) in Germany. It is a real beast and yet the quality of the watch is the first thing that hits you.

I have never been a fan of this watch (or any of the other iterations) and have always wondered what people saw in them. You have turned me around. I think it is my new "GRAIL I WILL NEVER HAVE", replacing the Pam 24. Oh, well... man's gotta have a dream!

Thanks again, brother. If we can hook up in the keys sometime, maybe you'll let me dive with it? :whistle:
VR/
Paul

SI VI PACEM, PARA BELLUM

User avatar
suddha
Action/Adventure Protagonist
Posts: 1698
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 7:22 am
Name: Jason
Location: 45 degrees north
Contact:

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by suddha » Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:04 am

deepcdvr wrote:WOW... (how did I miss this post?)

Jason... This was an excellent review! Thanks for spending the time writing it. Your pics are awesome, too!

I've seen the watch in person twice (through a window.. :crybaby: ) in Germany. It is a real beast and yet the quality of the watch is the first thing that hits you.

I have never been a fan of this watch (or any of the other iterations) and have always wondered what people saw in them. You have turned me around. I think it is my new "GRAIL I WILL NEVER HAVE", replacing the Pam 24. Oh, well... man's gotta have a dream!

Thanks again, brother. If we can hook up in the keys sometime, maybe you'll let me dive with it? :whistle:
Hey, Paul, thanks for the compliments. As for diving in the Keys, let me know when you're headed that way again. I have all sorts of work leave this year that my wife doesn't have, so I am looking for some diving opportunities without her. Just give me a few weeks' notice, if you ever get that yourself! And yes, I'd glady let you dive the Ploprof as much as you want.
Image

User avatar
cali kid
Unabomber impersonator
Posts: 8108
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:13 pm
Name: Trevor
Location: Monterey Bay Area

Re: Omega Ploprof: the full review

Post by cali kid » Sun Feb 14, 2010 3:33 pm

Amazing watch and very good review! :cheers:
Image Image Image
Trevor

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 40 guests