Here we have a very good example of a 1970s Omega Seamaster 600 Professional, known as the ‘Ploprof’. It is the reference 166077 with a serial number dating to 1970 and the original guarantee with the date of sale as the 03/01/74. It is a correct configuration of MK2 ‘C’ shaped cut out case, with the drop 600 (Type D2) dial and the first style, type B1 bezel. It has the large case measuring 55mm, formed of the single piece of stainless steel. To the left is the twin lock screwdown crown. To the right is the red button which is depressed to allow the bezel to turn. The bezel has the clear singular minute hour markers with the ten-minute arabic signing and 5 minute baton dashes. The dial is the deep blue tone with the white signing and green tone to the luminous plots. The date window sits at 3 O’clock. The hands are original with the arrow hour hand with the extended luminous strip. The Orange dagger minute hand is large and clear. The central second has the luminous block. The solid back has the grooved finish to ensure it grips to the wrist. Inside is the Omega Calibre 1002 automatic movement, which has a Hi-beat frequency of 28,800BPH with instant date change at midnight. It was serviced by Swiss Time services on 18/02/2020 and is functioning well.
The watch is presented on an aftermarket German made Milanese bracelet, in the style of the post 1975 Omega bracelet.
The watch also comes with the original signed paperwork from A Fischer’s Erben in Zurich. It is dates 03/01/1974.
Thank you to Stuart of the Omega Ploprof collectors website for informing this listing and for taking the time to look at the watch - https://www.omegaploprof.com/
In the late 1960s underwater exploration boomed, with off-shore oil constructions, maintenance, scuba diving, water sports and military and naval forces. All of the above led to a demand for serious divers watches. Employees of underwater contactors exceeded 3000, with 1500 specified as commercial divers.
Omega’s solution to provide a sturdy companion to those working in the deep took 4 years to develop, in conjunction with Comex and famous diver Jacques Cousteau.
What Omega created was a robust, waterproof, high-depth rated watch. The Seamaster 600 debuted at the 1969 Basil show, with its retail sales beginning in April 1971.
It was rated to 600m depth, with a stainless steel monocoque case design. It has the unique two-piece screwdown crown, with the famous red button which when depressed, allows the bezel to rotate.
Gianni Agnelli, the chairman of Ferrari and Fiat, has an allergy to the metals used in watch cases. This led to him wearing his Seamaster 600 over his cuff, which further enhanced demand for the watch.
Its style afforded it the title of being one of the most recognisable Omega watches ever produced. It was twice the price of the Submariner at the time, costing 690CHF with Isofrane strap and 720CF on the bracelet.
Over 370,000 were produced. The movements experienced some longevity issues with the rotor, which meant when a watch was presented for service, a movement tended to be swapped out entirely. This means of 60% of watches have undergone a movement swap, with examples with original movements being the gold standard for collectors.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
Dial:
The dial is in very good original condition. It has no obvious signs of wear or ageing. The matte finish is good and even. The lume is original and maintains the original tone, having not darkened significantly with age.
Hands:
The hands are original, with original lume in-fill. The lume in-fill is original and has darkened somewhat with age.
Glass:
The crystal is original and is in good condition with no obvious marking.
Bezel Pusher:
The pusher is in good condition with the bright red tone and only light marking.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition with some light marking.
Case:
The case is original and is in very good condition with the correct brushed finishes to the top and sides.
Caseback:
The case back solid with the grained section, with good definition.
Strap:
The watch comes on an aftermarket Milanese style bracelet which will fit up to a 7.5” wrist circumference.
Movement:
The movement is the Omega Calibre 1002 automatic movement, which has a Hi-beat frequency of 28,800BPH with instant date change at midnight. It was serviced by Swiss Time services on 18/02/2020 and is functioning well.
It’s keeping time to within +15 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 300 degrees and a beat error of 0.1m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 55.5mm
Case length: 45.25mm
Case Depth: 13.8mm
Lug width: 24mm