Omega Ploprof ST166.0077 Dive Watch Overview

alain2701 · 2018-03-01T09:09:30Z

Explore the Omega Ploprof ST166.0077, a legendary 600m dive watch. Discover its unique monobloc case, historical significance, and collector appeal.

alain2701

WPS member · Omega forum

22 replies11928 views22 photos

Alain2701's post celebrates the Omega Ploprof, a legendary dive watch known for its robust construction and significant history. This article delves into the watch's unique design and impressive capabilities, highlighting why it remains a coveted piece among collectors. Alain2701's detailed account, enriched with personal photos, offers a rare glimpse into a gathering of these iconic timepieces.

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The Omega Ploprof is a mythic watch ... with this waterproof and specific case... A must !

Ploprof for"Plongeur Professionnel" ("professional diver" in english) or Seamaster 600m/2000ft or ST166.0077. The watch was produced at the beginning of 70's.

A french meeting ... 4 models ... for an extraordinary group of Ploprof !

The weight for one model : near 200 grammes ....

The proof :

Almost one kg, perfect for an infernal tower !

The first prototypes were made in titanium (10 models max) by the Schmitz Freres company. But the cost was so high that the titanium was replaced by steel...

Several watches were done for the Comex organisation (during oil exploration near Ajaccio by Elf Company) too.

(credit : Omega - "Voyage à travers le temps" - Marco Richon)

Monobloc case (brevet 480.680 posted in 1967) for the best waterproof concept.

The mineral glass is pressed at 120 kg and maintened by a screw ring; and the screw crown is square and is maintened by a nut (brevet 503.310 posted in 1968) at 9 o'clock.

The watch was the watch of records. Waterproof to 600 meters !

By example, the watch was associated to the record of diving during Janus operation (-253 meters). And tests in laboratory demonstrate the waterproof resistance to -1370 meters ....

And now the pictures of the meeting :

During the 70's, different versions of dial were produced ... mk1, mk2, mk3...

The bezel is bidirectionnal and secured by the famous and specific red pusher ...

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Black or blue dials, multiple hands, multiple bezel's typography ... It is very difficult for the collectors to identity all the models ...

(credit : Omega - "Voyage à travers le temps" - Marco Richon)

Isoframe strap, mesh or flightmaster band ... to discover by the caseback side :

Two mk1 versions :

And a marvelous model with the pics and historic informations ...

And this model with this oiled black dial ...

To finish, a picture take by DrStrong during the report ... Always with a mojito !

Best regards.

This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2013-12-06 00:03:34

Key Points from the Discussion

The Ploprof's unique history and design make it highly intriguing, even for collectors who typically prefer more wearable watches, often leading to a desire to acquire one despite its substantial size.
Despite its immense size, the Ploprof's asymmetrical, plinth-like case design subliminally minimizes the impression of massiveness, making it surprisingly wearable without feeling self-conscious.
The post's enthusiasm for the Ploprof is contagious, prompting questions about whether the featured watches are original models or re-editions, and if owners possess both.
Another collector shares their own experience with multiple Ploprof models, indicating a shared passion for the watch and suggesting a future report on their collection.
The Ploprof is noted for its excellent 'stacking' capability, a humorous reference to its substantial form factor.

The Discussion

respo

Dec 5, 2013

Awesome!

I love this report on a watch I have admired for some years now. Your excitement and enthusiasm is contagious, as I am now wanting one of these for my collection. :-D I have come close several times. The Ploprof is an unmistakable icon, as you noted, and what a history! Thanks for sharing this GTG. Am I correct that all of these four are from among the original Ploprofs and not the re-edition from a few years ago? Do any of these owners also own the re-edition? Best, respo

Bill

Dec 5, 2013

PloProf MKII MKI MKIII - three by three left to right

Great to see all theses PloProf all in one space. I am a big fan also but I can only match your with three. At least all the bases are covered. I need to put a report together. Bill Ps the ray was happily released.

amanico

Dec 5, 2013

Bravo, Bill. That is such an achievement. Bring one with you, please.

Will have to test it again! ;) Best, Nicolas

DrStrong

Dec 6, 2013

That works very well !

great collage of the three dial variations !

watch.out1

Dec 7, 2013

have the same bubbly dial ! congratulations; a perfect triumverat....

kind regards. achim