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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Swiss automatic | Automatic |
| Case Size | 55mm by 48mm | 53mm by 47mm | 51.2mm by 46.6mm | 44mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm | 50.5mm | 46.6mm | 50mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Rubber strap | Stainless steel bracelet, leather strap |
| Water Resistance | 1200m | 2000m | 1250m | 200m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Jomashop |
Buy Now at Delta Watch
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Buy Now at Ocean7
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Buy Now at AliExpress
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Omega Ploprof
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 55mm by 48mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 1200m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Jomashop |
Delta Hydra
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 53mm by 47mm |
| Lug to Lug | 50.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 2000m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Delta Watch
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Ocean7 LM-7 Professional
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| Movement | Swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 51.2mm by 46.6mm |
| Lug to Lug | 46.6mm |
| Band | Rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 1250m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Ocean7
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Parnis PA6007
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 44mm |
| Lug to Lug | 50mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet, leather strap |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
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From ugly to iconic, from heavy to masculine, the Omega Ploprof has been called a lot of things.
For better or worse, what it’s never been called is forgettable.
It’s an important model for both the brand and dive watches in general because it was the result of a huge research project Omega embarked on with French diving company, Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises, or COMEX.
Its outrageous depth resistance and larger-than-life style has made this deep-sea diver so coveted, it’s difficult to find even among ADs.
The six Omega Ploprof homages we have here cut the wait-time and price down into a tiny fraction. Keep reading to find out which is the right one for you, or if you’d rather go with one of our three alternatives.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
Since functionality is so connected to looks when it comes to the Omega Ploprof, it’s also more important in the homages compared to less professional-forward models.
Of course, we’re not expecting Omega-level specs, but powerful water resistances and working helium escape valves earned certain entries extra points.
In order to build this round-up, I consulted colleagues, collectors of all levels, experts in the field I work in (high-end auctions), and information gathered from hours of forum-diving and review-watching.
6 Best Omega Ploprof Homages
Image Source: Delta Watch
The Ploprof inspiration is sharp and clear on the Delta Hydra, seen through left-side crown, right-side helium escape valve, and the line-forward look on the dial that gives the Ploprof its signature brisk look.
There are some vintage-inspired touches though, which is a clever way to give the Hydra its own identity, without cheapening or watering down the Ploprof vibe that homage seekers want.
The sapphire crystal, for example, is beautifully domed, providing a blur at the outer edges. You get the look of a boxed mineral, using a modern, more scratch-resistant material.
Another difference that I appreciate is the lug style. They’re longer with a hard turn, offering a more wearable look compared to the stout, sort-of lugs of its source material—many would argue the Ploprof doesn’t even have lugs.
The Hydra has excellent specs, from the workhorse Seiko automatic movement to the 2,000 meters of water resistance, which is even more impressive considering its usually sub-500 pierce point.
What I Like
- This watch features all the important, signature Ploprof elements, and combines it with thoughtful design departures.
- With 800 meters more water resistance than its inspiration piece, this diver can be used by professionals and won’t be impaired by any everyday-style exposure to water.
- Features like the automatic movement and sapphire crystal showcase a high level of construction.
What I Don’t Like
- The uncovered crown makes this watch easier to use, but takes away from the Ploprof-esque aesthetic.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Thanks to its well-executed rendition of the Ploprof, the Hydra is an oft-recommended homage on watch forums.
Reviewers point out how comfortable the bubble caseback is and how the aluminum bezel, which you can get in orange or black, has vivid color.
The Verdict
As a Ploprof homage, the Delta Hydra is an efficient balance of looks and function—a rare feat since most homage-makers focus on looks.
It has enough differences to make it unique from the Omega, without compromising the overall look and even the wrist feel. On top of that, it’s a true deep-sea diver, with 2000 meters of water resistance and a helium escape valve.
As a Ploprof homage, the Delta Hydra is an efficient balance of looks and function—a rare feat since most homage-makers focus on looks.
It has enough differences to make it unique from the Omega, without compromising the overall look and even the wrist feel. On top of that, it’s a true deep-sea diver, with 2000 meters of water resistance and a helium escape valve.
Image Source: Ocean7
American microbrand Ocean7 serves up a lookalike that’s so close to the quality of its Omega influence (as far as homages go), that it almost creeps into alternatives territory.
Fortunately, the LM-7 Professional is still a fraction of the cost, and above all, gives that extra brawny, super tank-like look that Proplof fans love so much. It has the same almost lugless case shape, but the bezel is proportionally thicker, and the same color as the case, leaning harder into a military design.
Speaking of the case, it’s made of light but strong titanium, which makes this watch easier to wear than most huge deep-sea divers. The bead-blasting also provides a beautifully even finish.
Another cool offering is the choice of dial styles. You can get a traditional black dial, or even a blue one, as well as some brightly hued variations. The orange 3D and yellow 3D dials, for example, have pops of color via the center dial and accents that complement it.
They’re definitely more playful, but it gives homage seekers an opportunity to see the “Ploprof” in fun variations that the actual one doesn’t come in.
On the function front, the LM-7 is powered by a Swiss automatic movement, has 1250 meters of water resistance, an AR-coated sapphire, and a crisp unidirectional bezel.
What I Like
- The design is extra robust, arguably more so than the Proplof itself, with sharper turns on the case’s silhouette and a thicker bezel.
- Its titanium construction makes it extra strong and light enough for everyday wear, while the bead-blasting provides a super clean look.
- The Swiss automatic movement and 1250 meters of water resistance provides specs closer to the Proplof than any worthwhile homage on the market does.
What I Don’t Like
- The bezel is changeable, which is cool, but you can only get this watch in the titanium bezel. This means that if you want it in the sapphire bezel, you’ll have to buy the titanium and the extra sapphire.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the look of this watch, and how it wears much smaller than the dimensions imply, thanks to its relative lightness in weight and its 46.6mm up-and-down case length. It makes it more comfortable, while making you look stronger.
Ocean7 comes with all of the pros and cons of a small-scale microbrand though. One reviewer mentions that when he went to order his watch, they weren’t delivering anything for two weeks, likely due to bandwidth issues.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a watch that’s as big and bold as the Proplof, while also boasting some of its high-end touches, the Ocean7 LM-7 is for you.
It runs on a Swiss movement and is built with premium materials that contribute to both its functionality and its military-forward style.
If you’re looking for a watch that’s as big and bold as the Proplof, while also boasting some of its high-end touches, the Ocean7 LM-7 is for you.
It runs on a Swiss movement and is built with premium materials that contribute to both its functionality and its military-forward style.
Image Source: AliExpress
The Parnis PA6007 looks like an Omega Ploprof that’s been tempered by some less industrial, less anti-aesthetic Seamaster features. This makes it more versatile, without turning into a standard dive.
It has the Ploprof hands, the lined outerdial, and the lustrous black bezel, but it also has a less imposing case and an overall more dimensional dial. The applied indices and raised outerdial are incredibly well-finished.
There are two options: A traditional silver-toned stainless steel version with an oyster bracelet, and a black-toned variation that has an authoritative vibe about it, which comes with a leather strap.
What I Like
- More wearable than the actual Proplof, but not as classic as a Seamaster, this watch is a unique approach to homaging, not often seen on the market.
- The two case and strap options provide a level of customization, while still maintaining the Proplof-esque template.
- With its well-finished and dimensional watch face and automatic movement, this watch is a truly bang-for-buck offering.
What I Don’t Like
- Even with express shipping, it can take a month for this watch to arrive from China.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers, forum-goers, and Reddit users love how Parnis takes the Ploprof in a unique direction, and how it uses several source materials.
Some complain that the steel bracelet is rattly, which is true, but it’s not that offensive to me at this price point.
A few point out that Parnis’s product descriptions are misleading, calling the crystal a sapphire when it’s really just a treated mineral. As always, reach out to your seller so you know exactly what you’re getting.
The Verdict
The Parnis PA6007 is an effective homage if you love the idea of the Ploprof, but wish it were less specialized looking without going full-on standard dive. It still has a robust deep-sea look, even sporting the exact Ploprof hands, but wears more like a Seamaster. And for its price, the automatic movement and water resistance are nice bonuses.
The Parnis PA6007 is an effective homage if you love the idea of the Ploprof, but wish it were less specialized looking without going full-on standard dive. It still has a robust deep-sea look, even sporting the exact Ploprof hands, but wears more like a Seamaster. And for its price, the automatic movement and water resistance are nice bonuses.
Image Source: EBay
A different approach to homage-making, Helson builds the Sharkmaster 600 by taking elements from different Ploprof references and putting them on one watch. So while every element on this watch exists within Omega’s line, the overall design doesn’t.
In a way, this makes it accurate to the Ploprof line (and its history), but provides you with a completely different watch—though only eagle-eyed observers would notice this.
It has the exact silhouette of the contemporary version, though the crown lock works and looks more like the 1970 version, as does the font and size of the numbers on the bezel.
Meanwhile, the hands, especially the heavily outlined hour hand, look more like the 600m versions that came out after the originals.
It runs on the ETA 2824-2, a 25-jewel Swiss automatic that keeps time reliably. Also, the Super-LumiNova BGW9 has a brilliant and long-lasting blue-green glow.
What I Like
- By combining design cues from different Ploprofs through time, this homage honors the line while serving up a look that technically doesn’t exist within Omega.
- This watch boasts efficient functionality, with its dependable Swiss automatic movement and its super bright Swiss lume.
- The case features a locking crown, a Ploprof signature, and a quality most homage makers tend to skip.
What I Don’t Like
- This watch is discontinued which means it isn’t easily and readily available, though you can often find it on eBay for a range of prices.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers are particularly impressed that this homage comes with the properly-positioned locking crown, since it cinches the Omega aesthetic.
Still, these very same reviewers mention that the crown locking mechanism does take getting used to. Since it’s at nine o’clock, you’ll rotate the watch first and get it to the three position. You’d otherwise have the winding and setting in reverse.
The Verdict
The Helson Sharkmaster 600 looks exactly like the Ploprof line without looking exactly like any specific reference. This is a clever way to produce a good-looking, close-to-template homage that still technically isn’t a copy.
The Helson Sharkmaster 600 looks exactly like the Ploprof line without looking exactly like any specific reference. This is a clever way to produce a good-looking, close-to-template homage that still technically isn’t a copy.
San Martin is the go-to homage maker for genuinely custom-level options, and it’s no different with the SN0077G.
It sports a nigh similar look to the Ploprof, including the coveted covered crown and the no-bezel mid case. However, you can choose to get it with or without the San Martin logo, if you prefer a brandless approach to homages.
Secondly, you can choose from one of two movements. The less expensive one is the PT5000 movement from HK precision, a high-beat automatic with 28,800 vph.
Otherwise, there’s the SW200, Swiss automatic known for its reliability and how absolutely easy it is to service. This means it can last you decades or more.
What I Like
- A truly beautiful watch, the SN0077G has flawless finishing, well-aligned applications, and a vividly colored orange bezel.
- The choice of movements and logo status offers you customization, inside and out.
- The three-year warranty is particularly generous.
What I Don’t Like
- You can either get this watch straight from San Martin in China, which can take one to three months, or from Amazon, which can be up to $100 more expensive.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
A popular homage on watch forums throughout the internet, forum-goers and reviewers praise the finishing and colors on this watch, as well as the bright lume and reliable movement options.
There are some reviewers who wish that the SN0077G came in other colorways though.
The Verdict
Whether you go for the PT5000 or the Swiss SW200 movement, within the well-built body of the San Martin SN0077G, this watch is a compelling value proposition—especially for you brandless fans out there, since you can get it without the logo.
Whether you go for the PT5000 or the Swiss SW200 movement, within the well-built body of the San Martin SN0077G, this watch is a compelling value proposition—especially for you brandless fans out there, since you can get it without the logo.
Image Source: Steeldive Watches
The Steeldive SD1969 could have easily been our top pick, if not for the Hydra’s superior water resistance and second colorway.
It has topnotch specs, from its automatic movement, the trusty NH35 that I’ve raved about many times, and 1200 meters of water resistance which matches the Ploprof’s depth rating.
That’s not the only thing that matches it though. The SD1969 is basically a legal replica of the modern Ploprof.
Additionally, it comes with a sapphire crystal, AR-coated of course, and a unidirectional ceramic bezel. Basically, it offers way more function, and is built with much higher-level materials, than most watches in its price bracket.
What I Like
- This watch not only looks exactly like the Proplof, but wears like it too, especially with its 16mm height.
- The Swiss super lume, depth rating, and AR-coated sapphire showcase a high-level of build and function.
- It runs on an easily operated and easy-to-service automatic movement.
What I Don’t Like
The indices are raised, but not applied, which feels like I’m being tricked, especially since everything else is built so closely to the way the Proplof is. I’d almost rather have them be flat, like the ones on vintage Proplofs.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers report that despite the huge crown-to-helium-valve size, the 48mm length makes this watch wear very comfortably.
One reviewer mentions that the wire bracelet is quite long, and may require some careful snipping of the wire links for smaller-wristed folks.
The Verdict
With a look and size as close as you can get to a real Ploprof without going for an illegal replica, the Steeldive SD1969 is an excellent test-drive watch. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also built and functions to premium standards.
With a look and size as close as you can get to a real Ploprof without going for an illegal replica, the Steeldive SD1969 is an excellent test-drive watch. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also built and functions to premium standards.
3 Quality Omega Ploprof Alternatives
While Ploprof homages are affordable tributes to their source material, an alternative is a comparable model that doesn’t necessarily look like it. It won’t always be more affordable either.
Often, alternative models are competitor watches, which is why you’ll likely see Rolex models in any list of Omega alternatives. Make sure you check out these three worthwhile substitutes, as making market comparisons is part of the do-diligence of watch buying.
Image Source: Bob’s Watches
Rolex, Omega’s forever direct competitor, also has a deep-sea dive in the form of the Sea-Dweller. With up to 3,900 meters of water resistance though, Rolex definitely wins on the function front, especially since they level up their COSC-certified Chronometer movements to even greater in-house accuracy.
The functional differences between the two won’t affect most everyday people though. The Ploprof is more than good enough. What the Sea-Dweller offers that its Omega counterpart doesn’t, is a more classic design. It basically looks like a beefed up Submariner, and isn’t nearly as industrial as the Ploprof.
Image Source: Audemars Piguet
Though they aren’t functionally similar at all, the Chronograph version of the Audemar Piguet Royal Oak satisfies the part of the Ploprof fan who loves the hard turns of its silhouette and its machine-forward style. This is especially evident thanks to the bloated octagonal bezel and the signature exposed screws.
The 50th Anniversary version comes in this all-black ceramic variation, which is both utilitarian-looking and chic. The sapphire crystal is especially glare-proof, which is perfect since the AP Grande Tapisserie is accented with pops of beautiful pink gold.
Image Source: Oris
Oris’s Provider GMT is a combination deep-sea diver and, as its name suggests, a GMT. It has a busier look than the Ploprof, with several layers and applications on the dial, including a subtle wave-patterned center dial and pops of yellow via the GMT appellate and the arrowhead of the GMT.
Like the Ploprof though, it has a sizable and visually stratified case, a titanium construction, and excellent water resistance—just 200 meters less than the Omega. The stainless steel screw-in crown may not have an all-around guard, but it’s PVD-plated for extra durability.
Which Omega Ploprof Homage Should You Get?
The Delta Hydra is a high-level lookalike with even more depth resistance than the Ploprof itself. However, you can even level up from there with the Ocean7 homage and its bead-blasted titanium case and Swiss movement.
As a Ploprof homage, the Delta Hydra is an efficient balance of looks and function—a rare feat since most homage-makers focus on looks.
It has enough differences to make it unique from the Omega, without compromising the overall look and even the wrist feel. On top of that, it’s a true deep-sea diver, with 2000 meters of water resistance and a helium escape valve.
Meanwhile, the Parnis is as rugged-looking as the Omega, but at a ~$100 price point.
The Parnis PA6007 is an effective homage if you love the idea of the Ploprof, but wish it were less specialized looking without going full-on standard dive. It still has a robust deep-sea look, even sporting the exact Ploprof hands, but wears more like a Seamaster. And for its price, the automatic movement and water resistance are nice bonuses.
Helson’s and Steeldive’s take on the Ploprof take few liberties, and are as visually close as you can get. But, if you want a brandless homage, and perhaps some choice of movement, San Martin has you covered.
It may be difficult to get your hands on an Omega Ploprof, but it doesn’t have to be difficult to obtain some of your favorite qualities about it.
FAQs
Is the Omega Ploprof Discontinued?
No, the stainless steel versions are discontinued, but the titanium version is still in production. Still, either version is hard to come by.
What does Ploprof mean?
It stands for Plongeur Professionnel, which is French for “professional diver.”
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
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