Omega Ploprof 1200

The watch is an engineering masterpiece. The case, though brutish, possesses subtly beautiful curves and polished beveled edges, which offset the brushed surfaces that predominate. The crown guard is keyed to fit perfectly into the corresponding slots on the case when shut. The dial is a deep, abyss black, against which the anodized orange minute hand marks dive time. The rotating bezel echoes the original Ploprof’s, but is updated with a scratchproof sapphire insert that is mesmerizing to look at. The distinctive push button release is anodized orange aluminum and its action is firm and reassuring. The whole package ensures water resistance down to a staggering 1200 meters (twice that of the original 1970 version).

If the whole point of a dive watch case is to protect its movement from water, then the calibre 8500 that lies within is definitely worth protecting. Developed wholly in-house by Omega, the automatic movement is built around a co-axial escapement, which means better accuracy and less friction over a longer period. The movement has twin mainspring barrels which, when fully wound, yield an impressive 60-hour power reserve, should you ever decide to take the thing off for that long.

The watch comes with three strap options. There is a steel mesh bracelet (Omega calls it “Sharkproof”) or two different rubber straps – one orange and one black. All come fitted with a superb clasp that has a ratcheting adjustment and integrated wetsuit extension.

Cost: $8800 (on rubber strap)

All pics & info via www.gearpatrol.com