Omega - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: Circa 1970
    Reference No: ST166.077
    Movement No: 00'066'630
    Case No: Prototype stamped 4-500
    Model Name: Seamaster 600 "Ploprof" - Prototype
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1002, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega mesh bracelet, reference 1266/237 and Comex Divers Extension, reference 1247-1266/01 , max length 200mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Omega airline seat belt style clasp
    Dimensions: Width 54mm. Length 45mm.
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming that the present watch is a prototype made around 1970 and delivered to Comex

  • Catalogue Essay

    Developed in conjunction with COMEX and the legendary Jacques Cousteau, the Ploprof was the first waterproof watch designed and built solely for diving professionals. It took Omega approximately 4 years of extensive testing before launching the watch to the public in 1970. The prototypes were tested to 600m at the Omega factory and subsequently tested to 1000m in the Golf du Lion off the coast of Marseilles (France) as confirmed by the Extract from the Omega Archives.

    The French-speaking development team nicknamed the watch “PloProf” in reference to PLOngeur PROFessionnel: Professional Diver in French. The present watch is fitted with the sought after mesh bracelet, reference 1266/237 complete with the diver extension. It is presented in a stunning condition with its original, beautifully patinated dial and hands that have slightly faded to a light orange color.

    Massive and unique in its design, this Ploprof prototype is a rare opportunity that will surely appeal to collectors of exceptional tool watches.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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Ref. ST166.077
An impressive and historically important professional divers prototype wristwatch with bracelet, made for COMEX

Circa 1970
Width 54mm. Length 45mm.
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€27,500-55,100
$30,900-61,800

Sold for CHF93,750

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016