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Craving a Vintage PloProf

WatchTimes
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When it comes to divers I have always been partial to Rolex
But wait, don't get mad.
When it comes to a chrono I pick Speedie every time over a Daytona. Ive had several Daytonas and always sold them in a few weeks but Im still in love with my 3186 Saph sandwich my wife bought me in March for my 50th.

The PloProf is such a distinct and evolutionary watch I want one for my collection and I want vintage, not one of the modern ones.
I have come close to buying one a couple times over the past 15 years but just have never pulled the trigger.
Ideally I want as original as possible but really can't tell the diff. in service hands etc.

I notice they do not come up here often but I keep looking.
I found one on C24 which they claim is unpolished but the hands look like they are already starting to break apart so I kinda ruled that out.
I guess what I am wondering is can they be found with the hands still in good shape or should I consider one which has had some parts swapped out?

Im not looking for a museum piece, I am looking for something I will wear on occasion.
 
Dsloan
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WatchTimes WatchTimes
When it comes to divers I have always been partial to Rolex
But wait, don't get mad.
When it comes to a chrono I pick Speedie every time over a Daytona. Ive had several Daytonas and always sold them in a few weeks but Im still in love with my 3186 Saph sandwich my wife bought me in March for my 50th.

The PloProf is such a distinct and evolutionary watch I want one for my collection and I want vintage, not one of the modern ones.
I have come close to buying one a couple times over the past 15 years but just have never pulled the trigger.
Ideally I want as original as possible but really can't tell the diff. in service hands etc.

I notice they do not come up here often but I keep looking.
I found one on C24 which they claim is unpolished but the hands look like they are already starting to break apart so I kinda ruled that out.
I guess what I am wondering is can they be found with the hands still in good shape or should I consider one which has had some parts swapped out?

Im not looking for a museum piece, I am looking for something I will wear on occasion.

I'd love a vintage one some day too. I'm not an expert, but I've got the impression that they can have some expensive issues, such as deterioration of the bezel lock button. Seems like the kind of watch where being patient and careful is key to avoid a real money pit of a project.

But, I really do like the look of them compared to the current models. Wish I could spring for the 75th anniversary version. That at least has proportions similar to the OG model.
 
Dash1
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They are fantastic watches, the very definition of a tool watch. Surprisingly comfortable to wear as well. I’ve had a few and not had many issues. I wouldn’t get hung up on original hand lume (you can get very good re lumes that look vintage) but spend time making sure you get one with original and attractive dial lume, a decent case and undamaged, attractive bezel. If you can get one with an extract for the movement that would be a bonus as so many of the original movements were swapped out. Original red button and crown is also a big plus for me, but you can’t always have everything.
2784F021-4CA2-4C77-8CAE-AC3731415991.jpeg BE5BDFD5-443D-40CC-8D61-9EDCF1A687FD.jpeg
 
duc
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If you find one like the one above (in the original condition), be prepared to pay dearly. I found one in far worse condition and had it overhauled by Omega at the Bienne center. I like a well preserved vintage look, but if it's too far gone, appreciate a properly restored look just as much.

As it was (service hands & button and original dial/bezel):

a.jpg


After restoration. I know it runs counter to the theme of the OPs thread. My point is, if I can't have a completely vintage (but not too far gone) example, I prefer a clean original look.
20.jpg
 
pascs
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Its a big watch, even for someone used to wearing larger watches. I also wear mine with the big Seamaster adjustable clasp.

Ploprof.jpg Ploprof clasp.jpg
Edited:
 
Fallout Boy
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WatchTimes WatchTimes
or should I consider one which has had some parts swapped out?

.

Now we know what is the best is to collect, next step is to determine the quality. What we often see when we analyze any watches on its condition, is that the „ all over patina” is not matching. An old watch that has been worn and stored during time will have patina on the dial. Furthermore it has little dents on the common edges of the case, show wear on the crown and leave marks between the lugs from the bracelet that was attached between the lugs. A perfect case with a non perfect dial are signs that someone is trying to cover up earlier damages. Or the other way around a damaged and worn-down case with a perfect dial and hands also tells us something has been done to cover up imperfections.

https://rolexpassionreport.com/14962/the-vintage-rolex-buyers-guide-by-philipp-stahl/

These watches are collectors-pieces. Don´t buy any vintage watch with "swapped pieces" that do not match the rest. my2cents
Edited:
 
WatchTimes
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Can you guys give me your thoughts on this one?
Seller claims it's unpolished.
Of course no bracelet kinda stinks but I imagine I could find something for it.

Screenshot 2023-06-30 at 7.52.53 PM.png
 
Fallout Boy
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the reality on the dial of the shown watch:

plo.jpg


he was at the depth of 2001 feet
Edited:
 
duc
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I'm just an interested novice, but it looks legitimately original to me (if polished, not offensively so).

Edit: If you compare the bezel font on the 3 on mine, to the 3 on the one you posted; the one you posted looks original.

As for the bracelet, contact Omega and they can provide an OEM original like the one on mine above. I paid $520. If you are interested in a worn older version, without proper end links, contact me by PM.
 
Dash1
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Any thoughts on the one I posted above?
Impossible to say wether it’s been polished from those photos. Looks like red button is a service one. Do you find the dial/bezel attractive? I don’t, but it’s a personal thing.
 
STANDY
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Rare to find in pristine condition because these were tool watches in the day and probably the most common watch to be worn in true tool watch fashion. A true divers watch bought and worn by divers.
Buy the best condition you can. But know you’re buying a watch that 9/10 was used as a diving watch.

(Personally: I don’t see any issues with a good looking piece that has some wear from countless days in the sun and sea.)
 
Knudsen1971
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The above piece is ruined with moisture getting into the watch. The movement can be affected too, or even exchanged.
When buying ploprof as collector, would insist on EoA form Omega, as the movement is often swapped.
 
B
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I have a couple of PloProfs and with all my passion for the most authentic pieces, for a daily use or even an occasionally use, I use one which got a service, has a new dial etc.. Still with extract etc but serviced to be worn on a daily basis.
 
duc
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Knudsen1971 Knudsen1971
The above piece is ruined with moisture getting into the watch. The movement can be affected too, or even exchanged.
When buying ploprof as collector, would insist on EoA form Omega, as the movement is often swapped.

If you are basing your opinion on the bubbled nature of the paint on the dial, you may be wrong. From what I've read on line, the original dials had paint that was prone to bubbling, without the catalyst of moisture. It is likely that instead of moisture that caused the "patina".
 
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