Ultimate dive watch - help me decide

cmsslee · Nov 11, 2022

Hi all, I’m looking for a dive watch (desk diving only). I’m a sucker for a story/bit of history and this has led me to both the Ploprof and the Ultra Deep. I was lucky enough to try on the titanium UD a few days ago and would have bought it if I had had a little more time but had to dash for a flight. I have long fancied a Ploprof but have never seen one available to try on. I’m a big chap and have the wrist to pull off these chunky beasts and want something special to wear when appropriate (i.e. when I'm not dressed smart/formal). I’m not into Rolex and looked at the fifty fathoms but it wasn’t the one. So WIS hive mind, in a shootout between the Ploprof and the UD which gets your vote and why?

OmegaOwner2019 · Nov 11, 2022

Both wear like a small anvil on your wrist.

It depends on your personality.
If you want to draw some extra attention, Ploprof would be the way to go because of its atypical case shape.

Foo2rama · Nov 11, 2022

IMHO the ultimate dive watch is the SKX. Perfect size for large and small wrists. Affordable tool watch and the last watch in a long line of affordable tool dive watches.

if I wanted the ultimate omega dive watch….

oG Ploprof or a 2500 PO.

cmsslee · Nov 11, 2022

Thanks for the replies. I have an 8 inch wrist so anvils are OK for me, although obviously thickness still applies. Honestly when I tried the UD I thought it was totally wearable even with the nato adding some height.
With regards to drawing attention I guess I wouldn’t be considering these two unless that was the case, but I definitely don’t want the ‘wrong’ kind of attention - the Ploprof looks a bit more bling bling to me, whereas the UD in titanium doesn’t stand out as much?

I did go to check out the Seikos a few weeks back and found the sheer volume of models a bit overwhelming and that kind of dilutes the ‘conversation starter’ appeal. I’m really planning on only having 4 ‘luxury’ watches in my collection so want them all to be special to me.

That 2500 PO is a stone cold classic, and the big size would be a good fit. I do have a 2500 Aqua Terra already though 🤪

dsio · Nov 11, 2022

The ploprof has both more presence than the ultra-deep and is more comfortable than a Planet Ocean XL on the wrist let alone a UD. Id be buying a first gen ploprof on mesh.

OmegaOwner2019 · Nov 11, 2022

cmsslee
With regards to drawing attention I guess I wouldn’t be considering these two unless that was the case, but I definitely don’t want the ‘wrong’ kind of attention - the Ploprof looks a bit more bling bling to me, whereas the UD in titanium doesn’t stand out as much?

Trust me robbers don't want your Ploprof, because it looks nothing like a Rolex.

If you want some attention and have a conversation piece, Ploprof is the way to go.

It has that retrofurturistic esthetic that is recognizable from across the room.

cmsslee · Nov 11, 2022

The Ploprof was at the top of my list until the UD came along, but maybe I’ve been sucked in by the Victor Vescovo v James Cameron hype!

I think the other factor is a gen 1 Ploprof is going to be more of a procurement/ownership challenge (dubious provenance, bezel pusher rotting, dial perishing etc). So I’d probably go for the most recent titanium version, maybe the SS from 2009 onwards…or maybe the challenge makes it even more appealing 👎

PandaSPUR · Nov 11, 2022

I have the titanium UD so I'm biased of course. Despite its size, its actually one of my most comfortable watches because of how lightweight it is.
I've been trying two elastic straps that make it even more comfortable, and removes the bulk of having the NATO behind the case.

Pictured here is the UD on a strap from "The Watch Steward". More recently I've switched to a strap from Nick Mankey Designs. Similar concept, just different execution.

duc · Nov 11, 2022

My wrist is 7-1/2" or so. The Ploprof is not that big. It still gets my vote. In the arena of panache, its unmatched:

cmsslee · Nov 11, 2022

These pictures are making it even more difficult to decide! Lovely examples gents 😁🤦🤨

duc · Nov 11, 2022

In full disclosure, mine has a service dial, hands and bezel. The 1200s are a little bigger and more refined (among a few other changes).

OmegaOwner2019 · Nov 11, 2022

God damn, y'all got wrists thicker than my ankles.

52mm lug to lug looks normal on you guys.

rob#1 · Nov 11, 2022

I tried on a new Ploprof at an OB and was very impressed, I thought it was going to feel too heavy and look too clunky but it was great on the wrist. +1

bensess · Nov 11, 2022

That Ploprof looks great!

Another suggestion, the Seamaster Big Blue 176.004 is very cool vintage diver with a 1040 cal. that has the central minute counter. Vintage, so you obviously wouldn't get the water resistance.

Dsloan · Nov 11, 2022

I vote Ploprof. I would love to upgrade to one some day, budget permitting. It's just such a fun, unique design.

timoss · Nov 11, 2022

If you’re just asking for random opinions, I’ll vote ploprof too. It’s a very cool watch. I don’t get the appeal of the UD at all to be honest.

OmegaOwner2019 · Nov 11, 2022

timoss
If you’re just asking for random opinions, I’ll vote ploprof too. It’s a very cool watch. I don’t get the appeal of the UD at all to be honest.

It's THICC, boy.

STANDY · Nov 11, 2022

Went through a dive watch quest years ago and the winner was….. wearing/trying on is the key.

Not a small watch……but comfortable. Came with bracelet and rubber strap that both have dive extensions for wetsuits…