Two major Swiss brands, famous for their undersea timepieces now come head-to-head to grab the price of the King of the Swiss Deep. In this posting, two famous dive watches from Switzerland, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Sea-Dweller reference M116660-0001 (L of picture) and the Omega Seamaster PloProf reference 224.32.55.21.01.001 (R of picture) stands up to be judged.
At first glance, the Rolex DSSD has the contemporary styling whereas the Omega Ploprof has the unique and very science fiction-like design. Size-wise, the Omega Ploprof towers over the Rolex DSSD in terms of dimensions and weight. Despite having a rubber strap, the Omega Ploprof weighs in at 260 gm compared to just 212 gm for the Rolex DSSD.
Below is a comparative table of the specifications of both watches.
The dimensions of the Omega Ploprof put it well ahead of the Rolex DSSD. Even looking at both of them side-by-side on my wrist, the Omega Ploprof has substantially more wrist presence. Its unique shape further enhances its wow factor. The Rolex DSSD appears more sedated and normal.
Above is another picture showing the amount of material used on these two watches. Note the thickness of the rubber strap on the Omega Ploprof.
As professional dive watches, the quality of the illumination is very important. The Rolex DSSD wins in this regard. Round markers allow a lot more of the illumination paint to be used unlike the straight markers on the Omega Ploprof. Nevertheless, the Omega Ploprof has the advantage of having illumination on all the markers on its bezel courtesy of the sapphire insert.
It is also important to note that these are professional watches and cannot be used in all occasions. However, when used as intended the Rolex Deepsea wins. It is the right size and design to cater to the vast majority of watch buyers. The Omega PloProf design which aims to be different has the effect of alienating a huge number of prospective buyers. The vast majority of people in the world are not that adventurous when it comes to paying huge sums of money for a watch that may invite a lot of questions and remarks. Most of them prefer the subtle approach to style.
Nevertheless, there is a secret desire in a lot of people to own an Omega Ploprof. Say what you want, the Omega Ploprof shape does remind a lot of people objects they hold dear. Unfortunately, the need to conform diminishes individuality. You only live once and to deny what you actually desire is unfair to yourself. Will the world be a better place if you conform or if you are happy? I definitely choose the latter.
That is why after getting my Rolex DSSD, I still went after the Omega Ploprof. I want to live free….
Photo Gallery
At first glance, the Rolex DSSD has the contemporary styling whereas the Omega Ploprof has the unique and very science fiction-like design. Size-wise, the Omega Ploprof towers over the Rolex DSSD in terms of dimensions and weight. Despite having a rubber strap, the Omega Ploprof weighs in at 260 gm compared to just 212 gm for the Rolex DSSD.
Below is a comparative table of the specifications of both watches.
| Specifications | Roles DSSD | Omega Ploprof |
| Movement | Rolex 3135 | Omega 8500 |
| Strap | Bracelet 904L stainless steel | Black rubber strap with signed deployant clasp |
| Dial | Analogue, date | Analogue, date |
| Diameter | 44 mm | 55 mm |
| Lug width | 21 mm | 24 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 51 mm | 48 mm |
| Thickness | 17.7 mm | 18 mm |
| Weight | 212 gm | 260 gm |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire (with anti-reflective coating) | Sapphire (with anti-reflective coating) |
| Power source | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Base material | 904L stainless steel with grade 5 titanium case-back | 316L stainless steel and rubber |
| Bezel material | Ceramic inserts | Sapphire inserts |
| Water rating | 3,900 meters | 1,200 meters |
| Diver's extension | Rolex Glidelock fine adjustment system installed in the clasp | Diver's extension system installed in the clasp |
| Complications | Date, HEV, bezel lock | Date, HEV |
The dimensions of the Omega Ploprof put it well ahead of the Rolex DSSD. Even looking at both of them side-by-side on my wrist, the Omega Ploprof has substantially more wrist presence. Its unique shape further enhances its wow factor. The Rolex DSSD appears more sedated and normal.
Above is another picture showing the amount of material used on these two watches. Note the thickness of the rubber strap on the Omega Ploprof.
As professional dive watches, the quality of the illumination is very important. The Rolex DSSD wins in this regard. Round markers allow a lot more of the illumination paint to be used unlike the straight markers on the Omega Ploprof. Nevertheless, the Omega Ploprof has the advantage of having illumination on all the markers on its bezel courtesy of the sapphire insert.
It is also important to note that these are professional watches and cannot be used in all occasions. However, when used as intended the Rolex Deepsea wins. It is the right size and design to cater to the vast majority of watch buyers. The Omega PloProf design which aims to be different has the effect of alienating a huge number of prospective buyers. The vast majority of people in the world are not that adventurous when it comes to paying huge sums of money for a watch that may invite a lot of questions and remarks. Most of them prefer the subtle approach to style.
Nevertheless, there is a secret desire in a lot of people to own an Omega Ploprof. Say what you want, the Omega Ploprof shape does remind a lot of people objects they hold dear. Unfortunately, the need to conform diminishes individuality. You only live once and to deny what you actually desire is unfair to yourself. Will the world be a better place if you conform or if you are happy? I definitely choose the latter.
That is why after getting my Rolex DSSD, I still went after the Omega Ploprof. I want to live free….
Photo Gallery
I love both of the watches. They has a huge demand as well as a beautiful look. But unfortunately I sell my Rolex watch for some personal reason, but I am having an Omega Seamaster to gift my Brother.
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