The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'd like to start by saying I know this is stupid. It's a stupid idea and a stupid request.

That said, I've just fallen in love with the Omega PloProf. Thanks Altair, Ricardo and Roff. Thank's very much for making me fall in love with something I can't afford. It's as if Scarlett Johanssen has knocked on my door, wearing that outfit from 'Iron Man 2' and told me she's broke and I can have my way with her in exchange for more money than I have.

So please can someone point me in the direction of a couple of "not quite Ploprof" watches that I can get cheap, as in hundreds not thousands?

I'd like one of those watches that are big, over-engineered until they're beyond ugly and back to pretty again. I don't mind if it's old and a bit beaten up; I want a tool watch than I could use as a hammer if I needed to, but I'd still like a mechanical movement in a big hunk of metal, so no g-shocks.

I thinking of things like the Seiko 6309 or an old Doxa, though I'm not sure about prices or where to look outside of the 'Bay.

Can any aficionados of brutish, tank-like watches help me?

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Follow me through my Journalism degree

I had a Hamilton Below Zero - http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/webapp/en- ... =128&p=371

If you're looking for a "hammer" watch - this is a good one.

Luminosity is poor in low light conditions, but if you're looking for a diver watch to beat up, it's a good one.

Note that the metal strap that comes with it scratches easily - but I took mine on many a vacation and beach trips with the rubber strap and it held up well. You can probably pick one up for around $700 if you look hard enough.

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

Sure – here’s one for hundreds, not thousands you could try out -http://www.ocean7watchco.com/cs2/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=69.

Remember ploprof is not an Omega trade name – it’s short for Plonguer Professionel which just means professional diver, I think.

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SHARKMAN

I love my Boschett Cave Dweller. It's built like a tank and the bracelet can't be beat for the $!


I chose the cheaper Miyota movement ($440US) but you can bet a swiss movement, ETA 2824-2, for $200 more.




Here is a comparison to the SA

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SA Blue Dial Silver Subs Pro 2

+1 for the CaveDweller. It may be a micro-brand but doesn't use the catalogue cases most do. It is a unique case design, a nicley linked bracelet, and the ratcheted micro extension ensures quick on the wrist adjustments. It is an amazing buy.

Also consider Deep Blue which is putting out some massive pieces currently priced about the same as the CaveDweller with the ETA. The reviews are quite good.

WUS has a dive watch forum with many discussions devoted to micro-brand dive watches. The market is flooded with under $1000 choices.

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SHARKMAN

The LM7 that Sharkman posted the link for is the recognised 'homage' piece for the PloProf. Nothing wrong with the others mentioned, but they don't look like PloProfs - it depends how important that is to you.

Sharkman wins

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

Wow, I didn't know it was a contest. What do I win?????

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SHARKMAN

Pretty much just the satisfaction of winning. Its better than nothing, right? mmm...nevermind, maybe its not.

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-RJ

Chocolates ???

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Ah yes. The illusory German chocolate bar.

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SHARKMAN

a pair of pink breitling boxers!

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

Hey everyone, that's for all the information (and entertainment)!

I've done lots of Googling based on what you guys have suggested and have stumbled across a couple of other interesting watches. I'll let you know what's going on in my head at the moment. I admit I'm all over the place at the moment, looking at all sorts. The reason for this is that I want all of them but can't afford!

The Ocean7 looks great and I'm considering it. Obviously I love the look of the Omega and this comes pretty close. I found out the Ocean7 was released before Omega re-released their PloProf, which makes it more homage than copycat to me. I guess the thing that's holding me back is it's still a grand for a replica and I wonder if I'd be better off getting something else and waiting until I can afford the real thing.

I'm liking the Hamilton Below Zero rather a lot and I like the fact that it's 46mm. I'm very tall (6'8) and prefer my watches on the large (but not stupid) side. It seems to retail at about £1000 though, so I'd be looking at buying 2nd hand if I chose this one.

The Cave Dweller is cool but I think the Seiko Orange Monster offers better value. Having said that, I'd love a yellow dial/yellow rubber combo.

On that note, I've only started looking at the OM properly since I've had this hankering for a big diver. Everyone seems to sing its praises endlessly and more than one person has said that at the price it's a must-have. It's so cheap I could probably get one in addition to another watch. Thoughts on this?

Then there's the Deep Blue. The 500 with black dial and orange hands would look cool on an orange strap.

Finally, I discovered the Tissot Seastar 1000. Does anyone have any experience here? I think it looks good, and the snobbery in me (to which I have no right) draws me towards the fact that it's all Swiss. I have also always wanted a display back and this has one. I know the undecorated 2892 isn't the most exciting movement and that you can't see the balance wheel very well, but it still scores points for me. Plus it's cheap. There don't seem to be the easiest watches to find on the used market, but that may be a good sign.

Having said all this, I have the scraps of knowledge that come with being a watch lover, but this is nowhere near the knowledge of an expert, so I welcome everyone's opinions on what I'm thinking, and any new ifo is always welcome! Thanks again.

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Follow me through my Journalism degree

Check out helson watches. Great looking pieces with unbelievable lume.

They have recieved rave reviews on the WUS dive forum. I especially like the shark diver which you can get in either a miyota or eta movement. Great price for a nice chunk of steel.

http://www.helson-watch.com/

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

Check these out!

http://www.chrisbenz.de/

I like the green face depthmeter chronograph.

I got a thing for funky colored dials.

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SA Blue Dial Silver Subs Pro 2