ploprof

Omega Helps Michael Phelps And Massimiliano Rosolino Go On A Roman Holiday

Ah, summer in Rome and two championship athletes there for training and competition can't seem to stay focused on the pool. Famous American Olympian Michael Phelps and star Italian swimmer Massimiliano Rosolino have a lot in common both being good swimmers and both Omega watch ambassadors. In what seemed like a friendly move, Omega got them together on a Vespa (of course) and the gents couldn't look happier. See them both wearing new 2009 Omega Seamaster Ploprof dive watches.

The idea was to recreate the setting and mood from the movie Roman Holiday for the photo op. The sentiment worked out pretty well. My only question is, who is supposed to be Audrey Hepburn? In this instance Mr. Phelps seems to be taking the role 'swimmingly,' and boy does he look happy sitting on the back of the White vintage Vespa. I have a feeling the two took the rest of the day off together for jaunting on Roman back roads via the scooter. The two indicated they had been spending a lot of time in the pool training for the FINA 09 event, so the break was sorely needed, I am sure. Reliable new Omega timepieces surely helped them not lose track of time.

This may also have been an attempt by Omega to expose the watch brand to new markets. For those who can appreciate the finer things in life such as White Vespas, cut-off shorts, and luxury timepieces.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Phelps and Rosolino with Omega watch

Tags: massimiliano rosolino, MassimilianoRosolino, michael phelps, MichaelPhelps, omega, ploprof, rome, watch

Omega Seamaster Ploprof In Gold For Only Watch 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

The re-released Omega Seamaster Ploprof watch was a big hit with collectors who lusted after the original Ploprof watch of the 1970s. So it makes sense that Omega's contribution to the Only Watch 2009 auction represent this iconic timepiece - but in gold. It is ironic that was is essentially a very dedicated diving instrument should be milled in 250 grams of solid 18k red gold. This watch will help you sink when diving. For this one-off timepiece you can clearly see the note on the dial of "1/1 Only Watch" There will not be any more of these to go around. Plus, as the watch will be up for auction it is anyone's guess right now at how much it will go for. Aside from being in red gold, the Only watch version of the Seamaster Ploprof is nicely done with a white dial, bezel, and rubber strap. Like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the bezel is covered with a sapphire crystal to protect it but keep it legible.

If you aren't familiar with the Ploprof watch functionality, allow me to cover it briefly. The 2009 (including this model) version of the watch is water resistant to 1200 meters, has an automatic helium escape valve, and a button (gold and white ceramic) at about 2 o'clock that is meant to release the rotating diver's bezel. The watch is over 55mm wide and 17.5 mm thick. The hands and hour indicators on the watch are also in red gold. Inside the watch is the Omega Calibre 8501 automatic movement that has been Chronometer certified. The individual who purchases this timepiece will no doubt be the envy of many, and few will just laugh of them for the ludicrous nature of the watch as some may see it. The Only Watch 2009 auction will be held in Monaco on September 24th this year.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2009, diver, gold, omega, only watch, OnlyWatch, ploprof, seamaster, watch