Omega Waterproof: A Tradition of Reliability Below the Surface

Omega has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable, high-performance timepieces. One of the most critical elements of that reputation lies in the brand’s commitment to water resistance, commonly referred to as “waterproof” in earlier eras. From vintage dress watches to modern professional dive instruments, Omega has continually pushed the limits of what a watch can endure underwater.

The Early Years of Water Resistance

The concept of waterproof watches gained prominence in the early 20th century. Omega was among the pioneers in integrating sealing systems that protected against moisture and dust. In the 1930s and 1940s, Omega used cases with snap-back or screw-down backs, paired with cork or rubber gaskets, to prevent water intrusion.

One of the earliest examples of Omega’s water-resistant designs was the Omega Marine, introduced in 1932. It featured a two-part case and was tested to depths of 135 meters—a major achievement for the time. The Marine was worn by Yves Le Prieur, a pioneer in scuba diving, further validating Omega’s credibility in underwater innovation.

The Seamaster Line and Screw-Down Crowns

The breakthrough in waterproofing technology came with the introduction of the Seamaster collection in 1948. Originally created to commemorate Omega’s 100th anniversary, the Seamaster used improved O-ring gasket seals and a screw-down crown to increase resistance to water infiltration.

By the 1950s and 1960s, Omega Seamaster watches were regularly rated to 30 to 60 meters, sufficient for swimming and everyday water exposure. However, as sport diving gained popularity, Omega responded with watches rated for much deeper environments.

Professional-Grade Waterproofing

In 1970, Omega introduced the Seamaster 600 “Ploprof”, designed in collaboration with professional divers and commercial diving companies. The Ploprof, short for Plongeur Professionnel, was capable of withstanding depths of 600 meters, thanks to an innovative monobloc case, a massive screw-down crown with protective locking system, and an external bezel lock.

Following this, Omega developed the Seamaster 1000, rated to an astounding 1000 meters. These watches were not just tested in laboratories but actually used in deep-sea missions, including work with the French diving company Comex.

Modern Seamaster Technology

Today’s Omega dive watches are built to ISO 6425 standards, which means they undergo rigorous testing for water resistance, pressure, temperature changes, and more. Popular models like the Seamaster Diver 300M, Planet Ocean, and Ultra Deep demonstrate Omega’s leadership in the waterproof segment.

Modern waterproof features include:

• Screw-down crowns and pushers

• Sapphire crystals sealed for high pressure

• Casebacks with multi-gasket construction

• Helium escape valves for saturation diving

• Ultra Deep models using forged titanium and Liquidmetal seals for over 6000 meters of resistance

How Omega Rates Water Resistance

Omega uses the industry standard of meters (m) to indicate water resistance. Their ratings include:

• 30 m: Splash resistant

• 50 m: Suitable for showering

• 100 m: Safe for swimming

• 300 m: Professional diving certified

• 600 m to 6000+ m: Deep and saturation diving

It’s worth noting that water resistance is not permanent and must be tested periodically, especially if the watch is used in aquatic conditions regularly. Gaskets age, seals degrade, and improper handling (such as unscrewing the crown underwater) can compromise the protection.

Conclusion

Omega’s waterproofing technology has evolved from modest seals in early dress watches to extreme engineering in today’s deep-sea instruments. Whether you're wearing a Seamaster 300M for recreational diving or an Ultra Deep for research-grade exploration, you’re benefiting from decades of technical innovation.

In short, Omega has turned waterproofing from a practical necessity into a core brand identity—combining rugged functionality with elegant design.