Omega Hour Vision Blue Automatic
Featuring a unique 360° transparent case-body, which is set in a more traditional (and also more rigid) 41 mm stainless steel case, the new Omega Hour Vision Blue automatic watch draws some much needed attention to the noble cause of supporting ORBIS International`s combat against preventable blindness.
Equipped with the Caliber 8500 co-axial automatic movement, the watch is officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss-based COSC committee.
Put into production around four years ago, this -still relatively fresh- caliber features a double mainspring barrel design that allowed for an increase in power storage to at least 60 hours when fully wound.
Well, part of the increase in autonomy comes courtesy of a new ball bearing winding mechanism that significantly increases the efficiency of winding and also makes the mechanism last longer than the traditional sleeve bearing design.
At this time the movement can be found throughout the model range, including the gorgeous De Ville (including the Hour Vision line on which the Hour Vision Blue is based,) the Aqua Terra, and the Ploprof.
And, according to previous statements, the Swiss watchmaker plans to spread the movement throughout of their whole product range, gradually replacing the Caliber 2500: their first movement with co-axial escapement based on the well-known ETA 2892 ebauche.
Unlike the Caliber 2500, the Caliber 8500 was developed virtually from scratch by a joint effort of brands owned by the Swatch Group.
In the press release that accompanied the launch of the movement Omega even claimed that “the entire movement around the Co-Axial Escapement and every one of its 202 parts was developed and produced in-house.”
Back to our sheep, though.
Unfortunately, the preliminary press photo doesn’t show the Hour Vision Blue in all its beauty.
However, you can clearly see that it features a soothing deep-blue sun-brushed dial with facetted hands and hour markers made of solid white gold.
The framed date aperture at 3 o’clock also looks on its place here with its trapezoidal shape supporting the overall styling of the dial.
It is still not clear whether Omega plans to make the Hour Vision Blue a limited edition model or will produce as many watches as dealers will preorder.
According to the Swiss company, Omega “will donate a minimum of a million dollars to ORBIS International over the next four years.”
Photos: Omega
Omega Hour Vision Blue Automatic watch specification
Price: N/A
Movement: Automatic, Co-Axial Caliber 8500, two barrels mounted in series, 28,800 vph, 39 jewels, COSC-certified chronometer, in-house, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 60 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: Stainless steel
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 41 mm
Lug width: N/A
Case height: N/A
Dial: Sun-brushed blue
Numerals: N/A
Hands: White gold
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black leather
Crystal: Sapphire
Case back: Sapphire
Evgueni Matoussevitch in Swiss WatchesTags: 100 m, 100 meters, 41 mm, Automatic, Baselworld 2011, chronometer, Co-Axial caliber 8500, COSC, date, Hour Vision Blue, Omega
