.The De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar Limited Series is the refined result of 160 years of experience in the art of making mechanical watches. At the heart of the Hour Vision Annual Calendar is the exclusive OMEGA calibre 8611, a high-precision COSC-certified chronometer with an instantaneous jump annual calendar complication. This annual calendar automatically recognizes months with 30 and 31 days and needs to be manually corrected only once a year, on the first of March.These extraordinary timepieces also have silicon balance springs which further contribute to their precision and stability. The presence of the silicon balance springs is indicated by “Si 14″ engraved on the caseback and balance arm.The De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar, in a Limited Series of 160 pieces, is based on advanced Co-Axial technology exclusive to OMEGA: the Co-Axial Escapement and free sprung balance deliver stable accuracy and extended reliability over time. A 13-ligne movement with 18-Ct red gold rotor and balance bridge, the OMEGA 8611 has two series-mounted barrels with a 55-hour power reserve and a bi-directional self-winding mechanism. The intricate beauty of the mechanism is accentuated by the luxurious decorative finish, as fine black screws complement the delicate Geneva stripes presented with an arabesque pattern, a world premiere.

OMEGA’s rich heritage and unparalleled experience in the production of mechanical watches is expressed in every feature, beginning with the polished 18-Ct white gold case with sapphire crystal allowing visibility of the meticulously-crafted movement. The caseback of the De Ville Annual Calendar Limited Series bears the Limited Series number (0/160) along with the inscriptions Hour Vision and Annual Calendar. This exclusive timepiece is presented in a wooden box fitted with four lateral windows through which the watch is visible, echoing the four sapphire lateral openings in the watch case itself.

One of the most misunderstood ’standards’ of the watchmaking industry is water resistance and how it translates to actual situations you (and your watch) may encounter.  Here’s a brief guide to help make some sense of the system used in rating water resistance and give you some guidelines for choosing the right watch for all of your water related adventures. 

First, it’s important to understand that the ratings associated with watches are derived by testing perfect examples of the watch being rated in a perfectly controlled testing environment (no currents, ideal temperatures, etc.).  It is impossible to duplicate this testing environment in the real world so you need to make some adjustments to allow for all of the variables you are sure to encounter. 

Here are some basic guidelines:

Any watch with a rating of less than 50 meters should not be immersed in water.  These watches offer adequate protection for splashing but aren’t meant for underwater wear. 

Swimming (minimal currents) - A minimum rating of 50 meters

Snorkeling / Open Water Swimming - A minimum rating of 100 meters

SCUBA - A minimum rating of 200 meters

Commercial divers generally use watches rated at 1000 meters which have provisions for the release of helium that may be introduced into the divers environment to avoid air toxicity.  If you aren’t using helium while you’re diving, there’s no benefit to having a helium relief valve.

If your watch is rated in ATMs (atmospheres of pressure) instead of meters, here’s the conversion: while you’re at the surface, you are in 1 ATM of pressure, for every 33 feet you descend, you increase the pressure by 1 ATM.  So at a depth of 33 feet, you are at 2 ATMs and at 66 feet - 3 ATMs and so on.   

Some other things to keep in mind:

• The crown must be locked down / tightened to keep water out of the case.  If you unscrew the crown of a watch rated at 1000 meters, it’s relatively easy to introduce water into the case while washing the dishes!  Always make sure the crown is tight before you get your watch wet. 
• Chronograph pushers should never be activated underwater (a few watches have been designed to allow for the operation of chronograph functions underwater - if you don’t know for sure that your watch is on that list, stick to using the chrono on terra firma only).
• To be water resistant all of the seals/gaskets protecting the case must be in good condition and properly set.  This includes the caseback, crystal, pusher, and crown gaskets.
• Hot water (hot tubs, saunas, etc.) doesn’t do anything good for your watch.
• If you use your watch underwater, you should have the seals/gaskets replaced every year and have it tested for water-resistance at regular intervals.  Many watchmakers are only equipped to pressure test watches to 4 ATMs.  If you intend to use your watch for diving, be sure that your watchmaker tests it to 10 ATMs using both pressure and vacuum tests.
• Whenever your watch comes in contact with seawater, you should rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. 

.The Speedmaster “The Legend” Co-Axial Chronograph pays fitting tribute to Formula One and to Michael Schumacher, arguably the greatest racing driver of all time. The 44.25 mm brushed and polished stainless steel case features a black dial whose carbonfibre pattern is reminiscent of the strong, light material so important in contemporary racing car construction.

The bezel is fitted with a black aluminium ring dedicated to Schumi’s sporting achievements. The Arabic numerals from one to seven on the dial denote the OMEGA Ambassador’s unprecedented seven Formula One championships. Any watch connected to Michael Schumacher has to deliver championship performance: the Speedmaster “The Legend” Chronograph’s self-winding OMEGA movement features our revolutionary Co-Axial Escapement, giving the watch amazing accuracy and reliability. It is a COSC-certified chronometer with a column-wheel chronograph mechanism - the mark of a superior chronograph. “The Legend” Chronograph is available on either a specially-designed rubber strap with a characteristic Formula One tyre profile or with a polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet. OMEGA’s Speedmaster “The Legend” Co-Axial Chronograph: one champion honours another!

The OMEGA Speedmaster GMT “HB-SIA” was inspired by and created in honour of the Solar Impulse project whose ambition is to circumnavigate the globe in an airplane powered only by the sun.

The Solar Impulse prototype, which is referred to by its registration number, HB-SIA (Hotel Bravo Solar Impulse Alpha), aims to validate the plane’s innovative construction technologies and procedures. If the results are conclusive, it could make a solar-powered 36-hour flight - the equivalent of a complete day-night-day cycle - in 2009. Recognising the planet’s urgent need to develop safe, sustainable energy sources, OMEGA is actively participating in the project as one of its Main Partners, contributing engineering technology and capital.

The Speedmaster GMT “HB-SIA” salutes the enthusiastic pioneering spirit driving the project. The watch combines elegant but sporty design with cutting-edge technology. Its dramatic, Speedmaster-influenced dial is made of black carbon fibre similar to the HB-SIA’s composite covering. The slightly-recessed black chronograph and small seconds counters creatively contribute to the watch’s outstanding legibility. Another detail on the timepiece’s unique dial is the discreet “HB-SIA” appearing in ochre on the dial at 12 o’clock. The Speedmaster GMT “HB-SIA” features central hour, minute hand, and chronograph seconds hand. There is also a central GMT hand, with an airplane-shaped pointer, which completes one rotation in 24 hours and can be used to read a second time zone. The GMT hand can also be used for compass orientation: When the watch’s hour hand is pointed in the direction of the sun, the GMT hand, when it is adjusted to the same time on the 24-hour GMT scale, will indicate north. The titanium bezel is fixed with a matte black aluminium ring and features the designation “TACHYMETER BASE 1000″ in ochre with a tachymeter index. The 44.25 mm case is fashioned of brushed, polished titanium and is presented either on a matching titanium bracelet or a rubber strap designed especially for the watch. The distinctive, textured finish on the inside of the rubber strap is reminiscent of the Solar Impulse’s carbon fibre-honeycomb composite structure.

The Speedmaster GMT “HB-SIA” is a numbered edition and its number is engraved on the caseback which also features a colourful, etched Solar Impulse HB-SIA patch. The watch is powered by the exclusive Omega Calibre 3603 whose revolutionary Co-Axial Escapement and free sprung balance deliver stable long-term accuracy and reliability and is a COSC-certified chronometer. It is equipped with a sophisticated column-wheel chronograph mechanism. The Speedmaster GMT “HB-SIA” is a fitting tribute from a watchmaker renowned for its pioneering spirit to its partner in one of the most significant adventures in the planet’s history. It’s a logical step for OMEGA: after the Moon, the sun.

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Seems as if somebody thinks so. With increasingly popularity, watch manufacturers have partnered with luxury car companies, car race organizers, and professional race car drivers to leverage the synergies of their product mix and to better reach what they believe to be the same potential customer. Looking at the general increase in luxury goods consumption both in the US and abroad, with few exceptions, most major brands have had very strong sales in the luxury goods sector. The American market has a voracious appetite for fine cars, cuisine, art, antiques, private air travel and indeed fine timepieces and jewelry. And not surprisingly, the fabulously wealthy generally consume across several of these categories. Acknowledging this fact and teaming up to best reach these customers have been the watch and automobile manufacturers. The following are a few examples of such….

Audemars Piguet
Maserati

Breitling
Bentley

Chopard
Mille Miglia

Girard Perregaux
Ferrari

IWC
AMG Mercedes

Jaeger LeCoultre
Aston Martin

Jean Richard
American Lemans Series

Omega
Michael Schumacher

Oris
Ralf Schumacher

Tag Heuer
Jeff Gordon
I’m sure there are many more to come!

The Seamaster Aqua Terra collection is one of Omega’s most anticipated launches at this year’s Baselworld, with the Co-Axial caliber 8500/8501 redefining mechanical watchmaking for the 21st century.

Borrowing inspiration from luxury boat decks, Omega’s new Aqua Terra collection features bold “Teck Concept” dials with vertical lines. These new Omega men’s watches are offered in case sizes of 38.5mm and 41.5mm, animated by a choice of Co-Axial calibre 8500/8501 or Omega quartz caliber 1538 and the revolutionary Omega Co-Axial caliber 8500/8501, respectively.

The models of 41.55mm cases are available in 18k rose gold, stainless steel or a combination of both metals for cases and coordinating bracelets, and a brown alligator leather strap is offered with the 18k rose gold version. The hands and hour markers are also enhanced with powerful new white Super-LumiNova.

For 2008, Omega has added another distinguished model to their Museum Collection of timepieces.  The Omega Museum Collection N°8 Racend Timer watch takes its name from a revolutionary piece of Omega timekeeping technology–the 1949 Racend Timer–which solved the issue of multiple finish line arrivals in track competitions.  1,949 pieces of this special watch will be produced.

 

The Omega Racend Timer watch is presented in a 39mm 18K red gold case, which features brushed finishes on the sides, contrasted by polished elements on the lugs tops and bezel. The opaline silver dial features both a tachymeter and pulsometer scale; the varied elements such as triangular gold hour figures, leaf hands, and the stylized Omega logo recall the design of vintage Omega chronographs.  A brown alligator strap and a rose gold buckle complete the elegant appearance of the watch.

The Omega Racend Timer watch features the self-winding Omega 3201 caliber movement, which is a COSC-certified chronometer.  The chronograph mechanism is governed by a column-wheel and offers 12-hour and 30-minute counters, as well as small seconds.  The caliber also incorporates a free-sprung balance and the innovative Omega Co-Axial Escapement.  

Omega’s release of the new Speedmaster Moonwatch “Alaska Project” honors the brand’s abilities to produce watches that can withstand the extreme conditions of space. With a limited edition production of only 1,970 pieces, the new Speedmaster Moonwatch “Alaska Project” is temperature resistant (in space) between -148 degrees Celsius and +260 degrees Celsius, encompassing more than 400 degrees.

Animated with the illustrious Omega caliber 1861, which was also used in the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, the Speedmaster Moonwatch “Alaska Project” boasts an incredible 45 hour power reserve for the manual-winding chronograph and also has a 42mm stainless steel case, tachymeter scale and small seconds. The 12-hour and 30-minute recorders are each outfitted with large triangular counterweights, otherwise known as “Apollo hands”.

The extraordinary part of the Speedmaster Moonwatch “Alaska Project” is the red-anodised aluminum outer case, the red color resulting from the anodic oxidation treatment which offers the most greatest temperature protection. The case allows the wearer to still utilize the chronograph functions by way of “mushroom” pushers, without risking temperature durability.

Making this fine Omega timepiece even rarer, is the presentation box that encases the Speedmaster Moonwatch “Alaska Project,” featuring a red-anodised aluminum outer case and a set of tools. The watch is also paired with black and white Velcro straps on brushed red-anodised aluminum buckles and a stainless steel bracelet. Whether the wearer is on the Earth or the Moon, this Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Alaska Project” continues Omega’s traditions of extreme durability and stylish timepieces.

Since Golden Eye’s 1995 release, James Bond, the legendary spy, has given his preferance to an Omega Seamaster watch. Fans of Secret Service agent 007, along with afficionados of fine timepieces, wait enthusiastically to the launch of each new version of the Omega James Bond watch.

The recently developed Omega James Bond 007 Collector’s Piece strikes with its irresistible visual appeal. The polished, lacquered black dial of the Omega watch spotlights black gold plated hour markers filled with white Super-LumiNova. The luminous hour and minute hands are plated with black gold. The watch features a centeraly-positioned seconds hand with a red tip and a red 007 logo designed as a counterweight and creating a distinctive contrast with the black dial. The Omega Company will produce only 10,007 pieces of this exclusive Seamaster model.

The Omega distinctive polished and brushed stainless steel case measures 41 mm in diameter and is equipped with a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal. The watch is secured to the wrist with a specially-designed James-Bond-series bracelet that makes it recognisable at a glance.The Omega James Bond 007 Collector’s Piece impresses not only by its aesthetic features but also by the most advanced technology meant to correspond to the most rigid demands worth James Bond’s name. Just imagine the secret agent’s disappointment if his timepiece proved to be not really reliable - it could even cost him his life. The Omega James Bond watch houses the brand’s calibre 2500 self-winding movement that applies the ground-breaking Co-Axial Escapement, the mechanism responsible for reducing friction while providing improved long-term accuracy.The certified chronometer watch encompasses functions to reflect the needs of professional divers. As suggested by the name, the Omega watch boasts 300-meter water resistance. The construction of the case has incorporated the screw-in case back featuring a 007 medallion and stainless steel screw-in crown embellished with an Omega logo.The unidirectional rotating bezel is fitted with a distinctive black aluminium ring. A helium escape valve is used to allow helium atoms to escape during decompression - this peculiarity is of particular importance for professional divers who operate from diving bells.The Omega James Bond 007 Collector’s Piece is available in the presentation case designed to reflect the striking nature of the watch itself. The presentation case is crafted from black leather, with the black interior reminding the lining of the tuxedos, an essential feature of James Bond’s image along with the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m watch adorning the spy’s wrist. Omega in James Bond Movies
The Omega Seamaster Professional Diver is sported on the wrist of Pierce Brosnan (also an Omega ambassador) in all four of his James Bond movies. It was the stainless steel version with blue face and blue bezel, coupled with a stainless steel bracelet.

An automatic model 2531.80 was featured in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999) and in Die Another Day (2002), while a quartz model 2541.80 was sported in Golden Eye (1995).

It is remarkable that other models of the Omega Seamaster have been used as movie tie-ins. For example, you will see an Omega Seamaster Professional Chronograph on the wrist of Alec Baldwin in The Edge released in 1997. The timepiece becomes involved in an exciting plot complication.

The latest James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, is produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for EON Productions, directed by Marc Forster and starring Daniel Craig, James Bond since 2005. The international premier of the 22nd movie in the Bond series will take place in November 2008.

Special Omega “James Bond” Edition Watches

In 2002, to mark the 40th anniversary of agent 007’s first appearance on the screen and the release of Die Another Day, Omega unveiled a special 007 edition of the Seamaster Professional 300m, an elegant sports chronometer equipped with unique life-saving features. The watch was presented in a special packaging. It proudly displayed the 007 gun logo as a pattern on the distinctively blue dial completed with the luminous hour markers and skeleton hands with luminous inserts, and framed by the blue aluminum ring.The construction of the Omega Seamaster incorporated the scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a unidirectional rotating bezel with minute markers for measuring the immersion times in the most accurate and safe way. The timepiece is also fitted with the helium escape valve. It is powered by a self-winding chronometer movement - Omega calibre 1120 offering 42-hour power reserve.The case back of the Omega James Bond watch spotlighted the commemorative inscription - “40 Years of James Bond - Limited Series” and the limited-series number engraved at 6 o’clock. The model was produced in a limited edition of 10,007 pieces.
The watch was secured to the wrist with a stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over safety clasp provided with a special extension to allow wearing the timepiece over a wetsuit. The safety clasp is opened by two pushbuttons to be pressed in simultaneously to avoid accidental clasp opening. In 2006, Omega presented one more Seamaster James Bond Limited Edition destined to become one of the first models equipped with the Omega propriety Co-Axial Escapement. It was also developed in a limited edition of 10,007 pieces. The dark blue dial had the second hand with the 007 gun logo as a counterweight.The stainless steel case of the Seamaster watch, 41 mm in diameter, housed the automatic Omega caliber 2500 guaranteeing a 48-hour power reserve. The screw-down case back featured the engraved series number of each limited edition piece together with an embossed 007 gun logo.The James Bond watch embraced the wrist with a comfortable brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet equipped with a safety clasp with the engraving of the 007 logo.

In the late 1950s, having built a prestigious reputation in the field of producing watches for masters of the skies, Breitling concentrated its attention on the production of timepieces for those conquering the maritime depths.

Master watchmakers of the company developed the Superocean, a professional diver’s watch that over time became highly demanded among fans of leisure diving. Since the introduction of the first Breitling Superocean, the horology world witnessed the appearance of successive Superocean models that advanced in their technical level, providing remarkable water resistance - to depths of 500, 1500 and 2000 meters.The Breitling Superocean ‘Heritage’ line pays tribute to the initial model, having inherited its spirit and aesthetic characteristics. It has recently been joined by the new Chronographe version.

The same as the dial of the timepiece produced 50 years ago, the dial of the new model spotlights the Breitling signature with the stylized 18-K gold letter B above it.

The Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronographe also features another distinctive detail - the luminescent triangular-tipped hand shows the hours - the same hand provided unequivocal read-off even in complete darkness at great depths.

Besides the original design, the Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronographe is characterized by supreme performance. The timepiece features an imposing steel case, 46 mm in diameter.

The sturdy construction is equipped with a screw-locked crown, unidirectional ratcheted bezel, and cambered sapphire crystal. It boasts 200-meter water-resistance.

The model is equipped with Breitling Caliber 13, a high-precision self-winding movement, beating at 28800 vibrations per hour, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, the same as all the movements produced by the brand. The movement provides the following functions: 1/4th of a second chronograph, 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, and calendar.

Breitling has coupled the timepieces from the Heritage line with exclusive woven steel straps, including the Ocean Classic woven steel bracelet that greatly resembles the one that accompanied the initial model, having contributed to the original visual appeal of the watch.

The timepieces are also available on Ocean Racer rubber strap that enhances the model’s resolutely sporting appeal. The rubber strap offers the choice between three colors matching the color of the dial and bezel - blue, black, and bronze.