Preparations are already in full swing for the 2008 edition of the Basel Show, which will feature the most important players on the international watchmaking scene from 3 to 10 April. One of these is certainly the Maison Omega which for the occasion will present the De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar, in a limited edition of 160 pieces and based on the Swiss brand's exclusive Co-Axial technology. At the heart of the movement is the calibre 8611, a further development of the already well-known 8500/8501, launched at the beginning of 2007 with the De Ville Hour Vision. It is a 13-line movement with a red gold rotor and balance bridge, equipped with two barrels ensuring a 55-hour power reserve and a bidirectional self-winding mechanism. Similar to the calibre 8500/8501, the Omega 8611 is a COSC-certified high-precision chronometer that offers the additional complication of an "instant-jerk" annual calendar to allow instant updating of the date. The white gold case, with four lateral sapphire glass portholes that allow the movement to be admired, houses a black sunray dial with a rhodium-plated and fluted hour scale with a satin-brushed and polished finish and the inscription Annual Calendar at 12 o'clock, while the date window at 3 o'clock is embellished with a facetted and satin-brushed red gold frame. Equally facetted in satin-finished red gold are the hour markers and the hour, minute and seconds hands. This is completed by an elegant black alligator strap with a white gold folding clasp. Water-resistant to 10 atmospheres, the watch will be on sale for €18,950.
