Omega introduced the In-House 8500 caliber in the DeVille Hour Vision in 2007. Omega now had “Manufacture” watches. A manufacture watch is one where all or almost all the parts are made in-house. I remember being moved by how beautifully executed the movement is. I liked that it was larger at 29mm size to fit today’s watches. The ETA 2892 is 25.6mm.
The swirled Cotes de Geneve with red print and jewels are a visual delight. The movement features the Omega Co-Axial escapement, twin spring barrels for 60 hours of power reserve, silicon balance spring, Nivachoc balance shock protection, 25,200 vph Frequency, and 28 jewels.
Today most new Seamaster and DeVille watches are housed with this movement or a variation of it. When the Hour Vision was introduced it came with what seemed a crazy price for an Omega at $6950 on bracelet, while the Seamaster Pro Co-Axial was $3050 (or $2150 for the non-Co-Axial Seamaster Pro). I believe the prices for these new “manufacture” Omegas are warranted when comparing fit, finish, reliability etc to similar Rolex models. Omega has more history than Rolex and should be on the same tier.
We try to always inventory Omega watches with the 8500 Caliber.
Agreed 100%! I love my Omega Aqua Terra co axial and the movement is a beauty. The fact that it is a manufacture movement adds to the value. In my opinion the movement is more beautiful than a Rolex’s and the co axial escapement makes it more efficient with much less maintenance. I love that Omega is finally going “all manufacture” in all its watches by 2017. Omega will again be #1 vs. Rolex as it was in the early days!
Nice post.I love the omega watches.
39 jewels, not 28.