In my opinion, these are one of the nicest modern Omega models in production. There's a lot to like about them, from the movement through to crazy crystal mid-case. I'm pretty keen on the blue/Orbis model, but I'd definitely want to wear it with a steel bracelet. One with the silicon balance spring would be nice.

I suppose I could also buy the black-dial model and sell it along with the leather strap from the Orbis, or is there an easier way?

Who has some great photos? There's tons of studio shots of these models, but not as many taken in daily wear type situations.

I was searching through the usual sources for imagery, and oddly this shot pops up a few times:

 

I was not aware there was a watch purchase enabling event in the Olympics.

 

Huh, where were you for London.

 

I have had a black dial hour vision for about 5 years now and love it. It is my favorite daily wearer and IMO is a lot more interesting than the 8500 AT model - I owned one of those also but sold it since I preferred the HV a lot more. When I'm not wearing vintage I rotate between the 8500 HV, the Ploprof 1200 and the 9300 speedmaster with the HV being worn the most of the 3 watches.

 

You're not the first person that I've seen express similar opinions about their HV. It actually seems like pretty good value considering what you're getting. The sapphire parts are interesting too, but not over the top (IMO).

Is there even any sources for purchasing the steel bracelet? I don't understand why they didn't leave it as an option for the Orbis model.

 

Yes it's a keeper - aside from the attractiveness of the movement and the style, the sapphire case gives it the lightness of a titanium watch in a more interesting and modern case.

 

I never considered that but it definitely makes sense, thats a significant amount of steel being omitted

 

Some definitely do.
http://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-de-ville-hour-vision-blue-silicon-or-not.5214/

 

Definitely agree with you there. I find some Omega product shots feel far too clinical and processed. Good quality photos with lightning similar to the real world are more interesting, and a better indication of how the watch actually wears

 

Anyone want to post some HV pics to help him commit?

 

As the Architect, he should be able to just "visualize" it on his wrist.

 

Ok, so the red gold looks pretty awesome

I'm still liking my idea of getting the Orbis + steel bracelet from Ofrei or elsewhere

 

I've been trying to get a better sense of how it looks on wrist from a normal viewing distance (vs the many close-up watch shots).



It seems ok

Would look great with that dark blue dial.