Swiss watchmaker Omega has plans to enrich its elegant De Ville timepiece collection with a new model, just in time for Valentine’s Day 2010. This timepiece stands out with a visually compelling four-counter chronograph readout that stretches horizontally across the dark metallic grey dial. While it is sure to provoke comparisons with the limited edition Speedmaster Chronograph 5-Counter watch that Omega debuted during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the De Ville 4-Counters Co-Axial Chronograph certainly stands on its own merits. This anticipated De Ville chronograph effectively merges appealing classical design with the watchmaking substance that collectors and fans of fine mechanical timepieces demand.

One of the first things one perceives about the Omega De Ville 4-Counters Co-Axial Chronograph watch, is the extent to which finely brushed stainless steel plays in its construction. This understated material is used for almost every surface of the complex 41 mm case and concave bezel, as well as the intricate bracelet. The latter, however, does feature four slender stainless steel links that showcase a brilliant high polish–a decidedly elegant touch which produces a nearly perfect degree of dressy refinement. Equally attractive is the complex dial: the section which contains the four subdials is recessed below the primary surface, indices and hands are exactingly beveled to capture light, and sparing accents of red emphasize sportiness as well as sophistication. Two tastefully located windows, one below the applied Omega logo and the other at 6 o’clock, showcase the day of the week and date, respectively. The chronograph mechanism records elapsed minutes, hours, and even days (up to 7), as well as continuously running small seconds; the latter is clearly demarcated from the other chronograph functions by a skeletonized dagger-shaped hand.

Secure beneath the stainless steel caseback of the De Ville 4-Counters watch is the self-winding Omega Calibre 3890. This mechanical movement presents a number of horologically desirable elements. Not only does it showcase the now-famous Omega Co-Axial Escapement–a revolutionary invention which minimizes friction, promotes long-term precision, and extends intervals between services–it also incorporates a freely sprung balance to optimize isochronism and resistance to shocks. Power reserve of the spring barrel is a highly respectable 52 hours, and the rapid balance beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour enables the chronograph to record elapsed time to the nearest 1/8th second. Decorative refinements of the Omega 3890 include Cotes de Geneve patterns on the bridges and central winding mass, as well as circular graining on the mainplate.

The Omega De Ville 4-Counters Co-Axial Chronograph watch is water resistant to 100 meters, and features a subtly curved crystal manufactured from scratch-resistant sapphire. The triple-folding clasp on the stainless steel bracelet displays the world famous Omega symbol in 18-karat red gold.