In many ways, Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra is the embodiment of a practical and accessible everyday timepiece. Introduced in 2003, its simple design, with just time and date display and a not-too-sporty nautical influence, makes it the perfect watch for casual occasions. Classic Omega signatures such as the lyre-lugs, broad-arrow hands and triangular indices give it a timeless feel without looking too vintage.
Now, nearly 15 years after its debut, Omega has decided to celebrate the Aqua Terra with a major upgrade of its mechanism and a mini makeover of its case and dial.
Smooth Sailing
The new Aqua Terra Master Chronometer Gents Collection is made of three watches. The first is a 41-mm model made from stainless steel and 18K Sedna gold. It features a silvery dial with black hands.
The second version is made of 41-mm stainless steel with a silver dial, black hands and indexes, and orange detailing on the seconds hand, with the “Seamaster” inscription and the numbering on the minute track at the 15, 30, 45 and 60 second points.
The third timepiece is a smaller 38-mm model presented in pure stainless steel with a deep blue dial and rhodium-plated hands and indexes.
All of the watches are available with a diverse selection of straps and bracelets in metal, leather, or structured rubber (new to the Aqua Terra line).
Well Balanced
What makes the Aqua Terra such a great anchor for any watch wardrobe is its clean look. Omega’s designers wisely made the decision to refresh the timepiece with very subtle nips and tucks. The biggest change is the dial. The horizontal lines on the face of the watch are meant to recall the planks on the deck of a yacht. To update the dial to make it look a little more luxurious, those lines have been flipped from vertical to horizontal. The date window has also been moved from 3 to 6 O’clock for a soothing symmetry and as a tribute to another Omega classic, the Automatic Seamaster Calendar from 1952—the first OMEGA watch with a date display.
The new Aqua Terra dial is also less cluttered, because Omega has removed the old 150-m/600-ft water resistance wording and engraved it on the case back instead.
To further maximize the simple symmetry of the Aqua Terra, cases have been subtly reshaped for a beautifully fluid look. Even though the original version was only 41.5 mm, the new 41-mm and 38-mm models provides a better fit for wearers with slim wrists. An improved integration between the case and bracelet also means that it sits more comfortably on the wrist. And the nautical theme is further carried through with a new wave-edged, conical crown.
Master Class
All three of the new Aqua Terra timepieces have been upgraded to feature Omega’s exclusive Master Chronometer caliber 8900 / 8901 (41-mm) or 8800 (38-mm) calibers. These self-winding movements have the most modern silicon parts for the entire regulating organ to ensure long life, are double barreled for a total 60-h power reserve, can resist magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, and have chronometer certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), the industry’s highest standard for precision and performance.
You can admire the beauty of this modern mechanism through the sapphire crystal of the see-through, sea-inspired, wave-edged case back.
The Omega Aqua Terra Master Chronometer is available now in Omega Boutiques, and is priced between $5,400 for the 38-mm model and $29,200 for the 41-mm 18K Sedna gold version. omegawatches.com
