Omega has released a completely new look for its signature Seamaster Aqua Terra watch and the main focus of the update is the inclusion of a small second's sub-dial display. It’s in addition to the customary hours, minutes, and date displays that have long been a hallmark of the Aqua Terra line.
The new Aqua Terra is part of the wider 2021 update of the maritime-inspired family of Seamaster watches, which includes 19 new models split between 38mm and 41mm case sizes. Among them are six luxury editions you’ll be equally obsessed with. So, if you want to learn more about these models, then keep on reading!
Seamaster Aqua Terra: History & The New Small Seconds Watch
Omega is a name that’s almost synonymous with quality and precision. Its more than 170-year history has been tested at all levels, but for all its worth, it has helped the business establish an unmatched reputation in the luxury watchmaking industry.
The brand has frequently sponsored significant events, including the Olympic games, and as its official timekeeper, it has released special edition watches for these occasions, further displaying its commitment to timekeeping. Besides that, Omega also holds the reputation for being the first watch to reach space and the watch of choice of everyone’s favorite secret agent, James Bond.
The Aqua Terra is one of Omega’s newer collections, first appearing in 2003. It’s largely inspired by the 1948 Seamaster models. But, it looks more like a dress watch than a solid dive watch that can withstand some contact with water. It has been an everyday Omega staple that is known for its dial with the signature Teak lines—a design that’s reminiscent of the wooden decks in luxury yachts and boats. It is complemented with arrow-tipped hands, tapered hour markers, and a sapphire crystal case back that displays the intricate inner workings of the watch.
This line is slightly more expensive than the Omega Seamaster Professional, owing to the movement that powers it—the Omega Master Chronometer automatic movements that have passed several METAS tests, proving its >15,000-gauss magnetic resistance. This far exceeds the levels of magnetic resistance that any previous watch movement had.
The New Aqua Terra Small Seconds
The latest Omega Aqua Terra looks largely the same as its predecessors except for a small yet valuable detail: a small second's sub-dial display at 6 o’clock. This is a first for the line and it’s presented on different colorways, material options, and in either 38mm or 41mm size.
It’s available in every configuration you would imagine in an Omega watch from stainless steel to rose gold, a blue-grey dial to a 38mm green dial version, and leather to stainless steel straps. Meanwhile, four different movements power the Small Seconds watches.
38mm Aqua Terra Small Seconds
The range offers 10 versions of the 38mm watches, two of which are luxury editions. But, the standout is the one with a green dial in a matching stainless steel case and bracelet. It satisfies the current appetite for everything green in a way that is not gender-restricting, add that to the pearl indexes, which altogether creates a unisex watch.
The rest of the 38mm watches are in either full stainless steel or a combination of steel and Sedna gold—Omega’s proprietary rose gold. The other two are in full Sedna gold and sporting diamond-set bezels, primarily targeting a female audience.
The steel and bi-metal models are powered by the automatic, co-axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8802 movement, featuring dials in either green, white, mother-of-pearl, and linen. Inside the luxury versions is the Caliber 8803, which rotor and balance bridge are constructed of Sedna gold.
41mm Aqua Terra Small Seconds
Further up the size chart are the nine 41mm offerings. Four models are made with stainless steel, while one is constructed with a combination of stainless steel and Sedna gold. The remaining four are luxury versions made with gold.
These 41mm watches are presented in different bracelets, either in material-matching metals, rubber, or leather in a color that matches the dial: green, beige, burgundy, or red. The Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8916 powers the steel and two-toned watches, while the Caliber 8917 is found inside the luxury versions. These in-house movements are on display behind the exhibition case back.
An Aqua Terra Small Seconds Just For You
Sure, there are other equally appealing Omega watches to consider from the Omega Speedmaster to the Omega De Ville. However, the Aqua Terra is one that you shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for a watch that pairs a casual look with professional-level technology. It’s the brand’s answer to the Rolex Datejust, but with arguably more technical prowess.
The new Aqua Terra Small Seconds watches will be available starting in August through the official Omega website. Prices range from $5,590 to $41,100.
