A Detailed Review of the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer
Over the years, Omega developed a reputation for crafting jaw-dropping tool watches that provide wearers with incredible utility. From racing watches like the Omega Speedmaster Racing to timepieces intended for space like the Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch”, Omega certainly has an extensive and diverse collection of reliable tool watches.
In this article, we will be turning our attention away from the brand’s famous Speedmaster collection. Instead, we are looking at a watch that aims to be a truly multifunctional piece, catering to the demands of both frequent travellers and divers: the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer. This is an impressive timepiece that makes good use of the Worldtimer complication while also incorporating the beauty of the Omega Aqua Terra series.
The Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer is a luxury tool watch that holds its own against the likes of established luxury brands like Jaeger LeCoultre and Patek Philippe. Not only does it exude effortless elegance, but it also offers up great utility, as befitting any Omega watch. The Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer is a prime choice for any professional and in this article, we will be taking a closer look at everything it has to offer to us.
A Brief Background on the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra collection was introduced way back in 2002, as a way to reinvent the classic design of the Seamaster. Thanks to the critical acclaim received by the Omega Aqua Terra, Omega continued releasing more models in this diving sub-range. In particular, the brand released the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer as a limited-edition model in 2017. With only 87 pieces available, this limited-edition timepiece was crafted using luxurious platinum, showcasing its prestige and value.
Upon its release, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer was incredibly well-received, with watch enthusiasts and collectors alike loving this timepiece. Because of its smashing popularity, in 2019, Omega decided to regularly manufacture a standard version of the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer. The brand opted to use stainless steel in this standard Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer. This allowed it to regulate the circulation of the standard Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer in the market, while also avoiding the devaluation of the special-edition platinum model.
For the next section, we will be reviewing the regular-edition Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer.
Specifications
Case
The Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer comes in a 43mm cushion-shaped stainless steel case, with a thickness of 14.12mm. These are fairly regular dimensions for a watch, allowing it to fit quite nicely on wrists of all sizes. This silver-tone case is coupled with thick, bevelled lugs and a perfectly round fixed bezel. Both made from stainless steel, these lugs and bezel help give the watch a heftier, more imposing look. Along with the rest of the case, the lugs and bezel are also well-polished, giving the watch a gleaming lustre that shines when cast under the light.
On the right side of the case, you can find a sizeable muffin-shaped crown. Crafted from stainless steel, this crown has deeply grooved sides, which provide wearers with a better grip so they can grasp and turn the crown more easily. The crown is also engraved with Omega’s greek letter logo, adding a simple yet refined appeal to the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer.
As you flip the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer over, you can find a transparent caseback made out of sapphire crystal. This highly scratch-resistant caseback gives you an up-close and personal view of the watch’s movement at work. In addition, it is also firmly screwed down, keeping the watch’s inner mechanisms sealed from any external elements like moisture or dust. Thanks to this screw-down caseback, the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer has a solid water resistance rating of 150 metres. This depth rating exceeds the ISO 6425 standards for dive watches, so you can easily bring the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer with you on all your watersports adventures.
Dial
The dial of the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer is easily its most substantial asset. There may be other watches out there that possess similar complications with a GMT function and a Worldtimer dial, but the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer manages to display these features with incredible finesse and elegance. Combining style and utility in one, the dial of the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer fulfils your every expectation, making this watch a great choice for those who are just getting started with collecting luxury watches.
This dial comes in a deep blue metallic finish. It bears a simple but alluring pattern of curved teak grooves that run vertically across the dial. At the centre of the dial, you can find an incredibly detailed image of the globe, crafted on a grade 5 titanium plate using laser ablation. On the rim of the globe display is a two-tone 24-hour glass ring. The daylight hours of the ring are indicated in a light blue shade, while the nighttime hours come in a stormy blue hue.
On the very rim of the dial, you can find two circular rings, which bear indicators for 24 different major cities. You can use these indicators to track 24 different timezones. These timezones are marked with impressive attention to detail. For instance, the cities marked in red indicate GMT time, while the cities with blue indicators refer to places with daylight savings time. Finally, the silver indicators point towards cities with timezones that are +1h in the summer.
Aside from these handy complications, the dial of the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer is also furnished with triangular applique indices and long, pronounced arrow hands that sweep across the dial. These hands and markers are all filled with white lume, which will light up and provide wearers with a highly legible display in the dark. At 6 o’clock, you can also find a simple date aperture with white text in a clean, large typeface.
Movement
Those familiar with Omega will know that all of its watch movements are manufactured entirely in-house, and the same goes for the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer. The Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer is equipped with the Omega Calibre 8938. This is an automatic movement that comes with additional complications such as a quick-set date function, 24-hour time, and multiple timezones. It beats at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour (3.5Hz) and can last for up to 60 hours when fully wound.
Strap
Omega believes that everyone can be as creative as they want with their strap choices. As such, the brand offers a diverse range of straps, such as a stainless steel bracelet, a NATO strap, or a series of differently-coloured alligator leather bands or rubber straps.
Each of these strap options gives the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer a very different vibe. For instance, the polished stainless steel bracelet provides the watch with a sleeker, more professional look. On the other hand, those who want a robust and sporty outdoor piece should opt for the NATO strap or one of the rubber bracelets instead. Finally, the alligator leather strap is a great option for anyone looking to bring their Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer to any formal dinners or parties
Price
The price of the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer differs depending on the strap you decide to get. The standard rubber strap version of the watch sells at around $8,900 USD, while the model with the stainless steel bracelet retails at approximately $9,100 USD.
The NATO strap variant, on the other hand, has an estimated price tag of $9,060 USD. Finally, if you opt for the leather strap option, which is also the most expensive, you will have to fork out around $9,150 USD.
Alternatives to the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer
Below are some alternative models you can also check out.
1. Breitling Transocean Unitime Pilot World Time Ref. UB0510U4/BC26
First up, we have the Breitling Transocean Unitime Pilot World Time Ref. UB0510U4/BC26. While it does not have the same unique flair as the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer, this Breitling Transocean watch is a fantastic luxury watch that offers a similar utility.
This Breitling watch is presented in a 46mm stainless steel case, coupled with an exquisite 18K gold-plated bezel that adds a sense of lavishness to the watch’s overall aesthetic. Its sleek, luxurious look is finished off by an elegant black alligator leather strap with white stitching.
This watch’s face might not bear any images of globes, but it still possesses a rather complex, busy dial. This matte black dial is adorned with rose gold stick indices, slender rose gold hands, and a chronograph layout with three sub-dials for the 60-minute, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. Between 4 and 5 o’clock, you can also find a legible date complication. On the rim of the dial, there are three chapter rings. The innermost ring displays the 24-hour time. The two rings around it bear markers for 24 different timezones.
Driving all of these functions is a Breitling Calibre 05. This self-winding movement has an excellent 70-hour power supply and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz).
The price for this GMT watch starts at $7,800 USD, which makes it slightly more affordable than the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer.
2. Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time Ref. Q8108420
For a distinctive luxury watch with a similar design as the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer, check out the Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time Ref. Q8108420. It has a complex global dial that accurately displays time from all around the world, earning it the designation Geophysic Universal Time.
This Jaeger LeCoultre watch is housed in a 41.6mm stainless steel case, with slim, slanting lugs and a black alligator leather strap. The dial of this watch is a true highlight, as it shows off a gorgeous replica of the globe in simple blue and white hues. This dial is also furnished with white stick indices for the hour markers and short, luminous sword hands.
Around the rim of the dial, three white chapter rings are placed. As with the aforementioned Breitling Transocean watch, the innermost ring is used to indicate the 24-hour time. This two-tone chapter ring differentiates between a white background for the daylight hours and a deep blue background for the nighttime hours. The two outer rings, on the other hand, bear indicators in blue and red for 24 different timezones.
Underneath this striking watch face is an automatic Calibre 772. This robust in-house movement features an exquisite design, with a lavish 18K gold rotor. Held together by 36 jewels, this movement also has a 40-hour power reserve and a jumping hour complication, which allows for more precise timekeeping.
This Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic timepiece can be purchased for around $10,500 USD.
3. Patek Philippe Complications World Time Ref. 7130G-016
Lastly, Patek Philippe also has a gorgeous universal time watch up to its sleeves. The Patek Philippe Complications World Time Ref. 7130G-016 utilizes a 36mm case made of 18K white gold, coupled with a stylish blue alligator leather strap. The fixed bezel of this watch is encrusted with 62 lavish diamonds, upping the luxury factor of this timepiece and giving it exceptional sparkle.
This watch comes with a matte blue dial, which stands out against the sleek silver exterior. Despite being packed full of complications, this dial manages to achieve a remarkably simple and highly legible layout. it comprises just triangular hour indices and stout diamond hands made of white gold.
Placed around the centre of the dial are three chapter rings. The innermost ring serves as the 24-hour time display, with half the ring in dark blue for the nighttime hours and the other half in light blue for the daytime hours. Replacing the 12AM and 12PM markers are printed sun and moon logos in yellow, which help give the watch a quirkier, more playful flair. The two outer rings also carry indicators in white, marking the 24 timezones which wearers can track with this watch.
This prestigious Patek Philippe Complications watch runs on a Patek Philippe Calibre 240 HU. This automatic movement beats at a frequency of 21 600 (3Hz) and can last for up to 48 hours when fully wound.
The Patek Philippe Complications World Time Ref. 7130G-016 is worth $38,300 USD, making this the most expensive watch on this list.
Final Thoughts
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer is an exceptional timepiece that truly embodies the sophistication Omega is going for. With its unusual globe dial, this is easily one of the most unique timepieces you can find circulating in the market. Selling at under $10,000 USD, its relatively affordable price is also a huge bonus, and you would be hard-pressed to find another complex luxury watch in the same price range like this one.
If you are looking to add a high-utility, intriguing luxury timepiece to your collection, then you should definitely consider the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer.
All images courtesy of The Watch Company, unless stated otherwise.Featured image courtesy of Omega.
If the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer is still a bit too much for you, check out our 10 picks for the best entry-level luxury watches—it might be the best place to start!
