Up Close with the Versatile Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Watches
One of the most versatile watches around is no doubt the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. It’s sporty, it’s elegant, it’s luxe, and it’s reasonably priced. What’s more, it’s a James Bond watch!
Granted it’s not really a professional dive watch. But with its 150m water-resistance, you can wear it underwater for leisure diving or any water sports activities. With its classic good looks, you can get away with wearing it tucked under a suit — à la James Bond! And, of course, with its cutting-edge performance and precision, it certainly deserves a spot in your watch collection.
History & Evolution of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Introduced in 2002 as part of the Seamaster family, the new Omega Aqua Terra is an ideal everyday watch. You can practically wear it anywhere — from board meetings to surfing weekends!
True to form, the original models were simple in design. The clean dial is enclosed in a stainless steel case and equipped with the chronometer-certified Co-Axial calibre 2500 movement. The watches had a screw-down crown and water-resistance of up to 150 metres. The automatic version had a see-through caseback, while the quartz version featured a solid caseback.
In 2008, Omega gave the Seamaster Aqua Terra its first upgrade since its launch in 2002. They added vertical patterns to the dial. And they replaced the movement with the in-house Co-Axial calibre 8500, which boasts a power reserve of 60 hours.
By the time 2013 rolled in, Omega introduced the Aqua Terra 15.000 Gauss, powered by its newly launched anti-magnetic Calibre 8505 movement. As its name suggests, the watch features a magnetic resistance of more than 15.000 Gauss.
The third design upgrade came in 2017 with some major changes, including equipping the new models with the new METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology)-certified Calibre 8800 movement. We will discuss this in detail later. The look was also updated — the vertical lines were replaced with horizontal patterns inspired by the deck you see in luxury yachts. Meanwhile, the date window was moved from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock.
Latest Addition to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Series
Early last month, Omega introduced its latest addition to the Aqua Terra 150M Collection — one in blue and one in green. Now, most Omega fans would note that the blue version is not really new in the Seamaster Aqua Terra series. However, the green one is another story.
Both the new watches in the Aqua Terra 150M collection for men come in 41mm case and equipped with the Omega Master Chronometer Calibre 8900 movement. Design-wise, both watches have the iconic aesthetics you see in the rest of the collection. Take a look at the details of each of the two watches below:
Aqua Terra 150M Ref. 220.10.41.21.03.004 (Blue Dial)
The Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 220.10.41.21.03.004 model features a 41mm symmetrical stainless case and a matching stainless steel bracelet, which you can replace with a leather strap for a more formal look. The horizontal teak deck patterns on the sun-brushed blue dial are reminiscent of warm summer days aboard luxury yachts. The luxurious dial displays rhodium-plated hands and luminous hands filled with Super-LumiNova for superior readability. The only other feature that adorns the dial is a small date window that peeks at 6 o’clock.
Running on the Omega Master Chronometer calibre 8900, METAS-certified, and anti-magnetic, the watch has a power reserve of 60 hours and can withstand strong magnetic fields up to 15.000 Gauss. As if these are not enough, the watch is also scratch-resistant because of its sapphire crystal protection with anti‑reflective treatment on both sides. Last but not least, of course, it is water-resistant up to 150 metres.
Aqua Terra 150M Ref. 220.10.41.21.10.001 (Green Dial)
A refreshing new look, the Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 220.10.41.21.10.001 features a green sun-brushed dial with the iconic teak deck print. The 41mm stainless steel also features a wave-edge design on its caseback and a matching stainless steel bracelet. Just like the blue version, the wearer also has the option to swap it for a leather strap for more versatile options.
The green version is likewise equipped with an in-house Master Chronometer calibre 8900, which is METAS-certified, giving the watch a robust 60-hour power reserve. It is also anti-magnetic up to 15.000 Gauss, has a date display at 6 o’clock, and features a screw-in crown and a see-through caseback. Of course, it is also waterproof up to 150 metres.
Bracelet & Strap Options for More Versatility
To give wearers more style options, these two new watches can be customised depending on the occasion and the look that you’re going for.
Now, for more formal occasions, the bracelet is always a safe and perfect choice, as it goes well with almost any outfit, from tuxedo to jeans.
However, if you have a funky side or a trendy sense of fashion, then you would appreciate a variety of strap options to try and experiment with. For example, if you want a pop of colour in your wardrobe, you can pair the watch with a blue and yellow NATO strap made of polyamide. It has a stainless steel buckle and fitted keepers.
For a more classic and sophisticated look, you can opt for the rich brown Novonappa leather strap. Meanwhile, if you fancy some military-inspired vibe, then you can get a polyester strap to match your mood or activity for the day. Brown, grey, and khaki are some of your rugged options.
The Master Chronometer
Being the first Omega movement to bear the ‘Master Chronometer’ seal, the Calibre 8900 went through a series of tests approved by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), the Swiss national metrology organisation.
Now, before a movement can start testing for the METAS approval, it first needs to pass the chronometer tests under the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). So, the METAS test is not an alternative to the COSC chronometer certification, but rather an additional one.
The 8 METAS standard tests:
- Average daily precision of the watch
- Function of the COSC-approved movement during exposure to 15,000 Gauss magnetic field
- Function of the watch itself during exposure to said 15,000 magnetic field
- Deviation of daily precision after exposure to 15,000 magnetic field
- Water resistance
- Power reserve
- Deviation of rate between 100% and 33% of power reserve
- Deviation of rate in six different positions
So, for the Calibre 8900, the tests involved a simulation of everyday activities while wearing the watch, to be able to demonstrate resistance to water and magnetic fields. The watch went under 15,000 Gauss magnetic field to calculate its chronometric precision after 24 hours. These tests had to be done in six different positions and under two alternating temperature zones.
So, if you have a Master Chronometer watch, rest assured that it is highly precise and has a power reserve of 60 hours, water-resistance of 150 metres, and magnetic field resistance of 15,000 Gauss.
Different Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Collections
1. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Men’s Collection
After undergoing a major revamp in its design, the all-new Aqua Terra 150M collection for men looks cleaner and more sophisticated. Think yachting in style. Needless to say, the Aqua Terra 150M Men’s Collection creates a balance between sporty and sophisticated.
With the watches equipped with Master Chronometer movements, they now boast magnificent levels of magnetic resistance. And with more symmetrical cases — which are made of either stainless steel, 18K Sedna gold, or both, and the date window moved to 6 o’clock position (from 3 o’clock), the design is cleaner, more streamlined, and a lot more elegant.
Peek behind and through its sapphire-crystal caseback, you’ll get a glimpse of the movement, which is either the Master Chronometer calibre 8900, 8901, or 8800. And as mentioned above, the wearer has various options when it comes to bracelets and straps: from leather to steel and NATO.
Aqua Terra 150M 220.12.41.21.06.001
Suave and sporty in its blue leather strap and stainless steel case, this 41mm Aqua Terra 150M watch is a true ode to Omega’s rich nautical heritage. The grey dial features the legendary horizontal “teak” pattern. The blued hands and indexes are luminous, with only the date aperture at 6 o’clock interrupting its minimalist design. A blue rubber strap finishes its cool-sophisticated look. Inside it runs the self-winding Master Chronometer calibre 8900 movement, which gives it a power reserve of 60 hours and anti-magnetic resistance of 15,000 Gauss. Last but not least, of course, it is water-resistant up to 150 metres.
2. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Ladies’ Collection
From a busy week at work dealing with meetings to a weekend cruising on a yacht — the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M ladies collection is designed for the woman on the go. The wide range of designs means you’ll never again compromise on style. This collection is all about style and versatility.
From the mother-of-pearl dials to the choice of diamond hour-markers, the collection presents more than a dozen styles and colour options. The movement can be either Master Chronometer calibres 8800 or 8801 or Quartz. As for the case, you can choose between stainless steel or an 18K Sedna gold.
Aqua Terra 150M Ladies’ 220.10.28.60.54.001
This dainty Aqua Terra Ladies watch in 28mm is the perfect everyday timepiece for the stylish yet busy lady. Enclosed in a stainless steel case is a white dial featuring a mix of 18K Sedna gold and diamond indexes, as well as hands made of 18K Sedna gold. At its heart beats the Omega quartz calibre 4061 movement, boasting a battery life of 48 hours. Now, that’s what we call low-maintenance. With its 150m water-resistance and sapphire crystal, the watch ensures you’ll enjoy it for years to come.
3. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M “Ultra Light” Collection
As the name suggests, the Ultra Light collection is super lightweight, designed for the ultimate comfort of the sports fanatics. Weighing only 55 grams (when worn with the fabric strap), this sports watch is your perfect accessory for any sporting activity. It’s stylish, lightweight, and very sturdy. Design-wise, the watch is striking without being unobtrusive to your personal style.
Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M “Ultra Light” 220.92.41.21.06.001
Made of gamma titanium — a very lightweight yet durable alloy used in the aeronautical industry, the 41mm Aqua Terra 150 Ultra Light watch is a force to be reckoned with. As mentioned above, when worn with the fabric strap, the watch only weighs 55 grams! But the other thing that’s innovative about the watch is its telescopic crown. The wearer has the option to hide the crown inside the case when not needed, giving the watch a more streamlined look.
The grey titanium dial with its iconic horizontal Aqua Terra pattern features only the hands and indexes, keeping the look clean and structured. However, an interesting pop of red on the dial breaks the monotony of the black and grey theme and keeps the design more interesting. With the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8928 Ti movement — Omega’s first movement made of titanium, the watch boasts 72 hours of power reserve! This is on top of the usual 150m water-resistance and 15,000 Gauss magnetic field resistance features of the watch.
4. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Golf Collection
Funky and trendy, the Aqua Terra Golf Collection is the perfect arm candy for golf lovers. These golf watches come in vibrant NATO straps to keep your sporting spirit high. And because they’re Master Chronometers, just like the rest of the Aqua Terra collections, these watches have been METAS certified and can withstand magnetic fields of up to 15,000 Gauss. For now, there are only two models in the collection and both are strikingly stylish.
Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Golf Edition 220.12.41.21.02.003
This Rory McIlroy-approved Aqua Terra Golf watch features a 41mm stainless steel case, a white dial, and a black and orange NATO strap. Every-inch a sporty watch, this timepiece is powered by the Omega Master Chronometer calibre 8900 movement, which we all know by now is METAS-certified. It boasts a power reserve of 60 hours, has a time zone function, and is water-resistant up to 150 metres. And unlike the Ultra Light watches, this Aqua Terra Golf watch retains its date aperture at 6 o’clock.
With the distinctive Aqua Terra stripes, as well as the hands and indexes, you would think that the dial of this watch looks exactly like the rest of the watches in the Aqua Terra series. But look closer and you’ll notice that the colour on the Seamaster logo, the seconds hand, and the numbers 15, 30, 45, and 60 on the minute track match the colour of the strap! Exciting, isn’t it? After all, it’s the small details that count.
5. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GoodPlanet Collection
The Aqua Terra Collection is one of Omega’s ways of giving back to the world. This watch is made possible through Omega’s partnership with the GoodPlanet Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that supports ecology and sustainable development. The Aqua Terra GoodPlanet watches are made of grade 5 titanium and pay tribute to the beauty of the ocean. This is evident in the overall design of the watches — from the applied blue indexes to the faceted blued hands. A portion of the sales of these watches goes to the funding of GoodPlanet’s new wildlife projects in Botswana.
Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M GoodPlanet GMT 231.92.43.22.04.001
This striking Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M GoodPlanet GMT watch is not only beautiful on the outside, but it is also, so to speak, even more gorgeous on the inside — literally and figuratively. With Omega’s watchmaking innovation coupled with the brand and the GoodPlanet Foundation’s commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation, comes a watch that deserves so much respect and admiration.
The 43mm titanium case encloses a white dial featuring applied blue indexes and hands, as well as a 24-hour GMT scale. A blued GMT hand and a small date window at 6 o’clock also keep the dial more interesting. Powered by the Omega Master Co-Axial calibre 8605 movement, the watch boasts a 60-hour power reserve. You can admire the watch’s mechanism through its see-through caseback. And, of course, in keeping with the ocean theme, a nice blue nylon-fabric strap finishes its cool design.
6. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra >15’000 Gauss Collection
Another revolutionary collection from Omega, the Aqua Terra >15’000 Gauss Collection cinched the brand’s position as the maker of the world’s first anti-magnetic mechanical watch! This is the first watch to carry the brand’s Co-Axial calibre 8508 movement, which boasts resistance to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gausses. This timepiece is durable, reliable, and as versatile as it gets! Wear it to work or business meetings, or bring it out for a rough weekend on the road! What’s more, with interchangeable straps, the styles are limitless!
Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M >15,000 Gauss 231.10.42.21.01.002
Elegant and robust at the same time, the 41.5mm Seamaster Aqua Terra > 15,000 Gauss watch has a stainless steel case and a matching stainless steel bracelet. This is one sporty watch you can wear with a tux or a formal suit. At the same time, you can also wear it while doing sports in and out of the water. Because it is not only magnetic field-resistant, but it is also water-resistant up to 150 metres! How’s that for function and versatility?
The black dial stands out against the stainless steel case. But it is the yellow streaks on its seconds hand as well as numerals on the minute track that make the dial look more upbeat. At its heart, of course, beats the iconic anti-magnetic Omega Co-Axial calibre 8508 movement. This gives the watch a power reserve of 60 hours!
7. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra WorldTimer Collection
Imagine touring the world in style with the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer watch! The collection is sophisticated with the highest standard of precision, certified by METAS. It is also world-class in design. For the case, you have the option to go for 18K Sedna gold or stainless steel. Meanwhile, the strap comes in either rubber or leather. As for the movement, you can either opt for the Calibre 8938 or the 8939 movement. Either way, you get the Master Chronometer standard.
Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M GMT Worldtimer 220.53.43.22.02.001
There’s something about a GMT watch that spells world-class sophistication. More so if it’s from the Aqua Terra Worldtimer Collection. This 43mm Aqua Terra Worldtimer GMT watch is in a league of its own. Made of 18K Sedna gold, the 43mm case encloses an opaline silver dial. But this time, the teak stripes are vertical, not horizontal like most of the Aqua Terra watches. Along the edge of the dial displays a circle with a list of major cities for its GMT function. Meanwhile, you’ll see an inner dial with a 24-hour glass ring to indicate day and night. But the highlight is the intricate depiction of the Earth in the middle. As if inviting one to go on a world tour.
Powered by the self-winding, METAS-certified Master Chronometer calibre 8939 movement, the watch can withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 Gauss, has a robust power reserve of 60 hours, and water-resistance of up to 150 metres! A nice blue leather strap completes its elegant design.
A Truly Versatile Timepiece
If you’re into sporty-elegant watches, then the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is definitely for you! With its 150m water-resistance, it’s a perfect accessory for your water sports hobbies. And with its sophisticated design, it certainly won’t look out of place in any formal or professional events. In fact, you can even wear it with a tux à la James Bond, if you will. Last but not least, because of its high standard of precision and functionality, it is a watch that can last you a lifetime.
In the market for a dress watch? Check out our feature on the elegant Patek Philippe Calatrava for some inspiration.
