Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m New Release

Foversta reports on Omega's event in Paris, introducing the new Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m collection. He emphasizes the Aqua Terra's role as Omega's versatile 'all-around' watch, suitable for both formal and casual wear, and highlights the significant improvements in performance and aesthetics. Foversta details key changes, including METAS certification, a redesigned dial with horizontal lines, and enhanced bracelet integration, showcasing Omega's commitment to evolving a core collection.

I had the chance to attend an event organized by the Omega boutique of Paris Capucines a few days ago. The purpose of this event was to introduce to the guests the new Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m collection. I don't need to explain here why this collection is important for Omega. The Aqua Terra is a bit the all around watch of Omega (and its name gives the clue): more elegant than a Planet Ocean, it can be worn with a suit or with a more casual outfit. Its water resistance makes it also ready for more sportive experiences.

I do think that Omega did a great job with this new Seamaster Aqua Terra. Omega changed/added some details to really improve the performance and the aesthetic approach of the watch while keeping the main features of the design. When you look at  one of these novelties, you know at once that it is an Aqua Terra. Then, step by step, you discover the slight differences which become significant!

How can I sum up these differences?

- first of all, Omega is faithful to its strategy: almost all the pieces (except the handwind Moonwatch) should be certified Master Chronometer within a few years. And so, the new Aqua Terra 150m pieces meet the METAS requirements.

- the design is now more symmetric: the date window moves from 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock

- the dial is purer: the words "water resistance" are now located on the back and are removed from the dial.

- the crown has been redesigned with a conical shape

- but the first detail that everybody will notice is the dial pattern: horizontal lines replace the usual vertical lines. Honestly, I don't know the meaning of this change but I have to confess that it works well on the dial.

- the design of the caseback was also changed to symbolize the waves ripples. The see-through caseback allows to observe the movements which powers the collection: the 8800, the 8900 and the 8901. They are of course, according to the METAS specs, magnetic field resistant.

- the last major change is about the bracelet. Omega underlines the fact that it is now better integrated in the case and in the overall design, improving at the same time the comfort. On the down side (for me), Omega took the decision to keep an end link on the rubber straps. I'm not convinced by this detail visually speaking. But I have to confess that I found these rubber straps very comfortable with an excellent perceived quality.

- the men's collection comes in two sizes: 41 and 38mm.

Let's discover the pictures I took during the event.

The guests could read explanations about the 8 main criteria which define the METAS specs:




Sébastien Vilmot (R), head of Omega France, welcomed the French Sailor Morgan Lagravière who finished third with his teamate Eric Peron at the ranking of the latest Transat Jacques Vabre. Morgan wore the new Aqua Terra during the competition. A true live test!




Meanwhile, the watchmaker was working on a movement to explain to the guests the main features of a mechanical movement. He was not working on the caliber 8900 but it is always a pleasure to have such opportunity to discuss with a watchmaker during an event.



I want the same for my flat!



So here comes the caliber 8900 with its typical balance bridge. Since it is Master Chronometer certified, its magnetic field resistance is up to 15,000 gauss. The spiral is made of silicium and the movement uses two barrels. Their purpose is not to increase significantly the power reserve (which reaches 60 hours) but to improve the thrust for a better accuracy. The finishes are very neat even if, and it is not a surprise, the visual rendering gives an industrial feeling. I like its contemporary style.





I would like to highlight the hereafter pieces.

I like this grey dial with blue details (hands, indexes) and the blue rubber strap matches very well the design of the watch. The way the watch is illuminated by the watchmaker's lights makes the dial pattern bolder than it is actually.



This blue/grey dial is very appealing. I find this version more elegant than the previous one which is more casual according to my taste. Both watches have a 41mm diameter.



This picture displays the right integration of the bracelet in the overall design. It was too large for my wrist so I couldn't check if it was comfortable. But its flexibility makes me think that the answer to this question is clearly yes.



Be careful: I shot closer this watch. It looks very large but it is the smaller version with a 38mm diameter.



When I check the Omega website, I realize that the prizes of both diameters in SS wathever are their straps/bracelets are between 5.000 and 5.100 euros what is a very good news. The most expensive version is the PG one which has a price of 15.000 euros. Please note that a two tone case is also available.

I would like to finish this report with a surprise... during my visit I could put on my wrist the famous Central Tourbillon watch! A wonderful experience! I hope to find the time to come back to this watch.



Thanks to the Omega France team and to the staff of the boutique of Paris Capucines.

Fr.Xavier