When talking about Omega’s Aqua Terra line, “quiet” might be an understatement. Almost without exception, the Swiss brand loves to debut variants of the Seamaster sub-line without much press — including the version celebrating Olympian pole vaulter Armand Duplantis’ record-breaking feat this summer. Well, they’re back at it again, this time with a gradient turquoise version of the accessible diver.
A Note About Dive Watch Depths
Dive watches are an interesting breed. Despite their provenance, most people don’t actually wear them for diving — although, professional and recreational divers will almost exclusively adorn their wrists with one. And while many legendary dive watches can go upwards of 200m or 300m underwater, most mere mortals are never really able to get down as low as 100m (40m is the max depth for recreational diving). But I won’t digress about how a watch’s quoted water resistance indicates what you should do with it; a 50m dive watch shouldn’t be taken underwater at all.
300m divers can be pretty darn bulky and stylistically limiting. Omega’s Seamaster is one of the most iconic divers on the planet but it’s not practical for everyone. In 2002, the Swiss luxury brand launched a brand-new model within the collection that gave impressive underwater prowess to an everyday wristwatch. A diver in name and specs only, the Aqua Terra 150m foregoes the bezel and focuses more on wrist comfort with its array of case diameter options.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Gradient Turquoise Basics
Available in both 41mm and 38mm stainless steel versions, this new Aqua Terra is part of the Shades collection of the lineup, with an even classier appearance than the regular Aqua Terra. At first glance, it might be difficult to tell the difference aside from the absence of dial texturing, but there are some subtle changes. Instead of a brushed case and more casual, flatter 3-link bracelet, the Shades are more like a dress watch with the rounder, smaller bracelet links and heightened case polishing.
Powering the watch is either the in-house Co-Axial caliber 8800 automatic (for the 38mm) or the Co-Axial caliber 8900 automatic (for the 41mm), which can each be viewed through the caseback. These are both Master Chronometer-certified calibers with 55 hours or 60 hours of power reserve, respectively.
What We Think of This Unique Color Scheme
While the bolder dial colors are nothing new, the gradient turquoise adds a playfulness to the timepiece in a way you won’t find on many other dress watches on the market. The sunray brushing helps justify the color even more, bringing an assertiveness that you can wield to match with a tie, for instance, or even your glasses frames.
The blue-green hue is paired with dark gray (almost black) hands and indices, which is an interesting choice that’s almost as bold as the dial color itself. Just as the turquoise can pair with accessories, the gray/black might match your coat or shoes. You can really have fun with your wardrobe here.
The color scheme reminds me of something I’ve seen before in the chronograph category but not on a dress watch — or even an ostensible diver. Likewise, the date window is black with white numbers.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 38mm, 41mm
Case Thickness: 12.4mm, 13.3mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 150m
Movement: In-house Caliber 8800 (38mm) or 8900 (41mm) automatic
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $6,600 regardless of case size, the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Gradient Turquoise will become available in the coming weeks. Sign up for notifications on Omega’s website.
Recap
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Gradient Turquoise
Omega gives a gradient turquoise dial to its Aqua Terra line, bringing a playful dressiness to the wrist without losing its class.
