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Hot on the heels of last year’s Aqua Terra Turquoise release, Omega has launched two new models, this time with black ceramic bezels and matching rubber straps.

Last year, we saw Omega release a very summery and blue Seamaster Aqua Terra – well, we say blue, but technically it was a gradient turquoise dial that evoked the blue waters of some exotic Mediterranean locale. Mykonos in Greece, the south of Spain or perhaps Cinque Terra on the Amalfi Coast in Italy come to mind. Ah, the European Summer! I digress. This year, the brand has taken the turquoise Aqua Terra and given it a somewhat more subdued effect, which, to be honest, I quite like, even more so than the full steel model from 2024! With a new, more stealthy look, these new models are perfect for those who want some colour in their life, but don’t want to shout it from the rooftops!

For this release, Omega has kept the gradient turquoise dial that, according to Omega, looks like sunlight cutting through water. They have achieved this effect through a varnished dial that radiates from a light blue in the centre through to a dark hue on the outer part of the dial. To further accentuate this, the use of the black PVD-coated hour markers and hands, along with the date window, gives a nice contrast to the turquoise blue dial, even more so than the grey PVD-coated hands and indexes on the previous version. Sometimes it’s the small details!

Helping to enhance the overall look of both pieces, Omega has added a black ceramic bezel and matching rubber strap, which has a matching turquoise stitching that cuts nicely through the black patterned rubber. This changes the look of the original full steel dramatically, and gives the watch essentially a completely different look. While I do like the steel version on the bracelet, something about this new model piques my interest, especially on the black rubber strap with the woven leather look. It’s both sporty and elegant at the same time.

For each model, Omega has equipped them with the Co-Axial Calibre 8800 in the 38mm, and the Calibre 8900 in the 41mm model. Each has Omega’s strict Master Chronometer certification, approved by METAS, and are resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. More than substantial for today’s modern tech-driven life. The Calibre 8800 in the 38mm has a 55-hour power reserve where whereas the Calibre 8900 in the 41mm model has 60 hours. Both beat at 3.5Hz.

Initial Thoughts

As I think I summed up, I do like this release from Omega. Yes, it’s not a new watch, technically speaking, but rather a nice aesthetic update to the full steel model. And sometimes this is all you need. The full steel versions of these pieces are a good choice for those who want a watch that is more classic but with something a little out of the box in terms of the coloured dial. This release takes this a step further and makes it a little more, well, meaner – but in a good way!

I’ve always found Omega bracelets to be a little hit and miss, and with the Aqua Terra collection, there is nothing wrong with the bracelet per se, but something about it style-wise doesn’t speak to me. The rubber strap with the woven leather look, however, does, and with the turquoise stitching, makes it even more so. The use of the ceramic bezel does increase the price point, however, and both these models retail for A$12,350. Interestingly, Omega has priced these models at the exact same price, given the slight differences in size as well as the Calibre 8800 in the 38mm, which has less power reserve. What this does do is even the playing field between them, so for those looking to purchase, price isn’t a factor as much; it will be more about the fit. Overall, a good release from Omega and another watch we can look forward to seeing on wrists this coming summer.

References & Specifications

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 38mm

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 41mm

Australian RRP: A$12,350 each.

Availability: Available now through Omega boutiques, retailers and online at Omegawatches.com