Out in the open air, enjoying the subtle breeze whilst the sun reflects softly off your shades. You take them off to take a better look at the beautiful ocean horizon – oh, what is this on your wrist? None other than the Seasmaster Aqua Terra 150M. In the absence of sounding like the first chapter of a romance novel, the description provided is most likely what Omega had in mind when they re-designed this new collection.
The Omega Seamaster collection which started in 1948 was originally designed for divers and through the decades, has pushed the limits on performance and precision. It is understandable then why Omega sponsor so many sporting events and is highly trusted as a brand across the world (even featuring in James Bond films).
Being the late comer to its collection, the Aqua Terra which was initially released in 2003 had a clearer focus – for those who are adventurous and sporty, yet requiring something smart and elegant. So began the release of one of the most popular premium ‘dress’ watches available.
The latest Aqua Terra 150M collection for ladies sees an upgrade that places a high emphasis on the dial design, with some following a wooden, yacht-like varnish finish. With the watches in the collection available in 28mm, 34mm and 38mm models, there is certainly something available for those that either prefer a seamless timepiece for smaller wrists or one that makes a daringly sophisticated statement.
Dial
Although I am not a woman, I know and appreciate a beautiful dial when I see one and the Aqua Terra 150M for ladies does not disappoint. The collection hosts 14 different dial colour variations and one of the most eye-catching features of these dial designs is the lovely horizontal teak stripe effect. This waved dial design does well in capturing the true ‘ocean’ spirit of the Aqua Terra 150M, translating it in gorgeous blue, beige or grey tones. The detail in these are very rich and remind me of the decks in old school luxury yachts or boats.
All Chronometer versions of the watch come with a date window at 6 o’clock (3 o’clock on earlier models) and 11 diamond indexes or the brilliantly imagined versions where the indexes are shaped like sailboat hulls. Other versions such as the Aqua Terra 150M Quartz 28mm are available in sea blue, black, shimmer white, pearl and glossy lilac dials. These are all stainless stell models and either have 12 diamond indexes or a mix of 8 dotted rhodium-plated indexes and 4 diamond indexes. Models with the rhodium-plated hands make use of the brilliant Super-LumiNova lume.
Other colours in the range include the mesmerising Tahiti mother-of-pearl grey and the smoky shimmer chestnut brown. My personal pick however would have to be the white mother-of-pearl dial, which works opulently well on the stainless steel and 18K Sedna™ gold model.
Case
This ‘lady of the sea’ timepiece is available in three symmetrical case sizes (28mm, 34mm and 38mm), all which have a seamless integration with the lug and attached bracelet. The watch case also comes in 3 options which are steel, steel and Sedna™ Gold and solid 18K Sedna™ Gold. All cases follow a alternating smooth polish finish in gold or steel which really brings to light the level of thought and precision that has gone into the architecture of this collection.
One stand out model of the watch also has an impressive diamond-set bezel which is certainly worth the extra pounds or dollars. All watches also feature a transparent case-back which allows the wearer to see the movement inside the watch. This is a very attractive element that is featuring a lot more commonly within the last decade.
All Aqua Terra 150M watches in the ladies collection come with domed sapphire crystal glass, which are scratch-resistant and with the added luxury of anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Depending on the case material, there is a matching multi-sided screw-in conical crown to complete the look. This allows the watch not to steer too far away from its roots – water exploration. Because of this, it has a modestly generous 150m water-resistant provision, in the event you happen to go for a quick swim on a warm summer’s day.
Wearability
The Aqua Terra 150M Chronometer versions of the watch are powered via Omega 8800 (38mm) and 8801 (34mm) calibres. All which utilise self-winding movement with Co-Axial escapement and are certified at the industry’s highest standard for precision and performance by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). This simply put means this watch is unlikely to require you utilising your manufacturer’s warranty often if ever. Omega are very proud of this fact and even add a very generous 5 year warranty as standard with the Aqua Terra 150M for women.
The 28mm Quartz model is also impressive, making use of Omega’s trademark 4061 calibre quartz movement. The “Long Life” feature allows for longer battery life, which on average is around 48 months. Not bad for a quartz, not bad at all. All the other Chronometer models employ bi-directional self-winding movement with free sprung-balance (using a silicon balance spring). The watches in this model provide around 55-60 hours reserve power.
The level of performance doesn’t stop with the movement, Omega have also ensured that all of the watch models are resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. What does this mean for the average person? Well there are magnetic everywhere that electricity is present, fortunately, most timepieces have a decent level of protection against magnetism. If a watch happens to come in contact with a strong magnetic field, it could negatively impact its accuracy and reliability. With Aqua Terra 150M being made of anti-magnetic material, it is a world leader, ensuring optimum performance.
It takes a lot for a watch to impress me, but the simple, yet exquisite execution of this watch has made it hard to criticise. Yet again, comfort and choice has been carefully considered in the design of this watch. The staple steel bracelets are optimally linked for snugness, the leather option provides a subtle and comfortable, whilst the Sedna gold strap oozes class and sophistication. In the true spirit of adventure however, Omega are allowing buyers of all large (38mm) models, the choice to experiment from over 40 combinations of polyester, leather and striped polyamide straps.
Price
Unless you have access to a local store, most if not all of the Aqua Terra 150M ladies watch models are available to buy online. The prices are obviously lower for the base quartz model, but even then are reasonably inexpensive for the brand and quality on display. Prices start at around £2,400 moving up to between £4,500- 10,000 for the mid-line references.
The new top-line reference – Aqua Terra 150M Omega Co‑Axial Master Chronometer 34 mm (Full Sedna™ gold on Sedna™ gold) with diamond setting and diamond indexes will probably set you back around £24,000 brand new. Can you put a price on such a premium item, only if you really must.
