Omega guns for the ladies’ watch top spot with new 30mm Aqua Terra range
Tom Austin- Omega has announced 12 fresh references for its Aqua Terra line, showcased in a compact 30mm diameter case.
- The new collection features two new in-house automatic movements, the 8750 and 8751, which are the smallest co-axial Master Chronometer calibres to date.
- The range includes steel, two-tone and full Sedna gold and Moonshine gold models, including variations with diamond bezels and mother-of-pearl dials.
Omega has recently expanded its Aqua Terra range by introducing an all-new 30mm case design, alongside two new in-house automatic movements. Omega has played to its strengths by pushing the limits with the two new calibres, with the latest 8750 and 8751 being its smallest co-axial Master Chronometers to date. They’ve also launched these smaller Aqua Terras with a very feminine-forward marketing campaign, assembling a coterie of stylish celebs including model Ashley Graham, actress Ariana DeBose and singers Danielle Marsh and Tems to promote the watch – an interesting move in an industry and hobby that has otherwise been moving away from explicitly gendering watches.
The Aqua Terra is part of Omega’s Seamaster range, and is one of the brand’s most popular models. It’s also one of Omega’s most expansive collections, with a dizzying range of case materials, dial designs, and bracelet options spanning over 150 different references. The Aqua Terra is Omega’s answer to the Datejust, and while the jury’s out on who wins that battle, it’s safe to say that Omega wins in terms of style choice. That abundance of choice just got tougher, with Omega adding twelve new 30mm Aqua Terra references aimed at those with smaller wrists who still want the same attention to detail as the bigger boys.
This isn’t just a scaled-down version of the larger reference. The new case has been completely redesigned with a more curvaceous look, featuring sweeping, elegant lines that meet highly polished surfaces: the lyre lugs of the Seamaster are still present, but have been softened to achieve a sleek and less fussy appearance. At 30mm in diameter and 10.6mm thick, the proportions are dignified, and wear beautifully on a feminine wrist, and the elegant aesthetic is pushed even further when you explore the different case materials. Across the twelve references, there are six models in full stainless steel; two models in two-tone steel and Moonshine Gold; one model in two-tone steel and Sedna Gold; three models in full 18k Moonshine Gold and one model in full 18k Sedna gold. Then, on top of those, there are certain variations of the steel and Moonshine Gold models that feature diamond-set bezels. Phew!
The case, despite its more diminutive stature, still punches above its weight on the spec sheet, featuring a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, along with a sapphire exhibition caseback and a screw down crown. This means it is still worthy of bearing the Seamaster name, with an impressive 150-meter water resistance rating.
Naturally, there is a vast array of dial options to choose from with the new 30mm Aqua Terra. Firstly, in the steel models, you have the standard black and silver options, and then with a sunburst finish, you have blue, the interestingly named lavender, and a diamond-set grey. The three bi-metal watches include a sunburst chocolate brown and mother-of-pearl, both of which are diamond set, along with a standard sunburst silver. Lastly, the full gold models feature either deep green dial, gold, linen or mother-of-pearl dials.
The choice is quite overwhelming; however, the dials do all make sense as options, and introducing this many does seem like a necessity across this many materials. Functionally, the dials are clear and legible, with dauphine-style hands and stylish hour markers brightly marked with lume. The date window is much more subtle than on its full-size sibling, nestled in a circular window at 6 o’clock.
The new model features two all-new automatic calibres, developed explicitly for this new watch. Both 8750 and 8751 movements are essentially the same, with the single difference being the rotor, as the full gold models feature a thicker gold rotor, bumping up the overall thickness from 3.98mm to 4.08mm. At just 20mm in diameter, it’s easy to see why Omega chose to shrink the Aqua Terra’s case so significantly. Despite its compact size, it still packs a punch on the spec sheets, with both METAS-certified movements featuring a 48-hour power reserve, a co-axial escapement, a free-sprung balance with a silicon balance spring and a 15,000 gauss anti-magnetic rating.
Not content with technical superiority, Omega have gone to the next level and applied the same level of finishing that it does with its bigger movements, such as the signature arabesque Geneva waves on the mainplates and rotor, along with blackened screws and a stealthy black finish on the balance wheel. The price of the Aqua Terra is comparable to that of the similarly sized Rolex Datejust 31, which is, incidentally, one of the brand’s best-selling models. So with this level of specification, it’s fairly clear where Omega is aiming here.
The 30mm Aqua Terra, unlike the rest of the range, is only available on one type of bracelet. It’s a classic 3-link configuration, available with a combination of polished and brushed finishes that are, of course, in the materials that match the cases. They are closed with an attractive butterfly clasp, which features a comfort-adjusting system for added convenience. That’s yet another shot fired at the Datejust, with the Jubilee on a 31mm offering no adjustment at all.
Closing thoughts
Is this the watch that will change the direction for Omega’s feminine range? Firstly, it’s important to remember who this watch is for, and while technically it’s a brilliant offering, it’s not necessarily directly aimed at the hardcore female watch enthusiast. The awesome women who are deeply entrenched in this hobby, for the most part, don’t seem to be too interested in gender-specific pieces, and will, like all of us, wear what they love. They are fanatical about the same things as men are, and get mad at the same things as men do, too. I think the 30mm Aqua Terra is more likely to end up on the wrist of the watch enthusiast’s disinterested partner; it’s a watch that, in reality, is probably more appreciated by the Omega-fan husband. In truth, you’re probably more likely to see a 42mm Speedy on the wrist of a female watch enthusiast, and more power to them, I say.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 30mm pricing and availability
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 30mm is available now from Omega retailers. Price: starting from US$6,600 (steel), from US$11,000 (two-tone), from US$32,400 (solid gold)
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Seamaster Aqua Terra 30mm |
| Reference | 220.10.30.20.01.001 (black dial, steel case) 220.10.30.20.03.001 (blue dial, steel case) 220.10.30.20.02.001 (silver dial, steel case) 220.10.30.20.10.002 (lavender dial, steel case) 220.15.30.20.56.001 (grey diamond-set dial, steel case, diamond-set bezel) 220.20.30.20.02.001 (silver dial, two-tone steel and Moonshine Gold case) 220.20.30.20.63.001 (brown diamond-set dial, two-tone steel and Sedna Gold case) 220.25.30.20.55.001 (mother-of-pearl diamond-set dial, two-tone steel and Moonshine Gold case, diamond-set bezel) 220.50.30.20.09.001 (linen dial, Sedna Gold case) 220.50.30.20.08.001 (golden dial, Moonshine Gold case) 220.55.30.20.60.001 (green diamond-set dial, Moonshine Gold case, diamond-set bezel) 220.55.30.20.55.001 (mother-of-pearl diamond-set dial, Moonshine Gold case, diamond-set bezel) |
| Case Dimensions | 30mm (D) x 10.6mm (T) (Calibre 8750 models) 30mm (D) x 10.7mm (T) (Calibre 8751 models) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel Two-tone Moonshine or Sedna Gold Full Moonshine or Sedna Gold |
| Water Resistance | 150 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back with anti-reflective coating |
| Dial | Black or silver base dials, sunburst blue, brown, linen, yellow, green or mother-of-pearl with diamond set options |
| Bracelet | 3-link bracelet with butterfly clasp and comfort adjustment system |
| Movement | Calibre 8750/8751, in-house, automatic, Master Chronometer |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | US$6,600 – black dial, steel case US$6,600 – blue dial, steel case US$6,600 – silver dial, steel case US$6,600 – lavender dial, steel case US$13,300 – grey diamond-set dial, steel case, diamond-set bezel US$11,000 – silver dial, two-tone steel and Moonshine Gold case US$11,800 – brown diamond-set dial, two-tone steel and Sedna Gold case US$18,700 – mother-of-pearl diamond-set dial, two-tone steel and Moonshine Gold case, diamond-set bezel US$32,400 – linen dial, Sedna Gold case US$32,400 – golden dial, Moonshine Gold case US$39,700 – green diamond-set dial, Moonshine Gold case, diamond-set bezel US$40,000 – mother-of-pearl diamond-set dial, Moonshine Gold case, diamond-set bezel |