As the world moves deeper into mid-July 2021, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, postponed due to the pandemic, are finally set to begin on July 23. Despite this historic delay preventing fans worldwide from enjoying the Olympic spectacle, official partner Omega has been expanding its range of Tokyo 2020-inspired models over the past year. Ahead of the Olympic Games' opening, the brand has unveiled the latest set of commemorative watches in its versatile Aqua Terra series. The new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020 gold models bring a luxurious touch to the dressier Seamaster designs to kick off a truly historic Olympic Games.
The cases of the new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020 models, available in 38mm and 41mm variants, are crafted from 18-karat yellow gold. Both models feature the standard Aqua Terra case shape with Omega's signature twisted lyre lugs and a wide, sloping polished bezel. However, the distinguishing feature of both models is the printed emblem of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on the sapphire casebacks. Like the standard Aqua Terra model, these boast a sporty water resistance of 150 meters.
The most noticeable visual difference between the two versions of the new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020 gold model lies in the dial design. The ceramic dials of both models use the same laser-engraved distorted blue checkered pattern introduced with the stainless steel Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020 model. Although this distinctive pattern is directly borrowed from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics logo, the Aqua Terra line's aquatic context also gives this pattern the appearance of a tiled swimming pool bottom in the initial images.
Both models also share a common gold set of dauphine and broad Aqua Terra hands, but they take different approaches to the applied gold indices. The 41mm variant adopts a sharper, more aggressive approach, with dagger-like wedge indices and a trapezoidal date window at the 6 o'clock position. In the 38mm model, Omega has opted for a softer and more feminine approach, replacing the wedges with rounded diamond-shaped indices and changing the date window shape at 6 o'clock to a circle. This smaller model also lacks an outer minute track, giving it a cleaner, more minimal look, allowing the engraved pattern to extend all the way to the matte rehaut.
Both versions of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020 gold models are equipped with similar in-house co-axial automatic movements. The 41mm model is powered by the automatic caliber 8901, while the 38mm model uses the caliber 8801. Both models share similar overall architecture and finish: an attractive bridge and rotor crafted from Omega's proprietary Sedna gold alloy, along with a unique arabesque Côtes de Genève pattern developed by Omega.
The 8901 and 8801 models also share Omega's co-axial escapement and are both certified to the stringent Master Chronometer accuracy standards by METAS. The differences between these two watches lie in the mainspring arrangement: the 8801 model uses a traditional single barrel, while the 8901 model features a dual barrel. Additionally, the 8901 model includes a jumping hour hand feature to facilitate time adjustment when transitioning to a new time zone.
Despite the added mainspring, the power reserve figures for the 8801 and 8901 models are surprisingly close: the 8901 with its dual barrel provides 60 hours of power reserve at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour, while the 8801 offers 55 hours of power reserve at 25,200 vibrations per hour. Both new models come with a stylish dark blue alligator leather strap.
Considering the potential collectible value of Tokyo 2020 Olympic memorabilia (including the "typo" that the 2020 Olympics are actually taking place in 2021), the new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020 gold models are a bright and stylish addition to the line, which could become a vintage gem in the years to come.
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020 in gold cases is now available at official dealers. The 41mm model is priced at $18,500, while the 38mm model is $17,800. More information can be found on the brand's website.