Introducing the New Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Small Seconds
Sparkling. In one word, that's the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. It's the twist and crack, the quiet fizz of bubbles, and the pleasant gurgle of clear liquid cascading from a tall matte bottle into a cold glass with stones. It's the soft clink of ice cubes at the water's edge. Thanks to its colorful assortment, lively character, and sharply defined dial, these watches can be called the platonic ideal of summer watches. They are suitable not only for backpacking, beaches, and backyard gatherings, but also for weddings, client meetings, and dates. Perhaps that's why, just days before the official start of summer, Omega doubled its most versatile collection by introducing nearly twenty (!!!) new Aqua Terra models equipped with the latest Small Seconds Master Chronometer caliber from the Bienne manufacturer.
To be honest, this massive expansion of the lineup is somewhat puzzling to me - it slightly reminds me of Omega from five or more years ago, a brand content with presenting hundreds of models at once during its exhibition cycles, rather than the strictly curated brand we have come to love recently. But that doesn't mean these are bad watches - far from it. After all, one of Omega's distinctive features has always been choice and variety, and Aqua Terra fans have plenty to choose from, both among standard three-hand models and new models equipped with the Small Seconds function. The new lineup continues the traditional case size range of 41 and 38 mm, made of stainless steel or precious metals, with several mixed two-tone options. Each has its own unique dial, as well as strap or bracelet options.
The Small Seconds is a simple complication that has significant visual impact, especially in more minimalist watches inspired by Bauhaus style (or the recently announced Tresor Power Reserve watches from Omega), which use an auxiliary register to break up the dial and provide a bit more visual interest. But the existing Aqua Terra model doesn't have this problem, as it already has quite a few visually interesting and distinctive design elements - particularly the dial with a "teak deck" pattern and bold faceted hour markers. The Small Seconds hand definitely adds another layer of texture and complexity to an already quite "active" dial, and it may be a welcome addition for those who appreciate a slightly more lively look. The novelty of this model, of course, is the independent running seconds hand and auxiliary seconds register at the 6:00 position, surrounded by a beautiful contrasting ring that matches the textured ring on the dial's periphery.
Everything else in the Aqua Terra Small Seconds model maintains the baseline set by the standard three-hand models - from the 150-meter water resistance and wearable case proportions to the vibrant individuality - all of which makes it the polar opposite of its main competitor, whatever the equivalent of tap water might be in the watch world. Perhaps the calm Datejust? Of course, the biggest update here is the Omega Master Chronometer-certified caliber 8916, which operates in the 41 mm stainless steel version. Like the rest of the Omega 89xx-level movements, this Small Seconds supports the super convenient "Travel Time" function, which allows quick adjustment of the hour hand from the first position of the crown. The 41 mm versions in precious metals are equipped with the caliber 8917, which is practically identical from a chronometric standpoint, except for the rotor and balance bridge made of precious metal to match the gold on the case.
While the Aqua Terra watches are certainly capable of adventure and bear the name "Seamaster," I wouldn't say they are adventure watches in the traditional sense, unless your idea of adventure involves a good novel, a cold mojito, a Panama hat, and a pool with an ocean view. However, this does not mean that Aqua Terra cannot be good adventure watches - on the contrary, its most sought-after reference (now discontinued) was, after all, a genuine Bond watch. And after trying both the 38.5 mm case and the newer 41 mm version (note that the Aqua Terra has been reduced by half a millimeter to 38 mm and 41 mm, respectively), I prefer the 41 mm - and not only because the larger cases house more fully functional 89xx series movements. I've always felt that the Aqua Terra is a watch that needs the additional aperture of the dial to allow all the details to breathe fully, and given its already short lug-to-lug dimensions in the latest version, they create a modern sporty silhouette, although comfortable and unobtrusive in every way.
Despite the lack of official confirmation of a price increase for Omega (which is a mid-summer tradition for many key Swiss brands), the price for the 41 mm Seamaster Aqua Terra Small Second model in stainless steel (ref. 220.10.41.21.02.004, as pictured) is $6,300 USD, which is about 10% higher than the standard three-hand variant. Versions on a rubber strap in stainless steel start at $6,050 USD. More details on the full Seamaster Aqua Terra collection can be found on the Omega website.
