OMEGA SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA
“Aqua” and “Terra.” These two Latin words not only describe the world beneath our feet, but also the origins of the Seamaster collection
IN 2002, OMEGA introduced a bold new range of timepieces to its famous Seamaster family. “Aqua Terra” was the name chosen for the collection, honouring the spirit of the original Omega Seamaster models, which were known for their reliability both on water (Aqua) and on land ( Terra).
With 40 models offered in four different sizes (41 mm, 38 mm, 35 mm and 28 mm), the first Aqua Terra line delivered a “refreshing contrast” of style and innovation that could easily fit an active lifestyle. The minimalist design worked perfectly for business days and social nights yet the watches remained 100 percent Seamaster at their core, with a performance that was solidly backed by anti-shock technology and water resistance to 15 bar (150m / 500ft).
The blend of city chic and ocean ingenuity was seamless. For customers with classic tastes, the Aqua Terra cases were crafted with twisted and facetted lugs that recalled the Omega designs of the 1960s. These pure lines gave the Aqua Terra a distinctively timeless feel, while the crisp, clean dial with its triangular hour markers also paid homage to the styles of the past.
And as always with Omega, the attractive aesthetics went hand-in-hand with technical innovation. This was the first time that a Co-Axial movement had been used in a collection other than the De Ville family and therefore represented a major new development in the Seamaster collection.
Since its first appearance in 2002, the Seamaster Aqua Terra collection has continued to evolve, but always ensuring that the watches remain contemporary and relevant. While the typical Aqua Terra design aspects (case shape, dial elements and handset) have remained constant, almost every other element has been reimagined over the years.
Most notably, it was the inclusion of the “teak” pattern dial in 2008 which has now become one of the Aqua Terra’s defining trademarks. Modelled after the wooden decks of luxury sailboats, the teak dial has become a firm favourite amongst Omega fans. Other additions include the added minute track and updated materials which today include 18K Sedna gold
Perhaps the biggest revolutionary moment came in 2013 with the introduction of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra >15’000 Gauss. This new model helped to forever change the way that the watchmaking industry approached the challenges of magnetic fields. Instead of protecting the movement with a traditional inner case, the new Aqua Terra made use of selected non-ferrous materials in the movement itself, and guaranteed magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss. It was another milestone moment in Omega’s long history anti-magnetic breakthroughs.
Today, the Seamaster Aqua Terra continues its journey. Just as it was originally designed to do, the timepiece remains a trusted companion on land yet robust enough for weekends on the water. And with a fresh wave of models arriving in 2017, its popularity is as strong as ever.
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