The New Gradient Turquoise Dial of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m

Very surreptitiously, Omega released a pair of Aqua Terra models just before Christmas that really caught our eye. As Omega’s everyday all-rounder capable of tackling most environments and still look classy, the new turquoise models are descendants of the more colourful and dressier Aqua Terra 150m Shades sub-collection – no texture on the dial, fully polished cases. Standing out with their attractive turquoise gradient dials, the newcomers feature a reworked bracelet with the long-awaited micro-adjustment and come in two case sizes. We’ve had a chance to spend some time with these good-looking models, and this is what we found.

The collection’s name, Seamaster Aqua Terra, points to its all-terrain capabilities. Although it is not touted as a professional dive watch, the Aqua Terra offers the best of both worlds with its more than respectable 150m water resistance (aqua) combined with classic good looks and a precision movement to take you from the office and beyond in style (terra).

The Aqua Terra is a member of the iconic Seamaster family (don’t miss our three-part coverage with videos), born in 1948. The longest-running product line at Omega, the Seamaster was a civilian version of a wristwatch supplied to the British Air Force during WWII. Evolving into countless sub-families, the Aqua Terra joined the Seamaster family in 2002, picking up on cues from dressier vintage Seamasters from the early 1950s and 1960s. While there are a few complications like the Worldtimer, the best-sellers are the time-and-date models. Revamped in 2017, the Seamaster Aqua Terra held onto its classic lyre lugs, broad arrow hands, and triangular indices but introduced horizontal grooves on the dial, evoking the teak decking of yachts.

Armed with a wide range of colours to appeal to an even wider range of customers (there are currently 11 dial colours on the website with a variety of tones), Omega’s new Aqua Terra is grouped with other blue dials ranging from navy blue to baby blue and everything in between. But today, it’s all about this bold and novel turquoise tone. Turquoise is a tricky colour to define. An ophthalmologist recently developed a web app (ismy.blue) to see how people categorise blues and greens differently. Where some see blue, others see green, so defining the colour of this dial will depend on your perception. However, if you compare our photographs to the images of the watch on the website, you will notice that the colour is less blatant in the metal – which might be for the best.

To me, this dial evokes the colour of tropical lagoons and is an immediate mood booster. Refreshing, original and suggestive of warmer climes, the lacquered turquoise dial has no decking and its gradient or fumé effect produces a lighter shade of turquoise in the centre, which darkens as it reaches the perimeter.

The bold, dark grey PVD-coated indices and hands make a strong statement and glow in the dark thanks to the white luminescent inserts. For a more refined finish, the trapezoid date window is framed and has a dark background. One of the details that works exceptionally well is the highly legible bright turquoise minutes track on the periphery.

Unusual for a sports watch, the fully polished stainless steel case gives it a more refined energy and attracts reflections to the classic lyre lugs and wide bezel. Available in 38mm and 41mm cases, both feature the updated three-link steel bracelet with short, rounded, brushed outer links and a polished central link. The bracelet is fitted with a foldover clasp with push buttons and also features a comfort-release or micro-adjustment system.

While the movements powering the watches are different, both are METAS-certified Master Chronometers with co-axial escapement, an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring and a 3.5Hz frequency. Omega’s calibre 8800 powers the 38mm with a 55h power reserve and a quick-set date function. The 41mm Aqua Terra relies on calibre 8900 with twin barrels, an increased 60h power reserve and an independent quick-set hour hand (useful when travelling).

Despite sharing different movements, the price for both Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Gradient Turquoise models is EUR 7,300. More information at OmegaWatches.com.