Omega revisits the Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer with new titanium and steel models with coloured ceramic bezels
Zach Blass- Three new configurations for the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer
- Titanium makes its debut in the collection, new green dial for stainless steel, all use coloured ceramic bezels for the first time
- Titanium model is US$2.6K more expensive than the original steel, new steel models US$1K more expensive due to new bezel and 18K moonshine gold hands and indices
When it comes to Omega watches, the majority of people will most likely be familiar with their Speedmaster and Seamaster watches. A rung below on the ladder of familiarity would be their Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, which I have always said is the Datejust of the Omega catalogue. A deep-cut favourite, however, is the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer – a very “if you know, you know” Omega watch. Upon its original debut in stainless steel with a laser-ablated blue dial, watch geeks quickly gave their seal of approval to, at the very least, its aesthetic. Not everyone necessarily loved its 43mm diameter. Well, the dimensions remain the same, but today Omega unveiled three new intriguing Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer configurations: one model in titanium, a first for the collection, and a new stainless-steel model with a green dial available on both a bracelet and strap.
As I just mentioned, the dimensions remain the same as the previous Aqua Terra Worldtimer releases with a 150-metre water-resistant case that’s 43mm in diameter, 14.1mm thick, and 50mm across the wrist lug-to-lug. In my opinion, the 43mm diameter should be far less intimidating with the knowledge the lug-to-lug measurement is a tame-for-its-diameter 50mm. But, not everything has remained the same. Omega has switched things up a bit by shifting from a metal bezel to a polished-brushed ceramic bezel. This gives the watch more of a sporty feel than previous iterations. On the steel model, available on either a bracelet or rubber strap, the bezel, like the dial and rubber strap, should you go that route, are all rendered in a matching green. The dial, which largely follows the previously seen format, adds a touch of two-tone flair by using their proprietary 18K Moonshine gold for the central hands and indices. These tweaks, however, come at a cost, and I can only assume the new ceramic bezel and Moonshine gold dial accents are the culprit of the US$1K increase over the previous steel model.
Whereas the steel model’s green dial has a sunray finish, the new grade 2 titanium model opts for a more muted and monochromatic feel with a frosted surface that tonally matches the titanium case. The only pops of colour are found on the laser-ablated topography of the central globe, with the locations listed on the worldtimer ring rendered in 18K Moonshine gold and the city of London in red. At least for now, the titanium model is only available on the structured dark grey rubber strap which colour-matches the dial and ceramic bezel. But, for those who cannot resist exploring aftermarket straps, it is worth noting that the faux-integrating link is decorative. If you like, the watch can be outfitted on NATO or other straps with a 21mm width. A grade 2 titanium case, depending on your perspective, has the advantage of high-corrosion resistance and a lightweight presence on the wrist. That being said, the original steel model had a price of US$9.2K on a strap. The new green steel model is US$10.2K on a strap. This titanium configuration, however, jumps up even higher to a price of US$11.8K – US$2.6K more than the original steel model.
Inside and exhibited through a sapphire caseback across all three new configurations remains Omega’s METAS-certfied automatic co-axial wolrdtimer calibre 8938 with 60 hours of power reserve. As you would expect due to its certification, the calibre is regulated to 0/+5 seconds per day and is resistant against magnetism up to 15,000 gauss – in part thanks to its free-sprung balance with a silicon balance spring. The 8938 is handsomely decorated with Geneva waves in arabesque radiating across the bridges, rotor, and full balance bridge.
The worldtimer function is very easy to use. The ring of text listing the worldtimer cities are fixed in position, they do not move. What does move is the 24 hour day/night ring framing the globe-motif. Of the multiple positions of the crown, in one position the calibre offers an independently adjustable hour hand that will even correct the date as you cross over or back into different timezones. With the movement still running in this position, your minutes and running seconds continue to be active so that you do not fall out of time as you set the hours hand while traveling. Pulling the crown into another position will allow you to move the minutes hand, hours hand, and 24 hour ring all at once. You will only need to use this position when winding the watch to start it again or resetting the time completely. In this instance, you simply set the time by lining up the current local hours with the 24 hour ring and the city you are currently in, then switch to the independent hour adjustment position to realign the central hours hand.
Ultimately, the price increase may cause some initial sticker shock. But, I think all things considered the watches are not necessarily overpriced. It is just that we are used to price of the initial steel model. All I know is that if you are thinking about buying the new steel model, I would splurge the extra US$200 for the bracelet configuration. You could always circle back for the strap later.
2023 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer pricing and availability:
The new 2023 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer models are available now for purchase via Omega and their authorised dealers. Price: US$10,200 (steel/strap), US$10,400 (steel bracelet) / US$11,800 (titanium/strap)
| Brand | OMEGA |
| Model | AQUA TERRA 150M CO‑AXIAL MASTER CHRONOMETER GMT WORLDTIMER 43 MM |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 14.1mm (T) x 50mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel or grade 2 titanium |
| Water Resistance | 150m (screw-down crown) |
| Dial | Green (steel), grey/black (titanium) |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal and exhibiton caseback |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet or structured rubber strap with case-matching folding clasp |
| Movement | In-house automatic co-axial calibre 8398 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, worldtimer, METAS-certified |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | Stainless steel: US$10,200 (strap), US$10,400 (bracelet) Titanium: US$11,800 (strap) |