Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M

The Replica Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Ladies is arguably one of the better value, all-round, entry-level watches available on the market today. It’s also most likely flying completely under your radar. In the collection since 2003, it received a subtle visual refresh last year, along with an in-house movement in the form of the Master Chronometer calibre 8900. Striking the balance between everyday wear and elegant dress watch, the Aqua Terra is the perfect choice for those people looking for one watch for all occasions. Read our detailed review below to find out what makes this model so attractive.

Pitched as an ‘entry-level’ model, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m delivers a surprising amount of bang for your buck. It may not carry the same level of prestige as say the Rolex Datejust 41 in Oystersteel, but it also costs approximately 30% less whilst offering many similar benefits. Although it belongs to the Seamaster family, it’s not a dive watch as such. Instead, Omega’s describes it as a sophisticated watch imbued with ocean spirit. In layman’s terms that essentially means it’s designed for the casual sailing enthusiast, not the deepsea diver, an ethos that permeates the design of the watch.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is available in two case sizes; 38mm and 41mm. Today we’re looking at the latter, which is also the more popular of the two, although smaller cases sizes are certainly enjoying a renaissance. The previous version was actually larger at 41.5mm, so this slight reduction in size is welcome. When you plan to wear a watch every day, comfort is a key consideration.

The case is also now symmetrical, which seems strange to say but in the previous model, the crown was partially absorbed by the caseband on the right-hand side. It’s probably not something you would notice unless it was pointed out to you, but it does give the new Aqua Terra a more balanced look on the wrist – and also explains the 41mm diameter instead of 41.5mm.

Aesthetically, the case is understated, with some subtle touches that make it a watch you can dress up or down. The bezel is polished as are the outer flanks of the lugs, contrasting nicely against the brushed surfaces. Just one look at the case and you know this is not a dedicated tool watch. That said, it still offers water-resistance to a healthy 150m (500 feet). The caseback features a wave edge design, in keeping with the overall nautical theme of the watch. It wears comfortably on the wrist and can be easily paired with a suit and tie or jeans and sneakers.

The dial of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M is probably its most distinguishing feature and is decorated with a horizontal “teak” pattern inspired by the wooden decks of luxury sailboats. The effect on the black dial model we’re reviewing here is subtler than some of the other dial colours available, but it still adds an extra element to the design making it instantly recognisable on the wrist. Again, this is an update from the previous model, which featured vertical lines. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying I prefer the horizontal design. It’s less pronounced than the previous version and looks nicer in my opinion. Plus, it better conveys the nautical theme.

This is not the only change Omega has made to the dial, however. In a welcome move, the date window has been relocated from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock. The “water-resistance” wording has also been removed from the dial and engraved on the caseback instead. Both changes are relatively minor but they make a surprising difference to the overall appeal of the dial. It looks more balanced and symmetrical now, which ties in nicely with the focus on the symmetry of the case. Rhodium-plated “Broad Arrow” hands and indices filled with white Super-LumiNova complete the time display, adding a touch of sportiness to the dial. Again, all the required features for a sporty use, but nothing extreme so it can fly under the radar with a suit.

It’s here that the Aqua Terra really shines when it comes to value for money. Turning the watch over, a sapphire caseback reveals the inner workings of the Omega Master Chronometer calibre 8900. If you’re not familiar with Omega’s Master Chronometer Certification, I highly recommend you watch our in-depth video here. With the Master Chronometer program, Omega set out to build the highest quality, most reliable movements possible, regardless of the environment they need to operate in.

The calibre 8900 is a chronometer-certified automatic movement that comes with an impressive 4-year warranty. It features two barrels, which combine to offer a total power reserve of 60 hours. It uses silicon parts for the entire regulating organ and is capable of resisting magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. The arabesque decoration and diamond-cut bevels are simple yet attractive and can be appreciated through the caseback.

The model we had in for review featured a polished and brushed bracelet in matching steel, with a double fold-over clasp. Omega says it has improved the integration between the case and bracelet on this latest version of the Aqua Terra, helping it to sit flatter and even more comfortably on the wrist. There are also some forty different strap variations available from Omega, ranging from leather to NATO, so you can easily customise this model to your specific tastes.

Three new jewellery models join the ladies’ Aqua Terra 150m Luxury Editions sub-collection. Presented in 34mm and 38mm Sedna gold cases, the three new watches are enhanced with diamonds and precious gemstones and sport a new wave motif on the dial. Water-resistant to 150m and powered by Omega’s Master Chronometer Calibre 8807, these models are resilient and feminine at the same time.

The Aqua Terra belongs to the Seamaster dynasty, Omega’s longest-running product line that was launched in 1948. In constant evolution over the years, the Seamaster has explored the dress watch terrain but became famous for its dive watches like the Seamaster 300 of 1957. The Seamaster Aqua Terra surfaced in 2002, and although it still offered robust water-resistance, its looks were modelled on dressier Seamaster models of the 1950s and 1960s, some of them decorated with the horizontal striped lines (decking) that characterise this family. Smart and sporty, resilient and attractive, the Aqua Terra is the best of both worlds and is Omega’s answer to a daily beater. With models for both sexes, the latest Aqua Terra models notch up the luxury quotient with the incorporation of precious gemstones.

Senda gold is Omega’s proprietary alloy, a blend of gold (minimum 75%), copper and palladium resulting in a long-lasting reddish lustre. The three models presented in June 2020 are housed in a choice of 34mm or 38mm cases made from 18k Sedna gold. The distinct architecture of the case is highlighted with alternating polished and brushed finishes. Although it is a luxurious jewellery version of the Aqua Terra, it still performs to the collection’s specifications and the screw-down crown ensures the 150m water-resistance of the case.

The Luxury Collection of Aqua Terra 150m already hosted various models with snow-set diamond dials and marquise-cut gemstones for hour markers. The latest arrivals introduce a new dial pattern composed of rippling waves, a motif that is more in tune with the nautical decking found on many Aqua Terra models. All three models in 18k Sedna gold are embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel and a dynamic wave motif on the dial. Set against a guilloché background, the waves are picked out with paved diamonds (the 34mm model has 138 paved diamonds and 191 on the 38mm). The rippling waves are crafted from ribbons of gold and are not uniform in width, which makes setting the diamonds even trickier. The hour and minute hands are also crafted in rose gold, diamond-polished, faceted and filled with white Super-LumiNova that glows blue in the dark.

All three models signal the hours with marquise-cut gemstones held in rose gold frames with tiny prongs. One model features diamonds, another is set with red rubies and the third uses blue sapphires to mark the passing hours.