The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer Now in Regular Steel or Gold (Hands-On)

While we usually associate Omega with sporty watches – with complications that range from the date to the annual calendar or the chronograph, except that one central tourbillon watch – complicated watches are not really part of the Biel-based brand’s portfolio. This was until 2017, when Omega introduced, as an exclusive limited edition in platinum, a Worldtimer version of the Seamaster Aqua Terra. This complex watch now returns to regular production, with multiple editions in steel or in Sedna gold.

In all fairness, the first platinum, 87-piece limited edition of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer really came as a surprise. This wasn’t at all what we expected to see from Omega. In addition to that, it has to be said that the execution was certainly a bit busy and very high-end – platinum case, gold markers and hands, hand-crafted enamel world map, textured dial and the usual complex display of a world timer watch… All in all, this watch was a bit “too much”. The intention was good, the execution was good, but there was room for improvement. And Omega listened. Introducing the regular production versions of this Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer.

The new and non-limited versions of this world timer are almost entirely identical to the 2017 platinum model… However, thanks to a few tweaks and changes in materials, it has become more attractive both financially and visually.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer will be available, for the moment, in 4 editions:

• Steel case, blue dial, blue rubber strap
• Steel case, blue dial, steel bracelet
• Sedna gold case, silver dial, alligator strap
• Sedna gold case, silver dial, Sedna gold bracelet

The changes mostly concern the materials and the colours, as well as the strap or bracelet, which are now coherent with the rest of the collection. In this instance, there is an integrated textured rubber strap or alligator leather with central metallic pieces between the lugs, or the same 3-link bracelet as other Seamaster AT watches.

The case retains the 43mm diameter of the inaugural platinum model but is now available in stainless steel or in 18k Sedna gold (Omega’s proprietary rose gold alloy). Both models can be combined with matching metallic bracelets. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer is a surprising combination of nautical-inspired themes with a complex display, making it somehow casual with a hint of elegance. Despite the large proportions, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist.

The world map depicted in the centre has also evolved. The dial is composed of three different areas. First is the outer section, with applied hour indexes and a sun-brushed blue or silver background that includes the Aqua Terra’s vertical teak stripes. The dial is surrounded by an inner flange of global destinations and, for a special touch, these include the city of Bienne at GMT+1, Omega’s hometown.

The second sector is a 24-hour ring, which is made of hesalite crystal. The light blue half indicates daytime, while the dark blue half indicates night. Finally, the central part is, as often with world timers, a world map. It is made from a grade 5 titanium plate. This has been laser-ablated to create the blue ocean, leaving a relief of the continents. The contrasting colours of the Earth’s surface are obtained naturally by the laser’s chemical reaction. The display, besides the world time and day/night indications, also includes hours, minutes, seconds and date.

The entire display is controlled by the crown (no pushers or recessed buttons in the caseband) and is powered by the calibre 8938 (steel model) or the calibre 8939 (gold model). Based on the 89xx series, this movement features a twin-barrel architecture for a longer power reserve (60 hours) and a more stable delivery of the torque. The co-axial escapement is, of course, part of the package. It is a Master Chronometer movement, meaning that it’s chronometer-certified by METAS and offers a 15,000-gauss resistance to magnetic fields. The decoration is classical for the brand, with arabesque Geneva stripes – note the gold rotor and balance bridge on the gold model.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer is now offered in non-limited production, with prices starting at CHF 8,200 for the steel model on a rubber strap (all other prices in the specs below). Considering the complication and the level of details offered by the dial, Omega has chosen quite an aggressive price positioning. More details at www.omegawatches.com.