Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Small Seconds - A New Wing In Omega Vintage Watches

With nearly twenty new Aqua Terra references fitted with the Bienne maker's newest Small Seconds Master Chronometer calibre, Omega watch brand is doubling down on its most adaptable line.

Why Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Small Seconds Will Be a Crush For Aqua Terra Fans

Between the standard three-hand and the new Small Seconds-equipped references, Aqua Terra aficionados have a lot to pick from. The new collection features 41 and 38mm case sizes in stainless steel or precious metal, with a few two-toned variants thrown in for good measure. as well as two-toned models, each with its own dials and strap or bracelet options.

The current Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, on the other hand, boasts a number of visually appealing and unusual design aspects, including a slatted "teak deck" concept dial and prominent, facetted hour markers. The little seconds dial adds texture and complexity to what is already a rather busy dial, and it may be a welcome addition for those who prefer a somewhat livelier design.

The independent running seconds hand and subsidiary seconds register at 6:00 are new for this reference, and they are ringed by a nicely contrasted ring that mirrors the textured ring around the dial's periphery.

Everything else about the Aqua Terra Small Seconds stays true to the standard three-hand references, from the 150 metres of water resistance to the almost-wearable case proportions to its bubbly personality, making it the polar opposite of its main competition 

The Master Chronometer-certified Omega cal. 8916, which powers the 41mm stainless steel version, is, of course, the most significant change. This Small Seconds retains the super-useful ‘Travel Time' function, which allows easy adjustment of the hour hand from the crown's first position, as does the rest of Omega's 89xx-level movements. The cal. 8917 is used in the 41mm precious metal variants, which is very identical in terms of chronometry but for a precious metal rotor and balancing bridge to match the gold on the case.

Conclusion

Aqua Terra is a watch that requires the additional dial aperture to allow all of the detail to breathe fully, and given its already short lug-to-lug measures on the current edition, it has a modern, sporty profile, but one that is comfortable and inconspicuous in all the right ways.