Introducing The Omega Aqua Terra With Small Seconds

2021 has been a busy year for Omega. With significant updates to their flagship Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional and Seamaster 300 lines, the brand has demonstrated they are not afraid to update and adjust some of their most classic designs for the contemporary age. 

This week, the Swiss watchmaker is approaching its third major update of the year to its catalog, now renewing the popular Seamaster Aqua Terra line with a fresh 6 o’clock small seconds sub-dial. The update includes nineteen total models, with ten new 38mm editions and nine new 41mm options. The array includes an assortment of dial colors and case materials, joining the already large range of offerings within the extensive Aqua Terra collection.

At first view, the silhouette of the Small Seconds is essentially the same to the non-small seconds editions of the Aqua Terra fans of the brand are likely already familiar with. The case design— available in 41mm or 38mm and in either steel, Sedna gold, or two tone— takes its inspiration from the modern Seamaster style, with slightly twisted lugs, a fine combination of polished and satin finishing, and an almost-conical, deeply toothed, screw-down crown. As is signature for the Aqua Terra line, each of the new Small Seconds also opt for a simple polished bezel for their 150m water resistant cases, the unidirectional bezel reserved exclusively for the brand’s dedicated dive watches. 

Underneath the domed sapphire crystal, the choice of a few different dial textures and colors awaits, the most prominent styles including a lined “teak” pattern and a simpler sub-brushed style, with the colors including a blue-grey, silvery-beige, dark or light green, and a champagne “crystal linen” among others. As is the primary attraction for the new models, they each feature a 6 o’clock sub-dial for their namesake small seconds, the feature overlayed with a small date window at its bottom. The little feature looks to fit in seamlessly within the Aqua Terra look, providing it both with a bit of positive contrast in its aesthetic, as well as a touch of more formal wear.

Powering the new watches is one of four movements, with the Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibers 8802 and 8803 powering the 38mm editions, and the Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 8916 and 8917 supplying the 41mm options. The automatic calibers 8802 and 8803 each feature a reserve of 55-hours, while the 8916 or 8917 feature a somewhat longer reserve at 60-hours. Each of the mechanisms are visible via exhibition case backs, and feature many of Omega’s signature traits for their calibers, including magnetic resistance to 15,000 gauss, a master chronometer rating, co-axial escapement, and a free sprung-balance with silicon balance spring.

The new Seamaster Aqua Terra Small Seconds editions will be available via authorized boutiques beginning in August 2021. Pricing begins at $5,590 and ranges up to $41,100 depending on size, dial option, and case material. Omega.