Omega expands the Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer collection with one in steel and an all-new model in titanium. Dressed in restrained colours of greys or greens with gilded accents, the new pair combines modern styling with a traditional, Cottier-style world time.

Initial thoughts

Though superficially similar to earlier versions of the Aqua Terra travel watch, a close examination reveals notable differences between the new models and their predecessors. 

The titanium model is executed in shades of grey and black, save for a gilded, relief world map, giving it a striking appearance that elevates the world time concept. In contrast, the map motif feels more integrated into the design on the steel models, allowing the map to recede into the background resulting in a more low-key appearance.. 

The new models are priced slightly higher than their predecessors, with the steel on strap starting at US$10,200 and about 10% more for the titanium. Compared against the competition, the Aqua Terra Worldtimer is one of the few world time watches at that price point – most are either pricer or less expensive – and its quality certainly justifies its price premium over comparable watches from Frederique Constant or Montblanc for instance.

Eye-catching colourways

Omega’s latest Aqua Terra Worldtimers continue the brand’s sporty reinterpretation of the classic complication invented by Louis Cottier. The dial features a relief map of the Earth as seen from the North Pole, ringed by a 24-hour ring to indicate the time.

The new models are available in two case metals: steel or titanium. The steel versions feature a green PVD-coated dial with a sun-ray brushed finish that’s complemented by a matching green ceramic bezel along with and hour markers in Moonshine Gold, Omega’s proprietary yellow gold alloy. And on the periphery of the dial is the cities disc with 24 cities in gilt print.

The fancier model features a titanium case with a matte titanium dial in black and grey. According to Omega, the dial is created with “laser ablation”, essentially using laser to remove material from the surface to create the relief text for the cities and engraved numerals on the 24-hour scale. Only “London” is printed in red lacquer – to highlight its significance as the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

All three models share the same case dimensions of 43 mm in diameter and 14.1 mm high.

They are powered by the cal. 8938, an in-house automatic movement that’s a METAS-certified Master Chronometer. Equipped with a silicon hairspring and paramagnetic escapement, it boasts resistance to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 Gauss.

The cal. 8938

Key facts and price

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer
Ref. 220.32.43.22.10.001 (steel with rubber strap)
Ref. 220.30.43.22.10.001 (steel with matching bracelet)
Ref. 220.92.43.22.99.001 (titanium)

Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 14.1 mm
Material: Steel or titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 150 m

Movement: Cal. 8938
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and world time
Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: Matching bracelet (steel only) or rubber strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Omega boutiques and authorised retailers.
Price: 

Steel with rubber strap: US$10,200

Steel with matching bracelet: US$10,400

Titanium: US$11,800

For more, visit Omegawatches.com.