Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds Review
Recently Omega made an announcement that really gave the watch community something to get excited about. Omega has released the new Omega Aqua Terra Small seconds collection and they are absolutely stunning. We’ve written extensively about the Aqua Terra collection and are excited to review this one as well.
The reason why the Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds is so important to Omega is that it finally gave that extra bit of character to the Aqua Terra collection. In my opinion, I believe that this was much needed and well deserved. We all know that on paper, Aqua Terras are superior watches but that hasn’t quite translated into the demand that we’ve seen from other brands.
This release is important because the Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds has elevated itself and provided a distinct look to compete with other well known brands within the same space. The classic 3 hand date function watch has been done many times and a small seconds hand at the 6 o’clock position isn’t new. The execution of the Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds is refined, appears unique, and simply makes you do a double take when you view it the first time.
Check out our full Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds video review.
The new Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds collection has been initially released in 41mm and 38mm. Most of the dials are a mixture of white, blue, grey, and green while the materials chosen have been stainless steel and rose gold.
Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds New Movement
The Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds is powered by the in-house Calibre Omega 8916. This is a new movement produced by Omega for the Aqua Terra Small Seconds. This self-winding co-axial escapement movement that just so happens to be a Certified Master Chronometer.
View our full review of the in-house Calibre Omega 8916 movement.
Master Chronometer Certification is becoming more well known as Omega has rolled them out across their entire watches. In the past COSC certification was the gold standard but now the tide is turning. Many buyers have turned to Omega because of the movements like the Calibre 8916.
To pass the Master Chronometer Certification a movement must need to pass 8 tests. These tests include magnetism, accuracy in extreme conditions, accuracy in normal conditions, accuracy deviations, isochronism, power reserve, and water resistance.
Dial
The dials for the Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds are really what have given the Aqua Terra collection a new life. Omega does an excellent job over the years at creating depth and contract with their dials. I own the Omega Seamaster 300m and it’s a great example of dial execution.
The pattern incorporated on the Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds dial is labeled a Teak Pattern. This includes a combination of horizontal laser etched cuts of different widths throughout the dial. Combined with that is the 60 seconds sub dial at the 6 o’clock position that sits below the dial. The rhodium-plated, blued, blackened or 18K Sedna gold hour markers sit well above the dial to make for perfect legibility.
Overall I would have to grade the dial and color combination the best part of the Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds.
Case
Case size on the new Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds is either 41mm for the mens or a 38mm for the women. Lug with is 20mm for the guys and 19mm for the ladies. Like all Omega sport watches, the case has a mixture of brushed and polished finishes and a contoured case design.
Why The Aqua Terra Small Seconds Collection Is What Omega Needs
The Omega Aqua Terra has been a watch that most enthusiasts have explored and recognize they should own one day but many have passed. It almost feels like there was something missing even though on paper the Aqua Terra has everything anyone would want or need in a watch.
Maybe it’s just me, because I’ve fallen in love with this the Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds, but this new collection is exactly what Omega needed. They have differentiated the Aqua Terra collection, given it some unique DNA, and have released it in some beautiful color combination. Personally my favorite is the rose gold blue dial reference, 220.50.41.21.03.001.
Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds Pricing & Availability
You can purchase the Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds for as low as $6,050 for stainless steel options in 41mm and as high as $33,400 for rose gold 41mm references.
For the ladies 38mm references, the stainless steel versions can be purchased for as low as $5,950 and $41,100 for the rose gold and diamond version.
The Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds will be available for purchase in August 2021 but some references, mostly the precious metals, are already experiencing a waitlist.
Aqua Terra Small Seconds Specs
For this Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds review well cover the specs for the 41mm references.
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Thickness | 13.2mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 47.9mm |
| Water Resistance | 150m |
| Weight | 110g |
| Crystal | Domed Sapphire |
| Caseback | Sapphire |
| Movement | Automatic Self Winding |
| Calibre | 8916 or 8917 for precious metal references |
| Accuracy | 0/+5 seconds per day |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Complications | Hour / Minute / 6 O'Clock Subdial / Date |
