Omega Aqua Terra Shades - Downsized, upscale, preppy stunner of a watch
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- Опубліковано 9 чер 2023
- Omega announced the aqua terra shades watches in 2022 but they have only just started to hit the stores now. They're a hit - especially the green & blue models and personally I think they are among the best Aqua Terras available right now.
Let's dive in and figure out why I think they're so good.
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Cheers!
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Saw the saffron from the Omega store and came back a few days later to buy it. Gorgeous watch.
not too loud? I wonder how it would look with ruby red rings or cuff links
@@baller15g Hmm...haven't tried that combo. For me, the saffron goes very well with grays, charcoal and navy.
They need to improve their bracelet. At this price point I expect some micro-adjustment, preferably on-the-fly.
I would tend to agree for sure.... It's better than a lot of other offerings but it can still be improved 👍👍
I use the micro-adjustment on the Seamaster 300 Professional all day every day... If I got an Aquaterra now, I'd have to have the bracelet sized to my biggest setting throughout the day... which means too big when my wrist isn't swollen. Or get a leather strap.
Very good review, That gold dial is winning and might be my next watch ver very soon.
Love you reviews thank you.
Thanks 😀😀
Definitely agree with all your points, at this point in time Omega must make their new normal to have quick release and on the fly adjustments at all their sport models. Dealing with the spring bars tool is kind of an additional omega’s watches complication. Lol
Exactly 😀😀😀
Great review. Keep up the good work. I have the 41 mm and am thinking of trading it in for a 38 mm. Would look better on a 6.5 inch wrist.
Likely would - but the proof is when you put it on the wrist and see for yourself 👌
Any thoughts about quartz movements in this kind of watches? Of course not this new editions but in older iterations?
I'd like to see a side by side comparison between the Aqua Terra terracotta red and the Rolex OP Coral Red.
I've never actually seen the OP red in the metal. Would be an interesting comparison
You’re talking about a watch that took almost a year from release to get in an Omega AD! Too many variations and options makes my brain 🧠 hurt 😎.
Yup. It took a year. 😂😂
One thing that I didn’t mention in the video that I found hilarious is the fact that when they launched it, the date window had no frame around it. Once it hit stores they actual chose to add the frame. They went through a full cycle of product refinement before it even hit stores… 😂🤦😂😂😂
I got infatuated with the 41 mm summer blue, went to try it at the boutique, and the bracelet just doesn't feel right... I have no issues with the polished center link; it's just the overall feel, the thickness. This one in the 38mm shades series though, looks amazing. I need to try it next...
Great review as always :) I have the bay green one for 6 months. It's very comfortable, attractive and elegant watch. I think it can be used as everyday and also dress watch. As you mentioned, it look like Rolex date just in terms of design and shine. In terms of value proposition, I don't think it deserves its current price tag fully. Nomos Club campus Neomatik 39 or New Longines Conquest could be more affordable and smart picks depending on your wrist size and budget.
This was a fall back option for an OP 41, but Rolex called first. Glad they did because I think I would have regretted paying so much more for an alternative. I still think it’s a great watch and the best looking AT.
Always hold out for the one you really want - No other watch will ever scratch that itch in the same way 😃😃
It's better looking than OP
Love your videos. Unlike many other reviewers who trot out the same stats, you provide a really practical critique of the watches you review. I’m new to your channel and love it - thank you!
I'm trying to bring something a little different to the table and Glad you like them! 😃😃
Your thoughts on the niche, stunning Constellation Globemaster 39mm (blue dial - my grail)?
Totally underrated watch from Omega. Nobody talks about it, but especially on a strap, it's a stunner. 😀😀😀
I wish they gave us that lavender in 38...i dont care what anyone says men can wear lavender 😎
I’m with you 😀😀
Question: the Omega Seamaster 300 Paris edition comes with a quick release bracelet. Do you think or know if that bracelet can be used on all Seamaster 300?
Don’t know for sure but I would assume so. The lug width is identical and the case has not changed dimensions. 😀
I’m itching to get an omega, but 2 things holding me back. 1) too many options I’m confused and 2) no quick release bracelet! I was old when Cartier santos has it, I purchased a rubber strap at the same time. And it already came with an additional leather strap. The Reverso also has quick release. Common omega get with it!
This 😀😀
The 19mm lug width is a huge miss for the same reasons you mentioned with the lack of quick release bracelet
Fair point.
In Omega's defence, their natos are designed to fit for 19-20mm lugs or 21-22mm lugs, so their own "20mm" straps don't look oversized on the 19mm.
Aftermarketstraps however, if you get them in 20mm will fit, but badly....
😊😊
I agree with many of your points. Especially, the point about too many versions of the AT. Nevertheless, considering the Aqua Terra would be cross shopped with both the DJ and OP. Omega would have to make more options of the AT. Most people looking at the shades would easily say they would prefer it over the other AT even the 41 with better movement so I can see why they charge a bit more. The best way to approach the shades is you're getting a cheaper DJ with better movement (arguably) and just as good finishing and reliability. However to create demand the company will have to start playing the scarcity game or else they won't be able to justify the higher prices they need to charge to keep up with Cartier and Rolex.
At first i just glanced at this watch in the AD. Now im thinking the black with rubber strap or no time to die NATO looks pretty good.
Especially on the blue dial version for sure. Totally agree! 😊😊👍👍
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Any chance you can give some thoughts about the fake omega at auction?
Will do. I'll add it to my Q&A session. I'm not an expert (not even close actually) when it comes to vintage watches but I think it's an interesting topic that affects all watch geeks....😀
Hopefully the video will be ready on the 24th. 😀
I am sold by the team deck version before I go into an Omega store. I find the crystal of teak deck version is too reflective, and I cannot see the beautiful dial clearly. The shade looks better on me. I also like the bracelet. I have a little reservation about the faded colors. I prefer the sandstone the best, but the green is just as attractive.
I just ordered a 38mm black dial on the black leather strap, which is the only one I can afford as it is £4.8K. Bizarrely, Omega don’t seem to offer the steel bracelet as an extra - they just offer the leather or rubber straps. I was hoping to be able to get a steel bracelet next year ones my funds allow. Any idea whether this is likely or do they just force people to buy the steel version from the outset?
Not a lot of brands sell the bracelet separately. Generally they'll stock the straps so they can add those to the sales when you buy a strapped version of a watch.
When they do have the steel bracelet it often ends up being way more expensive than just buying it as part of the watch. It's a little annoying specifically with the aqua terra that have the rubber strap which you can't get separately either....
I can't just settle, I would always regret.
Thanks for sharing. The Aqua Terra Shades looks nice. But, I agree, the price point seems out of line. I also think Omega needs to overhaul some of their bracelets with some type of quick exchange design and an on-the-fly micro adjust clasp.
I totally agree! 😀😀
Have you had a chance to see it it person yet?
Yes. This is my hands on review based on my experience in the Omega Boutique.
Only one I haven’t had hands on is the beige/white dial model.
Would you choose this or an explorer 40?
Honestly? Neither. The explorer is an excellent watch and most people would choose it over an AT, I think, but I've never gravitated towards it. Although I have tried...
Now. A datejust vs the aqua terra? That's a tougher choice. There I think I would go AT... 😊
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch totally understandable, I’ve never gravitated towards the explorer either but I recently had the choice of trading my OP36 towards an Explorer 40 and decided to take the trade. I was always a 36mm Rolex guy and used to call anything larger than 38mm a “dinner plate.” Yeah, I was one of those annoying characters. Turns out the Explorer 40 wears a lot smaller than an OP41 that I had very briefly and, the little extra size over my old OP36 just works. Something about the 21mm oyster bracelet is a lot nicer than I had expected. That said, I’ve considered trading towards an AT or a DJ 36 fluted and continuing my one watch collection in a new direction.
Have you had the chance of trying the Explorer 40 in person?
I owned the 39mm for a while, but never wore it, so it got sold. When the new 36 and now the 40 were released I checked them out on multiple occasions at my AD.
36 is just too small to my tastes, so I would definitely go 40 over the 36. I'm super nitpicky about the "explorer" logo being placed where it is. It bugs me. That and the 21mm lug to lug.
Having said that, still a very cool watch and has more of a story than a regular OP😊😊 @@Explorer40mm
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch thanks for the reply, I just subscribed to your channel. I was sceptical about the 21mm lug to lug but now I cant see myself going back to the 20mm oyster. It just works. As for the text up top, I’m one of the few who seems to rather it there. It reminds me of a essay title, rather than a chapter name or subheading. It seems to help with the dial proportions as well. Maybe because the 6 indice is just that little bit bigger than the triangle at 12 making the dial a little bottom heavy. One thing I don’t fully identify with is the whole mountaineers image of the watch which is largely an issue of marketing. But I convince myself that exploration is a broader concept than mountaineering. I always preferred the lightly nautical undertones of the OP 36 and it’s bubble bezel and elegant curves.
What’s your daily now?
Great watch but the bracelet sucks. The only reason I’ll choose a Datejust because of the on the fly bracelet adjustment.
For someone who’s consistently focused on the detail I heard nothing about Omega’s laziness in not providing a date-dial colour-matched to the dial itself. Sheer cheap skating (which CW happily avoids with the new ‘Twelve’…) has actually stopped me from buying this AT.
Fair point.
I can be on both sides of the fence when it comes to colour matching date wheels. Sometimes, as in the CW I feel it's totally the right way to go. Other times unmatched seems right. On the IWC pilot Mark XX blue, I think unmatched works well. But not on the black. Weirdly.
I must admit that the unmatched AT 38 shades didn't stick out to me at all when I had them in hand at the store. Funnily on the prelaunch models there was no frame, and I actually disliked the unmatched date dial there.
I think in part it's because the date window has this silvered frame around it which fits with the hour plots that are also white with silvered frames. It kind of "fits" to me or at least works less badly, or something 😊😊
But tomorrow, maybe I'll have changed my mind.....
Cheers!
😂😂😊
Not a single watch in hand making reviews, giving opinions: I don't know who are watching your channel but it is quite surprising for me!!!!
That's quite surprising for me that you are, as you really shouldn't be.
Theo & Harris ( 150.000 subs)
Id Guy (70.000 subs)
The Time Teller (150.000 subs)
Talking Hands (50.000 subs)
John P, Nico Leonard etc.
All of the above regularly have opinions on watches and rarely if ever film those same specific watches for their videos.
Any watch that I is in my "watch review" playlist is one I have physically had hands on either from a viewing at an AD, from a friend or other source.
In addition to the specific reviews I do, I also have opinions on watches and watch related topics, I share, as do a ton of others, without having had a watch in hand.
I would love to also film some of the watches I talk about, but it's generally not an option right now. I hope it will be in the future as my channel grows.
Whether or not that is sufficient for you, is out of my control. You choose what you want to watch and find value where you do, as do I.
Cheers!
41mm is too big. 38mm is too small. Polished centre links are disappointing. No quick adjust. I prefer the Christopher Ward 39mm Sealander.
The 38mm wears very similarly to a cw sealander and even the 41mm is wearable on a 6.5" wrist. Kind of an odd take. Agree on the PCL and quick adjusts though
Quick adjust is clearly a thing people are demanding these days... 👍😊
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatchthey only demand from Omega, other brands get a free pass. It's like people expect Omega to blow the competition away every year just to be accepted. Whilst others do little to improve anything and get applauded.
Ridiculous how you have to pay a premium to avoid the hideous stripy dial.
Omega's pricing is a little.... inconsistent 😊
Yeah, Omega’s catalogue is a hot mess atm; far too many sku variations within muddled ranges, too often too big and too thick unless you have at least a 7.5 inch wrist. It really needs to simplify and clarify its offerings, focussing on the more popular colours and strap/bracelet combos. Also, for the sort of SRP it wants you’d think colour-matched date wheels and on-the-fly adjustable bracelets would simply be as standard. It should double down on its movement tech and the superior accuracy it can offer to help give the brand a clearer usp and move away from being seen as what you buy when you can’t get a Rolex.
You're spot on!
I do not like the omega pricing of this watch.....
Nope. Me neither. One of my key criticisms in the video 🤜
I'll be honest with you, looks wise I don't like Omega watches as a whole, not anymore, had one once and that was more than enough💁🏻