Before You Buy: Omega Aqua Terra Black Lacquer Dial - Comprehensive Review

[@HarrisonElmore]

By the way, the indicies and hands are rhodium plated as far as I can tell based on Omega's website. I had trusted Hodinkee and Time and Tide to grab that one piece of information. They are not White Gold hands and Indicies.

[@VidtinkuSirogo]

Aren’t they are white gold, which are rhodium-plated? I have just bought an Aqua Terra small seconds recently and it had a tiny sticker mentioning gold amount used in the watch along with all the certificates.

[@HarrisonElmore]

@@VidtinkuSirogomy assumption is that if they were truly white gold with the plating it would be bragged about on the Omega site. Because that’s missing, I’m guessing they’re plated over another base metal

[@petrokersta5293]

White gold is rhodium-plated in many applications. Could be that they are actually made from white-gold. Unfortunately, Omega’s website doesn’t give info on the base metal. But they mention Sedna (red) gold hands and indexes materials on specific models .

[@sinesaii]

@@petrokersta5293only shit white gold is rhodium plated. It is like an advertisement of bad white gold (with nickel). The good stuff shines on its own. Rolex’s white gold is not rhodium plated.

[@jackserious3282]

@@sinesaii all white gold is plated. Without the plating it would look dull and yellowish.

[@edgaralvarez90]

I’ve tried the 38mm it today one at an AD, together with some Rolex, Tudor and Grand Seikos. This watch is in a league of its own, it’s impossible to perceive what I mean from the marketing material, it needs to be seen on your wrist. The level of detail, the shine on every surface, it’s such a sexy watch. I was really blown away by it. If I’m still obsessed in a couple of months I’ll treat myself to one.

[@nonspecific_thought]

Its three months...did you pull the trigger, currently the new turquoise was released. Wonder what you decided...

[@dannyg6592]

Many kudos to you, Harrison for being the first person to mention the flaws in this clasp. I dislike butterfly clasps and I also dislike polished cases and PCLs. This watch competes not with an Explorer, but with a Datejust 41 smooth bezel oyster bracelet black dial. I owned that exact DJ and it was a superb watch, much nicer than the Omega. And the 5mm Easylink works perfectly on the Rolex clasp.

[@angelos.9690]

I got the AT 38mm with blue dial two months ago, and I 'm still in love with it.... omega have a great tradition of innovation, and with coaxial ( George Daniels), have achieved a great quality level and performance too.

[@zachg9065]

That clasp design is an absolute joke in IMO. If micro brands can come up with great adjustment systems, these major brands need to step up.

[@ugabrew]

Seriously. Even those Steel Reef extension links look better than this.

[@firstnamelastname-ys3mz]

Wrong. Try it in person. Omega bracelets are now epic

[@rougeb7663]

The micro adjustment on the speedmaster is nice now this AT clasp is ass

[@MikoTheTomCat]

@@firstnamelastname-ys3mzyes I tried it in person and it’s absolutely shite! Very awkward and not practical at all. The measly 2mm is nowhere near enough extension. Omega should do better then this after thought. Not good enough.

[@MikoTheTomCat]

@@rougeb7663Speedmaster micro adjustment is another joke. Nowhere near enough. Really poor from Omega.

[@lendlneil]

I don't know if it's just me but the new adjustable clasp on the Speedmaster works perfect for me.

[@drchung474]

I would honestly take even a 2mm adjustment any day over no microadjustment at all. I think there is a lot of utility to it, as it is perfect for my wrist (I have a 16cm wrist). I do think it was clearly an afterthought for this bracelet and it looks weird when used. It's unfortunate that these larger brands still don't have good microadjustment systems, especially when compared to many microbrands that have executed it wonderfully at a fraction of the cost. Having said that all, beautiful lacquer dial and I would seriously consider getting one of these. Ty for the thorough review! Love your humble approach to watches, and I have subscribed!!

[@b_altmann]

The better comparison would be between the Explorer and the Railmaster. The Aquaterra is more like a DateJust, considering the options and the almost completely polished surfaces.

[@shehrozekhan5651]

Definitely agree, especially because both have …. Date complications

[@HarrisonElmore]

I agree. I try to make comparisons with what I have here to give context. I have seen a few comments comparing it to the Explorer as well. Unfortunately I can't own them all!

[@5OclockSharp]

I disagree. It’s more like the explorer imo. The Globemaster is a closer comparison to a Datejust.

[@shehrozekhan5651]

Amazing review like always! I think as a watch fan I really love to see when reviewers not only give the pros of a watch but also legitimate cons. Nice to see functional reviews for people who are genuinely considering buying the watch

[@HarrisonElmore]

I appreciate that!

[@Shogunsen]

Very good review, thx! Especially the part with the clasp is important. I myself am still deciding for my first luxury watch 😊.

[@HarrisonElmore]

Nice! Well I'm coming up with a video focusing on a first luxury watch if you're still looking by the time I put that up.

[@Shogunsen]

@@HarrisonElmore glad to hear that and I’m looking forward to seeing it. I’m on the WL for a BLNR and currently discussing the ones you are reviewing 👍👌.

[@HarrisonElmore]

@@Shogunsen sounds good! I’ll try to cover the gambit of all the watches I’ve covered!

[@Shogunsen]

@@HarrisonElmore Sounds great!!

[@Gonzo1968]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder..I think this Omega AQ shets on The Explorer.. 🤷‍♂️

[@lrbrown]

I love the AT. My 41mm green dial is one of my favourites.

[@jamesminshall4601]

I find the aqua terra too dressy for me but that green dial is stunning and makes me wish otherwise.

[@sinesaii]

I have an older one with the all brushed bracelet that I love.

[@RedwoodAggie]

I completely get the criticism of the polished parts of the case. It would be more interesting if the side was brushed, and the angled portion of the lugs/case was polished, then the top was brushed as well. I don't mind the polished center links, because the AT has always been a little dressy. I have absolutely zero complaints about the dial. Frankly, I think the AT 38 (tried it on again recently) is better than the Explorer 40 (had a fair bit of time with it at a recent meet up). I used to absolutely adore the Explorer, but I find the 36 too small and the 40 just has too much negative space and is lacking something special, which I do see in this lacquered AT. All THAT being said, I would love to see a new Railmaster with some tweaks - lacquered dial, numerals, a date, and all brushed case/bracelet. The quick adjust clasp is not ideal, but I would take it over not having that option. I think what Christopher Ward did with their quick adjust on the Twelve is a bit more elegant.

[@youtubeuser8436]

So beautiful! I love this watch! Timeless masterpiece!

[@Timetrends-n5t]

Love that little tooly gap, very innovative! Took out the scotch brite for the bracelet, looks really good now 🙃

[@drmanhattan225]

I don't understand why there are so many variants of the AT, yet no all brushed options.

[@ferasalbinmohamed1029]

Thank you, you have helped me make up my mind on whether to buy it or not

[@HarrisonElmore]

Glad I could help!

[@selmanugurlu8202]

Maybe bracelet would be work good on summer time for some fresh air for the inside of the watch. I have the bigger wrist like 7.5 inches. Does 38mm really small for me?

[@petrokersta5293]

Omega logo, hands, and hour markers are rhodium-plate, not white gold as on Rolex Explorer. That said rhodium is more than double the price of gold 😊 P. S. I checked it on Omega’s website.

[@HarrisonElmore]

Ahhh I see that on their website. I trusted Hodinkee and Time and Tide's press releases. That'll teach me.

[@MarkMaestro]

Do you think this Omega 38mm too big chunky for a 6inch wrist? Thanks

[@benticus7082]

Good comment on buying a vintage explorer - those appear to go for as low as $5-$5.5k for 14270s - so one could buy that and pay for a service and be around the cost of one of these aqua Terras. Interesting thought!

[@andrpers14]

38 is nice, that 41 is just a tad too big due to LtL and top heavy in my view 👍

[@pasquale78]

The clasp system is the same as on the Constellation, so they didn’t have to engineer a new clasp. I think it’s definitely a cost reduction, which is a shame. I would rather see something like a foldover clasp, but then it would be less dressy. Still, having a few extra millimeters there when you need ‘em in a pinch, is kinda cool.

[@HarrisonElmore]

Ahhh that's good to know. I hadn't found that bit of information. Perhaps one day it'll change. Tough to do on the fly with a butterfly style clasp.

[@adamk97]

Are the indices actually white gold? I was told by an omega rep they weren’t but they didn’t seem that informed to be honest

[@jimmcdonagh1385]

Great review, most informative, thank you!

[@Suhhdew]

Finally someone wearing this watch with my wrist size. Great video breakdown on the new AT. Subscribed.

[@bjb536]

Ive never liked the aqua terra, but this watch with the black lacquer dial has me hooked. I am 99% sure its going to be my next watch purchase, and ive not made a serious purchase in 8 years since I sold my Rolex explorer (big mistake) to buy a brand new Tudor Pelagos (which I still wear and love). Problems is the tudor is a big old thing and now im getting a bit older (mid 30s) I want to wear a smaller watch day to day. The aqua terra in 38mm is perfect. My only objection is the £6200 price point. I think that is very steep. Hoping to save my money and snag one grey market or second hand. Part of me even considering selling the Tudor to help fund the purchase.

[@EricZ726]

Great points. Thanks for the review

[@MikoTheTomCat]

Subscribed! Good to finally hear a transparent review rather than the typical Omega fanboy reviewers. Thank you and I agree regarding the clasp. Big disappointment and not good enough from Omega. A deal breaker for me. I’ll be getting a Datejust instead of this. It’s 5mm easy link extension is leagues ahead of this Omega measly 2mm, very awkward, uncomfortable and ugly extension. Not good enough for this price. Omega should do better!

[@MickBrown-bu7bd]

Saffron dial is so much more beautiful that any of the others

[@MEDSAN24]

I just got this one today, 38mm ❤❤❤ Rolex took too long for an Explorer.

[@affegorilla1299]

For 5,6k on the grey market this 41mm Omega is just a Rolex Killer imo. The bracelet and clasp in the Rolex still better but the hole watch is just the most versatile watch I know. From the pool to the gym to the dinner party you always perfect!

[@robynsjp]

Nice vid ! I'll stick with my first iteration blue AT 39 mm, brushed links. That new black one is too big, too loud. But, I might go for a blue small seconds on rubber strap that looks lots of fun !

[@jaredstephenson6468]

The 41 looks enormous. Love the Goldilocks size, though, and the framed date window looks excellent.

[@sphinxsway]

How would you feel can this go toe to toe with like a Datejust , considering the 38mm aqua and a 36 mm datejust ?

[@kaladze09]

The glidelock system itself was worth spending 10 000$ for the Sub, the rest is just a bonus.

[@stuart.s.]

Black Lacquer 👍, more polishing 🤦‍♂️. When I saw the new dial I thought this would be the year to fulfill my desire to buy the 38mm AT. The 40mm Rail master is too big at 40mm but the 20mm lugs and all brushing is more appealing.

[@mikesmusicden]

The AT is a beautiful watch with a reliable, quality movement. However the best thing is that a person can actually buy the thing rather than grovel to an AD to be added to a "list" to be considered for a purchase...

[@wheelsandwatches]

For me the point of the AT is the boat deck dial. Also, they have become too shiny. Pcl, too much polishing on the case etc. makes it too far to the dressy side of watches. I own the 8500 golf edition and still think this is the sweet spot of the AT watches. Finally, the implementation of the that micro adjust is appalling. Omega can and should have done much better.

[@Timetrends-n5t]

I always struggled with the day/night legibility of this beautiful watch for which the Explorer 1 is doing a much better job

[@joshuakaplan5726]

I think it's a great release and deff a value proposition compared to a Rolex Black DJ or Explorer. However, due to my preferences for the Explorer design language, dial, indices, and size, I'd still choose that over the Blaqua Terra. Glad to finally see what limited microadjust they could put into the butterfly clasp, but honestly I just wish they'd give it the SMP 300M clasp and slim it down to better fit the AT. The updated bracelets on the shades line and this look great with that presidential look, but agree that all the polishing on the center links, case, and lugs are too much.

[@weezkidtube]

I prefer the first generation Aqua Terra with a matte black dial, non conical crown and gentler curves. Granted it has the 2500 movement but if you can get the latter C variant then it's a heck of workhorse.

[@ryanthomas9306]

That thing is sick

[@busenfreund]

date at 3 o'clock would've been perfect

[@NicolasMiari]

I have the Seamaster 300M, which has a 9mm range of micro-adjust spread across 6 steps, and on any summer day I use 4 or 5 steps of the 6. This definitely doesn't cut it for me, I wish they did away with the butterfly clasp and adopted something like the SMP.

[@ernestoarango7127]

Why is everyone saying white gold indices when the site clearly says rhodium plated?

[@petrokersta5293]

I’d also mention Richemont alternatives: IWC Pilot’s Mark XX and Cartier Santos large. It’s a crowded space.

[@HarrisonElmore]

Agreed. I plan to do a video around watches around the "Everyday" Category in this price range.

[@petrokersta5293]

Looking forward to it! Most people are shopping for that one nice watch

[@rickjason215]

IWC Mark XX has a 5 day power reserve. The best of Omega Aqua Terra has 60 hours. The Omega clasp is not great. I can get the Mark XX for about half of the Omega. I find these watches boring.

[@bt3750]

If they had not polished the whole case, I'd own one of these.

[@douglaskrueger357]

I still think the Rolex bracelet is the best in the business. They seem to get it right. My explorer 39 is absolutely perfect … I wish Omega could get it right. It would catapult them to new heights.

[@TimeBaum]

This is a nice alternative to the Rolex Explorer but overall I'd still choose the explorer as its more sportier than the aquaterra

[@fabfour289]

I wud rather have a 41mm version with the 8800 movement n 12 mm thickness. Tks for the vid, man

[@HarrisonElmore]

Anytime!

[@mybrainlikesthings]

Retail price keeps going up while the preowned market value keeps going down. So I think Omega is delusional, because I’d take an OP41 and possibly a DJ41 over this any day. AQ is okay, but I fail to see how it’s special. And now that the dials are removing complexity and texture for Tag Heuer Professional 200 (last century) aesthetics it makes it even worse IMO

[@MikoTheTomCat]

💯 I’d pick a Datejust over this. The Rolex 5mm easy link adjustment is leagues ahead of this primitive and awkward 2mm extension 🤦‍♂️

[@meandertaker]

Is the black lacquer dial more or less the same as say the lacquer dial of the black Tank Must?

[@HarrisonElmore]

It's the same. All glossy black lacquer dials will be made and look generally the same.

[@MuchachoCarracho]

Any reason why on a watch of that price the antireflective coating is not on the inside?

[@HarrisonElmore]

Its on both sides! Top and bottom. Top has its downsides though

[@flop7217]

i wish they did just a simple white AT and take my money. the 38mm is fine however i don't dig the orange stuff in the 41 mm version at all

[@ripperx444]

Summary: New dial. Shiny similar to a submariner black dial. New bracelete. Similar to a Rolex president. Good price. With discount easily $4750 new. Solid piece. More color options will get the sales going!

[@matt768]

What is your wrist size?

[@ugabrew]

That clasp............ woof.

[@MarkDanger777]

6.6k is a pretty hefty price tag

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

Surely the AquaTerra is more comparable with the DateJust.

[@martinoconnor923]

Christopher Ward make a better adjustment system on the Twelve at a much lower cost...... it looks like Omega put the design out to first year college engineering students ...... very poor .... a comparison video to a Grand Seiko would be interesting..... insightful video as always.......

[@VidtinkuSirogo]

The Twelve has no on-the-fly adjustment.

[@cezar684]

This bracelet helps me understand the desire for Rolex. Mind you, I don’t own one.

[@polygoncoco]

That clasp is hilariously bad. It’s like omega and grand seiko are competing to make the worst bracelets possible

[@200mphBrian]

Hey are you in Naples that's where I live

[@DHD10000]

Imagine this watch without the wording seamaster and without the arrow minutes, now that would be a grail

[@phantomphotography7392]

38mm watches are so comfortable.

[@hugohernandez3651]

The bracelet is not in the same class as the oyster yet. Other than that, it is a very good alternative to an OP or an Explorer.

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

Rolex are still the champs of clasps.

[@ALL-il1sw]

OMG stop drinking the Kool aid. Have you seen the 1950s style stamped metal under the clasps. Then there's the friction lock, no push button deployant like so many others. The micro adjust is agricultural, you need two hands to operate, a simple push button slide is far better. Have a look at IWC, best clasps and bracelets in the business

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

@@ALL-il1sw I easily adjust my Submariner’s Glidelock with one hand without removing the watch from my wrist. Got any more of that Kool-Aid bruh?

[@ALL-il1sw]

@@the_shadow_realm5110 haha, so you didn't look at the IWC then, makes sense right, wrong name on the dial

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

@@ALL-il1sw I’m a Rolex Hunk

[@ALL-il1sw]

@@the_shadow_realm5110 I figured that off the first comment 🤣🤣

[@davidb9531]

Omega are a prestige brand with rrp constantly soaring with R and D from the mid last century. Someone needs to go in there and crack some heads seriously!

[@jamesminshall4601]

A great review, I hadn’t thought to compare it to a grand Seiko but that killed any appeal of this new aqua terra. All the disadvantages (Bracelet I would never use and lots off polish) of the grand Seiko but without the payoff. When I start comparing the seamaster to a grand Seiko, a reverso or a santos Dumont, it does not make sense. Ps could you please stop using the second camera, you look healthy in some views but really grey in others.

[@bobnewby9129]

The clasp is fail in my book. They need micro-adjustment but that is not the way to do it.

[@bigd5420]

A no date Aqua Terra would be perfect.

[@robotstobor3388]

OK but, the Sinn 556, has a beautiful dial for a lot less money.

[@1984sebb]

A watch that should cost 2 Euros that costs over 7000 Euros. People who pay it are fools.......

[@drazenbabich]

Why would you polish the case entirely than slap it on a bracelet with brushed outer links which look out of place with the case? This is now a blingy watch, a totally opposite to what AT stood for decades. This makes me love my AT 8500 with date at 3 o'clock even more.

[@kslee2034]

I don't know...why doesn't Omega make it thinner like Rolex?? Even non-chrono ones have a normal thickness. I wonder if they made it that way on purpose or if they lack technical skills. In particular, I think the Aqua Terra model could be made a little thinner.

[@cecaju9516]

I think the combination of the co-axial escapement and display caseback dictates the case thickness. It’s a trade off for those features.

[@millersciencesms762]

For that price, the clasp and taper are unacceptable.

[@thebestoffools]

It's a nice watch but at $9000CDN I think I'll pass. A Datejust is just a few hundred dollars more over here and I personally think it looks way more luxurious than the AT. Also, the bracelet thing is an issue. I'd buy one only if it had a Rolex or Tudor style clasp.

[@TitoCanuso]

What said Rolex fan?!?!

[@kjakan79]

Its still to thick?

[@Dialandhands]

Brotha ewww, the all polished case is a big turn off for me. The brushing work is what makes the other models so versatile for me.

[@dwoodcoffeeco]

Oh wow that clasp gap is terrible

[@robertrocha597]

Just purchase a Monta Noble, get yourself a better watch and save the money. The Omega was great then but not today. It sadly falls short and that is ok but lets not pretend this is a great watch by today's standard.

[@littlerascals6529]

Are the center links hallow or solid?

[@wristopia4101]

Ugly micro adjust is better than no micro adjust at all IMO. I simply do not get the Aquaterra. It's a sports watch so should have a three fold IMO. Omega could at least have an optional three fold clasp bracelet. They make a three fold/deployant rubber strap as an extra cost option for the SMP300 standard pin buckle rubber. It's huge and heavy compared to the Explorer equivalents which look much dressier. Rolex have the OP or DJ as dial options, but with Omega it's big and heavy with a butterfly clasp or nothing, which is a shame.

[@wildbuck6574]

Lol! That bracelet boy. It's a mess!

[@grahamstenson8571]

The bracelet is a fail with that adjustment system and the lume continues to be useless. Shame Omega, you missed it.

[@MikoTheTomCat]

You’re 💯 spot on. Very disappointing from Omega

[@masumreza1730]

Hello Sir, I Visited your KZbin channel and noticed it ranks lower than others. SEO seems to be lacking, though your content is fantastic. Wondering why your videos aren't attracting more views? One key factor is insufficient SEO (your videos' SEO score is 0/100%, that's why your video is not reaching out to the people and you do not have many subscribers, views, likes, watch time, and comments. I also noticed that your video thumbnail was good. If you'd like, I can assist you with improving it. I think your KZbin channel will make your dream come true. I am waiting for your response.

[@lamentate07]

The polishing and case finishing on this watch is incredible, but it's almost too excessive. The watch is quite 'blingy', for lack of a better word. That's why it isn't really a one-and-done watch, at least not for me anyway, especially at that price. Definitely needed more brushing.

[@marcod.r.3299]

I like the watch but that clasp is a total joke for a watch at that price point....Omega should take a look at the IWC clasp from the Mark series and learn how it is done

[@brogge3]

They aren't white gold indices, they are rhodium plated...

[@kemalcanocak]

Ridicilious bracelet design in 2024... No adjustment and quick release? Sorry but Omega should take look at IWC Mark XX bracelet...

[@wristopia4101]

Numerals on the chapter ring are odd. They serve no purpose that I can think of. Grand Seiko and Rolex rule this segment IMO.

[@bobnewby9129]

I think it looks good.

[@pannan80]

Too bad they got rid of the 36mm,and the 34mm is not the same watch at all with that ugly round date window & the pill shaped markers.

[@petrokersta5293]

Omega is definitely positioning 34mm as a ladies watch. But it’s a great unisex option.

[@heinerjurgens5362]

@@petrokersta5293I understand and like smaller sub 40mm watches. But everything under 36mm in todays world is definitely feminine and you should hit the gym. 😁

[@petrokersta5293]

I probably should to be healthy. But wearing small watches doesn’t diminish one’s masculinity. Think Muhammad Ali and his Cartier Tank.

[@heinerjurgens5362]

@@petrokersta5293 that was well in the seventies. And a tank is kind of an exception because of its form. Wearing a modern 34 mm round watch just looks tiny.

[@petrokersta5293]

It depends on wrist size. I don’t have a watch smaller than 38.5mm and 45mm lug to lug. I have an average 18cm (7in) wrist and prefer sportier watches 40-42mm, up to 50mm lug to lug.

[@scott9739]

Those hands are a lume wasteland, you can’t read them at night.

[@wabi-sabimaster]

Everyone is ragging on the terrible micro-adjust but wow what about that applied Omega logo on the dial? Yikes, that’s like 1960s level of lettering execution…

[@theenavybluemonster]

Normies like polished watches as they look more expensive and they think they can see where their money went. These will sell well to them. I love the 2mm on the fly adjustment. It’s enough of a relief if needed. It’s not meant to stay open as the normal setup so the gap is not a problem.

[@Niggoification]

6k and then having THIS clasp design? literally a reason for me to not buy the watch

[@Omega34685]

Very thorough review- now all I have to do is hide my wallet…

[@HarrisonElmore]

haha too bad many of us have our cards on our phones. Too easy access!

[@JohnnyBeans-w9k]

I got my Aqua Terra in 2023. That butterfly clasp sucks. For over 6000 omega is subpar. Todor is doing better with it t-fit. I felt it was top heavy, and lume suck for a diver. It was my first luxury watch but it doesn’t compare with my starb😮ucks Rolex