Omega Aqua Terra | A Week On The Wrist

I’m in love with a good dive watch. Do I dive? Nope. Can I swim? Barely. But that’s not the point here! I love dive watches because they look great with all of my casual outfits (aka sweatpants), they can withstand a few bangs on the desk during my hardcore video editing sessions, and they’ll survive a few water droplets while I’m washing the dishes.
If any of the above activities resonated with you, then maybe a diver is just too much watch for you. I recently realized they’re probably too much for me, which is why I spent a week with one of the more popular non-diver stainless steel sport watches on the market, the Omega Aqua Terra 150m.
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#omega #aquaterra

[@gibshall2007]

You make the best Hodinkee videos man. You cost me a Grand Seiko with your last one. You may have done it again.

[@Chris_BQ]

@@adrianboutsias2437 you're missing the point... he's talking about Brandon specifically...and he's right, by the way

[@roamwell9174]

I totally agree!! Brandon is great!!

[@nickklein4676]

It’s addicting….let me know if you get the omega. I tried one on and still think about it so nice but $$$. Have not tried the grand Seiko yet.

[@Beltane63]

Same here! 😂

[@TheAbysswalker]

You got the GS White Birch? Thinking about getting a Lake Suwa variant myself 🙂

[@roelveldhuizen518]

Man, I have my 38mm Aqua Terra for more than a year now, but I still fall in love with it every time I catch an unexpected glimpse in a mirror or see it in a video like this. Best aquisition by far!

[@AmpsNL]

The Aqua Terra stays hands down one of the most versatile and best value in this category.

[@tangoESPECIAL]

Lol. Best value ? Tudor BB58 is $2000 cheaper than the AT … at retail the AT is $2000 *more* than the well reviewed BB58 and only $400 less than a Rolex 36mm OP …

[@elchas7833]

@@tangoESPECIAL the AT is a much better watch than the BB/58. Movement and finishing wise. Also more versatile. The BB/58 can(T) be worn with anything other than casual attire, and they can’t be WORN like an AT can. A OP is like a AT. Great for many occasions.

[@cjack202003]

@@tangoESPECIAL Tudor is trash. It's basically Rolex's practice brand. Rolex practices designs on the Tudor and can get away with it, because it doesn't have the Rolex name. Rolex can also charge more for the Tudor because it's tied to Rolex.

[@tangoESPECIAL]

@@cjack202003 omega is the practice brand of SWATCH group 😂

[@Isamiification]

@@tangoESPECIAL Tudor is just ugly af 😂

[@keesketsers5866]

They've gotten very expensive. List price over here is 7000 euro. A Rolex Oyster Perpetual is list 6600. A Datejust is 8000. I bought my Planet Ocean in 2009 for 2400 euro, it is now 7800 euro. Same with the speedy, went from 2300 to 7800 in 10 years. And people complain about Rolex prices, Omega went up WAY more.

[@maverickjingle5432]

A DJ with the classic fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet is $10k nowadays. Used to be below $7k.

[@konadora]

Every single one of Brandon's videos have been outstanding, both on his personal channel and on Hodinkee. Keep those videos going!

[@joshuachew22]

Couldn't agree more!

[@domokun938]

Have the 38mm AT and it’s a perfect do anything watch. Classy and Sporty. The coaxial movement is a modern wonder.

[@cjack202003]

I get lot of compliments on my 38mm. Not trying to get compliments, but the 38mm is the perfect size for the AT. Omega should offer just as much options in the 38mm as they do the 41mm. Certain models are only in 41mm, which sucks. When I went to a boutique, I tried on a 41mm and it looked too big...but the 41mm with the rubber strap looks smaller on wrist. So, I guess for a 41mm to look good my wrist, I have to wear a rubber strap. The SS bracelet is too fat on the 41mm, making the AT look bigger than it really is. Hence, why the rubber strap makes it look smaller. Hard to explain.

[@chillian12]

It's one of my grail watches, I own the same model but with the black dial on the bracelet and the rubber strap. I just LOVE the horizontal teak dial and the sharp indices. When the sunlight plays against the dial, you get the depth of the teak dial which shows as the light casts shadows on the striped surface. It's elegant, but also sporty. It's a strap monster. It rarely gets compliments because it isn't a Rolex, but I don't think people buy the Aqua Terra for that. It's like the Seamaster 300's less-known little brother. I used to baby it when I first got it, but now I wear it for many occasions. In a world where things are meant to be used and thrown, and items are designed to be obsolete, I hope to one day pass this down to my children and to be able to say that the watch has lived a life with me, and for them to wear it and create their own story.

[@simonzaus4263]

I totally agree with you.. but.. if you have more then one child.. what will you do? 😀

[@goldenowl312]

I'm a simple man; I see Brandon - I hit 'like'. On a serious note though, video quality & charisma are off the charts.

[@21onthejersey41]

The Aquaterra is definitely a dream watch of mine. Way out of reach for me at the moment but Im gonna get it one day. It just looks so elegant and simple without being boring.

[@betzerra]

Dude, I'm so happy you joined Hodinkee. Love the style of your videos ❤

[@maantjeamsterd2168]

Omg

[@theos4931]

Man, I love this guy. He's got such a eloquent way of describing his experiences and the watch itself. Love it, keep it going Brandon!

[@dustintyson354]

This is hands down my favorite watch in my collection. It is so versatile comfortable and just gorgeous too look at .

[@daviddicicco195]

More weeks on the wrist from him! The best in the business

[@zach258]

I’ve worn my AT basically every day for 4 years straight. Still loving it. Being able to switch between the bracelet and OEM rubber strap/deployment basically makes it feel like you have two different watches.

[@jakew8368]

Where did you get your rubber strap

[@sackman1886]

I have the 41mm AT on the rubber strap, and it is an incredible watch! I went with the rubber, because I wasn't crazy about the bracelet clasp - needs some micro adjustability. But the watch itself is perfect. I wear it on the rubber, NATOs, leather straps... really anything. Always looks good. It's kind of the ultimate collection-killer, because it just fits so well in so many roles.

[@cjack202003]

The rubber strap also makes the 41mm looks smaller, which is good.

[@louiscooper99]

Do you have an omega rubber strap?

[@vz3_]

So glad to see a watch video from a guy that looks like me and my friends. And your storytelling on the watch is excellent.

[@Omar-zd5dq]

I got my Aqua Terra a couple years ago and love it. Definitely recommend it, I think the design aesthetic, quality, finishing, and movement are all the best at its general price point. Would recommend it over trying to get on a waitlist for a datejust.

[@Klingonmastr]

That design is also what makes something like a Seiko Sharp Edge watch very versatile. Any watch with 100 or 150 meters water resistance should be enough for most people. The Aqua Terra isn't too dressy or too sporty. It sits somewhere in the middle. That Omega is a bargain compared to the Rolex. I don't want to deal with waitlists.

[@AhmadAli-du2fq]

how does it look compared to when you first bought it. With a polish how close can you get it back? any scratches on the sapphire?

[@Omar-zd5dq]

@@AhmadAli-du2fq no scratches on the sapphire. Handful of scratches, but it’s not too noticeable. Overall it looks fine but I did get a couple dings in it. I’m fine with it. I wear and enjoy it, I’m sure with a polish it would look near new.

[@j1d7s]

I bought a preowned 41mm version of this watch (still by far my priciest buy...) and I am very happy with it. It really is versatile and I never got bored of its looks. It is very accurate, feels solid and is very readable, the lume is fine, too. The bracelet is a bit of a scratch magnet, but it is extremely well made, it feels so good to close it, one can really notice the tight tolerances. The movement looks gorgeous, too. You have to put a little more effort into it when winding since it has two (!) barrels. For me this watch is the perfect pick in the entry level luxury watches world.

[@91ruiwenliu]

Keep going with those videos Brandon! You are the only thing left about Hodinkee I still like

[@MistaRhoi]

My black 38mm AT is my go to for most days. On the rubber or gator is the best for overall comfort for sure. The butterfly clasp IS pretty flat, I agree.

[@bigprocrastinator]

Omega Aqua Terra is so low pro solid from a technical and stylistic perspective. Not flashy. Just classy. Thus, not for some. More for me. Great video as always, Hodinkee!

[@qadrik]

This is (and I mean this in the best way) the most unpretentious review of a watch I’ve seen. Bravo!

[@salvadorcano4494]

Love my aqua terra 41mm. Either one can easily be a perfect one and done option. Was going to get the blue dial but opted for the grey one instead...

[@skandahooligan88]

I don't watch many Hodinkee videos, but when I do, I make sure Brandon's in it.

[@vedomedo]

Got this watch for myself about a year or so ago, and I've been loving it every single day since. It's a great daily wear.

[@CubanBBQ]

It’s simple, I see a Brandon Hodinkee video uploaded and I watch it. Great stuff.

[@brandontran4180]

I have the 36mm first gen AT and it hasn't left my wrist so far in 2023!! I know this will be a forever watch since it was one of my grails

[@camels3269]

The Aqua Terra is a watch I hope to own somewhere in the future. I pray that Omega will release a brushed bracelet option as well in the future since that is what I mainly worry about, its a great daily wear but not if it looks completely beat up after a couple of years use.

[@mamdore]

This 100%. Wish they would do a brushed case as well.

[@kyuj2884]

​@@mamdore same thoughts. That's what holding me back to pull the trigger.

[@luismiguelmaroto4730]

Best hiring of the decade for Hodinkee

[@gregconrad1894]

This is a gorgeous watch and the specs are just as wonderful. A few years ago on holiday I headed out with the wife to inspect a few pieces, as you do, and couldn't get over this exact model and just as I was about to pull out the plastic, my wife pulls me aside and said there's no way I'm letting you spend that much on an Omega. Huh?! She has this thing about Omega harkening back to the 80s or 90s that I can't get out of her head. Long story short, she takes me into the Rolex AD, tells me to get whatever I want part of me thinking it's to shut out this watch obsession for good. I walk about with the Datejust for a lot more. Looking back I should've bought the Submariner but I just didn't see the value in it at the time but that's another story. The Datejust with the blue dial is quite nice but the AT is just a nicer looking piece, more practical with better specs and to me, better value. The indices, the dial, the hands just do it for me and I'll always be fond of the watch that never was. Maybe I'll pick one up the next time I'm on holiday and in a spending mood.

[@kylec632]

Don't let your wife tell you which watch to get. That's ridiculous

[@ugabrew]

Great video Brandon. I have no idea what is going on with the rest of Hodinkee's content, but your stuff is always great.

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

My favorite watch. On my shortlist of next watch. Only other I’d try and get is the world time version of the AT. Simple, great movement, elegant, and multipurpose. Like the Rolex OP but love the AT.

[@MDchaz]

Brandon’s work is first class. Like Wes Anderson, he creates an aspirational reality I desire.

[@devinquinlan]

I have this exact watch and have worn it basically every day for the last couple years - overall I love it. The flat clasp definitely makes wearing it on the bracelet somewhat annoying especially if you have a smaller wrist, since it pokes out if you lay your arm on a table or are typing on a computer. The bracelet is also very flashy because of the polished center links, which for me means that I only have it on when I want it to be flashy - often when I'm wearing a suit. Day-to-day I have it on a nice simple brown leather strap and the watch looks fantastic - I even had an AD comment on it when I brought it in on the leather. It also looks great on a NATO and I'm sure on rubber (though I didn't get the rubber option). Comfortable, perfect size (6.15" wrist), and it managed to sneak in a date complication which is really handy. Would recommend.

[@claudtalkz2194]

Just treated myself to the special Summer Blue dial 38 AT. I’m a very happy laty. Such a lovely classic… great salute to one of my all time faves

[@justinzubko3536]

Still one of my favorite watches ive owned wish I never sold it. Highly recommended. Elegant, spotty, and tough.

[@illWill471]

Amazing review. I could watch this dude review anything so thoughtful and interesting

[@matthewhelm3035]

Another excellent review by my favorite HODINKEE reviewer. The most underrated Watch. Keep it up man🍻

[@waterfordrs22]

The Railmaster is also a part of the Seamaster family. Trilogy version aside, it uses a 40mm Aqua Terra case. A great watch in its own right. As for the 55 hour power reserve. It’s a watch that is likely to get a lot of wrist time and with that In mind, it’s easily sufficient. PR is over rated unless your watches mostly sit at home.

[@peduarte2003]

What a beautiful, simple, and staggering watch, i hope i can afford it one day. right now i have to keep my mind on college, but if one day i can buy a nice watch, this will be my first!

[@rhendog7]

I am a watch guy and have multiple watches from divers and G-shocks to formal dress watches, yet I wear this exact watch almost every day, as it can take a beating but still look nice regardless of if I'm wearing jeans and t-shirt or business attire. I've actually put off buying other watches because I just don't know if I'll wear them when I have this dominating all my wrist time...

[@erickdabandan76]

We need more videos with this quality.

[@asian_mando]

Brandon’s Hodinkee’s best contributor-bar none.

[@thegorn]

When “a week on the wrist” is actually an infomercial. Grab that bag Hodinkee.

[@warrbandit6295]

Hodinkee is hanging by a thread. The name of such thread is named Brandon.

[@nicksturgeonbooks]

This is my first Brandon video and I loved it. Witty and funny. Love the smart comments about shooting hoops being 'Close enough, right?' and the reference to having seen a boat deck on TV and film. Brilliant and very clever video. Gorgeous watch too. Thanks!

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Class video, as usual. Thanks Brandon. Can you believe, of all the combinations Omega do, they don’t make a white & grey AquaTerra in 41mm. Only in 38mm. Why!? 😭 All the best for 2023.

[@Stian1342]

The legends is back, love your videos Brandon! awesome work!

[@crowlern]

THIS has been a while coming. The most underrated watch finally getting some air time!

[@Valera_Scotland]

I used to watch your channel. Amazing that you're now with Hodinkee. Congratulations man!! This Aqua Terra is at the top of my list. Exactly this size and colour. If I could change anything, it would be a solid case back with the hippocampus on the back, which would make it a little thinner, a micro adjust bracelet and maybe no date. That would be stunning...

[@TheGunDude]

This was my first luxury watch. I sold it a while ago and regret it every day. I will buy it back at some point. It’s the perfect every day watch.

[@mb-watches]

Perfect edc , which doesn’t mind as well swimming with it. Had the older version, that said, I am now happy with my Datejust on oyster bracelet and steel bezel. Awesome week in the wrist, as usual. Cheers from icy cold Germany 😭 😁🙏🏻

[@cmcullen]

I think this is the only Omega I'd buy. Really enjoying Brandon's videos!

[@antjrice1]

Apparently, Brandon is the only presenter left at Hodinkee……and I am completely good with that 😄😄😄

[@philipwong454]

Good point. I dislike butterfly clasp, first for their discomfort and secondly, like you said, it’s so flat. It should confirm more to the roundness of your wrist.

[@Gigantor-fq4rr]

My boss isn't a watch guy, but knows I am - a couple of years ago, he asked for my advice and, after much discussion, wound up getting a 41mm Aqua Terra on a bracelet, along with the rubber strap and a couple of NATOs. He's been wearing it ever since - and mixes up his strap choice every few months or so.

[@brownmcpherson5724]

The Seamaster line also includes the 300 and the Ploprof.

[@TheAndrewNewman]

Your comment on there being an aqua terra for everyone couldn't be more true. I love the line but found that 41mm didn't look right on my wrist I also was not a huge fan of the teak dial and polished bracelet as I was planning on using it as an everyday watch. Then I came across the first generation aqua terra (2503.50), a 39.5mm black lacquered dial with a brushed bracelet. It's been my everyday for a year now and couldn't be happier with the purchase.

[@Anotherbibuzz]

Still crazy it’s impossible to see the new dial colours that were announced last year. I like the Aqua Terra but not its price. The Seamaster 300M reprensents better value in my opinion

[@fark69]

Yeah they are too expensive, and the Seamaster is so close in price. Omega has all the difficult things going for it: large fan base, technical specs, beautiful original designs. It's a shame to see them bungle simple things like pricing and availability.

[@timon2509]

this footage is absolutely terrific

[@dannysimenauer5745]

I am a loyal Omega fan and own several models. The one flaw IMHO that holds me back from buying the Aqua Terra is the design of the hands. I prefer symmetrical designed hands, and wish Omega would put the arrow head on the hour hand too. Or better yet, redesign the hands using a "syringe" style. I am curious to understand if the hands bother any other Omega fans or not.

[@SirMopy]

i saw a photoshopped hands version some time ago on an AT 38mm. it looked so much better! but it lost the charm and the character of the watch, too similar to other models. now i like the weird hands more 😅

[@tarasmathers7423]

I actually really like the "AT" handset. Like the previous comment, feel like they give the model an identifiable character, and charm. That's just me though....

[@fark69]

I like the handset personally!

[@benbryson6598]

True about the butterfly clasp, also no adjustments and too dressy and fussy. I also felt with the flat links you could feel the edges on your wrist, they didn't hurt, but you could feel them vs more rounded and comfortable links. Also, note the 44m lug to lug, with the short lugs it wears more like a 36. But in general a stunningly beautiful watch

[@diavalus]

It’s a sports watch, it’s not too dressy.

[@benbryson6598]

@@diavalus reread, the clasp is for the watch imo

[@diavalus]

@@benbryson6598 I meant the watch as a whole, including the bracelet and the clasp. I think it becomes dressier only when it’s on leather strap, but when it’s on the stainless steel bracelet, it is sporty. :)

[@cj.6988]

It's not a sports watch with that clasp it's more dressy. The bracelet and lack of microadjustment is a real let down there must be some reason omega doesn't change it its the most common complaint and the rubber stap is too thick at the clasp. Are omega driving sales of the 300 diver?

[@cj.6988]

The omega cunnundrum is that it's a viable alternative to rolex but the clasp on the aqua terra the natural counterpart to rolex is appalling - that with the lack of microadjustment and polished centre links make it a deal breaker.

[@borjastick]

Lovely watch and one that doesn't draw too much attention either. I could easily see myself in one of these.

[@benburns6766]

Hodinkee should send Omega an invoice for services rendered. Just straight selling me on this watch.

[@cdm765]

I went watch shopping with father in law last week for retirement. He chose this over any watch, including Rolex OP. It killed me as a WIS, but I actually really like this watch now…

[@patrickbateman529]

Possibly the best GADA watch in existence, it's the only one you'll ever need. The only criticism I have is that the clasp is quite small, and lacks adjustment.

[@MinuteMon]

Brandon slays again now with one of my favorites! The OMEGA AT 38mm 😍

[@xTacomancer]

Bro is hooping in heaven.

[@franky3fingers337]

The best Hodinkee content these days is the least “Hodinkee like”

[@nicolasleroy5138]

Love that intro/outro music back track. Great video !

[@Narweeboy]

My favourite watch. Most versatile.

[@ericl755]

The best AQ remain the skyfall generations with vertical dials and brushed bracelet! 👌

[@earlbee3196]

The Seamaster Aqua Terra is a superb tribute to OMEGA’s rich maritime heritage. In this 38mm model, the symmetrical case has been crafted from stainless steel, with a wave-edged design featured on the back. The blue dial is sun-brushed and is distinguished by a horizontal “teak” pattern which is inspired by the wooden decks of luxury sailboats. There is also a date window at 6 o'clock and rhodium-plated hands and indexes filled with white Super-LumiNova. Presented on a polished and brushed bracelet, this certified chronometer is powered by the OMEGA Master Chronometer calibre 8800, certified at the industry’s highest standard by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). £5,400.00

[@robertoverdi1622]

In italy 5700 euro

[@erikrusso9808]

Imagine the aqua terra 38 with a fully brushed bracelet, would look amazing

[@Watchmade]

Such a great presentation of one of the best watches out there. Beside that the 38mm is king!

[@Trashdog12]

Such a pretty watch. Would be absolutely perfect with a clasp with micro adjustment!

[@Oniaxus]

I have the 38.5 mm in rose gold on a dark brown leather strap with a folding clasp. Wearing it every single day (both business formal and casual) 🙂

[@ericpignatore5317]

Great video. I'm partial to the 41mm version which I would definitely like to add to my collection. Side note, my kids graduated from Temecula Valley High School. Caught me off guard with that shirt.

[@FelousMF]

the editing skills are remarkable

[@stevens1041]

I'm confused about the Aqua Terra's direction with the release of the new 38 mm solid dial variants. Aside from that, the teak deck you show here is my favorite, and in my opinion, still the most iconic Aqua Terra model today.

[@justingalore123]

Hodinkee’s new star

[@cohan.forcer]

Great watch, great guy!

[@betzerra]

I wonder when the new Aqua Terras are going to arrive in all Omega Boutiques, they're still hard to get

[@fark69]

Boggles my mind why they announced them so long ago and then didn't make them available for sale...

[@brentl.vaneaton6901]

I have the AT love the specs and the watch just wish it had a micro adjustment

[@brownmcpherson5724]

I saw this video a few days ago and the comments regarding the flat bracelet back keep coming back to me. Just don't understand. Most high end bracelets don't have a big thick clasps. VC, AP, PP. My own Omega Seamaster 300m 2255.80 has a clasp that's the same width and thickness as the bracelet - in other words you don't notice it. Contrast that with the enormous clasp on a Rolex Sub 126610, which I've owned and sold. Just plain too big.

[@TheAlbert12397]

Thousands of variants but they don't offer a "no date" model. If they did I wouldn't hesitate to buy. I hate the 6 o'clock date window.

[@SirMopy]

only still subbed to hodinkee yt coz of brandon! he’s a champ! poggers

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

My boy Brandon out there balling. Great video bro 👏👏

[@watchnorthlondon]

Definite improvement in video quality. Some actual criticism too which speaks to the problem with Hodinkee.

[@jrallison4]

Wow that omega and this video make San Pedro look way fancier than it actually is! lol.

[@drewski5150]

If they did this 38mm teak deck one in the olive green (currently only on the 41mm), my money would be theirs. Well, some of it least.

[@teammacnamara5320]

Is it odd to now do a week on the wrist with this model when there is a newer range…that being said I prefer the dial on this model. Great size too.

[@OilBaron]

This one’s better.

[@fark69]

Because the newer range is vaporware, not even Hodinkee can get their hands on one

[@teammacnamara5320]

@@fark69 haha love it. And you’re right!

[@matthiaskettner6686]

I had to choose between this with a white dial and the speedmaster professional. I took the SMP which i love, but one day…..

[@yonchrr]

Enthusiasts already know how good this watch is.

[@konww002]

3:19 makes your wrist look classy af

[@B1Y15-25]

Awesome review! I’m a few more days from buying my first luxury watch, and I am still torn between this and the GS SBGH273. I’m a sucker for blue dials 😂. Ref No: for this watch is 220.10.38.20.03.001, right? Thanks so much!

[@RobW1170]

The new ones aren’t easy to find though are they. Seen very few about and the fact this review isn’t even of the latest AT variation suggests they’re not readily available

[@fark69]

Yeah what a shame even Hodinkee can't get the new AT, why announce them so long before they are available???

[@Klingonmastr]

That waffle dial design is what makes something like the Hamilton Broadway Day Date Automatic a real nice looking watch. Of course with the Hamilton it costs way less than this Omega and only has 50M water resistance. The Swatch Group knows how to make good watches at different price points.

[@sanghoonlee5171]

Those uneven stripes on the Aqua Terra dial bug the heck out of me. Apparently somebody thought this is good design. Otherwise, a beautiful watch.

[@kyuj2884]

what's your wrist circumference again? cant decide if Ill get 41 or 38mm hays