Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 8500 gray teak dial watch review: is it too plain or a future classic?

[@hunterwolfe6295]

i got one with a diamond bezel and it really brought the watch to life for me. a Suttle watch but with flash.

[@austinzizzi1142]

The best gen of the aqua terra with that framed date window

[@motaz1975]

fantastic watch! i have the golf green version of this watch. the 8500 movement is a workhorse and very proven.

[@johnulmerRacing]

If this is too plain, what does that make the datejust, Oyster Perpetual, and Explorer? I have the 8500 Ryder cup Captain's Watch, but I still appreciate the "plain" look of this one.

[@omegawatchfan]

I guess it makes them very plain! Joking aside, I do agree this is not a "plain" watch compared with many others like those you mentioned, it's just the gray color is the opposite of noticeable. Up close, of course it is beautiful. Which Ryder cup version do you have? I used to have the framed date window version, was the first AT to have polished center links I believe...I have some pics of it which I might make into a video.

[@johnulmerRacing]

@@omegawatchfan I know, I was just busting your chops a bit. Sometimes understated is great to look at. I have the 8500 Master co-axial version. The one with the gold second hand, from 2017.

[@mattdale8244]

Mine hopefully comes in tomorrow! When looking for Aqua Terra’s I found that the Grey and white dials were usually cheaper than the blue/black models (at least on chrono24). I think I’m pretty indifferent between the Blue/black/grey. They all look beautiful to me.

[@omegawatchfan]

Nice! Very exciting to get a new piece, especially an AT! I've noticed the same thing regarding pricing...Omega didn't make the AT 41.5mm in black until the change to master coaxial, so I think it's safe to safe there are less of them and they are all master coaxial which are a little more $$. And the blue has been the favorite for a long time so makes sense they're priced higher as well.

[@mattdale8244]

@@omegawatchfan update: mine just came in today. It’s absolutely beautiful. I do agree with your analysis that the grey is more subtle than the blue / black dials, but the overall quality / attention to detail is outstanding. Overall very happy with my purchase. Very glad I didn’t go for the previous generation to save a few bucks. It’s beautiful as well, but I love the teak deck dial.

[@omegawatchfan]

@@mattdale8244 Congrats! It is wise to go with the 8500 over the prior generation...the 1st gen (as much as I love their design) are just not in the same league in terms of build quality or premium look. Omega really propelled the AT to being a full fledged luxury watch after the 1st gen.

[@bruceoliver7368]

I was looking at a white dale 38.5 mm version with a leather strap. But they want 3800 for it from a reputable store. I think that is just too much. Am I right?

[@omegawatchfan]

If the condition is excellent and the seller is reputable, it is not a crazy price. Important to know if the leather is original Omega and if it comes with the Omega deployant buckle as well. The lower priced ones you find online are typically well-worn, or have been heavily refinished.

[@ivaylommm]

I just got myself one and it’s the perfect (appearance wise) aqua terra version for me. I guess those come with no silicon spring, bit I red somewhere if you send it to Omega, they can optionally upgrade it (for some $$$ of course 😉)

[@omegawatchfan]

Many of the 8500 (from 2011 and newer) do come with the upgraded Si14 balance spring. Try to get a photo of your balance spring and you may see the "Si14" on it.

[@ivaylommm]

@@omegawatchfan Yep, I stopped the watch and there it is Si14, yay !

[@connectlastuser6191]

would you recommend the grey? debating between the grey and black dial.

[@ivaylommm]

@@connectlastuser6191 May I answer and in favor of the gray? Reason 1 - it’s not just another boring and thoughtless black dial of a watch 2- it looks great on a brown strap as well as black 3-It’s a super versatile color, goes with everything.

[@connectlastuser6191]

@@ivaylommm Great thank you. Looks like I will be getting the gray.

[@explorerjlc1743]

good looking watch but I don't think an AT will ever be collectable...

[@abdulahdeen]

Wrist size? :)

[@omegawatchfan]

17.5 cm

[@matthewhill3996]

Prefer the 8800/8900. Grey isn’t too plain imo. Every color of every iteration is worth owning 👍