Omega Introduces The Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Inspired By Armand “Mondo” Duplantis
The Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M is perhaps Omega’s strongest contender for everyday luxury. In the realm once dominated by the Rolex OP, the Aqua Terra has become a go-to daily watch for the right reasons and can be quite the style chameleon.
This time, the inspiration of Armand “Mondo” Deplantis and the Swedish national colors adds a pop of sunshine. And with one of my favorite stitched rubber straps, this Aqua Terra looks extra sporty and dials up the cool factor.
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis
I feel like waving a flag here because Sweden is just a 90-minute drive from Oslo. And in some respects, I like our neighbor country better than mine. Just don’t tell the Swedes; they’re cocky enough. They also have some very successful athletes, including the pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis. To me, hard-working athletes are more deserving ambassadors than glamorous movie stars. Don’t get me wrong; I also somewhat fancy a Breitling when still-handsome Brad Pitt wears one, but Mondo deserves it. He’s an eight-time world-record-breaking pole vaulter and a force of nature. But can he change my view of the Omega Aqua Terra line? Yes, it is a very good everyday watch with the brilliance of a Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8900 movement, but for me, it may be too flawless, as ironic as that may sound.
A colorful Swedish twist makes a fresh summer statement
I have tried on a few versions of the Seamaster Aqua Terra in my time, and to tell you the truth, I might prefer it over the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. That might be because I’m averse to the wrist-status implications of The Crown, but I also enjoy the more playful nature of this Omega model. Sure, I would like it a bit smaller, but on this refined rubber strap, the 41mm case is just peachy. The curvaceous lug design is an Omega trademark and a refined feature with its broadening polished bevels that accentuate the crisp contrast with the brushed case flanks.
With a dark dial and its smooth, comfortable bracelet, the standard Aqua Terra is a lifelong wrist buddy of impeccable style for many. But while that’s true, I enjoy some spice in my life, and Sweden’s pole vaulting Mondo provides the goods. And who said only diver’s watches belong on rubber? As this Omega Aqua Terra shows, rubber takes on many guises. With a polished steel link on each side and a braided-like texture down the middle, there is an elegance only underlined by the tangy yellow stitch. The tell-tale downward sweep where blue softness meets the lug makes for a comfy day in Ergonomy City. For me, the bonus of this wrist comfort is that it changes the 41mm AT into a younger, sportier version of itself. It wouldn’t look at home on Mondo’s wrist on a bracelet, right?
Yellow makes the case for cool
Specs-wise, this watch is almost the same as the Omega ref. 220.12.41.21.03.007, but it’s a very fresh take. The Aqua Terra dial’s refined horizontal striations are something I’ve always enjoyed. And for some reason, the color-matched blue date disc at 6 o’clock looks just right as it supplants an arrowhead index. Inspired by our Swedish leaping champ, the seconds hand has the shape of a vaulting pole, with the white-lumed end representing the grip section.
The bright yellow matches the Arabic numerals at the cardinal points on the minute track (yes, they pop!), and the sweeping font of the Seamaster logo has the same vibrant tone. Sure, the colors here represent the Swedish flag, but they also spell summer. And with its familiar 47.9mm lug-to-lug, 13.2mm thickness, and 150m water resistance rating, the 41mm Aqua Terra makes for a nicely compact and capable sports watch, period. But no matter how good this €7,000 version looks, it will never inspire me to swing up higher than our house on a bendy pole. I’ll leave that to Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, who’s on the path to clear 6.25 meters next!
What about you, Fratelli? Would you consider some Swedish-tinted athletic summer wear courtesy of Omega? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
