The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light — What Makes This Watch So Special?

Exactly five years ago, just in time for the European Masters golf competition in Crans Montana in 2019, Omega introduced an extraordinary lightweight watch: the Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light. The watch was suddenly back in the spotlight again during the Olympic Games Paris 2024, and for those who weren’t around in 2019 and missed the initial Ultra Light, it raised a few questions. So let us recap on what makes this watch so special!

Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light

Omega spent two years developing this ultra-light watch, working closely with Rory McIlroy, one of the most successful golfers of all time. McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, joined Omega in 2013 as an ambassador and is often associated with the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. He even had his own “edition” of this watch before the release of the 2019 Aqua Terra Ultra Light. During the Games in Paris, we spotted 12 athletes wearing this incredibly lightweight watch, including the blue and yellow edition on the wrist of Mondo Duplantis. Dutch Gold medal winner Femke Bol also wore the “classic” 2019 Ultra Light.

Caliber 8928 Ti

According to Gregory Kissling, Vice President of Product at Omega, the most challenging part of this watch was developing and producing the titanium-crafted movement. This movement, manual-winding caliber 8928 Ti, offers a power reserve of 72 hours provided by two barrels and is fully compliant with the Master Chronometer standard to perform between 0 and +5 seconds per day on average. Due to the use of ceramised titanium, there’s also less friction between components. Creating the movement in titanium also requires a lightweight case to house it in. Otherwise, it doesn’t make any sense, of course. The crown and dial are also crafted from titanium.

Gamma titanium case

But what makes this watch special does not end with the titanium movement. The case (40mm × 13.5mm) is also made of a special titanium alloy called Gamma Titanium. Omega developed this new material, especially for this Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light. It comprises +/– 34% aluminum, bringing even less weight to the titanium alloy. It’s not only lighter but also harder. As said, the dial is also made of (Grade 5) titanium. The grooves in the dial not only match the design of the Aqua Terra collection, but they also reduce weight.

On top, the second hand is also made of titanium (on both versions). Like the applied indexes, the hour and minute hands are made of brass to obtain the double finishing, which is visually significant. Rory McIlroy said during the initial introduction, “...if you really want my input, you have to listen a little bit more because I can feel a one- or a two-gram difference in a golf club or a golf shaft when I swing it.” And that’s precisely what Omega did, reducing weight wherever possible, ultimately resulting in a watch weighing 55 grams.

For comparison, a stainless steel Seamaster Aqua Terra in 41mm on a rubber strap weighs 107 grams, and the 38mm version on rubber totals 90 grams. For people like McIlroy, who are very conscious of the impact of the weight they carry, these reductions matter. And though some will say, “Why wear a watch at all then?” That’s just simply not the point.

Rory McIlroy sporting the Ultra Light. Image via Omega.

More requirements for the Ultra Light

But McIlroy’s requirements didn’t stop at the lowest number of grams achievable; he also cared about other details. The glare reduction, for example, the ridges for the crown and the new strap with integrated Velcro parts, came from his wishlist. This watch was initially developed with golf in mind. But it also found its way to other athletes who prefer wearing incredibly lightweight watches while doing their thing.

The new Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light on the wrist of the author

Special features of this Aqua Terra tech flagship

As you can see, the watch’s design looks smoother than the average Seamaster Aqua Terra. This design is originally an evolution of the very first Seamaster 300 from 1957 with its lyre lugs and broad arrow hands. The shape of the Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light is more ergonomic. This is achieved mainly by getting rid of the crown. Omega applied a clever activation system to use the crown. With a simple push, the crown will come out and be ready for operation. When you’re done setting the time, you can push the telescopic crown back into the case, et voila. You’re ready to play serious golf.

“I know what an athlete needs in a watch and through collaboration with Omega we were able to modify the timepiece. The new “Ultra Light” is an absolute pleasure to wear, whatever sport you play.” – Rory McIlroy

Is this watch for you (or us)?

The current Omega catalog contains the original 2019 model and the new blue and yellow reference, each priced above €55,000 (including VAT). However, it feels like Ferrari put their F1 car in their showroom with a price tag. I don’t have the hope my handicap will go down when I wear this watch during a round on the golf course. I also don’t think Femke Bol will run any faster with this watch on her wrist or Duplantis jumping higher. The point is that they have something on their wrist that doesn’t hold them back, either. It’s an exercise performed by a watch brand. In this case, Omega has developed and produced something outstanding in many regards. These types of developments, such as manufacturing a movement in full titanium or a case in Gamma Titanium, require a lot of capacity from a brand.

The good thing is that at some point, we will find useful inventions and technologies of these technical marvels back into watches with a more down-to-earth price tag. I do know some collectors who purchased an Ultra Light because they liked the idea of having something exceptional in their collection. But I’m sure we will not see these watches much around in the flesh. Seeing them “at work” during the Olympic Games was fun. It also gave Omega some additional exposure on social media. I know I’ll be keeping an eye on McIlroy wearing his Aqua Terra Ultra Light in upcoming competitions.

You can find more information on the Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light on the Omega website.