omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-small-seconds-41-mm-22012412102005-l-beige

[Video] The Perfect Summer Watch: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Small Seconds In Beige

Yes, you read that right: it's beige

April 08, 2022

comments 43

Timeless watches don’t have to be boring, no! They can even be fashionable. Such is the case with the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Master Chronometer Small Seconds 41 MM, ref. 220.12.41.21.02.005.

Spring and summer are just around the corner. Our mood brightens, and the desire to reflect our upbeat demeanor comes with it. At least that is the case with me. I always get the urge around springtime to put some bright and colorful watches on my wrist. However, wearing a bright statement piece can also lose its luster quickly. With such a strong presence, such a watch can grow tiresome before you know it. When that happens, it’s good to have a watch that balances classic styling and vitality perfectly. Meet the beige Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Small Seconds. It is fresh, yet classic. Lighthearted, yet also serious. Fashionable, yet timeless.

Just like Lex, I wasn’t immediately won over by this new collection of Seamaster Aqua Terra watches with a small seconds sub-dial. I was always a fan of the Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, so at first sight, that new dial layout seemed rather cluttered to me. I still feel that way about some versions, yet this beige specimen has managed to get my attention and change my mind.

It helps, of course, that this is still a Seamaster Aqua Terra at heart. That means the specs are as rock-solid as they get. Omega’s self-winding in-house Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 8916 offers the signature magnetism-resistance of over 15,000 gauss. Is certified by METAS and housed in a 150m water-resistant case. Beach to boardroom? Well, maybe not quite. Let’s say if you are a fashion-forward kind of person, you can give it a shot. But is the watch versatile and a lot of fun? You bet.

But that’s enough from me. Let Lex tell you everything else you need to know in the video and tag along on his journey to “embrace the beige”.

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[Video] The Perfect Summer Watch: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Small Seconds In Beige

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43 Comments

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RR
WatchesSwiss says:

Apr 08, 2022 at 18:23

Sorry guys. It’s a no go for me.

Reply
1. Timo says:
  
  Apr 08, 2022 at 18:50
  
  Nothing to be sorry about. What is it that’s a no go for you — the color, the small seconds, the strap? Do you prefer the regular ATs?
  
  Reply
  1. RR
    WatchesSwiss says:
    
    Apr 08, 2022 at 19:21
    
    Hi Timo. To start with, the whole colour scheme including the strap just doesn’t work for me. Generally, I like the small seconds complication (example: Omega 1948) but for some reason this doesn’t sit well on this watch. If I had to pick what I believe is the nicest AT for me, I would pick the black dial on black rubber version. Just my two cents. To Omega’s credit, I think they have produced an excellent, very hard to beat, GADA watch.
    
    Reply
    1. Timo says:
      
      Apr 08, 2022 at 20:30
      
      Ah, I see – personally, I really am digging this small seconds version in beige. It’s more or less the only one. Not a fan of the other color schemes and absolutely not a fan of the new sunburst ones.
      
      And fully agree that the AT is an excellent go-anywhere-do-anything watch. Personally, I’d probably go for either the regular version, green dial on a bracelet or pale blue dial on the blue-grey-ish rubber strap. If one wants to have the simplicity of a one watch collection, the AT is a strong contender, imo.
      
      Reply
      1. RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        Apr 08, 2022 at 23:00
        
        I am also not a fan of the new sunburst dial AT’s. Agree that the AT would make a very good one watch collection — not the best, but one of the better ones. I personally think that Omega needs to reduce the size of their AT references. At close to 300 AT references and growing, it’s become its own monster.
        
        Reply
        
        Timo says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 00:21
        
        Yup, had the same feeling recently. Sometimes, less is more.
        
        Reply
        
        RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 09:13
        
        Timo: With that said, I would definitely be interested in seeing a 200M WR Aqua Terra military looking “field watch” with enhanced ruggedness. Are you listening, Omega?
        
        Reply
        
        Timo says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 10:44
        
        Why 200M? Just curious, because I do want my watches to be rugged enough to jump into a pool — but I quite often wonder if anything beyond 100M ist just a… let’s call it vanity number; because these watches will most likely never see anything deeper than 5M.
        
        Reply
        
        RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 13:37
        
        200m to separate it from the other 293 AT references with 150m WR and to give it that extra bit of credibility and appeal. You’re right, it’s actually just an exercise in numbers once you’re past 100m WR. But I am guilty as charged and have a 300m WR watch that has not seen an ocean, river, lake, sea or swimming pool yet 😉
        
        Reply
        
        Warky says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 10:52
        
        That would actually be a great shout! Omega have quite the history with military pieces don’t they?
        
        I think that would be red hot if executed properly.
        
        Reply
        
        Timo says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 11:04
        
        If you like the idea of authentic military pieces, you can occasionally still find one of the original “Dirty Dozen” Omega’s on Chrono24 in acceptable condition. Definitely not 200M water resistant though ?
        
        Reply
        
        Warky says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 11:10
        
        Thanks Timo – but vintage terrifies me!
        
        Timo says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 11:15
        
        Ha, I get that! Well, actually I find vintage fun and love the feeling of the history that is attached to these pieces. Yet vintage “terrifies” me when it comes to ensuring you’re not messing with its market value. I like things neat and fixed. Patina and scratches are cool! But lume that looks like it has fungal growth on it? Yuck. I’d probably “ruin” these watches by wanting to fix too much.
        
        RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 13:42
        
        Vintage scares me too if I am not the original owner.
        
        RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        Apr 09, 2022 at 13:39
        
        Agree! Not sure why Omega is not leveraging these credentials.
        
        Reply
Ray says:

Apr 08, 2022 at 20:00

I like it, it has a classy look and dare I say even a bit subtle for a sports omega ?

Reply
1. Timo says:
  
  Apr 08, 2022 at 21:02
  
  Yes, indeed – and flying a bit under the radar never hurt no one! But don’t tell RJ I said that, considering all his gold watches that blind you from a mile away. Oh, but who am I kidding… I’m into those as well.
  
  Reply
GD
1Gav1 says:

Apr 08, 2022 at 20:20

I actually like the colour scheme – definitely agree about that summery feel – and the subdial is great; it’s the date window that ruins it for me. 🙁

Buuut…say it didn’t have the date window – would I buy it? Hmmm, dunno.

Reply
1. Timo says:
  
  Apr 08, 2022 at 20:36
  
  I’m also not the biggest fan of the date window – but that’s a pet peeve of mine: In general, I prefer to not have a date on my watch. It’s always a hassle to set the date if you wear more than one watch.
  
  However… it kinda blends in nicely with the beige color scheme here, so I could see myself making an exception.
  
  Reply
  1. GD
    1Gav1 says:
    
    Apr 09, 2022 at 00:09
    
    Yeah, I’m almost the same with date windows, and you’re right about it somewhat blending in, but I just keep hovering my cursor to cover the date in those pics thinking it’s so much better without.
    
    The colour scheme keeps on growing on me though, like something that wouldn’t have looked out of place on the wrists of the crew of The Nostromo. Love that. ¦D
    
    Reply
    1. Timo says:
      
      Apr 09, 2022 at 00:25
      
      It is *the* watch to wear as an accessory when an Alien bursts out of your chest!
      
      Reply
SR
SPQR. says:

Apr 08, 2022 at 20:27

There are many better “Summer” watches than this eyesore but if we are just looking at Omega’s range my vote would be the Planet Ocean 43.5mm Orange bezel, white dial version for me.

Reply
1. Timo says:
  
  Apr 08, 2022 at 20:58
  
  It all comes down to personal preference, in the end. And although I’m positively biased when it comes to orange, I’d much rather rock the beige AT.
  
  Reply
LC
Chow says:

Apr 08, 2022 at 20:36

This is a nice watch. Especially with that strap! Personally my favorite Omega is the moonswatch. When I get mine maybe I’ll put this strap on mine

Reply
1. Timo says:
  
  Apr 08, 2022 at 20:56
  
  Not sure the strap would fit. But… my sarcasm radar currently no longer works on your comments, so no idea if you *really* want to do that ?‍♂️?
  
  Reply
  1. LC
    Chow says:
    
    Apr 09, 2022 at 02:27
    
    Honestly zero sarcasm. What I dint like about Omega are the horrific bracelets that they come with. On straps they look great! I do love this strap you have
    
    Reply
    1. Timo says:
      
      Apr 09, 2022 at 11:24
      
      I’m also not the biggest fan of Omega’s bracelets. Although I wouldn’t call them horrific. Most of the time I wish they would taper more – so I was quite happy seeing more and more nicely tapered versions on the newer Speedmaster releases.
      
      The AT rubber strap I’m also very fond of. Rubber straps, to my eye, more often than not look cheap; but this one is quite different, looks absolute quality with the metal element and integrates perfectly.
      
      Reply
GB
GPBox says:

Apr 08, 2022 at 21:01

The dial, date window and colour are an abomination. I would rather purchase a Nomos Club neomatik siren red or blue or if I wanted a date there’s the date version. The Club Sport neomatik date blue (ref.782) also screams summer.

Reply
1. Timo says:
  
  Apr 08, 2022 at 21:19
  
  The Clubs from Nomos are nice indeed and very summery – great options (but do try them on; the substantial lug-to-lug can be unexpected).
  
  And… “abomination”… it appears the AT isn’t *quite* to your liking.
  
  Reply
AM
tmc says:

Apr 08, 2022 at 22:58

omega should cut down on the number of different styles and focus more on delivering something that says quality like they did when they first introduced the seamaster. my grandfather got me one for my birthday on a trip he made to geneva when i was 15.

Reply
1. Timo says:
  
  Apr 09, 2022 at 00:20
  
  I had the same thought when the new ones were introduced recently. I feel the collection would benefit from sticking to an iconic design that doesn’t change too often.
  
  Reply
Doug says:

Apr 08, 2022 at 23:51

Nice. You should really embrace the beige here 🙂 https://www.instagram.com/beige_bomber/

Reply
1. Timo says:
  
  Apr 09, 2022 at 00:27
  
  Beige is the new black.
  
  Reply
Warky says:

Apr 09, 2022 at 10:26

Firstly – Lex makes the best videos. I love his method of delivery. He should become the default video reviewer on the Fratello team!

Secondly I quite like this as it’s stands out in a positive way in the sea of ATs that Omega produce. Sure I would prefer it without a date but personally I think it is executed as well as it can be (and no I cannot be bothered arguing about that with others).

I won’t buy it and wouldn’t consider doing so but I do think this and certain other ATs are just about the best one watch only piece on the market currently (that you can actually buy) – and there can be some tasty discounts had too.

Reply
1. Timo says:
  
  Apr 09, 2022 at 14:30
  
  Thanks, Warky – nothing to add ✌️
  
  Reply
2. Lex says:
  
  Apr 11, 2022 at 10:14
  
  Thanks a lot for your kind words, Warky, much appreciated. I think it’s good we have different “flavors” on the video team. who have different styles and angles.
  
  Reply
Arnold says:

Apr 09, 2022 at 15:57

The strap seems to be the weakest link as far as I’m concerned. Otherwise I easily buy into the idea of this one as a summer watch.

I do however agree with Mr. Watchesswiss that the Aqua Terra universe is rather crowded, but again, that makes it possible to find a few that i belive are really good, and that’s some of the “standard/plain” ones with leather straps.

I would assume that for more complicated versions there are just as good or better alternatives elsewhere. I have no knowledge of sales figures, but with the plethoria of variations, I assume Aqua Terra is a bread’n butter thing for Omega.

A rugged version is actually a very good proposal. Disregarding divers, that’s a void slot within the Omega Sphere, and after som house cleaning, Aqua Terra would a good place to make room for it.

Meanwhile my favourites from Omega for the time being is Planet Ocean 600m deep black GMT ref 215.92.46.22.01.001 (exiting active summer), and (still) the Trésor 432.53.40.21.02.004 for comfortable summer city hotels 😉

Reply
Rolf_F. says:

Apr 09, 2022 at 21:20

I liked the small second AT from day one. To me it is a modern watch with just a little splash of vintage vibe. But beige? My summer is more colorful.

Reply
Roger David Eisenhardt says:

Apr 10, 2022 at 13:27

Rather feminine

Reply
1. Arnold says:
  
  Apr 10, 2022 at 14:18
  
  Beg to differ, but if so: then wearing it displays character, spirit and bold personality. I kind of like that in people….
  
  I sometimes used to go directly from work, for a beer at a Cafe with a lot of very different people. Directly from work ment business suit, tie and proper shoes. It was ok for the audience – because I looked different to them.
  
  After a coupple of years the “hood” gained popularity, and one friday I looked around. Everyone looked like me. Suit and tie. That was the last time I went there for a friday afterwork beer.
  
  Reply
  1. Timo says:
    
    Apr 10, 2022 at 14:52
    
    Nicely said. It’s funny, I didn’t even actively notice that this watch has feminine traits. It sure has. But who cares about such labels nowadays? And it very well could be that Roger didn’t mean it in a negative way.
    
    Takes me by surprise every now and then when I’m discussing watches I consider buying with friends and the response is “but that’s rather feminine”. Yes, it is. So what? ?‍♂️
    
    Reply
    1. Arnold says:
      
      Apr 10, 2022 at 15:27
      
      It wasn´t offencive, and me neither considered it a feminine watch, but I understand how it can be viewed as that.
      I spent a long holiday in the Grenadines diving and sailing. I find it hard to believe that anyone ever considered me feminine. My favourite clothing to wear was a sarong, which in western culture is very feminine. I used it every day, there’s nothing whatsoever better to wear in tropical conditions. No skin trouble due to heat, salt or sweat anywhere as long as the underwear is left in the bag.
      
      Thus, you are absolutely right – who cares 🙂
      
      Reply
MarcSchmitz says:

Apr 12, 2022 at 11:13

Next to the new bi-color one, which might even be the better summer watch due to its light shad of blue, this is my favorite Aqua Terra.

I have to say, that the small seconds versions look much better in the metal than on the press photos by Omega.

Great video, Lex!

Reply