OMEGA is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt. It is known for producing high-quality and innovative timepieces and has a long history of partnerships with various organizations, including NASA and the Olympics. Read on to learn more about OMEGA and some of the many watches it has produced over the past century, including one of its newest watches: the Small Seconds model that is part of the OMEGA Aqua Terra collection.
History of the OMEGA Brand
In 1894, the brand introduced its first pocket watch with the “OMEGA” name, which quickly gained popularity due to its precision and reliability. In 1903, OMEGA became the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games, a role it has held for over a century.
During World War II, OMEGA played a significant role in the development of military watches for the Allied forces. In 1948, the brand released the OMEGA Seamaster, a water-resistant watch designed for divers and other water sports enthusiasts.
OMEGA became the first watch brand to send a timepiece into space when, in the 1950s, a Speedmaster watch was worn by astronaut Wally Schirra during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission. This cemented the brand’s reputation for producing durable and reliable watches that could withstand extreme conditions.
The Constellation was released in the following decade. This was a luxury dress watch that became one of OMEGA’s most iconic models. The OMEGA Speedmaster, the first watch to land on the moon, was worn by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
In the 1970s, OMEGA continued to innovate with the release of the De Ville, a watch featuring a co-axial escapement, a major advancement in watchmaking technology. In the 1980s, the brand released the OMEGA Quartz, a high-precision quartz watch that was an important step in the development of modern quartz timepieces.
OMEGA became part of the Swatch Group, a leading Swiss watch conglomerate, in the 1980s. Under Swatch Group ownership, OMEGA has continued to produce high-quality and innovative timepieces, including the OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean, which features a ceramic bezel and a co-axial escapement, and the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, which is an updated version of the watch that was worn on the moon.
Today, OMEGA is known for its wide range of luxury timepieces, including dress watches, sports watches, and diving watches, and is considered one of the top luxury watch brands in the world. The brand continues to be associated with precision, reliability, and innovation and has a strong following among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
The OMEGA Aqua Terra Small Seconds is one of the brand’s most recent releases. It features a small second subdial at the 6 o’clock position and is available in a variety of materials and finishes, including stainless steel, gold, and leather. It is powered by an in-house OMEGA movement and is water resistant to 150 meters. The watch is suitable for both casual and formal wear. For this reason, it has become a popular choice for a wide range of customers.
Here’s what to know about the Aqua Terra Small Seconds and what you should keep in mind if you are considering purchasing this timepiece.
Design and Features of the Aqua Terra Small Seconds
The OMEGA Aqua Terra Small Seconds is a stylish and sophisticated timepiece that is part of the broader OMEGA Aqua Terra collection. The watch is characterized by its clean, classic design that makes it suitable for both casual and formal wear.
Small Seconds Subdial
The most distinguishing feature of the OMEGA Aqua Terra Small Seconds is its small seconds subdial, which is located at the 6 o’clock position on the dial. This subdial provides a clear and accurate display of the seconds, making it easy for the wearer to track time with precision.
A Wide Variety of Materials and Finishes
In terms of materials and finishes, the OMEGA Aqua Terra Small Seconds is available in a range of options, including stainless steel, gold, and leather. The stainless steel versions feature a sleek and modern design, while the gold versions add a touch of luxury and elegance. The leather versions, by contrast, offer a more casual and relaxed look.
Mechanical Movement Powering
This watch is powered by mechanical movement, which means it has a spring that is wound by hand or by an automatic mechanism. This type of movement is known for its precision and reliability and is often preferred by watch collectors and enthusiasts.
Robust Functionality
In terms of functionality, the Aqua Terra Small Seconds is water resistant to 150 meters, making it suitable for a variety of water-based activities, such as swimming and snorkeling. It also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the front and back, which helps to protect the watch from damage.
Performance and Durability
The OMEGA Aqua Terra Small Seconds is an extremely durable timepiece that is designed to stand the test of time – no pun intended. As discussed previously, the Aqua Terra Small Seconds is water resistant up to 150 meters and is thus suitable for a variety of water-based sports and activities. This water resistance is achieved through the use of high-quality seals and gaskets, which help to keep water out of the watch case.
All things considered, the Aqua Terra Small Seconds is built to last. Constructed with quality materials and components, it was subject to rigorous testing to ensure that it met the OMEGA brand’s high standards for performance and reliability. This makes it a great item for collectors, as well as regular shoppers that are looking for something to get them through on a day-to-day basis.
If you’re thinking about purchasing this watch, it can be helpful to read reviews to see how others have enjoyed the item. This can also give you a better idea of the pros and cons of the watch and what factors you will need to weigh when making your decision.
The following excerpt is from a review by Time and Watches, a site for news and stories for mechanical watch enthusiasts:
“A versatile timepiece that can be worn in any daily situation, the new OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra Small Seconds combines an attractive look with flawless finishes and a state-of-the-art movement that guarantees the highest accuracy and reliability.”
The watch has been well-received by professional reviewers and regular customers alike. Browsing some of these reviews can be a good way to learn more about this timepiece, what it has to offer, and how it sets itself apart from OMEGA’s other offerings and modern watches in general.
Warranty and Servicing Options
OMEGA typically offers a warranty for its watches that covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions for a period of two to four years from the date of purchase. This warranty may be extended for an additional fee. When it comes to caring for your OMEGA Seamaster, the brand recommends that you have your watch serviced every three to five years to maintain its optimal performance and accuracy.
To have your OMEGA watch serviced, you can either bring it to an authorized OMEGA retailer or service center, or you can send it directly to OMEGA’s service center. When you bring your watch in for servicing, a trained technician will inspect it and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance. If your watch is no longer covered by the warranty, you may be charged a fee for the service.
It’s important to keep in mind that unauthorized repairs or modifications to your OMEGA watch can void the warranty. To ensure that your warranty remains valid, it’s best to have any necessary repairs or maintenance performed by an authorized OMEGA service center or retailer.
Price and Availability
The OMEGA Aqua Terra Small Seconds varies in price and availability depending on factors such as model, materials used, location of purchase, and retailer. OMEGA is a high-end Swiss watchmaker, and its watches are typically sold through authorized retailers or OMEGA boutiques.
The Aqua Terra Small Seconds is available in a number of different cases, including steel, steel-gold, and gold, and can be purchased with a bracelet in steel, steel-gold, gold, leather, or rubber. It also comes in several dial colors, including silver and gold. Case diameters for the Small Seconds range from 38 to 41 mm.
Conclusion and Recap
There’s no doubt about it – OMEGA watches are some of the best you can buy, and the Aqua Terra Small Seconds is no exception. Crafted with high-quality, durable materials, this watch serves a number of purposes this model can be among the best OMEGA watches for collectors.
Well-suited for both casual and formal occasions, the Aqua Terra Small Seconds is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. Taking the plunge and investing in expensive watches like those built by OMEGA can be daunting, but if there’s one brand that offers the bang for your buck, this is it.
