OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra: How to Reconcile Sportiness and Elegance

Omega recently invited the press to the City of the Doges for the first of two launches of its new Aqua Terra collection. Suspended between sea and sky, an artificial land mass claimed from nature, Venice somehow seemed the perfect spot for celebrating the Seamaster Aqua Terra collection. A few days later, the equally well-suited Miami played host to the second event. Your very own online watchmaking magazine was also there to cover the American launch with the very talented Rhonda Riche. Rhonda brought us a comprehensive overview of the ladies' models and a full round-up of what can only be described as an advertising campaign totally in keeping with our times, fronted by the brand's muse, top model Alessandra Ambrosio.
 

The Venice launch kicked off in the foyer of the spectacular Hôtel Daniel, where I was joined by members of a varied, cosmopolitan press: leading newspapers, lifestyle, fashion, but few watchmaking titles. So we were an exception. Also present were influencers, as they are commonly referred to. But let there be no mistake, Omega invited only the finest opinion leaders, all of them actively at work on their respective websites, blogs and social networks. This broad mix helped create a tremendous atmosphere among the attendees and gave rise to some top-quality, varied exchanges.
 

The memorable Gala dinner held at the Palazzo Pisani Moretta on the Grand Canal was attended by none other than actor, Eddie Redmayne, the brand's guest of honour. Simple and sincere, a man of few words and an ambassador known for his discretion and spontaneity, he shared our delight at being able to experience this unique moment. As was made plain in an interview with Raynald Aeshlimann, CEO of Omega, the brand hopes to reach out to a younger clientele with the choice of such an accessible ambassador. It seems a coherent response given that "millennials" clearly no longer rely on the brand alone to meet their expectations, but rather on their ability to identify with the brand's values and to appropriate a product, make it part of their own identity. It's a choice that makes a lot of sense given the ability of Eddie Redmayne, as the ideal ambassador, to communicate across the generations.
 

Having been presented with the opportunity to test-wear a model of my choice for a few days, I instantly opted for the 38 mm version in steel with black dial, which sells for CHF 5,400.-. For a more complete experience, I also went for a 41 mm steel version with blue dial, available for the same price.
 

To be honest, both sizes sit very well on the wrist. And although my extra-slim wrist lends itself more to the 38mm version, the 41 mm diameter is just as comfortable. This is mainly due to the design of the watch’s case – whose short lugs guarantee ergonomy and stability for the wearer. Somewhere between a dive watch bearing the Seamaster stamp and a sophisticated gentleman's accessory, this Aqua Terra is suited to every occasion. You'll be surprised at its ability to segue between sporty and elegant to fit your wardrobe or mood.
 

Despite being a confirmed watchmaking (and Omega) fan, I can safely say that the Aqua Terra collection will also satisfy the needs of a wider audience, one who rates style and quality above all else. Offering competitively well-positioned prices for such flawless craftsmanship and multiple mix and match possibilities, the Aqua Terra collection has great personal, as well as generic, appeal.