For its latest release of 2024, Omega has announced a trio of new Aqua Terra models that are fitted with gloss black lacquered dials. Available in 34mm, 38mm, and 41mm sizes, the new black dial Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watches offer the same fundamental design as their similarly sized siblings, although their simple gloss black dials make them some of the most traditional options within the brand’s current lineup. Additionally, along with a different style of finishing on their dials, the three new black dial Aqua Terra models are paired with the collection’s updated bracelet, which includes a butterfly-style clasp with an integrated micro-extension system.
Given that the current Aqua Terra collection spans well over a hundred different references, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this latest trio of black dial Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watches already existed somewhere within the brand’s modern catalog. Black is consistently one of the most common colors for watch dials and a classic gloss black finish dates back to the very earliest days of the wristwatch. While the Aqua Terra lineup already included the option of a black dial, the existing version features a “teak” pattern with horizontal lines engraved into its surface, and these latest additions to the collection are characterized by their smooth gloss black lacquer finishes.
Although Omega produces Aqua Terra models in a wide variety of different materials, all three of the new black dial Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watches are crafted from stainless steel, and they are fitted with sapphire crystals, display casebacks, and METAS-certified Master Chronometer movements. Similarly, while an assortment of different straps and bracelets can be found throughout the greater Aqua Terra lineup, this latest trio of models with gloss black lacquer dials are all paired with stainless steel three-link bracelets that include an updated style of butterfly clasp with an integrated comfort extension. While butterfly-style clasps have slim and elegant profiles, they typically don’t offer any type of micro-adjustment system, although the clasps fitted to the new trio of black dial Aqua Terra models have small extensions built directly into one of their hinges.
The smallest model from this new trio of black lacquer dial Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watches is the reference 220.10.34.20.01.001, and it measures 34mm in diameter by 12mm thick, with 16mm lugs and an overall lug-to-lug profile of 40.5mm. Similar to other 34mm Aqua Terra models, the new black dial version features oval-shaped hour markers paired with a circular date window at the 6 o’clock location, and this helps to visually distinguish it from the larger models from the collection that have angular hour markers and trapezoid-shaped date windows. Additionally, powering the new 34mm black dial Aqua Terra is the brand’s Caliber 8800 movement, which is also used to power the other 34mm Aqua Terra models, and it runs at a frequency of 25,200vph (3.5Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 55 hours.
The midsize model from the new black lacquer dial Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watches is the reference 220.10.38.20.01.004, and it features a case that measures 38mm in diameter by 12.3mm thick, with 19mm lugs and an overall lug-to-lug profile of 45.1mm. Unlike its smaller 34mm sibling, the new 38mm black dial Aqua Terra has the collection’s usual tapered triangular hour markers with a trapezoid-shaped date window at the 6 o’clock location, although it features the same gloss black lacquer surface that can be found throughout this latest trio of models. Despite its larger size and different style of hour markers, the 38mm version of the black lacquer dial Aqua Terra is powered by the same Caliber 8800 movement, and it, therefore, offers identical specs with an operating frequency of 25,200vph (3.5Hz) and a power reserve of 55 hours.
Lastly, the largest model from the new trio of Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watches with black lacquer dials is the reference 220.10.41.21.01.002, and it features a case that measures 41mm in diameter by 13.4mm thick, with 20mm lugs and an overall lug-to-lug profile of 48mm. The dial fitted to the new 41mm black dial Aqua Terra offers the same appearance as what can be found on the new 38mm version, and it includes triangular hour markers and a trapezoid-shaped date window at 6 o’clock. However, just like other 41mm Aqua Terra models, the new black lacquer dial version is powered by the Caliber 8900 automatic movement, which runs at the same 25,200vph (3.5Hz) frequency as the Cal. 8800 inside the smaller models, although it offers a slightly longer power reserve of approximately 60 hours.
Realistically speaking, a trio of stainless steel time-and-date models fitted with gloss black dials is hardly the most exciting news from Omega, and the fact these watches didn’t already exist is arguably the most surprising part about this particular release. With that in mind, these new Seamaster Aqua Terra models are the definition of core-collection offerings, and they are the exact type of watch that resonates with a mainstream audience. Additionally, despite their various differences, all three of the new black lacquer dial Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watches cost the same with an official retail price of $6,600 USD. While a space-themed Speedmaster or record-breaking dive watch will always capture the imaginations of collectors, models like the new black dial Aqua Terra are the timepieces that form the bread and butter of Omega’s catalog, and I imagine that these simple and highly versatile watches will be popular among both watch enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. For more information on the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, please visit the brand’s website.
