For the first time, Omega Aqua Terra GMT timepiece comes powered with one of the brand’s most advanced mechanisms. It is also the first time that Omega’s exclusive in-house movement features the GMT complication. This should be more than enough for all avid fans of the renowned Swiss watchmaker to look forward to the upcoming Baselworld 2012 watch and jewelry show, when this great watch will be officially presented.
I have already introduced Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial GMT Chronograph that was powered by a Piguet-Based Calibre 3603 Co-Axial movement. Not only that the new Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT houses an in-house Co-Axial Caliber 8605/8615 GMT mechanism which is considered to be Omega’s technological high-end, but it also looks more clear and elegant than the chronograph model. Those who find the dial of the chronograph model over-crowded, will certainly appreciate the absence of chrono sub-dials. Besides, a nicely polished bezel substitutes the bi-directional rotating bezel of the chronograph GMT model.
Everithing else is pretty much the same. The new GMT features an authentic “Teak Concept” dial with vertical lines that immediately distinguish Aqua Terra watch from other brand’s models. Hand-applied hour markers are made of 18 karat gold which is nicely polished and brushed and then covered with white Super-LumiNova, just like hour and minute hands. Among applied markers, there are printed Arabic numerals that indicate 24-hours scale. The arrow GMT hand with the red top makes one rotation in 24 hours, tracking the time in the second time zone.
The Omega’s novelty comes in slightly smaller size, with the diameter of 43 mm (compared to 44 mm case of the Chronograph). The Swiss watchmaker created three variations of the Aqua Terrra GMT – the first one is made of stainless steel, while for the luxury watch lovers, there is a pink gold version. Finally, a two tone version comes in steel and red gold combination. Each of them is available with a matching bracelet or with a leather strap which is either black, or brown, or blue.
The Omega Co-Axial Calibre 8605/8615 self-winding movement which powers the watch is the modified version of an in-house Calibre 8500 that is used for the latest Seamaster Aqua Terra Chronometer. (Read our review.) Thanks to the revolutionary Co-Axial escapement, the mechanism provides much higher stability, precision and endurance than some traditional movements. Besides, it features a free sprung balance, a balance bridge, a shock absorber and two barrels that increase its power reserve to 60 hours.
Baselworld 2012 Preview – Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT Watch review was published on Watchalyzer on February 15, 2012
Any ideas on release date and price?