This week, Omega unveiled three new versions of the Aqua Terra GMT Worldtimer.
The 2023 Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT Worldtimer is presented in a 43 mm x 14.1 mm case, that measures 50 mm lug-to-lug. Dimensionally, the existing Aqua Terra Worldtimer references are slightly longer at 50.3 mm lug-to-lug.
There are three versions, two in stainless steel, and one in grade 2 titanium. All references feature an all-new scratch-resistant ceramic bezel, a domed sapphire crystal, and a motif of the Earth viewed from above the North Pole, in the center of the dial. This slightly domed depiction of the Earth has been produced on a grade 5 titanium surface and detailed with laser-ablated continents and colors. Exclusively for the titanium version, the entire dial has been created using laser ablation. (Laser ablation is the process of removing material from a solid surface by irradiating it with a laser beam.)
Circling the topographic map in the center is a 24-hour day/night indication, protected under a hesalite glass ring. On the two-level outermost rings are the worldtimer cities, which are marked with raised letters in yellow gold on the steel models, and silver on the titanium model. Omega’s home city of Biel/Bienne is marked as “BIENNE” in place of what is often labeled as Paris or Geneva on worldtimers. And “LONDON” is marketed in red to highlight Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)/UTC.
The steel references both have sun-brushed PVD green dials and triangular-shaped 18K Moonshine gold indices and hands. The titanium model features a matte, fully laser-ablated gray and black dial, with black indices and hands. Green ceramic bezels are fixed to the stainless steel cases and a black ceramic is used for the titanium model.
Omega’s automatic caliber 8939 Co-Axial Master Chronometer is METAS certified and rated to 0/+5 seconds per day, which is significantly better than a standard COSC chronometer (which are rated to -4/+6 second per day) and is resistant to magnetic fields up to an incredible level of 15,000 gausses. Caliber 8938 drives the GMT, time, and date functions, and has a time zone function that jumps the hour hand in one-hour increments to quickly set the time. The automatic rotor winds the mainspring bidirectionally for higher efficiency. The maximum power reserve is 60 hours. A free-sprung balance system, supported by a traversing balance bridge, with a silicon balance spring, ensure robustness, efficiency, and accuracy. The rotor and bridges are rhodium-plated and have been machine decorated with Omega’s signature Geneva waves in arabesque, viewable through the flat sapphire caseback.
These are Seamasters with screw-down crowns, screw-in casebacks, and multiple gaskets, and have a depth rating of 150 meters. The weight of each Aqua Terra GMT Worldtimer varies, with the stainless steel version on a steel bracelet (Ref. 220.30.43.22.10.001 – steel with matching bracelet) weighing 161 grams, the stainless steel version with a rubber strap (Ref. 220.32.43.22.10.001 – steel with rubber strap) weighing 120 grams, and the titanium version with a rubber strap (Ref. 220.92.43.22.99.001) weighs 94 grams.
Retail prices are $10,200 to $11,800.
Photos by Omega.
