Today, Omega announced an interesting and unusual new watch with a focus on highly technical lightweight materials. The new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light exists in the niche realm of high-end, experimental horology developed for athletic performance. Housed in a titanium case, even the weight of the movement was taken into consideration, and it all adds up to a mere 55 grams when on its velcro strap (only slightly more on rubber).
Almost the entire Aqua Terra Ultra Light watch, including its 41mm-wide case, dial, and even its movement, is made from titanium, and this is rare. For the case, Omega uses a specific alloy called Gamma Titanium, also known as titanium aluminide (TiAl) and used in the likes of jet engine turbine blades for its hardness and corrosion-resistance. With a sporty water-resistance of 150m, consistent with the Aqua Terra family, the case also has a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a rounded design for the crown guard — the crown pops out with a push for winding and setting. The bezel is made of ceramic, which is also very light as well as scratch-resistant.
With 72 hours of power reserve, the Omega 8928 movement inside is manually wound, probably in part to keep it thin and avoid the extra weight of an automatic rotor. The movement is METAS-certified to exceed COSC chronometer standards and uses non-magnetic parts for the escapement, including a silicon hairspring to withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. What is unusual about the caliber 8928, however, is that its plates and bridges are made from ceramized titanium, which is titanium with a ceramic coating to help reduce friction, according to the brand. It also sports a cool gray color as an added bonus.
The watch’s overall lightness is not only good for wearability but for reducing the impact of shocks. Somewhat reminiscent of the development process for Richard Mille’s super light and durable watch that Rafael Nadal actually wears while playing tennis (but costing much more than the Aqua Terra), the Aqua Terra was developed with brand ambassador and pro golfer Rory McIlroy.
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Light will be available in three versions with highlights of red, green, or blue, and each will have a price of $48,600.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch ($139)
Orient Star Standard Automatic ($699)
Omega Seamaster Rio 2016 Watch ($4,595)
