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The purpose of this review is to highlight the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watch, detailing the major technical specifications and my views after having it on the wrist for a week. I also detail how to set the Co-Axial 8500 movement too.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 8500

In October of last year I reviewed the Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre edition, containing the 8400 movement. The only real movement difference between that and this 8500 number is the addition of a date function.

I would also like to thank Govberg Watches of Philadelphia at this for allowing me to review this timepiece.

Watch Technical Specifications & Closer Look

Omega Watch On The WristBelow I’ve detailed the main technical specifications of the watch:

  • Case Size: 38.5 mm the exact ref is: 231.13.39.02.002
  • Case Thickness: 13mm
  • Lugs: 19mm [strap size]
    • Leather strap with deployment clasp
  • Movement: 8500 automatic movement, with date function
    • Date Window: Aperture at 3pm
  • Power Reserve: 60 hours
  • Exhibition Case Back
  • Water Resistance: 150 m / 500 ft
    • Crown: Screw down
  • Magnetic Resistance: 15,000 gauss (post 2014 models, with the Master Co-Axial movements)

The recommended retail price: $5,400

Watch Face & Case

The face is truly stunning. What really impressed me was the visual depth of the face with the raised arrow hour markers, and the main face linear relief.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Watch Face

The minute arrow hand was elegantly long, not stubby as some of the hour hands can become in the arrow design.

Watch Face Top View

Even though I have nearly an 8″ wrist, the watch did not sit too flush upon my wrist. The band did have quite a lot of padding and would need some breaking in to sit flush.

Case side and lug view of watch

Case Thickness Of Omega Aqua Terra 8500

As with most of the modern Omega watches, I found this watch to be a little bit on the thick side and found that it did not sit quite as flush as the Rolex GMT of a similar size [Note: that watch is on a bracelet, but even after this leather strap break in I still feel it would not sit as comfortably on the wrist with the raised display back].

Omega Co-Axial 8500 Movement

The finishing of the modern Omega movements is nothing short of art. Just enjoy the below…

Omega 8500 Movement

In my recent Grand Seiko GMT watch review you can also see the movement via the display back, and although attractive does not come close to the finishing of the current Omega models.

For the price point, I truly believe Omega has the highest movement finishing in the world at the moment.

Exhibition Case Back Showing The Omega 8500 Movement

How To Set The Omega 8500 Watch Movement

After you unscrew the crown there are three positions:

  1. Initial Position: you can wind the watch from this position
  2. Position 1: Engaged the “jump hour hand” function to set both the hour hand and date
  3. Position 2: Allows you to set the minute hand

Strap & Clasp

As detailed above, the strap does have quite a lot of padding. For those with smaller wrists you may require longer to break it in, or may look to get a smaller / more supple band.

Omega Watch Strap And Clasp

As you would expect, the deployment clasp has a high finish and great Omega detailing.

Omega Deployment Clasp

Omega Seamster Aqua Terra 8500 Review

Having had the watch on the wrist for a week, I can say that the piece has grown on me considerably during that time.

I have to admit that at first I was not a fan of the deep relief hour markers or the two tone metal, but these both became two of my favorite aspects of the watch. From the outset, I did however love the finishing of the Co-Axial 8500 movement, as have always greatly admired the 8400 movement on my Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre.

For the price, looks, brand name, movement quality and finish, I don’t think there are many better options on the market today. A week on the wrist made me a big fan!

Lastly note there are around EIGHTEEN different model configurations to choose from, so there is surely one that will please your taste.

On The Wrist Shots

Omega Seamaster On The Wrist In London

On The Wrist Omega Aqua Terra

Sunrise over the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

This final shot really highlights the stunning depth and texture of the watch face design, while the timepiece remains at a relatively slender 13mm. Bravo Omega!

About the Author:

Paul Anthony is the founder and creative director at Bespoke Unit. He has had a life long affair with design, watches, fragrance and clothing. Originally from England, he now lives in the USA splitting time between NYC & Philly. Favoring "British Style", but has an overall eclectic taste.

4 Comments

  1. Garry Tough September 8, 2017 at 5:07 am - Reply

    Excellent review. Where did you get the strap and do you have any details on it?

    Much appreciated

    Thank you

    Garry

    • Paul Anthony September 12, 2017 at 10:45 am - Reply

      Dear Garry,

      That’s the strap the watch came with. I’m sure you can order from an Omega boutique with no issues.

      All the best,

      – Paul

  2. PePepperppPermill December 8, 2017 at 8:49 am - Reply

    Great watch and an exellent review with some very nice pictures! Really cool to see someone with a larger wrist wear a “smaller” watch in a time where most watches just get bigger and bigger. It looks fantastic on you. Just one thing to note: this is the older (pre-2014) Aqua Terra that doesn’t have the >15.000 gauss amagnetic movement like the post-2014 AT has. Both have the 8500 movement but the movement was updated in 2014 to the Master Co-axial.

    • Paul Anthony December 8, 2017 at 10:56 am - Reply

      Hello!

      Thanks very much for the comment. I do much prefer smaller watches, my wrist is 8″ and I favor watches in the 36 – 42mm range max!

      Appreciate the technical referent too…I made the change,

      All the best,

      – Paul

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