ReviewOmega Seamaster Aqua Terra GoodPlanet 150 M

“Luxury life is good if every man living on earth can benefit from it! Otherwise, it is injustice!”

―Mehmet Murat Ildan

The luxury of time and a good life is enjoyed only by a few people. Below the layer of superficiality lies the harsh reality  – there’s one element that’s digressing while we humans are progressing: the environment. Omega understands Mehmet Murat Ildan’s concern which is why it’s one of the rare luxury brands that contributes to the wellness of humans, wildlife and the environment. Be it their association with Orbis and their Flying Eye Hospital or their partnership with the Goodplanet Foundation, which was announced in 2011 — Omega has always worn philanthropy on its sleeve. Launched at Baselworld 2016, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150 M GoodPlanet reinstates the brand’s association with the Goodplanet Foundation. Just like the previous Goodplanet watch, the proceeds of which went towards preserving mangroves and seagrasses in Southeast Asia, the proceeds for the Aqua Terra will go towards funding two new wildlife projects that the Foundation has established in the African nation of Botswana.

Made for both the sea and land

Nautically themed, both the watches come in grade 5 titanium. Made to survive the extremities of the environment, both the models have a sturdy case. Let’s review the watches separately:

1) Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GoodPlanet 43 mm (Ref: 231.90.43.22.04.001)

Imagine the sea, the sky and land merging into one when the waves unite them. You get the same feeling when you look at this watch. Crafted in grade 5 titanium, the bracelet and the case of the watch gleam of clarity. The white lacquered 43mm dial combined with the Dauphine-style blue hands come off as a fresh breezy design. The GMT hand with an applied red aluminium tip adds a dash of brightness to the otherwise soothing watch. The date window at 6 o’clock is placed in such a way that it’s easily visible. The look of the ocean themed watch is completed by the blued indices on the white dial, which are diamond-polished on the sides and brushed on top. Both the hands and indices are treated with white Super-Luminova for better visibility.

Moving on to the features, the 43 mm Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra works on the Omega Master Co-Axial Calibre 8605 movement which has 38 jewels. Resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 Gauss, this co-axial self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 25,200 vph and offers a power reserve of 60 hours. The best part is the GMT feature which makes it possible to keep track of the time in two time zones. You can see the movement work wonders through the domed sapphire crystal case back. Because it is in association with the Foundation, the case back has the words ‘GoodPlanet Foundation’ varnished in blue.

2) Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GoodPlanet 43mm with Nylon Strap (Ref: 231.92.43.22.04.001)

A classy, understated timepiece, the Seamaster Aqua Terra comes in a 43mm titanium case with the same white lacquered dial, dauphine blue hands, red-tipped aluminium GMT hand and diamond polished blue indices as the afore mentioned watch. The movement, water resistance which is 150 m, jewels everything remains the same.

The same design elements equipped with a coated nylon fabric strap – that’s what sets this version distinctly apart. Both watches are water resistant to 150 metres / 500 feet and have a sapphire crystal on the see-through caseback to display the movement beautifully while aptly protecting it. This reverse side also features engravings that include the “GoodPlanet Foundation” in varnished blue.

Both the watches are Chronometers, but what’s surprising is that these Baselworld 2016 launches are among those few pieces that are not METAS certified. The screw in crown and the transparent case back compliment the nautical theme of the Aqua Terra. Unlike other Aqua Terra models, these watches do not feature the typical teak design.

Omega makes a difference

Back in 2011, when Omega began its association with GoodPlanet Foundation it was the start of a change towards the well- being of the environment. After the success of the Planet Ocean film in 2011, Omega commemorated its association with GoodPlanet by introducing the watches.

For this year’s project, GoodPlanet along with Omega, is making a film titled ‘Terra’ which is made in Botswana. Watch the movie here:

And to help continue its cause towards the environment, Omega is donating a portion of the sales proceeds to a new wildlife project in Botswana.

Presented in a special bamboo box, these stunning timepieces are a befitting addition to every connoisseur’s collection, thus making the lucky buyer a contributor to the fantastic work being done for our planet.

Watch the video below for a glimpse of the stunning timepieces in motion.

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