Omega launches the new Seamaster Aqua Terra collection in sunny Langkawi
Not many watch brands can boast about conquering the final frontier — space — which Omega did in 1969 when it earned the distinction of being the first watch on the moon. Its Omega Speedmaster, or Moonwatch, was selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for all its missions to space. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who later became Omega’s brand ambassador, was wearing the Omega Speedmaster when he stepped off Apollo 11. This year, the timepiece celebrates its 60th year.

A group of journalists were treated to two days of sun and sea on the beautiful island of Langkawi in Malaysia recently. We, along with Omega’s guests, were gathered there on Oct 19 to witness the launch of the new generation of Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra collection at the St Regis Langkawi Hotel.

Needless to say, the venue was decorated with all things nautical — from the blue colour theme to the sumptuous seafood spread. In the background, a video of British actor and Omega brand ambassador Eddie Redmayne sailing and sporting his Seamaster Aqua Terra watch was played on a loop.

As the sun began to set over the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, Jose De Cardoso, country manager of Omega Malaysia and Singapore, told the guests: “Omega has an enduring and rich maritime legacy, and it is this legacy that inspired Omega to introduce the new Seamaster Aqua Terra Collection. As the Seamaster Aqua Terra continues its journey with new designs, sizes and Master Chronometers, today’s launch is just the beginning and we can’t wait to share it with the Seamaster’s biggest fans.”

Master Chronometer represents a refined standard of quality, going well beyond the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, certification, by which all watches are usually measured.

mute
In attendance too was Gregory Kissling, head of product management, who gave a fascinating talk about the Seamaster Aqua Terra’s extraordinary anti-magnetic properties. Each watch in the new Seamaster Aqua Terra collection has a guaranteed magnetic resistance of up to 15,000 gauss. The choronometric precision is calculated after 24 hours, after which the watch is demagnetised and the chronometric function is calculated again after another 24 hours. These tests are approved by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology, to achieve the industry’s highest level of certification.

In the new Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, some features were updated to give the timepieces a new look — you can wear it for a day at the office and even a weekend away on your yacht.

The watch cases are made of stainless steel, 18K Sedna™ gold (a mixture of gold, copper and palladium) or a combination of both. There is also a choice of black, brown, blue, grey or silvery dials and a diverse selection of bracelets and straps, including steel, leather and structured rubber.

 Master of time
The design of Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra collection is such that we are reminded of the careful thought that goes behind the making of each timepiece. This year, a wide selection of new models have been created.

For him
Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra has always provided the perfect balance between sophistication and ocean spirit. In this new collection, some of the most popular features have been enhanced or subtly transformed. The most notable changes include the teak pattern on the dial, which now runs horizontally as opposed to vertically, as well as the cleaner aesthetics and symmetrical case.

For her
The Seamaster Aqua Terra Ladies’ Collection features 30 new models in three different sizes. Omega has given the timepieces several design twists and, in most models, a Master Chronometer upgrade that offers impressive levels of precision and performance. The clean and crisp dials feature mother-of-pearl and 14 different colours, and the symmetrical cases have been redesigned to achieve a seamless integration with the feminine bracelet

This article appeared in Issue 804 (Nov 6) of The Edge Singapore.

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