Omega Shows Fun Dial Colors Weren't A Fad With Two New Seamaster Aqua Terra ‘Shades’ Watches

Back in 2022, Omega launched the Seamaster Aqua Terra ‘Shades’ collection, which was a straightforward offering of 38 and 34mm watches offered in a range of vibrant dial colors. The 38mm models came in blue, taupe, green, saffron, and red while the 34mm came in blue, lagoon green, purple, and pink. These were intended to present some serious competition for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual but were initially hindered due to some issues, namely the fact that the initial run lacked framed date windows. Just a year later, Omega revisited the 38mm models and added framed date windows which made a huge difference aesthetically. Now, we see the release of two new 38mm Seamaster Aqua Terra ‘Shades’ watches in lavender and shell pink, two colors that were previously limited to the smaller cases.

These two new shades are applied to lacquered brass dials which really need to be seen in person in order to properly appreciate their qualities. Really, it’s because of the massive resources of the Swatch Group that Omega is able to achieve this level of finishing at this price point. The rhodium-plated hands and indices along with the framed date window at 6 o’clock are nice and legible without being too obnoxious or distracting.

Some people have said that the colored dial trend of a few years back has faded, but I think that’s a very “watch-media-pilled” take that overcomplicates the fact that people have always liked versatile dress watches in fun colors. We don’t really need to overthink it beyond that, though “takes” are sure to emerge.

Beyond the dial colors, the basics remain the same here. The 38mm-diameter model is outfitted with the Co-Axial Chronometer Caliber 8800 which operates at 3.5 Hz and has a 55-hour power reserve. The case measures 38mm wide and 12.4mm thick, with a 44.9mm lug-to-lug measurement (150 meters of water resistance). Another improvement that has steadily been rolled out in the collection is the updated three-link bracelet, which has a micro-adjustment feature.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is one of the more versatile watches out there, and it’s not hard to understand the logic of adding new dial colors or, at least, having existing colors applied to the most universally appealing case size. The new 38mm Aqua Terra "Shades" watches in lavender (Ref. 220.10.38.20.10.004) and shell pink (Ref. 220.10.38.20.10.005) are priced at $6,600.