The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Lately the Omega Aqua Terra has caught my eye even though up until now I have never been drawn to Omega as a brand.

Ideally I am looking for an everyday wear piece that can go well at work or a day lounging at the pool. I am also considering a Colt II but the all polished finish is a downside for me.

Does anyone know if the Aqua Terra has a brushed bracelet? Any comparison thoughts or shots of the two watches?

I have a Railmaster Chrono and non chrono. Superb watches. My only complaint on the Aqua Terra bracelet is the lack of a micro adjustment. The half link is the only adjustment on that bracelet. If it works for you, it works. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I still enjoy both watches, just seem to not wear them as often.

R/

AT bracelets, with the exception of a new brushed/polished bracelet on a new model, are all brushed.

The AT is a great "one watch" piece, works everywhere though I think best with a suit, a little conservative casually. To me the Colt is the opposite, great casual watch, works at work but depending on your taste that bracelet polished could be a little loud.

If you're a movement guy, Omega has the more sophisticated movements. The newer models (pinstripe dial) have the 8500, which some consider a true in-house movement. (It's all Swatch group, so there are technical arguments, don't remember the details.) Older models have the 2500, co-axial. Had some growing pains like the B01, but I think they've proven themselves over the years.

Dollar wise, I think the Colt would only compare with a pre-owned 2500. I have, however, seen a few newer ATs pre-owned at around $3K. There's a nice looking black AT chrono (old style) on the 'bay now at around $2000 with a few hours to go ( don't remember all details, was looking at it myself but my watch budget is tight now)

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

Are the links solid or hollow? I am pretty sure pins are used instead of screws which might lead to stretching, but would you consider the bracelet to be comparable to the Navi or Pilot bracelet?



I much prefer the pinstripe dial, but that is not really comparable to the colt. I did come across a white dial chrono on the bay but needs some TLC and comes without B&P. Imwas considering a three hand, but without the pin striping I worry the dial might become boring over time. A few sub-dials might just change that.

In also noticed that the chrono has The Omega 3301....is this the movement with so many issues I recall reading about?

I can't speak for the AT, but all Omega's I've handled/owned in recent years all have solid links. Most of the newer models use screws, but TBH there's no problem with pins once the initial sizing is out of the way. I wouldn't say pins are any more or less likely than screws to cause (or prevent) bracelet stretch.

And yes the 3301 is one of the Fredric Piguet made 33** movements that had a few issues when they were introduced. Some of the issues were apparently sorted in later versions, but the main problem is apparently in the fragility of the design.... which is rather hard to fix retrospectively. Most people will say that this is one of the primary reasons that Omega developed the in-house 9300 instead.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I have been pretty open about my affection for my Aqua Terra 8500. I own the Grey Teak Dial 41.5mm version. I believe the links are solid, and they are definitley connected with screws. As for the "pinstripes" on the dial, they are supposed to be reminiscent of the wood decking on nice boats. The dial does have a really nice 3D effect between the ridges and gives the whole watch some pop. The white gold hands and markers shine and shimmer nicely, which make them very easy to read in most conditions. The sapphire is double AR coated, so this helps as well. The accuracy has been phenomenal about +1 sec a day. There are two things on the watch that I have been a little less than impressed with, firstly as already mentioned there is no micro adjustment. In the colder months (here in Chicago) the watch fits perfectly. Since it has been pretty warm here the watch is a little tight, not enough for me to add a half link but a little tight. Secondly, the blue lume is just OK, it starts out decently bright and will last through the night, but it does get very faint. Other than those issues, I can't find anything else to complain about. The brushed and polished case is very well done and adds to the whole package. I really like the fully brushed bracelet as it is very sharp looking and and plenty comfortable (no pulling hair) for an all day outing. The display back is a great added bonus, the movement is very cool to look at and very pretty at that. I typically wear this watch with jeans, however when I have meetings and put on a nice shirt and slacks the AT fits right in. In fact, I will be standing up in a good friends wedding next fall and I know that the AT will look great with the tux. Hope this extra information helps, and let us know what you decide on.

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

I am looking at the older 2500 models without the pin striping which is my favorite aspect, but have found a nice example of both an Aqua Terra and Colt II.

The colt is mint and from one of our BSource members, but in buying it I would most likely brush the bracelet ala Murph. The dial does have a bit more detail which I like.

The Aqua Terra though looks to be in great condition and has gold indices which I think add a touch of dressiness.


This is a tough call with the Omega only being slightly more after bargaining

well, you already have two Breitlings...

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

I did see that AT on one of the boards over the weekend. Very nice, the gold indices give it life, and some versatility.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

Unfortunately that model is now gone so back to looking at 3301 chronos, 2500 three hands, and Colts