Omega’s new Seamaster Aqua Terra’s titanium watch weighs just 55 grams

Omega list of accomplishments are only getting longer. After making waves for its new ‘Dark Side of the Moon‘ late last year that paid obeisance to NASA accomplishments, and barely a month after sending a Seamaster Planet Ocean to the depths of the Mariana Trench, it has achieved yet another milestone with the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra “Ultra Light”. 

Yet being incredibly lightweight is only the byproduct of this watch’s biggest draw. Thanks to the company’s penchant for experimental horology, this new Omega Seamaster largely deviates from its predecessors both aesthetically and mechanically. Its biggest is, of course, the fact that it’s mostly made out of titanium — yes, even the movement.

This niche realm is one that’s seldom touched by even the most storied of watchmakers, only because the costs of the research and development involved would eventually deem it too pricey to execute. The Seamaster Aqua Terra “Ultra Light” weighs only 55g — a little less than a tennis ball — because of the extensive use of a compound called Gamma Titanium.

Known more colloquially as titanium aluminide, this lightweight material is often used in the aerospace industry for jet-turbine parts.

This may be the first time Omega is using the inter-metallic compound, but the watch isn’t giving its debut away. Designed with the help its longtime ambassador Rory McIlroy — who happens to also be a two-time PGA Tour Player of the Year — the sports timepiece is designed to sit comfortably on the wrist without encumbering any movement, regardless of whichever sport you’re currently into.

Inside, the all-new movement is a manually-wound Caliber 8928 Titanium, which in addition being Omega’s first titanium movement is also Master Chronometer-certified, proving that innovation in this firm is not only fast-paced, but precise. Its plates and bridges are crafted in ceramised titanium, which in addition to giving it an edgy dark grey hue also helps with reducing friction.

You won’t get creature comforts such as a date display with this one, but ergonomics are an added bonus. An innovative push-in, push-out telescopic crown not only gives the watch a more streamlined look when lying flush with the case, but also prevents it from digging into the wrist.

The revolutionary features of this watch will however come at an eye-watering price of US$67,600, packaged alongside a NATO and rubber strap to withstand any fast-paced activity you throw at it.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore by Shatricia Nair.

All images: Courtesy brand.