We can say this about all our watches. You have a great watch. The brands always keep improving and innovating their models. Seems that you’re not really a flipper owing this for 5 years, so keep enjoying.
I have had mine for about 8 months. I opted for the Milanese bracelet. Glad I did too. I ordered a rubber band for the summer. I love the 8900 movement, if it came in the 38 that would be the watch, but even with a 6.5 inch wrist the 41 works well enough. Also, stopped by the AD yesterday and you will be able to order the new AT bracelet with micro adjust soon!
Idk why ppl gives so many crap on this bracelet, I have one exactly like this, and I have other watches like Datejust 41 on the oyster bracelet, I honestly think that they are just alike, but on the oyster bracelet no one gives crap about it.
An AT in 38mm would fit your wrist much better than the 41. I have a roughly similar wrist size as you and wore a 3rd gen AT in 38.5mm for many years as my daily - which was dress shirts with a sportcoat on weekdays and I never had cuff issues.
Very thoughtful and honest summary, WW. The height of the 41mm is fine for me. As you note, the steel bracelet is not good enough at this price point. I like the low profile of the butterfly, but the bracelet itself is flimsy and too light. Looking back in hindsight, the only watch I’d realistically consider as a replacement is the Rolex Explorer I. And that lacks a date and open case back. AT remains a fantastic choice - with some negatives.
Definitely right about the bracelet. I also prefer the newer president style links, but it still needs a more refined extension because it leave an ugly gap, like how they fixed the Speedmaster extension.
I’ve got the blue 41mm and have the same gripes. Considering selling it and getting the globemaster but at the same time, it’s my first luxury watch and still love it. Might just keep it forever
I have a gen1 39mm aqua terra and IMO it's the best version. No blingy polishing everywhere and very thin @ 11mm. The movement is the only thing that has improved in the newer versions but they a far too thick.
The first generation of the Aqua terra is still my favourite of the line. 39.2 millimeter diameter, great design, solid co-axial movement, doesn´t build too high, super comfortable to wear. I like the design of the newer Aqua Terras as well but they build way too high for my taste. I do appreciate all the fancy inhouse movement improvements and all that but why does it have to have the look and feel of an ice hockey puck? Same with the Planet Ocean. I hope they will produce some less bulky watches someday again.
I bought this watch in 2023 as my first luxury watch. It’s a beautiful watch but I found it uncomfortable due to bracelet. No Tfit or glide lock. It was a little too heavy. I changed it with a Artem strap and it was much lighter. For that kind of money Omega should invest on its bracelet. I work outdoors and wrist size changes throughout the day
I'd probably pick a Mark XX over it. The new lacquer is nice, but the micro-adjust seems like more of a long term hindrance. Good for when a watch feels tight midday, but it leaves an unsightly gap if expanded.
Your problem with the sleeve is because the watch head is a bit big on your wrist (more space consumption), my wrist is 17cm and i easily fit my older 38.5 (yep same 13mm thick). Omega AT and Grand Seiko are pretty thick due to the index ring, the wall is taller than a lot or other brands (it creates more depth to the dial), if they do the same like other brands and have closed case back, they can easily cut down 2mm.
These are also the two issues that have kept me from getting this watch: the bracelet and the thickness. But now of course there is the new 38 mm green dial Aqua Terra 🤔
I already have an SMP 300, so I want an Aquaterra as my dressier watch now. That's why I'll opt for the full-polish of the Shades line. Also, the 8800 movement's quick-set date is welcome in a watch I won't be wearing every day.
My dear man, switch to a 38 and all your gripes will disappear. I have absolutely none of the issues you describe with the 38 on my 16.75inch wrist. The 41 is not appropriately sized to your wrist.
It’s such a beautiful watch, but I just can’t escape in my mind that it’s a mall watch. I went to look at it and they immedietly started offering me finance options… it made me actually feel the Rolex AD game is justified. I am more proud of my microbrands and my Rolex than I think I could ever be for an omega… and it’s a shame. That dial, the hands, the polishing. It’s gorgeous
I love mine but maybe I’m still in the honeymoon phase. I was concerned about the thickness with my sleeves but it’s not much of a problem for me (17” wrist). One thing that concerns me is I don’t feel the stem pops out enough for me when doing a manual wind, in fact, I’ll turn it counterclockwise more than enough times only to inadvertently tighten it back when winding it. Which means it never popped out. I don’t have this issue with my other watches. Maybe mine is faulty. Position one is just very close to the body though. Beautiful watch though just wish it had micro adjustments. If nobody else has this issue, please let me know.
Rolex OP has a better bracelet, but the teak deck dial looks far better. Good luck getting an OP at retail too. I bought a blue teak 38mm two weeks ago over the new black one. The black one is just too polished for my liking. If it had more brushing, I might have bought it, but I already have two watches with inky black dials and have no watches with intricate dial patterns like the AT.
Depends which of the 100 odd variants you choose. That’s the problem in a nutshell - there almost more ATs than Rolex entire catalogue, let alone how many speedmaster variants, etc. That’s why they will never be iconic, other than the moonwatch. If they trimed it down to black model to start with, put a slimmer movement in it (if need be, ditch coaxial, make a METAs ETA) and rethought the bracelet, they would be on the right track.
I've been thinking about grabbing a 38mm Aqua Terra. I'll wait and see if Omega decides to add the new micro extension to the other Aqua Terra options.
I apologize for my stuffy and nasally voice, I've been recovering from the flu.
We can say this about all our watches. You have a great watch. The brands always keep improving and innovating their models. Seems that you’re not really a flipper owing this for 5 years, so keep enjoying.
@@stevem863 This is true. I still love my Aqua Terra 👍
I have had mine for about 8 months. I opted for the Milanese bracelet. Glad I did too. I ordered a rubber band for the summer. I love the 8900 movement, if it came in the 38 that would be the watch, but even with a 6.5 inch wrist the 41 works well enough. Also, stopped by the AD yesterday and you will be able to order the new AT bracelet with micro adjust soon!
Idk why ppl gives so many crap on this bracelet, I have one exactly like this, and I have other watches like Datejust 41 on the oyster bracelet, I honestly think that they are just alike, but on the oyster bracelet no one gives crap about it.
An AT in 38mm would fit your wrist much better than the 41. I have a roughly similar wrist size as you and wore a 3rd gen AT in 38.5mm for many years as my daily - which was dress shirts with a sportcoat on weekdays and I never had cuff issues.
@@SonBob-pm1zk I'm thinking about adding the 38mm, but I'm not sure how I feel about having two Aqua Terra in the collection just yet.
Non-sense to keep both. Sell 41 and get the timeless blue AT 38mm
Very thoughtful and honest summary, WW. The height of the 41mm is fine for me. As you note, the steel bracelet is not good enough at this price point. I like the low profile of the butterfly, but the bracelet itself is flimsy and too light. Looking back in hindsight, the only watch I’d realistically consider as a replacement is the Rolex Explorer I. And that lacks a date and open case back. AT remains a fantastic choice - with some negatives.
@@DudeEsq The Aqua Terra is still a great timepiece, and it's unique look and specifications help to offset it's downfalls for me.
Definitely right about the bracelet. I also prefer the newer president style links, but it still needs a more refined extension because it leave an ugly gap, like how they fixed the Speedmaster extension.
@@danielwalt3677 Yes, I'm surprised Omega didn't learn from that.
A teak dial with the Shades bracelet would be a real winner!
@@lamentate07 I agree!
I’ve got the blue 41mm and have the same gripes. Considering selling it and getting the globemaster but at the same time, it’s my first luxury watch and still love it. Might just keep it forever
This Aqua Terra was also my first luxury watch, so I know how you feel.
I have a gen1 39mm aqua terra and IMO it's the best version. No blingy polishing everywhere and very thin @ 11mm. The movement is the only thing that has improved in the newer versions but they a far too thick.
The first generation of the Aqua terra is still my favourite of the line. 39.2 millimeter diameter, great design, solid co-axial movement, doesn´t build too high, super comfortable to wear. I like the design of the newer Aqua Terras as well but they build way too high for my taste. I do appreciate all the fancy inhouse movement improvements and all that but why does it have to have the look and feel of an ice hockey puck? Same with the Planet Ocean. I hope they will produce some less bulky watches someday again.
I bought this watch in 2023 as my first luxury watch. It’s a beautiful watch but I found it uncomfortable due to bracelet. No Tfit or glide lock. It was a little too heavy. I changed it with a Artem strap and it was much lighter. For that kind of money Omega should invest on its bracelet. I work outdoors and wrist size changes throughout the day
@@JuanSegarra-td6yr A better bracelet is much needed. I also find it wears better on a strap.
I'd probably pick a Mark XX over it. The new lacquer is nice, but the micro-adjust seems like more of a long term hindrance. Good for when a watch feels tight midday, but it leaves an unsightly gap if expanded.
The features on the Mark XX bracelet are fantastic.
Thanks for the video! The 38mm solves some of the issues - it is smaller and thinner and also the new bracelet is better
Your problem with the sleeve is because the watch head is a bit big on your wrist (more space consumption), my wrist is 17cm and i easily fit my older 38.5 (yep same 13mm thick). Omega AT and Grand Seiko are pretty thick due to the index ring, the wall is taller than a lot or other brands (it creates more depth to the dial), if they do the same like other brands and have closed case back, they can easily cut down 2mm.
@@samtran5095 I'm considering getting the 38mm Aqua Terra, but with a different dial (to justify having two Aqua Terra).
These are also the two issues that have kept me from getting this watch: the bracelet and the thickness. But now of course there is the new 38 mm green dial Aqua Terra 🤔
@@andersmarkandersen6497 it's very tempting
I already have an SMP 300, so I want an Aquaterra as my dressier watch now. That's why I'll opt for the full-polish of the Shades line. Also, the 8800 movement's quick-set date is welcome in a watch I won't be wearing every day.
@@NicolasMiari They will make a great pair!
My dear man, switch to a 38 and all your gripes will disappear. I have absolutely none of the issues you describe with the 38 on my 16.75inch wrist. The 41 is not appropriately sized to your wrist.
I have been considering the 38 a lot recently. Hopefully Omega also adds the new bracelet extension to the other options.
Do you have a 6.75 inch or 16.75 cm wrist?
It’s such a beautiful watch, but I just can’t escape in my mind that it’s a mall watch. I went to look at it and they immedietly started offering me finance options… it made me actually feel the Rolex AD game is justified. I am more proud of my microbrands and my Rolex than I think I could ever be for an omega… and it’s a shame. That dial, the hands, the polishing. It’s gorgeous
Great video!
@@pearlflubber thank you!
I love mine but maybe I’m still in the honeymoon phase. I was concerned about the thickness with my sleeves but it’s not much of a problem for me (17” wrist).
One thing that concerns me is I don’t feel the stem pops out enough for me when doing a manual wind, in fact, I’ll turn it counterclockwise more than enough times only to inadvertently tighten it back when winding it. Which means it never popped out. I don’t have this issue with my other watches. Maybe mine is faulty. Position one is just very close to the body though. Beautiful watch though just wish it had micro adjustments.
If nobody else has this issue, please let me know.
Rolex OP has a better bracelet, but the teak deck dial looks far better. Good luck getting an OP at retail too.
I bought a blue teak 38mm two weeks ago over the new black one. The black one is just too polished for my liking. If it had more brushing, I might have bought it, but I already have two watches with inky black dials and have no watches with intricate dial patterns like the AT.
@@lamentate07 I'm also a huge fan of the teak dial.
Depends which of the 100 odd variants you choose. That’s the problem in a nutshell - there almost more ATs than Rolex entire catalogue, let alone how many speedmaster variants, etc. That’s why they will never be iconic, other than the moonwatch. If they trimed it down to black model to start with, put a slimmer movement in it (if need be, ditch coaxial, make a METAs ETA) and rethought the bracelet, they would be on the right track.
@@mkyhou1160Good point. Sometimes too many choices makes it harder to make a decision.
omega is the best
Great post!
the secondary market price is still the same. MSRP doesn't matter
too think and No real good micro quick adjust . is a deal breaker for me
These are definitely the major issues for this Aqua Terra.
i hate butterfly clasps
Sell this and buy the 38mm version.
I've been thinking about grabbing a 38mm Aqua Terra. I'll wait and see if Omega decides to add the new micro extension to the other Aqua Terra options.
Do you shave your arms?
@@PaulyP_13 No, I don't have much hair on my arms thanks to genetics.