Omega Brings a Coldfront with the Seamaster Aqua Terra Beijing 2022

Omega has long been the authority when it comes to the Olympics and timekeeping instruments. The brand has introduced a dizzying array of watches - some hits and some misses - so naturally, for the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022 the brand isn’t holding any punches with the new Aqua Terra Beijing 2022 with a unique finished dial inspired by the snow.

THE BASICS:

Brand: Omega

Model: Seamaster Aqua Terra Beijing 2022

Case Material: 904L Steel

Case Size: 41mm

Water Resistance: 150 meters

Crystal: Sapphire Crystal

Movement:  Omega Calibre 8900

Movement Specs: Automatic, 4-Hz, META’s Certified, 60-hour power reserve, 15,000 Gauss

Strap Options: Steel Bracelet

THE JUICE:

Lets address the elephant in the room, since I know everyone is thinking it - Yes, Grand Seiko has a similar aesthetic offering. But, I’ll offer it’s not a fair comparison because the target audience isn’t the same. Personally, I am a fan of both offerings and think we as enthusiasts need to let the exist in their own rights.

The Aqua Terra Beijing 2022 features a laser engraved ceramic dial to achieve the ice-effect treatment. It provides an almost glaze to the dial that mimics, well, ice and snow. The contrasting red and blue accents give the watch a sporty look and emulate the colored rings of the Olympics without T-boning you with them like other models have in the past. The mirror polish bezel give me all the vibes of winter and the chamfered bracelet with brushed and polished linked hands down remind me of ice skates.

Inside the watch is the META’s certified Omega Calibre 8900. A formidable movement with fantastic specs and the added bonus of the Aqua Terra’s 15,000 Gauss of magnetism protection. The movement also has a fantastic 60 hours of power reserve. The stainless steel case-back features a Beijing 2022 motif and the Olympic Rings.

Overall, this is definitely one of the better Olympic models from Omega (to me anyway). It’s subtle, but still punchy and I appreciate how little it’s in-your-face about it being an Olympic affiliation. With the covid delays, the Winter Olympics in ‘22 feel right on the heels of the Summer Olympics - because they are. So the many models that will likely be released from the brand risk fatigue-ing enthusiasts, so the added bonus of subtlety is welcomed.

How much is the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Beijing 2022?

So far, there has been no limited amount announced, so the watch will be available through authorized dealers with a price tag or $6,200 USD.