Aqua terra vs Seamaster 300

HNS · Aug 5, 2020

Hello Folks

I'm thinking of pulling a trigger on an Aqua Terra (8900) or a Seamaster 300 (8400).

I always shied away from coaxial movements and was thinking of getting a Speedy for that reason.

What's the difference between the 8400 and the 8800 movements?

All comments are welcome
Cheers

Donn Chambers · Aug 5, 2020

There are a few differences. The 8400 is not METAS certified (although it probably could be, it was just introduced before METAS). It also has no date function. Instead of a quickset date, though, it has a quickset hour hand so you can quickly change time zones or daylight savings without stopping the watch.

Really, those are such two different watches, you should be more concerned with the looks and functionality, bot the movements. They are both highly accurate, anti-magnetic co-axial movements.

HNS · Aug 5, 2020

Thanks Donn
Both for me are more casual watches. That's why I grouped them together.

AntonisCy · Aug 5, 2020

I would go with the AT and the 8900. The SM300 is due an update very soon either way.

tikkathree · Aug 5, 2020

HNS
Thanks Donn
Both for me are more casual watches. That's why I grouped them together.

Can I assist? Casual as in clean shirt, socks and shoes? Aqua Terra. Casual as in maybe a bit of farming today, maybe hunt a deer, change the oil in the pickup truck or take the boat out? Seamaster.

Tag7800 · Aug 5, 2020

The Aqua Terra's look classy!

dstfno · Aug 6, 2020

Donn Chambers
It also has no date function. Instead of a quickset date, though, it has a quickset hour hand so you can quickly change time zones or daylight savings without stopping the watch.

The 8900 also has no quickset date but quickset hour hand instead.

To the OP, note that the 41mm Aqua Terra, even though being the same size on paper, wears larger than the Seamaster. Because of the lack of bezel and much larger dial. Personally I would choose the 38mm for this type of watch.

Hxt1 · Aug 6, 2020

I'm going to play devil's advocate here...

why not both?
Muahahah!

dstfno
The 8900 also has no quickset date but quickset hour hand instead.

To the OP, note that the 41mm Aqua Terra, even though being the same size on paper, wears larger than the Seamaster. Because of the lack of bezel and much larger dial. Personally I would choose the 38mm for this type of watch.

Bernardino · Aug 6, 2020

The AT can be dressed up or down especially if you change the straps between leather and steel, this is my smarter watch.

My SMP is my casual watch, even though Bond wore it with a tuxedo I see it as more of a tool watch

Donn Chambers · Aug 6, 2020

dstfno
The 8900 also has no quickset date but quickset hour hand instead..

thanks for the correction. I don’t own and 8900-powered watch, and I can’t keep track of which movements have the quickest hour vs date.

HNS · Aug 6, 2020

Bernardino
The AT can be dressed up or down especially if you change the straps between leather and steel, this is my smarter watch.

My SMP is my casual watch, even though Bond wore it with a tuxedo I see it as more of a tool watch

Thanks Bernardino, I meant the Seamaster 300, not the SMP bond watch. ,

HNS · Aug 6, 2020

I'm also thinking of a Speedy as well. But its the same bracelet as my Seamaster GMT.

Scooterino36 · Aug 6, 2020

I've been having this internal debate myself. I own the Seamaster 300 but have been contemplating trading it for an Aqua Terra. At first I thought it was the size and bulk of the watch and bracelet that made the 300 too conspicuous for my tastes. But ive come to realize its the polished center links (which I believe the AT also has).

I actually ended up brushing the center links myself, and now I feel the 300 is a perfect casual watch. I feel that in some ways the AT is too much a compromise of different styles, while the Seamaster 300 is a full blown diver. Hopefully this is somewhat helpful!

Donn Chambers · Aug 6, 2020

Scooterino36
I've been having this internal debate myself. I own the Seamaster 300 but have been contemplating trading it for an Aqua Terra. At first I thought it was the size and bulk of the watch and bracelet that made the 300 too conspicuous for my tastes. But ive come to realize its the polished center links (which I believe the AT also has).

I actually ended up brushing the center links myself, and now I feel the 300 is a perfect casual watch. I feel that in some ways the AT is too much a compromise of different styles, while the Seamaster 300 is a full blown diver. Hopefully this is somewhat helpful!

don’t know if you only prefer bracelets or not, but have you tried the 300 on a strap? I think it actually looks better on a strap than the bracelet and I wear mine on various straps (leather, cordura, sailcloth, NATO) 90% of the time.

Scooterino36 · Aug 6, 2020

I do have a tropic strap that I like to wear the 300 on, but I'm a bracelet guy most of the time.

eugeneandresson · Aug 6, 2020

HNS
What's the difference between the 8400 and the 8800 movements?

I read (but may be wrong so please correct me if I am) on a German blog that the 8800 is thinner than the 8400...

Also the 8800 has 55h power reserve while the 8400 has 60h.

imranbecks · Aug 8, 2020

I have em both. But it's the 8500 AT and the 8400 SM300.

Lbennett · Aug 8, 2020

Would go with the current gen AT since it was just updated. Wish the 38mm had all the same color options as the 41.

Also - why concerned about coaxial movements?

HNS · Aug 9, 2020

imranbecks
I have em both. But it's the 8500 AT and the 8400 SM300.

So which one do you prefer ?

HNS · Aug 9, 2020

Lbennett
Would go with the current gen AT since it was just updated. Wish the 38mm had all the same color options as the 41.

Also - why concerned about coaxial movements?

I'm no expert, and I currently do not own a coaxial escapement watch, so to be fair I get all my info from secondary sources. All of my Omega's are pre coaxial movements. We've had Omega watches in the family for decades now. It was always our first to go brand until 2000.

First in the beginning - 20 years ago or less - I had many AD's wine about the too many versions of the movements (a.b.c.d, etc), and the speed with which they changed, and all the different spare parts that they had to carry to service omega watches. There must be a reason for that rapid change. In Rolex watches, the changes to movements are subtle and are updated when the watch is sent for servicing.

Second, I'm a globetrotter, currently in Switzerland, and it seems to me that not many watchmakers, authorized, or not have the capability of correctly servicing coaxial escapement watches especially in certain parts of the globe. Some expert opinions on this board attest to that.

Third, I just wonder why no other brand decided to use coaxial escapements after the patent ended. There must be a reason. The new Rolex 3235 movement with the chronergy escapement is sometimes cited as an answer to Omega's coaxial escapement despite being a single wheel escapement. I'd like to hear any educated opinions on that.

Fourth, some expert opinions on this board, seem to hint in the above direction.

I'm no expert, that's why I asked the question and I'm really appreciative of all the comments.

Cheers and Happy Sunday everyone

Aqua terra vs Seamaster 300

HNS

Donn Chambers

HNS

AntonisCy

tikkathree

Tag7800

dstfno

Hxt1

Bernardino

Donn Chambers

HNS

HNS

Scooterino36

Donn Chambers

Scooterino36

eugeneandresson

imranbecks

Lbennett

HNS

HNS

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