Bracelet mix & match for old and new Aqua Terra 41 (150 meters)

Abdon · Jul 28, 2023

Hello everyone!
I have just purchased a new (to me) Seamaster Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss "bumblebee", and I cannot wait to get it! It arrives tomorrow. I was able to source one in excellent condition, with box and papers, at a really fair price. The only thing (which was not a deal breaker, obviously) is that it comes with a leather strap, not the SS bracelet. I was able to source a SS bracelet for the Aqua Terra 41, however it is for the new model, not for the older model watch that I purchased. The lug width is the same for both watches (20 mm), but the lug length is slightly longer in the watch I purchased. Does anyone know if this will make a huge difference with regards to fit? meaning, will my new style bracelet fit on my older style watch? Has anyone else tried this? please let me know if you can.
Thank you!!!

josiahg52 · Jul 29, 2023

Depends on the relation of "old" and "new" here. Omega changed how the end-link indexes on the case between the older and newer watches. The "older" watches used tabs that fixed on the underside of the lugs. The "newer" watches have a slim tab on the end-link that engages to a slot on the side of the mid-case between the lugs. This was about 2018 for the SM300, I'm assuming, but it may be different for other models.

O0timbo0o · Jun 29, 2024

Abdon
Hello everyone!
I have just purchased a new (to me) Seamaster Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss "bumblebee", and I cannot wait to get it! It arrives tomorrow. I was able to source one in excellent condition, with box and papers, at a really fair price. The only thing (which was not a deal breaker, obviously) is that it comes with a leather strap, not the SS bracelet. I was able to source a SS bracelet for the Aqua Terra 41, however it is for the new model, not for the older model watch that I purchased. The lug width is the same for both watches (20 mm), but the lug length is slightly longer in the watch I purchased. Does anyone know if this will make a huge difference with regards to fit? meaning, will my new style bracelet fit on my older style watch? Has anyone else tried this? please let me know if you can.
Thank you!!!

Did you source a proper bracelet in the end, I have also just purchased a bumblebee on leather. Trying to find a reference number for the bracelet

buihh · Jan 24, 2025

Abdon
Hello everyone!
I have just purchased a new (to me) Seamaster Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss "bumblebee", and I cannot wait to get it! It arrives tomorrow. I was able to source one in excellent condition, with box and papers, at a really fair price. The only thing (which was not a deal breaker, obviously) is that it comes with a leather strap, not the SS bracelet. I was able to source a SS bracelet for the Aqua Terra 41, however it is for the new model, not for the older model watch that I purchased. The lug width is the same for both watches (20 mm), but the lug length is slightly longer in the watch I purchased. Does anyone know if this will make a huge difference with regards to fit? meaning, will my new style bracelet fit on my older style watch? Has anyone else tried this? please let me know if you can.
Thank you!!!

Did you buy it at the end? I Would like if there can be retrofit! Love the new one semi presidential ! Thanks

EuroDriver · Jan 26, 2025

The bracelet from the 8900 AT (horizontal teak pattern) will not fit the older 8500 AT. There is no known way to retrofit it.

You need to source the original bracelet. There are 2 versions: a brushed and a PCL. IIRC, the PCL was available for the AT Spectre - it may be difficult to find.

I believe the correct bracelet for you is the 1586/985 (Omega part number 020ST1586985) which is the brushed version. The bracelet number for the PCL version is 1567/693 (Omega part number 020ST1567693).

aphexafx · Jan 26, 2025

As mentioned above:

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Steel Bracelet w/ Clasp 20mm\18mm 1567-693 (020ST1567693) NOTE: 41.5mm 8500/G, PCL
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Steel Bracelet w/ Claps 20mm\18mm 1586-985 (020ST1586985) NOTE: 41.5mm 8500, BRUSHED

I think the newer PCL version came with most or all of the later 8500G refs, not just the Spectre. Both can be easily ordered from SGUS or your OB/Omega AD.

502 to right · Jan 26, 2025

EuroDriver
The bracelet from the 8900 AT (horizontal teak pattern) will not fit the older 8500 AT. There is no known way to retrofit it.

I question that. I know for a fact the bracelet for the 38mm AT can be fitted to the 38.5mm older generation but you need to grind off the tabs on the side of the end links so the end link will fit deeper into the slot (i.e., closer to the dial side of the watch). I've done it. That said, I don't know that it's true for the 41mm/41.5mm versions.

EuroDriver · Jan 26, 2025

502 to right
I question that. I know for a fact the bracelet for the 38mm AT can be fitted to the 38.5mm older generation but you need to grind off the tabs on the side of the end links so the end link will fit deeper into the slot (i.e., closer to the dial side of the watch). I've done it. That said, I don't know that it's true for the 41mm/41.5mm versions.

I guess that's a form of retrofitting and while I entertained doing that on other watches, I could never bring myself to executing such a plan!

Did you have any issues with the end links folding down and creating a gap between them and the case?

502 to right · Jan 26, 2025

EuroDriver
I guess that's a form of retrofitting and while I entertained doing that on other watches, I could never bring myself to executing such a plan!

Did you have any issues with the end links folding down and creating a gap between them and the case?

I use a small rectangle of double sided tape on the edge of the end link to make sure they do not rattle or rotate. It's not the ideal solution I will admit, but I had an extra 38mm bracelet. I had previously owned 38mm AT's but now the only one that remains is my 38.5mm Skyfall blue AT.

As a side note, the strap for the 38mm AT will fit the 38.5mm AT very nicely with no modification. The strap does not have any tabs on the side.

502 to right · Jan 26, 2025

Abdon
Hello everyone!
I have just purchased a new (to me) Seamaster Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss "bumblebee", and I cannot wait to get it! It arrives tomorrow. I was able to source one in excellent condition, with box and papers, at a really fair price. The only thing (which was not a deal breaker, obviously) is that it comes with a leather strap, not the SS bracelet. I was able to source a SS bracelet for the Aqua Terra 41, however it is for the new model, not for the older model watch that I purchased. The lug width is the same for both watches (20 mm), but the lug length is slightly longer in the watch I purchased. Does anyone know if this will make a huge difference with regards to fit? meaning, will my new style bracelet fit on my older style watch? Has anyone else tried this? please let me know if you can.
Thank you!!!

Please know you can still order the bracelet for the 41.5mm AT from an Omega Boutique or Authorized Dealer. You can order the bracelet that would have come with the bumblebee with polished center links or the all brushed version that came with the AT's with the vertical stripe and silver frame around the date window.

You can also order a bracelet from Uncle Straps. Much cheaper than OEM and there are different styles to choose from.

Bracelet mix & match for old and new Aqua Terra 41 (150 meters)

Abdon

josiahg52

O0timbo0o

buihh

EuroDriver

aphexafx

502 to right

EuroDriver

502 to right

502 to right

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