Looking to buy a used Aqua terra. 231.x?220.x?

Rozakus · Oct 28, 2026

Im new here, so apologies if i break any rules.

So ive been looking at aqua terras for a month now. I want the two tone version with a darker dial (no whites/silvers etc). Two tone bracelet would be nice.
Ive been seriously considering This one on chrono24 as its a 220.x and has the two tone bezel/bracelet. Any advice on my quest, is the one i linked a potentially good purchase? Or should i consider saving 2k€ and go with a 231.x with just a gold bezel? Theres also a possibility of getting a two tone bezel/bracelet one from hong kong (i might visit later this year) for around 4k€. The watch would be an everyday usage one for me.

502 to right · Oct 28, 2026

What country are you in?

Can you post the full reference numbers you're looking for? And links if possible? (I know you posted one link but then you reference two other models).

Are you OK with a watch that has no minute track and is it just the 38mm you're interested in?

Rozakus · Oct 28, 2026

502 to right
What country are you in?

Can you post the full reference numbers you're looking for? And links if possible? (I know you posted one link but then you reference two other models).

Are you OK with a watch that has no minute track and is it just the 38mm you're interested in?

Sorry i should have specified. I am in Finland so EU watches preferred. But i am passing through hong kong later so that is also an option.

I dont have a specific reference number for these, i honestly think they all look great. Havent noticed many differences between the models (i guess the minute track being one? Not an issue) so i havent paid attention to the exact references. The newer 220.xx models would ofc be nicer as i read that the movement is better, but im not sure how much im willing to shell out for that.
Here is an example of the ones from hong kong, older 231.xx model. but im not so sure about buying there as they dont seem to list any services done. so maybe i have to budget a service to the price?
This one is from germany with just the steel bracelet.

And as i said, im not locked into any specific reference yet. I think that the 38.5mm model is the one for me, as 41 will be way too big for my smaller wrist.

502 to right · Oct 28, 2026

I much prefer the older model. I don't care for watches that don't have a minute track.

If you are buying a watch made before 2020 there's a real chance it's going to need a service. I would figure that into your buying decision. And if it's a co-axial I would only trust Omega or an Omega certified independent watchmaker to service it. The co-axial's have a very finicky lubrication pattern that requires the proper training and tools to get right.

Annapolis · Oct 28, 2026

The first one you posted is a pretty good deal, especially as a full set. Just make sure all the original bracelet links are included as any future buyer will also want those and they’re not cheap.

As a general rule, Omegas in/with precious metal lose half their retail value the second they walk out of the store. (There are exceptions to this, but this watch is not one of them.) The pricing for that one more or less reflects that—I’d try to negotiate the price down just a wee bit—the closer you can get to 5000 Euros the better.

It’s just out of warranty but it probably won’t need a service for several more years.

You’re probably aware, but those 18k polished center links are scratch-magnets—you can already see some of that in the photos. It’s just part of the deal. But good to know going in.

Also worth knowing: if you get this watch and then decide it’s not for you, it may be difficult and time consuming to sell: two-tone is polarizing. And a lot of the big preowned dealers won’t touch precious metal Omegas at all, unless they’re part of a trade, and even then they’ll lowball you very badly—essentially offering you little more than scrap value. So I’d suggest really searching your soul before buying this piece, knowing it’s not an “investment” move by any means.

A 38mm AT is just perfection on any wrist, male or female.

Annapolis · Oct 28, 2026

P.S. If what you want is a two-tone braceleted watch in the 36-38mm size that will hold its value, a preowned Rolex Datejust is well within your budget.

Rozakus · Oct 28, 2026

Annapolis
The first one you posted is a pretty good deal, especially as a full set. Just make sure all the original bracelet links are included as any future buyer will also want those and they’re not cheap.

As a general rule, Omegas in/with precious metal lose half their retail value the second they walk out of the store. (There are exceptions to this, but this watch is not one of them.) The pricing for that one more or less reflects that—I’d try to negotiate the price down just a wee bit—the closer you can get to 5000 Euros the better.

It’s just out of warranty but it probably won’t need a service for several more years.

You’re probably aware, but those 18k polished center links are scratch-magnets—you can already see some of that in the photos. It’s just part of the deal. But good to know going in.

Also worth knowing: if you get this watch and then decide it’s not for you, it may be difficult and time consuming to sell: two-tone is polarizing. And a lot of the big preowned dealers won’t touch precious metal Omegas at all, unless they’re part of a trade, and even then they’ll lowball you very badly—essentially offering you little more than scrap value. So I’d suggest really searching your soul before buying this piece, knowing it’s not an “investment” move by any means.

A 38mm AT is just perfection on any wrist, male or female.

I was not actually aware of the pitfalls of having the two tone bracelet. Do these same problems happen with just the gold bezel ones? Would a gold bezel eith steel bracelet be a better deal then? Im not dead set on the bracelet having the gold, just the bezel. Actually was kind of on the fence about it, and your comment made me heavily reconsider it.

And for the rolexes, im not so sure i like the design, theyre not really for me so thats off of the table.

Annapolis · Oct 28, 2026

You can definitely scratch a bezel (gold or steel) if you’re not careful, but it’s much less likely to get banged up than a bracelet that’s constantly contacting a desk or whatever surface you might rest your arm on. Getting a two-tone watch on a leather strap rather than a bracelet should also save a lot of money since it’s way less gold.

There are also new-from-the-factory two-tone watches, especially in the DeVille line, on leather straps, that you might like for not that much more money that you seem to have budgeted. And those would come with fresh warranties and the latest movement tech. Not to muddy the waters, but it’s something to consider. The DeVilles may be a bit larger but they wear small on account of being very thin compared to the chunkier ATs.

Annapolis · Oct 28, 2026

And to your question, steel is less scratchable than (softer) gold, but any bracelet in any material will scratch, and polished surfaces are especially revealing of scratches.

karlenko123 · Oct 28, 2026

I much prefer the older model. Movement-wise, there aren't many differences. 8500 have jumping hour hand and the 8800 doesn't.

Looking to buy a used Aqua terra. 231.x?220.x?

Rozakus

502 to right

Rozakus

502 to right

Annapolis

Annapolis

Rozakus

Annapolis

Annapolis

karlenko123

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