I'd gotten myself down to a three watch collection - Doxa 1200t, Nomos Tangente, Speedy - but when a minty example of my favorite Aqua Terra generation popped up, I couldn't resist. I've previously owned all three other color variants of this Aqua Terra generation but to my surprise - as much love as the Skyfall blue gets - this grey is my favorite.

Just so damn versatile. And before Omega messed with success, removing the date window frame, polishing the center links, and now making the lines horizontal, all changes I can't stand. I know that's all subjective and the newer generations have fans, but this is the AT for me.

 

That is a gorgeous reference. I’d love an AT three-hander. The date windows tend to ruin the dial symmetry for me.

If they offered one with a date I could read or a cyclops...

EDIT: By the way, excellent photograph. The background and framing are perfect.

 

I love the framed date window on these models.

 

Yup, getting rid of them at the 3 position was a mistake as it afforded the dial more symmetry IMO because it was styled like the indices. That said, not having it at the 6 o'clock position looks terrific.

 

I actually thought that (in real life at least) the date window brought more symmetry to the dial. In later versions it was just a sudden blank spot that threw everything off.

 

The framed date window is definitely better than the unframed from a symmetry perspective. If there was a simple marker there as at 9 the symmetry would be perfect. Moving the date to 6 is also good for that.

 

I would love a no-date option but that's a non-starter for many. I think the frame is needed because the indices are so reflective in person that the gap is really obvious. That's why I think the 3 o'clock with frame is better even than the 6 o'clock frameless date window.

 

Unframed at 6:00 is my personal preference, as is the more wearable lug design on the new references, but I'll be damned if the dials on the 8500 are amongst the best they've ever done. Love it in grey too – nice photo.

 

Time for a image...
or two
have fun
kfw

 

On the other hand...some of us much prefer the date window without the box. I had the choice of either at the time, and the "boxed" version was cheaper, went for the unframed version,and glad I did.
Agree about the vertical rather than horizontal lines though, and the pcl make the bracelet look cheap.
Mine was removed when I bought it - is now a safe queen, and replaced with a brown alligator/deployment strap. Suits it very well. May get around to selling the bracelet some day. Dunno.
Dates at 6 ? I wouldn't buy the current version anyway, but I guess it's a bit more acceptable than 4.30 - ish or the real horror of a date at 12.
Anyway, at my age knowing the date isn't as important as being reminded what DAY it is

 

I know I'm on the Omega forums, I know that "AT" references the Aqua Terra, but every time I see AT in a title I still think "Aquatimer." I guess I'm also an IWC guy for life.

 

Yep, I guess the one good thing about Omega's constant tinkering is that there are lots of different options for all us picky buyers.