The great Aqua Terra Debate

gvids · May 9, 2019

AT92
I own the version with PCL and without the date window trim. I actually like it more as the dial looks cleaner.

The only downside is the bracelet. I think it's inferior to the quality of the rest of the watch. Would love to kniw if a PO bracelet will fit

Interesting point! Have you had any issues with the clasp coming undone?

DJG2645 · Nov 16, 2020

Hope no one minds me bringing this old thread back to life but this is such an apt thread and is the exact same conundrum I am currently having! I really love the look of this old style blue Skyfall with the framed date window - I really want to add a blue dial to my collection and had been stuck on the PO (due to the thickness of course) - the AT seems the perfect blue dial and importantly not too chunky.

I know the new AT has more tech and engineering in so it seen as a superior watch but I can't get onboard with the horizontal lines on the dial - aesthetically I just prefer the vertical lines. Feels a bit mad as the old style goes for similar money to the new one but such is life.

Only caveat is due to Covid and being on lockdown in the UK I can't go to the AD or OB and try on an AT - I want to try on a 38.5mm & 41mm although I am fairly confident on my 6.75 wrist the 38.5 will fit best.

Anyway, hope everyone is staying safe, just thought I would add that this is still an ongoing debate today 😀

jeelan · Nov 16, 2020

I looked at all three and ended up purchasing the Master Co-axial version of the blue dialled AT.

a) I’m not a fan of the horizontal deck pattern on the newer 8900 series AT’s or the new crown.

b) I also ended up purchasing a skyfall series dial and swapped out the dials on my AT, but ended up swapping back. I found the framed window out of place and preferred the standard cutout of the date window.

The “master” series movement has all the tech I’d like to hv in a watch. The METAS certification doesn’t really phase me.

cheers
Jeelan

MtnMarine · Nov 16, 2020

I recently went through this as well. I ended up going with the 41.5mm Skyfall and love it. I have slightly larger wrist than you (7 1/4) and was able to try on both prior to purchase. The blue seems a little lighter on the vertical Skyfall dial (to me at least) and I couldn’t go for the PCL’s. Also, once I tried on the the Master, I noticed the Light blue accent on the second hand, 15 mins markers and seamaster logo much more in person. This is what made me go with the 8500.
With that said, they’re all great watches, the Skyfall just spoke to me much more.

DJG2645 · Nov 16, 2020

Glad to know it is still a current conundrum, I think as soon as it feels safe to visit the AD and try the new AT's on for size I can hone in on which version is right for me, I do like the look of the 41.5mm just not sure I can pull it off and as it will be an online purchase I need to be sure.

AngelDeVille · Nov 16, 2020

I have the first version 41.5 skyfall. It is beautiful, and has the double sided hidden clasp, (so much nicer than the single sided, slider monstrosity)

It doesn't get much wear time from me, as I'm one that prefers smaller watches. (36mm datejust is my ideal fit)

I took a trip to the AD a couple weeks ago and the 38mm AT's don't even come with enough links to fit my wrist.

here she is on my 8.25" wrist....

speedytoronto · Nov 16, 2020

J jeelan
b) I also ended up purchasing a skyfall series dial and swapped out the dials on my AT, but ended up swapping back. I found the framed window out of place and preferred the standard cutout of the date window.

Jeelan

Where did you buy the Skyfall dial and how much was it if you don’t mind my asking? I’m the opposite of you, for me the dial is empty and unbalanced without the frame on the date window. That’s the great thing about watches, it’s all personal preference!

I desperately want a 38mm Skyfall in blue if only I could find a reasonably priced one...

Is the case size and lug length the same between the Skyfall and the Master version? From pictures it looks like the Skyfall has longer lugs..

loudbryan44 · Nov 16, 2020

I had the AT GMT bought on impulse while looking for a skyfall, and never wore it lol. Go for the skyfall

jeelan · Nov 19, 2020

speedytoronto
Where did you buy the Skyfall dial and how much was it if you don’t mind my asking? I’m the opposite of you, for me the dial is empty and unbalanced without the frame on the date window. That’s the great thing about watches, it’s all personal preference!

I desperately want a 38mm Skyfall in blue if only I could find a reasonably priced one...

Is the case size and lug length the same between the Skyfall and the Master version? From pictures it looks like the Skyfall has longer lugs..

I purchased the dial from my watchmaker who is an authorised Omega service agent. Photos below. I have the 41.5mm AT so part numbers will be different for you...

There is NO difference in case size or lug widths between the Co-ax and Master Co-ax watches in either size (all have the 8500 movement). There IS a difference between the 8500 and 8900 series watch cases though.....

imranbecks · Nov 19, 2020

Loving my Spectre AT. I feel the PCL goes well with the case of the AT.

*Spectre coz the blue 41.5mm Master Co-Axial AT with PCL is the one Bond wears in Spectre and also for a brief period in No Time To Die as well 😉

Would love to one day get the 38.5mm Skyfall AT to complement the Spectre even though they're more or less similar.

DJG2645 · Nov 20, 2020

imranbecks
Would love to one day get the 38.5mm Skyfall AT to complement the Spectre even though they're more or less similar.

I thought they would look vastly different in size but from the picture they actually don't - I know I will end up with either a Skyfall or a Spectre - and I am fairly confident on a just under 6.75" wrist Skyfall is the better fit but waiting patiently till it is safe to go to an AD or OB and try the sizes on! This thread is brilliant!

UCZ_15 · Nov 20, 2020

I can vouch for the blue 38mm AT with the 8800 movement. Absolute perfection on the wrist. Keeps fantastic time and I’ve given it a good beating too in the time I’ve had it. It really can go anywhere and do anything. Word of warning though - it isn’t really blue. It’s like the exact point where blue and gray meet in the colour spectrum. Difficult to explain. It’s much more subdued than the older blue.

vitriol · Nov 20, 2020

Gray_Panther
Did Craig wear his Skyfall as the 38mm or the 41mm?

38mm

Answering the OP - AT with a frame surrounding around the date window is The Best Aqua Terra 😉

imranbecks · Nov 20, 2020

vitriol
38mm

Answering the OP - AT with a frame surrounding around the date window is The Best Aqua Terra 😉

38.5mm to be exact.

munichblue · Nov 21, 2020

Personally I think this is the best Aqua Terra ever. Firstly, it has the classical vertical lines, secondly the better movement (Master Chronometer, antimagnetic) than the Skyfall and last but not least the PCLs (which aren’t everybody’s cup of tea).This one is a keeper since 4 years and 2 days and I won’t ever sell it.

Knight4ADay · Nov 21, 2020

Can't go wrong with either of these. They are both miles better than the current model with the horizontal stripes.

I hate all of the changes they made to the new AT, from the horizontal stripes, the removal of the iconic asymmetrical crown guard, the changed font on the seconds ring and the conical crown. I even dislike the date at 6, 3 is more historic and easier to glance at when the watch is hiding under a sleeve.

The AT was heading towards becoming an iconic model, not just for Omega but for watches in general. I wish they would have taken a page out of Rolex's book and not tinkered with it so much.

imranbecks · Nov 21, 2020

I too am not a fan of the horizontal ones with the conical crown and date at 6. They shouldn't have changed it so much. I just feel the new ones won't age well.

Vertical teak is just classier and timeless.

Stewart A · Nov 21, 2020

Not to be a total contrarian, BUT, I prefer no lines. I think the smooth dial allows a better refraction of the light across the dial and reveals a stunning blue tone. I specifically searched for this AT 2503.80 for the dial and color.

*apologies for the dust on the crystal. I really DO NOT take good pictures.

speedytoronto · Nov 21, 2020

imranbecks
I too am not a fan of the horizontal ones with the conical crown and date at 6. They shouldn't have changed it so much. I just feel the new ones won't age well.

Vertical teak is just classier and timeless.

I actually don’t mind the conical crown, I think it’s a unique touch and somehow does look nautical. But the horizontal grooves??? Yuck. Makes the watch look broad and fat. And doesn’t seem to pick up light reflections as nicely or easily. The vertical lines accentuate the length of the watch nicely. I don’t mind a date at 6 but truly miss the date window at the 3 o’clock, seems unfinished and blank to me. Overall the Skyfall is the one I’d go for, followed by the Spectre. The current one, no thanks.

Dal · Nov 27, 2020

I am not a regular on this forum - i bought this for myself 6 years ago for my 40th. i do not understand quality watches but i'd like ask those of you that do - the illumination i get now is not the best - if i shine a torch on in and go into a dark room it is amazing but from just daylight its not great - what should my expectation be - can i send it in to get it made brighter ??