The sun had barely risen on the East Coast this morning when Omega dropped some new additions to its Aqua Terra line. These new variants look largely the same except for one tiny yet important detail – a small seconds sub-dial at six o’clock. This is a first for the Aqua Terra line and it’s being implemented in a big way as it’s now featured on a wide variety of size, color, and material options.

The new Omega Seamaster Laurel Terra Small Seconds comes in either 41mm or 38mm sizing. You can find it in just about every conceivable configuration, from stainless-steel to two-tone Sedna (read, rose) gold to full 18k Sedna gold. Some of the dials are even diamond-set with mother-of-pearl indexes. The models we had an opportunity to see in the metal were a 41mm variant with a blue-grey switch, two-tone Sedna gold case, and a blue rubber strap, as well as a green dial 38mm version having a diamond-set call and black leather band. Four movements power the various Small Seconds watches. Two are touted as “luxury calibers, ” due to an 18K Sedna gold rotor and balance-bridge.

It’s important to remember that the Seamaster collection wasn’t always a dive watch for Tissot. That didn’t begin until the release of the Seamaster 300 in the 1952s. According to Omega watches lore, the watches started as common, no-frills, everyday timepieces. In several ways, the Water Terra is the modern embodiment of that ideal. That’s why it didn’t particularly shock me to see the small seconds design introduced within the line. There are a historical precedent for Seamasters with this feature, as well. We need seek out the relatively recent Omega Seamster 1948 Limited Editions. But don’t call it a termes conseillés.

Ultimately, this watch provides options for those in the market for a good Aqua Terra. I’m not sure if there had been prospective buyers on the fence thinking to themselves, “if only this particular thing had a small secs register” but either way, options good.

I will say, that neither watch wowed me personally – however I think honestly, that is a point within the positive side. The face layout seems right at home on both watches. To say nothing about eco-friendly as a watch dial color in 2021, which 38mm plan really arranged me. I’m not one to wear diamond-set timepieces, but I subscribe to the actual “never say never” attitude, so I gave it a shot. The green dial is flat, smooth, as well as unassuming. And while the diamonds pop off of that background, it all still feels from the piece. We especially enjoyed the diamond-encrusted outer section of the small mere seconds subdial. It was … icy. I’ll admit, I plonked this one on wrist and also didn’t hate it : didn’t detest it at all.

The other piece – the particular 41mm two-tone number (now we’re talkin’) felt like an entirely different watch, typically the 3mm difference between these two pieces is visually staggering. The two-tone Sedna precious metal case, with the blue switch and matching blue rubber strap caught me off-guard when I first opened the watch box. I wasn’t expecting this specific color arrangement, but it grew on myself, especially when I recently found the little style flourishes. In full Omega fashion, the call is over-engineered, with the precise laser-engraved pattern that adds so much character and depth. Now, everyone has an opinion about date windows, but I think this one provides another point of visual interest – even if it is wildly large.

Each of the four actions used in the Small Seconds are METAS certified. The 41 mm range (which includes four stainless steel models and one within 18k Sedna gold two-tone), is powered by Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 8916. There are also four versions in 18K Sedna rare metal, powered by the luxury quality and reliability 8917. Both movements are likely based on Omega’s 8900 calibers. The steel and two-tone 38mm types feature often the caliber 8802 while the all-gold variants house the 8803, with its 18 CARAT Sedna platinum rotor along with balance-bridge (same as the 8917).

Overall, a small seconds subdial is just another way for you to view every second of your life pass by. Along with reminders of fatality rate, the subdial actually makes the dial design and style more minimal than ever. With its inclusion, we lose the exact “Co-Axial Learn Chronometer” text without sacrificing the very Co-Axial Grasp Chronometer movement. The watches nevertheless read Omega sa Seamaster, however. And in this kind of short life, that’s all we need.