Ladies watch / Swiss Watches
Released yearly this year, the 2010 Omega Aqua Terra Jewellery Co-Axial 150M (ref. 231.55.39.21.51.001) ladies watch is available in a great number of choices. However, the most imposing of them all is the one in a 38.5 mm rose gold case and on bracelet crafted of the same noble metal.
The Omega Aqua Terra Jewellery Co-Axial is powered by the relatively new Omega caliber 8501 automatic movement that was officially revealed in January, 2007.
The caliber is built solely in-house and features Omega’s proprietary co-axial escapement technology, which makes the watch more durable compared to those sporting traditional lever escapement.
Comprising 202 components, the movement sports a two-barrel design that ensures as long as 60 hours of continuous operation.
All Omega 8501 calibers are meticulously decorated and are equipped with 18-carat rose gold winding rotors and balance bridges. This is a nice touch, since in this particular watch the tiny engine is perfectly visible through the polished screw-in sapphire crystal case-back.
The 38.5 mm Aqua Terra case comes equipped with a rose gold bezel set with 52 full-cut diamonds.
The theme of precious stones is further supported with eleven more single-cut diamonds that mark the hours.
Although the hour indexes lack any lume whatsoever, there is a certain amount of Superluminova covering the hour and minute hands, which makes the watch usable in total darkness.
What I really like about Omega, is that they are always serious about how their hands look. This particular model features facetted 18 Ct gold hands with diamond-polished sides and brushed tops that the Aqua Terra line is famous for.
The watch is sold either on a black alligator leather strap with a foldover clasp, or a brushed 18 Ct gold bracelet with Omega’s patented screw-and-pin system and a safety clasp, which seems to be more appropriate for this gorgeous timekeeping accessory.
With its expected recommended street price (prediction based on a similar model with different dial finish) of approximately $40,000 USD this is definitely not something a normal enthusiast would buy on an impulse. Still, with the sort of high-grade movement the brand used to animate the piece and the sheer amount of diamonds and gold used to craft this beauty, I would say that the price is well-justified.
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build quality: 4.5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
See also: Hublot Big Bang 38 mm Automatic Ladies Watch
Photos: Omega
Omega Aqua Terra Jewellery Co-Axial 150M (ref. 231.55.39.21.51.001) 38.5 mm ladies watch specification
Price: $35,000 (Retail)
Winding: Automatic
Jewels: 39
Movement frequency: 25,200 vph
Movement: Omega caliber 8501 (base Omega cal. 8500,) in-house, Si14 silicone mainspring, Swiss Made
Movement decoration: Oscillating weight and balance bridge in rose gold, polished screws, Geneva waves in Arabesque motive on visible elements
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 60 hours
Case material: 18-carat Rose gold
Bezel material: 18-carat Rose gold with diamonds
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 38.50 mm
Lug width: No data
Case height: No dta
Dial: Black, vertical decking-style pattern
Numerals: None
Hour markers: Applied rose gold and diamonds
Hands: Rose gold, polished, luminous
Water resistance: 150 meters
Strap: Black alligator leather strap, fold-over clasp / brushed 18 Ct rose gold bracelet with screw-and-pin system and a safety clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective coating
Case back: Sapphire, antireflective