OMEGA 38mm Aqua Terra Watch Review 220.10.38.20.02.001 

A few months ago I started implementing the “one in-one out” rule with my watch collection. It’s just that my ‘golden’ number is 30… and I do not sell them, I’m gifting them to very specific people I want to introduce to the world of watches.

My absolute grail. I sold my first generation Aqua Terra black dial from 2003, and my 1861 Speedy... Down to just the G Shock and taking my time to choose the next piece in the next few years. I have a feeling it will be this exact watch.. Stunning, clean, just gorgeous honestly

Welcome to the best value club in the watch world! Omega in many ways offers so much value over Rolex, hands down! First, almost all Omega models are available. Second, if you shop/negotiate, you can buy your Omega at or below list price. Third, the dials and movements are eye catching. I am not bashing Rolex, I am saying that Omega watches are the best value in the market “period”!

Stunning watch. Next on my list! Thanks for putting images with other straps on!

Mate u have nailed it.and like the man in the orthopaedic shoes you stand corrected..Thanks Pete.

great video Peter, fellow Aussie watch nerd here. You really have to see the aqua terra in person to truely appreciate its beauty. I saw photos of the watch and didn't think much but in person it is an absolute showstopper of a watch. Hope to add one to my collection too. take care mate

What a tumultuous month September has been for your watches! You sold me on your strap monster black dial AT with orange… but good on you for exploring this AT challenge & sticking to your I/O collection size. Watching & learning from you has helped me explore new directions & develop an educated eye for my dis / likes, Thanks Peter!

My 38mm blue dial AT is my favorite watch in my collection, and gets the most wrist time. It does everything, goes anywhere. The way the facets catch the light, the case contours... it's gorgeous. The singular complaint I have is the bracelet clasp. With no micro, it is difficult to get a perfect fit. Otherwise, it's perfect.

The 38mm 8800 Aqua Terra is a great watch, but I still prefer the 38.5mm 8500. The longer lugs on the 38.5 make a noticeable difference in the proportions of the watch, less stumpy. Your prior 41.5mm 8500 was absolutely gorgeous.

Hi Peter, thanks for a thoughtful insight into your Omega ownership experience. This watch looks really good on your wrist and I'm glad you're so pleased with it. I would choose the 41 mm version because it has the 8900 movement, with the jumping hour hand. But that's OK: our wrist size and overall size preference is what dictates these things, which is why there's a choice. Many experts consider Omega to be leading Rolex at the moment so you're not alone in suggesting that. But at this level you're comparing increments of excellence: at this price point there are no bad watches. I hope you continue to enjoy this wonderful piece! 👍

Very well made video. Thanks for sharing the intricate details of a Omega Seamaster AT watch. Goes to show that you just cannot go wrong with an Omega watch. Incidentally I too purchased a Omega limited edition 2020 Tokyo Olympic Seamaster AT watch in Feb 2022 & I am happy with its sleek look and performance (touchwood)

Still enjoying your reviewing style, Peter and really glad to see how your channel has grown so much. I still remember your early videos :) I was shopping for one of these ATs last year but in the end I picked up a blue/ruthenium-grey 39mm Constellation on leather with an extra steel bracelet (still unpacked and unused haha). Mine has the same movement, date position, similar dial design language etc. and I fully agree with everything you said - including the rather poor legibility of the date. It has turned out to be one of my favourites in the collection and gets probably the most wrist time in my collection. As an owner of both Rolexes and Omegas, I can honestly say that I believe Omega offer by far the better value proposition and can offer everything that Rolex can (sometimes more) with none of the hassle and hype. With Omega I feel I can enjoy the watch but with my Rolexes I feel I need to enjoy the brand more which leaves me personally feeling a little uncomfortable. Although having said that... I must admit that I get a kick out of seeing how "Rollers" have surged in value since I bought them :) It's a great help in justify my collection of watches to the wife! LOL Keep up the good work and best wishes !

I have 18 watches and recently I decided to do the same thing. I never bought watches for economic gain but because I like them. I’ve been collecting over 35 years and have a nice collection but as I get ready for retirement I’m starting to acquire more sport or at least more universal watches and move some of my more formal watches and some that were bought so many years ago that their size is too small today or has very dated technology. It’s been tough though.

I’m not a fan of the polished center link bracelet either. I’d love an all-brushed Aqua Terra choice from Omega.

I agree with you on the crown. Small and difficult to manipulate. Other wise my 41mm AT is beautiful.

Your photography really made this decision shine How I can not agree with your assessment I actually felt like was inspecting the wat

The butterfly clasp with no micro adjustments on the bracelet is a problem for me. If Omega used an adjustable bracelet similar to what they use on their Diver 300M or their Planet Ocean on the Aqua Terra, I would have bought one several years ago. This really is a no brainer. I don’t know why Omega doesn’t get it. Rs

I saw this video pop up in my sub feed and I’m FINALLY glad I got to see it! Wonderful choice and leap of faith, Pete. Awesome addition and it looks lovely on your wrist 🤙🏾

I have the current Aqua Terra 41.5 in slate blue dial and bark blue rubber strap and love it, your correct with the date at 6 o'clock. Thanks for this video with the white dial I think it's a really classy look. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

Great balanced review. This watch is on my list, not sure I can afford it though. 19mm lug width is always odd, would 0.5mm from each side really affect the look that much? Agree with brushing on strap, I would too.

Those rubber straps make the AT, regardless of colour. Omega nailed the design.

I have the black dial 38mm. There is two things I would fix: 1. No micro adjustment. 2. The crown is not the easiest to screw up / down Nevertheless, it has been about 3 months since I bought this and it is still my go to weekend watch. It is absolutely a beautiful watch

The Aqua Terra line is Omega’s, hidden in plan sight, best watch offering. With everything from 36-43mm in a variety of complications, styles, dial colors, lug widths, lug to lug, movements, and metal choices it offers something for everyone. My opinion is based on owning the 41mm black lacquer, 40mm Railmaster, and 43mm Ti World Timer. If I had to choose only one, the 41mm black lacquer is as close to a GADA watch as it gets. JM2C

Very Nice! I love my Aqua Terra Small Seconds and it is Fantastic!

Greetings Peter, thank you very much for the review, if your rule is only eight watches then it is not only to collect attractive or beautiful watches or with an incredible quality of finishes, but they have to be something that transmit something special and differential and more you than through your hands pass a multitude of watches and in my humble opinion for your trajectory when reviewing a watch, this one you are not passionate about. Thanks a lot

Great review and fantastic that your mind was open enough to be changed. 38mm is a spot on fit! Great purchase - I hope that you enjoy it!

I absolutely loved this review Peter! In my opinion, I prefer this specific Aqua Terra to the previous one you had because of the color Scheme. The Orange and Black was lovely but you just can't go wrong with a white dial and Omega makes some beautiful ones just like on this Aqua Terra or on the Seamster 300m! By the way, I find the quality of your videos keeping getting better, keep it up Peter, I'm always delighted when you publish a new video!

I believe the 38mm is just perfect size for a dial only watch.

Very nice ! Mine is the 2503.80, first iteration.

See I feel the same. I had tried the black dial in 2020 and I didn’t love it. The dial looked scrunched. Anyway I got this very watch last Christmas. The dial is superb along with the hands

It is a fine watch but I can’t get over the date window. There needs to be an index below it to fill all that empty space. It is very unbalanced as a result.

dude, you should totally get the center links brushed. and do an update video

I like the slate blue version with small seconds and rose gold. Great looking watch.

hey Pete....fantastic watch.....surprisingly this 38 mm fits your 7.5 inch wrist quite well....the white dial as you mentioned could be the key to that, I have bought a sea master 300 professional grey dial, however find the aqua terra a more versatile watch..It can be a semi-formal to a casual watch and seems to work well on all attire.....like you always say....wear the watch and enjoy it mate....cheers!

Get a previous generation bracelet, it has brushed center links

Understand your concept, but I would have kept the other AT with the beautiful black/orange color combination. I have quite some white and silver dials, but black ones are better readable with fading eye sight.

I currently own the 1st gen of the aqua Terra that offered the 36mm and 39 but the 36mm (2518) is my favorite size! I prefer the bracelet and design of the older gen.

I’ve got the 41mm - current generation with 8900 movement and it’s truly the most versatile watch. I’d agree, the depth is a bit much at circa 13mm and the date too recessed, but otherwise particularly on the rubber strap, it’s pretty much perfect.

I looked at the 38 and 41, along with the Globemaster. I love the look of AT, but there were a couple of challenges. I wanted a light colour dial. I felt the 38 looked a touch too small for me. The 41 had a yellow hand, which I wasn't a fan of. Also as Pete touched on the polished bracelet would be a scratch/finger print magnet. I still think one day I'll buy an AT, but this time I bought the Globemaster. I've had it going on a year now and still love it. I bought light silver dial, rather than the blue, purely because I wanted a light dial. The blue is absolutely stunning in that watch, and that is coming from someone that doesn't buy blue watches. All in all you won't go wrong with either the AT or the Globemaster....both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Common Peter, show your face, we all love you no mather what! They all did it (ID guy, even watchfinder...). More connected, more personal... 😎

Got the 41mm myself, and am super happy with it.

Hey Peter, well done on your new watch aquitition review. Do enjoy the watch offerings and if needed to diversify its wearibility experience, just get other bracelet and strap options as perusal like your new rubber strap. There's purpose and reason in its steel bracelet polished design. 🤓⌚👍

I see what you mean about picking up the white version, the darker colours would appear to shrink the dial which isn't ideal on a 38mm. I vote against the 1 in 1 out rule however. I am not far enough into my collecting journey to be so disciplined.

Just wish Omega would come back to a more "easy-wearable-casual" dials finish, like the nice matte of the Seamaster 300 or the pearl white of my first Aqua Terra, or the vertical line if they must... But I just don't bond to these overgrowth horizontal lines that seems to cut the otherwise beautiful lines of the watch.

Congratulations Pete on your new Omega Aqua Terra. Terrific review, photography and really fantastic of you to go out and purchase this watch to experience. I think this Omega is just brilliant in every way and hope to own one in the future. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Have a terrific weekend my friend 👍

Your photography and video skills really make a nice watch look gorgeous! But the Omega Aqua Terra is beyond the budgets of most people. Please do check out Citizen watches for review. The BN0230-4E is one that I think you will find captivating.

I have the blue 41mm version and it's such a classy watch in every way. I agree about the crown being difficult to to grab, at least when manually winding it screwing down it's actually quite difficult. It's fine for adjusting though and the hour hand adjusting separately is really useful plus I prefer to set the date this way. Mine keeps time really well, it's never out by more than 2 seconds a day as far as I can tell and keeps better on the wrist than in the winder. I love the look and the feel of the bracelet. I also have the blue rubber strap which is comfortable but difficult to fit. I also have a blue Omega calfskin strap which looks really well with a white shirt and lightens the watch a lot but is perhaps a bit thin and leaves it feeling slightly top heavy and I do prefer the bracelet to both of these. The bracelet does look easy to scratch and I do feel like I have to wear with care but that's just me and my scratch OCD perhaps. Some criticise the clasp for not having micro adjustment but in honesty I think anything but the butterfly clasp would ruin the look. This bracelet is especially good for smaller wrists since the clasp doesn't take over the links like a large adjustable one would; I think it's worth sacrificing the micro adjust and there are half links to help out with a good fit.

That looks perfect. Way better than your 41mm

This is perhaps my favorite current generation AT. It’s more subtle than the others and plays with contrast and texture beautifully. There are so few complaints with this piece: but I specifically agree re the deep-set date and the polished midlinks on the bracelet. The midlink shine detracts from the watch head, IMO. Fortunately this looks incredible on a wide variety of straps!

Congratulations! It’s a wonderful watch. Enjoy it

Simply a stunning watch I prefer it to my Rolex.Many thanks great content

A Wave dial is near the quality of a submariner but half the price. An aqua terra is near the same price as the datejust or explorer. I find it‘s give and take but overall the AT is a little nicer. The AT rubber strap is fantastic it‘s almost a requirement to have both the steel and and the rubber to get the full watch.

Nice, but I prefer my orange first generation Planet Ocean. 45mm. Two arrows.

I have this same exact watch on the bracelet and rubber strap. I also disliked the polished center links so I had the omega boutique brush the center links and it looks great. Full brushed bracelet is the way to go.

Thx for your videos. Aqua Terra is best Omega watch.

Really beautiful dial, but I prefer the date window to be even higher.

I really appreciate you being able to take the leap of faith and purchase a watch on a "maybe". I just tried on an Aqua Terra on the metal bracket and it's going to be my next watch. I love your videos, you do a great service by staying grounded and giving us viewers a true "as is" Thanks and be well.

‼for me there is only two brands in this tier 🥇Omega 🏆Grand Seiko ....EVERYTHING ELSE is over price and over rated, the specifications and the craftsmanship of this 2 brands are unbeatable period ✅

Peter, Great video as always. This piece is nearly perfect. 38mm or 41mm? I have the 2222.80 one of the first Coaxial. 36mm! I have small wrist. Brosnan Bond Reissue. I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world....Almost. The only problem I have with this piece is I like the ARROW on the the Hour Hand. I have buyers remorse with some of my watches, but they were 40,50,60 dollars. I hate to part with them(?)

Wish they would have given the steel band a tapering as well

I've been saying this about both of the current mid sized Omegas (Aqua Terra 38 and Planet Ocean 39.5). Next you'll have to give the mid sized PO a try

I love my new gen blue dial! The crown is a little annoying to grip.

As a new viewer, it would be handy to know, when you're talking about the size and how it looks on the wrist to understand what size wrist you actually have. This could make the review so much more relatable. Thanks.

The date window should have been elongated to match other index, perhaps with a window. It looks unbalanced as is. loved everything else about the watch.

I don't know you personally but I feel like this watch is fitting well to your personality, as far as I can know it from the RU-vids. It could be your one-and-done watch. As for me for example, I decided to only collect German watch brands as their design language fits better to my personality, also I like the restriction to one country. to each their own.

A few months ago I bought a blue dial date just and gave my 38mm Aqua terra to my sister because I figured I wouldn’t wear the omega anymore because I now have a blue Rolex. Started missing the at so bought a 41mm one with a rubber strap. Wore a little big on me so I just got this exact omega in 38. Just fits me better.

Can’t go wrong with it, I have the steel and Sedna rose gold one. Dress up, dress down, also go in the sea 👌🏽

I have a Railmaster which is in a 40mm Aqua Terra case. I simply love the watch. I must admit, my one beef is with the crown. I find it difficult to screw back in, there’s not much to get hold of. Fortunately, the watch is worn enough and accurate enough, I don’t need to mess with it often. Aesthetically, I do find the crown very pleasing, when properly seated, it looks well integrated and well proportioned. I’ve been intrigued with the Aqua Terra for quite some time. I’ve typically found the teak dial a bit busy and perhaps unconvincing in the larger 41mm case. To my taste, the smaller watch (as is often the case) has better visual balance and takes on more of a jewel like quality. The 40mm Railmaster I own is spectacular, a very comfortable watch, I imagine this smaller AT must wear sublime. Nice review.

I'm undecided if I want to get the older one with the 8500 movement, brushed bracelet and crown guards? I find crown guards better working in medical as they keep the rubber gloves from getting hooked on the crown when taking them off 20+ times a day.

2:31 please notice me , naylon strap wherer buy??

Such a clean dial Omega just gets better and better year in year out! 👍

That's funny your collection is eight pieces mine has been eight pieces for many many years I find it just the right number

The crown is too slippery and hard to turn. I was very disappointed with this in this watch. This is why one should see and touch a watch before buying.

Funny enough this is on my 'voyage of discovery' list, then a Grand Seiko 'spring drive (final decision pending).

Thanks Peter, I am glad you took the challenge. The strap does makes the watch look better. The thing about this version, I just cannot get past the markers and the stubby hour hand. Will keep it on the list and maybe like you, come around to liking it.

Bec (many, not all) omega watches also look better in person than pics and videos. You have to handle them in the flesh.

One thing you didn't mention about the movement in the 38mm is that the 8800 doesn't have the timezone function the 8900 in the 41mm has. That's a real shame as I'd find it very handy. I also wish the 38mm had the same splash of orange on the seconds hand and text the 41mm version has.

I found the same issue with my 8900 AT's lume. Lovely watch, but I ended up replacing it with the Seamaster Railmaster Denim - so much more legible in low light! I miss the timezone function, but that's all.

Great video and totally agree on the 38 vs 41 , I have the aqua terra 38 skyfall (2014) and those models have a fully brushed bracelet which is why I bought it over the modern AT, potentially you could hunt a nos spare bracelet and see if it fits ? the calibre 8500 with a travel set hour hand is far more useful for an everyday wear over the 8800 imo. The sunburst blue dial also changes colour depending on the lighting conditions does this white dial do the same ? Be interested to see the other nuances after longer wear

Great review of a fantastic watch. Thank you. Looking forward to you showcasing some straps for it. Take care and stay safe.

Thanks for the review and expensive public apology.

Aquaterra green vs Milgauss zblue, difficult to decide. But this white dial looks beautiful

Hi Peter what is the bracelet fit like? Is yhe clasp comfortable and can you get a good fit (not too lose or tight)

You use the watch to tell the time?

Damn ! Here I am thinking if I should go for it and this video shows up

*I wonder how well and easily the white stitching will clean up, and will it deteriorate noticeably before the strap (long lasting I would expect) wears out / breaks up.*

Very nice and honest review, thanks for the video. I find that: 1) The wide arrow on the minute hand is 'weird' to me on a watch without a dive bezel. 2) I don't like the AR coating on the outside of the crystal. 3) The lack of frame on the date window makes the dial look unfinished. These are all nitpicks, but for a watch costing as much as it does (inexplicably more than a Seamaster), those are dealbreakers for me.

Nice detailed review. I have the very same watch and what you said is 100% true. One annoying thing is the Date window which like you said is a bit deep inside and is not visible enough at the first glance. I was thinking it is because of the White dial.

Wish I could wear a 38mm It looks ridiculous on me.

How is the winding action? Mine is really quiet.

Thanks for the review, this definitely helps with purchase

You truly make the best videos

Identical indices.. Evfen the twelve o'clock indice is identical... The only difference in the dial appears at the six o'clock... The date window seems like it had to be located away from its supposed to be peripheral location for a reason only Omega knows. In the macro shots the non beveled edges of the applied logo directly disturbes picky eyes. Do not get me wrong... It is definetely a very fine watch with a spectecular movement. But when you think the price Omega charges for those wathes, it is natural for some people to critisize those details. For me, it would have been a grail watch if it did not have the date complication and window and had a doubled indice at twelve o'clock position.

What is the name of the company who made the strap in minute 6:03?

I agree 100%. I too was concentrating on the 41mm and felt something was wrong with the way it looked. Then, I put on a 38mm. The 38mm was perfect.

Hi Pete, excellent review. Have you looked at the NEW IWC MARK 20? Five day power reserve, in house movement, that green or blue dial is STUNNING. I know it is more expensive than the AT but a comparison review would be awesome.

My dream watch. Thank you for sharing.

Glad you’re a convert fella! I’ve had the exact same watch with stainless steel bracelet and black silicone strap (although it looks more charcoal gray in your vid) for the past year. And it grows on me the more I wear it. My minor wee gripes echo you: - bracelet with polished centre links is a scratch magnet. - add micro-adjustment on bracelet please. - more lume needed on minute hand. - lug width of 19mm, why oh why not 20mm? Apart from these small quibbles this is a cracking watch for dressing up or down, for different seasons, for going under the radar and, perhaps most of all, for not being a Rolex. Another winner from Omega.

Looks like the watch is up 10% on RRP since this video. Crazy!

The other AT was 41 vs 38 how did that one wear? Your size wrist?