Little Secrets: Omega Surprises with Twelve New Aqua Terra 30mm Models Powered by Two New Movements

Have you noticed that Omega has been keeping secrets lately? Take, for example, Daniel Craig teasing us with an unreleased, unannounced Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional at a Planet Omega event in New York in 2023. Or the mysterious, dateless Seamaster he sported at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Today, Omega has surprised us with a dramatic reimagining of its elegant, traditional Aqua Terra, allowing the brand to add a 30mm case size option to the collection. Of course, brands exploring smaller-sized timepieces is nothing new, especially when trying to tap the female market (you have probably come across the phrase “shrink it and pink it” when it comes to the marketing of women’s watches).

The big surprise here is that while Omega has reduced the silhouette of the Aqua Terra, it has also created two new mechanical movements tailored to deliver the same power as other models in the family. And that they are so invested in this new collection that they are launching it with 12 references.

However, before we talk about the how, we need to discuss the why.

It’s no secret that there has always been a base of dedicated women watch enthusiasts. However, it has only been in the last five years that this community began to make itself known through dedicated collector groups and online influencers. Yet, a 2024 report from Deloitte and Watch Femme pointed out that, compared to men, women are significantly less visible in the watch market, despite comprising the majority of luxury consumers. So, change is slow.
 

Yes, we are seeing more and more under 38mm cases hitting the stores. However, this trend is not only driven by a demand for female-friendly case sizes; men, too, are seeking more variety. Moreover, innovations in materials and microtechnology have also allowed watchmakers to downsize. Still, as the Deloitte report states, most of the innovation in watchmaking has been reserved for the male wrist.
 

With these new 30mm Aqua Terra models, Omega is acknowledging that women who want luxury don’t want just a scaled-down version of a men’s model wrapped around a quartz movement, nor do they want an off-the-rack calibre dusted with diamonds. There are twelve distinct expressions, including five stainless steel models with polished and brushed bracelets.

There is also one model in 18K Sedna Gold and three references in 18K Moonshine Gold, available in solid gold or a choice between three two-tone gold combinations with stainless steel.
 

Buyers may also select from an array of dial colors and finishes, with applied hour markers and a date window positioned at 6 o'clock. Of course, the smaller size makes wearing this Aqua Terra more comfortable, so it makes sense that the brushed and polished bracelet is also more ergonomic.
 

More specifically, the new Aqua Terra 30mm collection features integrated bracelets in all stainless steel, two-tone Sedna gold and stainless steel, two-tone Moonshine gold and stainless steel, all Sedna gold, and all Moonshine gold. Additionally, the bracelets’ scaled-down design features Omega’s patented screw-and-pin system, butterfly clasp, and pushers on the cover, with an easy-to-use 2mm comfort adjustment.

Like the dials, Omega’s newest calibres, the 8750 and the 8751, were engineered specifically for this new 30mm scale.

According to Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of Omega, “The most beautiful part is the one you cannot immediately see, our new calibres represent Omega’s highest expression of engineering, hidden within yet defining the watch’s essence.”
 

Each of these two new Master Chronometer movements features a 20 mm diameter. The Calibre 8750, found in the stainless steel and two-tone models, has a thickness of just 3.98mm. Meanwhile, the Calibre 8751, which is 4.08mm thick, is reserved for the Sedna and Moonshine gold models.

Both feature the Omega Co-Axial escapement, free-sprung balance with silicon balance spring, and automatic winding in both directions. Additionally, both movements offer magnetic resistance of up to 15,000 gauss and provide more than 48 hours of power reserve.
 

Another positive note for female collectors is the way the new 30mm Aqua Terra models are being marketed. Omega is highlighting six accomplished artists to promote not only the beauty of these timepieces but also how well these timepieces are meant to be an extension of the wearer’s personality (as opposed to just being an accessory).
 

This new collection debuts alongside a campaign themed “My Little Secret,” featuring six accomplished women from music, fashion, stage, and cinema who bring the timepieces to life. These ambassadors include model and entrepreneur Ashley Graham, K-pop star Danielle Marsh, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Tems, and Academy Award-winning performer Ariana DeBose. BAFTA-winning actress Marisa Abela, and model Sunday Rose Urban Kidman.
 

While they are all incredibly accomplished women, Urban Kidman speaks to a third achievement of this collection: creating long-term loyalty for Omega. As the daughter of a long-term Omega ambassador, the new Aqua Terra 30mm collection speaks to the prestige of having a secret that can be shared between generations.

For more information about the new Aqua Terra 30mm, including pricing information, check out Omega’s website.