Precisely 5 years in the past, simply in time for the European Masters golf competitors in Crans Montana in 2019, Omega launched a unprecedented light-weight watch: the Seamaster Aqua Terra Extremely Mild. The watch was abruptly again within the highlight once more throughout the Olympic Video games Paris 2024, and for many who weren’t round in 2019 and missed the preliminary Extremely Mild, it raised a number of questions. So allow us to recap on what makes this watch so particular!
Seamaster Aqua Terra Extremely Mild
Omega spent two years growing this ultra-light watch, working carefully with Rory McIlroy, one of the profitable golfers of all time. McIlroy, from Northern Eire, joined Omega in 2013 as an envoy and is commonly related to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. He even had his personal “version” of this watch earlier than the discharge of the 2019 Aqua Terra Extremely Mild. Through the Video games in Paris, we noticed 12 athletes carrying this extremely light-weight watch, together with the blue and yellow version on the wrist of Mondo Duplantis. Dutch Gold medal winner Femke Bol additionally wore the “basic” 2019 Extremely Mild.
Caliber 8928 Ti
Based on Gregory Kissling, Vice President of Product at Omega, essentially the most difficult a part of this watch was growing and producing the titanium-crafted motion. This motion, manual-winding caliber 8928 Ti, provides an influence reserve of 72 hours offered by two barrels and is totally compliant with the Grasp Chronometer normal to carry out between 0 and +5 seconds per day on common. On account of using ceramised titanium, there’s additionally much less friction between parts. Creating the motion in titanium additionally requires a light-weight case to deal with it in. In any other case, it doesn’t make any sense, after all. The crown and dial are additionally crafted from titanium.
Gamma titanium case
However what makes this watch particular doesn’t finish with the titanium motion. The case (40mm × 13.5mm) can be product of a particular titanium alloy known as Gamma Titanium. Omega developed this new materials, particularly for this Seamaster Aqua Terra Extremely Mild. It includes +/– 34% aluminum, bringing even much less weight to the titanium alloy. It’s not solely lighter but in addition more durable. As mentioned, the dial can be product of (Grade 5) titanium. The grooves within the dial not solely match the design of the Aqua Terra assortment, however additionally they scale back weight.
On prime, the second hand can be product of titanium (on each variations). Just like the utilized indexes, the hour and minute fingers are product of brass to acquire the double ending, which is visually important. Rory McIlroy mentioned throughout the preliminary introduction, “…if you happen to really need my enter, it’s important to pay attention a little bit bit extra as a result of I can really feel a one- or a two-gram distinction in a golf membership or a golf shaft after I swing it.” And that’s exactly what Omega did, decreasing weight wherever doable, finally leading to a watch weighing 55 grams.
For comparability, a chrome steel Seamaster Aqua Terra in 41mm on a rubber strap weighs 107 grams, and the 38mm model on rubber totals 90 grams. For folks like McIlroy, who’re very acutely aware of the influence of the load they carry, these reductions matter. And although some will say, “Why put on a watch in any respect then?” That’s simply merely not the purpose.
Rory McIlroy sporting the Extremely Mild. Picture by way of Omega.
Extra necessities for the Extremely Mild
However McIlroy’s necessities didn’t cease on the lowest variety of grams achievable; he additionally cared about different particulars. The glare discount, for instance, the ridges for the crown and the brand new strap with built-in Velcro components, got here from his wishlist. This watch was initially developed with golf in thoughts. However it additionally discovered its option to different athletes preferring carrying extremely light-weight watches whereas doing their factor.
The brand new Seamaster Aqua Terra Extremely Mild on the wrist of the writer
Particular options of this Aqua Terra tech flagship
As you’ll be able to see, the watch’s design appears smoother than the typical Seamaster Aqua Terra. This design is initially an evolution of the very first Seamaster 300 from 1957 with its lyre lugs and broad arrow fingers. The form of the Seamaster Aqua Terra Extremely Mild is extra ergonomic. That is achieved primarily by eliminating the crown. Omega utilized a intelligent activation system to make use of the crown. With a easy push, the crown will come out and be prepared for operation. Once you’re achieved setting the time, you’ll be able to push the telescopic crown again into the case, et voila. You’re able to play critical golf.
“I do know what an athlete wants in a watch and thru collaboration with Omega we have been in a position to modify the timepiece. The brand new “Extremely Mild” is an absolute pleasure to put on, no matter sport you play.” – Rory McIlroy
Is that this look ahead to you (or us)?
The present Omega catalog comprises the unique 2019 mannequin and the brand new blue and yellow reference, every priced above €55,000 (together with VAT). Nevertheless, it looks like Ferrari put their F1 automobile of their showroom with a price ticket. I don’t have the hope my handicap will go down after I put on this watch throughout a spherical on the golf course. I additionally don’t assume Femke Bol will run any quicker with this watch on her wrist or Duplantis leaping increased. The purpose is that they’ve one thing on their wrist that doesn’t maintain them again, both. It’s an train carried out by a watch model. On this case, Omega has developed and produced one thing excellent in lots of regards. These kinds of developments, comparable to manufacturing a motion in full titanium or a case in Gamma Titanium, require loads of capability from a model.
The nice factor is that sooner or later, we are going to discover helpful innovations and applied sciences of those technical marvels again into watches with a extra down-to-earth price ticket. I do know some collectors who bought an Extremely Mild as a result of they preferred the thought of getting one thing distinctive of their assortment. However I’m positive we is not going to see these watches a lot round within the flesh. Seeing them “at work” throughout the Olympic Video games was enjoyable. It additionally gave Omega some further publicity on social media. I do know I’ll be keeping track of McIlroy carrying his Aqua Terra Extremely Mild in upcoming competitions.
You will discover extra info on the Seamaster Aqua Terra Extremely Mild on the Omega web site.
