I never understood the Aqua Terra, this timepiece sits within the Seamaster range and I have grown accustomed to classic styled dive watches. Whilst this timepiece is rated to 150 metres, it is not a diver, the watch is not fitted with a bezel to time underwater activities but does have a screw-in crown. This wasn’t always the case, when the Seamaster was released in 1948, it was based on the water resistant timepiece developed during the second world war for the Royal Navy. This long running series contains a number of models with further sub-models offering plenty of choice.

The Aqua Terra is really a timepiece to compete with the Rolex DateJust even if the DateJust is more of a dress watch. The 41 mm dial is a little on the larger size, 38 mm case diameters are also available for smaller wrists. The horizontal teak inspired dial pattern is growing on me, I never liked the vertical pattern – it just didn’t work. The symmetrical stainless steel case houses the 8800 co-axial movement, the smooth polished bezel adds to the clean lines.

The index markers on the dial ensure an uncluttered face with the date window moved to the 6 o’clock position, previously it was located at the 3 o’clock marker. The display caseback showcases the automatic movement that is chronometer certified and resistant to 15,000 gauss. Whilst the Aqua Terra doesn’t excite me much, I’m a diver who prefers dive timepieces, there are plenty of people who will go for the Aqua Terra. There is plenty of chatter in watch circles that the Aqua Terra is a DateJust killer, I’m not so sure, but I’m willing to bet it will certainly attract some attention.