If you’re a regular reader of MONOCHROME, you might remember this article from 2022. Indeed, the now-called Aqua Terra Shades Collection isn’t entirely new. It has been teased about a year ago when Omega presented 10 new models in its classic, time-and-date Seamaster collection, all adorned with colourful dials inspired by nature and newly-finished cases. However, two comments have to be expressed; first of all, some adjustments have been made, following some comments of the community; second, the watches are now officially available; third, new editions have been added to the lineup. And it’s time to have a look at the watches from the Aqua Terra Shades range, as they are now displayed in stores.All the watches from this new sub-collection of the Seamaster Aqua Terra are based on the brand’s definition of an everyday watch – understand by that a watch that is sporty-chic, resilient, adapted to all situations and overall, handsome. The Aqua Terra might not be touted as a professional dive watch, but it offers the best of both worlds with its more than respectable 150m water-resistance, and yet a restrained elegance that makes it perfectly adapted to a business attire or a weekend trip. We’ve seen it, it’s a great expression of a one-watch collection. Last year, as a teaser of the future collection to come (and it’s now there), Omega introduced 10 new references, available in 34mm or 38mm, with a new finishing for the case and?9 colourful dials offering a dynamic, vibrant fresh look. Ad - Scroll to continue with article The full range of dials available within the Aqua Terra Shades collectionPaying tribute to its name, the Aqua Terra Shades?collection follows the spectrum from ocean to earth, encompassing unique tones such as Atlantic Blue, Sandstone (this is the only one available for both sizes), Lagoon Green, Lavender or Terracotta. Sunray-brushed, with sleek lines and no pattern applied to their surface (one of the major differences with other watches from the Aqua Terra collection), these dials are the highlight of this collection. Each size – 34mm for a feminine audience, with rounded applied markers or 38mm as a unisex option, with sharper, triangular markers – has its own range of colours. The 34mm adopts refreshing tones, ranging from light blue to green or pink – Sea Blue, Lagoon Green, Sandstone, Shell Pink and Lavender. The 38mm version is, as you’d expect, more vibrant and slightly bolder, with earthy tones – Atlantic Blue, Bay Green, Sandstone, Saffron and Terracotta.These sleek dials are from brass and then sun-brushed outwards from the centre. Each one is also given a layer of lacquer for extra depth. But of course, the true magic is in the colours. These are obtained thanks to Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) for earthy tones such as Terracotta, or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), for aquatic shades such as Sea Blue. As said, each size gets its own look, with different hands and markers, as well as its unique date window at 6 o’clock. And while we’re on the date aperture topic, one of the adjustments made by Omega was to add a metallic frame on the 38mm models, something that was absent in the inaugural presentation – and admittedly, a welcome improvement. Another important fact about the Omega Aqua Terra Shades is that the watches adopt a unique case finishing, being entirely polished. The classic lyre-shaped lugs as well as the sides of the case aren’t brushed, as they would on a classic AT watch. Both the 34mm and 38mm models are worn on a 3-link, brushed and polished bracelet with redesigned links – smaller, more rounded – closed by?a butterfly clasp. Inside the cases (34 or 38mm) and visible under the sapphire caseback is the in-house, automatic, Master Chronometer calibre 8800, a movement pairing exceptional resistance and accuracy with a 3.5Hz frequency and a 55-hour power reserve.All 10 models from the steel Aqua Terra Shades collection are now available from boutiques and retailers, and priced at EUR 7,100.Quick facts – 38mm – diameter 38mm, height 12.3mm, lug-to-lug 44.9mm – steel case, polished, sapphire crystals, screw-in crown, 150m water-resistance – sunray-brushed dial, applied markers and hands – calibre 8800, in-house, METAS-certified chronometer, antimagnetic, 55h power reserve, 3.5Hz frequency – steel bracelet, folding claspQuick facts – 34mm – diameter 34mm, height 11.9mm, lug-to-lug 40.5mm – steel case, polished, sapphire crystals, 150m water-resistance – sunray-brushed dial, applied markers and hands – calibre 8800, in-house, METAS-certified chronometer, antimagnetic, 55h power reserve, 3.5Hz frequency – steel bracelet, folding claspThe new 18k gold Aqua Terra ShadesAdditionally, Omega is releasing two new models crafted from solid gold. The first watch is a 34mm edition (reference 220.53.34.20.10.001) that is made of 18k Moonshine gold – Omega’s own yellow gold alloy, known for its pale tones and high resistance to fading – paired here with a dial that is sun-brushed and lacquered, and the CVD-treated in lagoon green. The polished case is worn on a matching green strap with a gold folding clasp, with rounded markers on the dial. Inside is the calibre 8801, the luxurious version of the movement mentioned above (18k gold rotor and balance bridge). This version is priced at EUR 18,100. The other model is a 38mm edition in Sedna gold – Omega’s own red gold alloy with warm tones and superior resistance to fading – that is adorned with a bezel paved in 46 diamonds. The dial is here CVD-treated and presented in a sandstone colour, to match the tone of the case. Contrary to all other 38mm versions, this Sedna-cased watch features rounded markers and a circular date window. It is worn on a solid gold bracelet?with a butterfly clasp and powered by the automatic calibre 8801. This reference 220.55.38.20.09.001 is priced at EUR 42,800.For more details about the Omega Aqua Terra Shades collection, please visit www.omegawatches.com.