Affordable Alternatives for Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

A watch that’s been on my wish list for some time now is the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (the 34mm Shades collection to be exact). It’s a beautiful watch in so many ways; it has the looks, the technology and the history of a brilliant brand behind it. But the reason this model hasn’t made its way into my watch box yet is because I simply don’t have £6,000+ to spend on a timepiece right now. If you’re in a similar situation, but you still want something exuding the same sports elegance of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, here are some affordable alternatives I recommend…

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra and the Longines Conquest 41mm have a lot in common. They’re both Swiss made, automatic winding with full metal architecture and are easy-to-wear daily beaters. Like the Omega, the Longines has a super pleasing clean and elegant case made from stainless steel with a matching three-row link bracelet, sapphire crystal glass and 100 metres of water resistance. Aesthetically, it’s basically the same. But the price is a lot different, and that’s largely down to the movement inside. The Conquest’s movement isn’t a Master Chronometer or approved by METAS, but it’s still a reliable Swiss made mechanical calibre with a 72-hour power reserve and frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour.

Price: £2,000

I feel like I’ve said this a few times now, but BALL Watch Company doesn’t get enough credit for their affordable sports watches. And the BALL Fireman Victory is one of several examples. Engineered from 316L stainless steel, it’s a 40mm wide and 11.3mm tall watch with exceptional value proposition. For just over £1,000, it comes with a Swiss made automatic winding movement, sapphire crystal, 100 metre water resistance, and most notably, a range of 14 micro gas tubes on the dial. These are luminous markers that don’t require any recharge and will glow brightly for more than 25 years. Plus, the dial of the BALL Fireman Victory is almost entirely customisable with a range of finishes, colours and lume to choose from.

Price: £1,191

A watch that is very popular with not only myself, but throughout the WatchGecko team, is the Formex Essence 39. It’s a fantastic affordable alternative for the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, once again made with the full stainless steel set up, sapphire crystal and a 100 metre water resistance. It also trumps those mentioned before with a chronometer-certified mechanical movement and a beautiful set of dimensions at 39mm wide and 10mm tall. Finally, the finishing is insane for a watch of this price point with a case detailed in polishing and satin-brushed and a horizontally striped dial with each line individually CNC machined.

Price: £1,435

Christopher Ward’s “sports-explorer watch”, otherwise known as the C63 Sealander Automatic, is another impressive affordable alternative to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. Crafted from marine-grade stainless steel and powered by Swiss automatic winding movement, it delivers a lot of high-tech features for its price. It’s another one of those stylish, easy to throw on watches that you don’t have to think about. You just know it’ll look good and keep time. Plus, there’s a number of different dial colours, strap variations and case sizes to choose from.

Price: From £840

Finally, another affordable alternative to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra that comes in plenty of colours, sizes and styles is the Tissot PR 100. This model is for those that aren’t bothered about a mechanical movement and are as equally happy with something quartz powered. Because of this, you’re getting a beautiful sports watch for less than £300, but still one that’s Swiss made with a full steel case and bracelet, sapphire crystal glass and a sharp, clean dial generously adorned with glow in the dark Super-LumiNova.

Price: From £285