Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 231.10.39.22.02.001 review: 150m Swiss

A compact stainless steel annual calendar watch for everyday refinement

Looking for a dress-leaning timepiece that stays practical Monday through Sunday? This stainless steel, silver‑dial annual calendar watch combines a classic 38.5 mm case with modern durability touches like a scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal and a sapphire exhibition case back. It’s designed for people who want a traditionally sized piece with calendar convenience, clean legibility, and a metal bracelet that fits into work, travel, and evening settings.

The headline here is usefulness with restraint. The annual calendar complication keeps month and date tracking largely hands‑off for most of the year, the silver dial stays versatile across outfits, and the stainless steel case and bracelet add everyday robustness. Quick verdict: A refined, compact annual calendar watch best for wrists that prefer sub‑40 mm proportions and owners who value sapphire protection and low‑maintenance calendar convenience.

What’s in the Box

• Watch with silver dial and annual calendar (per listing)
• Manufacturer’s box
• Manual
• Additional bracelet links: Not specified
• Warranty card: Not specified
• Cleaning cloth: Not specified
• Extra straps: Not specified

Design & Build

The listing specifies a 38.5 mm (1 1/2″) stainless steel case, which places this model firmly in the classic-to-compact camp. On most average wrists, 38.5 mm wears balanced and sleeve‑friendly; on smaller wrists, it reads elegant rather than oversized; on larger wrists, it skews understated. Because thickness and lug‑to‑lug dimensions aren’t listed, overall presence will vary, but the measured diameter alone suggests comfortable, daily wearable proportions.

A stainless steel bracelet is included, with the listing noting a 7″ adjustable length. If your wrist exceeds about 7 inches, expect to need extra links from the seller or your jeweler. For those around 6.25–7 inches, 38.5 mm on bracelet usually nails the sweet spot: secure, discreet, yet substantial enough not to disappear on the wrist.

Front and back protection is handled by sapphire: the top crystal is scratch‑resistant, and the case back is a sapphire exhibition window, allowing a view of the movement. The crown and case back are both screw‑down, which helps seal the case against dust and incidental moisture. While screw‑down hardware is an encouraging sign for durability, specific water resistance is not listed, so treat it as a dress/office watch rather than a dedicated swim companion.

Dial‑side, the silver finish should offer strong versatility. Combined with luminescent hands and markers, you get day‑to‑evening legibility. The bracelet’s deployment buckle streamlines on‑wrist security and preserves the bracelet shape better than a standard pin clasp.

Key Features

Annual calendar complication

Benefit: The annual calendar feature automatically accounts for months with 30 and 31 days. You only need to correct the date once per year—on March 1st—because February varies. In daily life, this means fewer fiddly adjustments at the end of months, keeping the watch reliably set for work schedules, travel, or recurring appointments.

Where it helps: If you’re the type who leaves your watch on the nightstand or winder and expects it to be right when you put it on, an annual calendar watch minimizes interaction without sacrificing sophistication. You’ll glance down and still be on the correct day and date for 11 months of the year.

Scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal

Benefit: Sapphire is among the hardest materials used for watch crystals, significantly more resistant to scratches than mineral glass or acrylic. According to the listing, this model uses a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, which helps keep the dial clear and free of hazing after contact with shirt cuffs, desks, and laptop edges.

Where it helps: Commuting, typing, and frequent travel mean your watch inevitably brushes surfaces. Sapphire helps preserve a like‑new look longer, which is especially noticeable on a silver dial where scratches can draw the eye.

Sapphire exhibition case back

Benefit: The listing notes a sapphire exhibition case back. This display window lets you see the movement’s mechanics at work—an aesthetic and educational touch that many enthusiasts appreciate. Sapphire on the back also resists scratching from bracelet contact or desk wear.

Where it helps: If you enjoy sharing the story of your watch or just like examining the movement during quiet moments, the sapphire exhibition case back invites a closer look and elevates the wearing experience.

Stainless steel case and bracelet

Benefit: Stainless steel is the go‑anywhere, do‑most‑things material of watchmaking. It resists corrosion, handles daily knocks, and pairs seamlessly with casual and business attire. The stainless steel bracelet keeps the look cohesive and low‑maintenance, and it generally outlasts leather in high‑wear scenarios.

Where it helps: Office days, weekend errands, dinners out—steel blends in everywhere. If you rotate watches infrequently or just want one that fits most outfits, a stainless steel bracelet is a smart, resilient choice.

Luminescent hands and markers

Benefit: The watch includes luminescent hands and markers, improving readability in dim environments. It’s a practical safety net when stepping into a theater, dim restaurant, or early morning commute.

Where it helps: Any time you transition from bright to low light, the lume extends usability without pulling out your phone. It’s a small detail that elevates perceived quality and day‑to‑day convenience.

Screw‑down crown and case back

Benefit: A screw‑down crown helps prevent accidental time/date changes and offers additional sealing against dust and moisture. A screw‑down case back adds security and long‑term serviceability.

Where it helps: Frequent travelers or people who remove and put on their watch during the day benefit from the more secure crown. It’s also reassuring when washing hands or getting caught in light rain. Note: Water‑resistance rating is not listed, so avoid swimming or showering with the watch regardless of screw‑downs.

Deployment buckle

Benefit: A deployment buckle offers a more secure closure than a simple foldover or pin clasp and reduces stress on the bracelet links when taking the watch on and off. It also makes sizing adjustments more precise for a comfortable all‑day fit.

Where it helps: If you wear the watch daily, a deployment buckle simplifies your routine and reduces the risk of drops when putting it on over a hardwood floor or tile.

Performance & Use

Day‑to‑day wearOn wrist, a 38.5 mm case typically feels agile and refined. It slides under cuffs easily and avoids the bulk that can make larger cases fatiguing. Stainless steel adds reassuring heft without going overboard. With the bracelet’s deployment buckle, you get quick, secure closure and a polished look that suits everything from a button‑down to a polo.

LegibilitySilver dials can present two common concerns—glare and contrast. While anti‑reflective coating is not specified, sapphire crystals often offer decent clarity. The luminescent hands and markers help after dark or in shaded environments. If you prefer maximum contrast, silver-on-silver may be subtler than a high-contrast black dial, but in most office and casual settings it remains clear and dressy.

Calendar utilityThe annual calendar is the standout. For 11 months, you can set and forget it, provided the watch has been running continuously. You’ll need to correct for February’s shorter length once per year. If you’re new to annual calendars:

• Set the calendar only when the hands are in the bottom half of the dial (e.g., around 6:30) to avoid potential date-change conflicts; check the manual for model‑specific guidance.
• Advance the date/month forward rather than backward unless the manual explicitly allows reverse adjustment.
• If you store the watch for long stretches, note that you’ll need to reset the date and month when you start wearing it again.

Movement and accuracyThe listing doesn’t specify the movement type (mechanical or quartz) or accuracy figures. If the movement is mechanical, daily variance is normal and can be regulated by a watchmaker if needed. If it’s quartz, expect set‑and‑forget accuracy with periodic battery changes. Consult the included manual for movement type, battery information (if applicable), and recommended service intervals.

Bracelet fit and comfortWith a listed 7″ adjustable bracelet, most wrists in the 6.25″–7″ range should size correctly out of the box. If your wrist is larger, request extra links at purchase or from the manufacturer. A properly fitted bracelet should allow a finger to slide under the clasp without pinching. Hot days cause wrists to swell—if your bracelet is tight midday, add a link or move the micro‑adjustment out one position if available.

Screw‑down crown best practices

• Always thread the crown in gently until you feel the threads catch; avoid cross‑threading by not forcing it.
• After setting, press in and turn the crown clockwise until it stops; over‑tightening isn’t necessary.
• If the crown isn’t fully screwed in, moisture protection is compromised.

Everyday durabilityStainless steel construction plus sapphire crystals on both sides make this a watch that can stand up to typical office knocks. It’s still best to avoid hard impacts, abrasive surfaces, and chemicals (e.g., cleaning agents, perfumes) that can dull finishes or degrade gaskets over time.

Care and maintenance

• Wipe the watch and bracelet with a soft, lint‑free cloth to remove body oils and fingerprints.
• For deeper cleans, use a lightly damp cloth on the bracelet and dry thoroughly. Avoid soaking unless water resistance is explicitly stated in the manual.
• Service intervals are not specified; mechanical watches typically benefit from periodic maintenance, while quartz models may need battery replacements every few years. Refer to the manual or manufacturer support.

Travel tips

• The annual calendar helps keep your schedule straight across trips, but remember to adjust the local time on landing. If the watch has a quick‑set date (not specified), make changes outside the 8 pm–4 am window to avoid interfering with the date change mechanism.
• Store the watch in its manufacturer box or a padded case during travel to protect the sapphire exhibition case back and bracelet from scratches.

Clothing and occasion pairing

• Business casual: The silver dial and stainless steel bracelet read professional without being loud.
• Formal: The modest 38.5 mm size slips neatly under a dress shirt cuff.
• Weekend: It transitions well to polos, sweaters, and denim. For sporty activities, consider swapping to a strap if compatible (strap size not listed).

Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy It

• You want an annual calendar watch that reduces date fiddling for most of the year.
• You prefer a classic, compact 38.5 mm case that’s comfortable under cuffs and suits smaller to average wrists.
• You value durability upgrades like a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and a sapphire exhibition case back.
• You like a cohesive, all‑metal look with a stainless steel bracelet and a secure deployment buckle.
• You appreciate luminescent hands and markers for low‑light checks without reaching for your phone.

Who Shouldn’t Buy It

• You need confirmed water resistance for swimming or heavy rain (rating not listed).
• Your wrist is well over 7 inches and you don’t want to source extra links.
• You require specific movement details (mechanical vs quartz, accuracy) before purchase; these aren’t provided in the listing.
• You prefer oversized or sporty divers; at 38.5 mm and with a dress‑leaning silver dial, this is more refined than rugged.
• You want smartwatch features or notifications—this is a traditional analog watch.

Specs

Practical buying advice

• Size check: Measure your wrist. If it’s above 7″, plan for extra links. If it’s between 6.25″ and 7″, the stock bracelet length often works well.
• Use case: If you want a single watch that fits the office, dinners, and casual weekends without screaming “sport,” this hits the mark.
• Calendar expectations: An annual calendar is a meaningful step up in convenience over simple date watches. If you love the idea of set‑and‑forget for most of the year, this complication is worth it.
• Care: Even with a screw‑down crown, treat water exposure cautiously until the manual confirms a rating.

Final verdict

This stainless steel annual calendar watch shines as an all‑rounder for those who prefer classic sizing and straightforward elegance. The combination of an annual calendar, a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, and a sapphire exhibition case back creates an appealing blend of practicality and refinement. If you want an annual calendar watch that’s comfortable at 38.5 mm, pairs easily with most wardrobes, and offers durable materials without shouting for attention, it’s an easy shortlist candidate. If you need dive‑ready water resistance or detailed movement specs, look elsewhere.

Ready to see current offers and confirm fit and availability? Check the latest pricing and make sure the 7″ bracelet will suit your wrist before you buy.