Omega Aqua Terra Black Dial Men’s Watch 231.10.39.22.01.001 test

A Hands-On Review of a Black Dial Sapphire Crystal Watch with Month/Date and Exhibition Back

If you’re shopping for a classic everyday wristwatch that blends durable materials with clean, dress-leaning style, this black dial sapphire crystal watch is a compelling option. It pairs a polished-and-brushed stainless steel case and bracelet with a scratch-resistant sapphire front crystal, a sapphire exhibition back, and practical calendar displays for month and date. The 39 mm case size keeps it wearable across a wide range of wrists, while luminescent hands and markers support quick reads in low light.

Who is it for? If you prefer a timeless look with modern durability, need a simple calendar function at a glance, and value a see-through caseback without going oversized, this model hits a sweet spot. Quick verdict: A versatile, classic black dial sapphire crystal watch with a thoughtful mix of durability, legibility, and everyday practicality—though some specs (movement, water resistance) are not listed.

While the listing confirms the high-wear elements (sapphire crystals front and back, screw-down crown and caseback, steel bracelet, deployment buckle), several performance metrics are not specified. That makes this a style-forward, materials-driven choice for shoppers who prioritize look and build quality over spec-heavy shopping. Below, we break down what you get, how it wears, and who will appreciate it most.

What’s in the Box

• Watch with black dial and month/date calendar
• Stainless steel bracelet with deployment buckle
• Manufacturer box
• Manual
• Extra links or tools: Not specified
• Warranty card or terms: Not specified

Design & Build

The overall design language is classic and restrained. A black dial offers strong contrast against luminescent hands and markers, supporting readability day or night. The case mixes polished and brushed stainless steel—a combination that looks refined while also helping conceal day-to-day scuffs on brushed surfaces. According to the listing, the case measures 39 mm (noted as 1 1/2 inches) with a 14.7 mm thickness and a 7-inch adjustable bracelet.

A 39 mm case strikes a versatile middle ground. On average wrists, it reads as balanced: large enough to feel modern but not oversized in business or formal settings. The 14.7 mm thickness is substantial; it gives the watch a robust wrist presence and helps the exhibition back sit securely, but it may stand a little taller under snug shirt cuffs. The stainless steel bracelet, finished to match the case, is secured by a deployment buckle for a clean, quick-on-and-off experience.

The watch uses two sapphire crystals—one on the front for scratch resistance, and one on the back to create a transparent “exhibition” caseback. Sapphire is significantly harder than mineral glass and plastic crystals, so the front crystal offers notably better scratch protection in daily wear against door frames, desk edges, and bag zippers. While no anti-reflective (AR) coating is listed, the black dial and luminous accents help maintain clarity in varied lighting.

The screw-down crown and screw-down caseback indicate a focus on secure sealing and durability. While no water resistance rating is listed, a screw-down crown generally helps protect the watch from incidental splashes and dust when properly secured. As always, don’t assume swim-readiness without an explicit water-resistance specification from the manufacturer.

Key Features

Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Crystal (Front)

Benefit: Long-lasting clarity and improved scratch resistance.

Where it helps: If you wear your watch daily—commuting, typing at a desk, setting it on tables—the sapphire crystal resists scratches far better than mineral glass. That means fewer distracting marks over time and less need to baby the watch. It’s a practical choice for anyone who appreciates a watch that stays looking fresh with minimal fuss.

Sapphire Crystal Exhibition Caseback

Benefit: View the movement through the back crystal while maintaining scratch resistance on the rear.

Where it helps: The transparent caseback lets you admire the inner workings of the watch. If the watch features a mechanical movement, you’ll be able to see the rotor or gear train in motion; if it’s quartz, you’ll still enjoy a unique look at the inner components. In either case, the sapphire back offers the same scratch resistance benefits found on the front.

This touch also elevates the perception of quality—many enthusiasts appreciate an exhibition caseback watch for the visual interest and conversation-starting appeal.

Black Dial with Month & Date Calendar

Benefit: Practical day-to-day timekeeping with at-a-glance information.

Where it helps: The black dial keeps things sharp and legible, and the month and date calendar simplifies planning across work and personal life. Rather than pulling out your phone, a quick glance at your wrist confirms today’s date and the current month—handy in meetings, travel, or when signing documents.

Luminescent Hands and Markers

Benefit: Quick legibility in low light.

Where it helps: Dimming conference room? Late-night commute? Early morning workouts? The luminous hands and markers provide a simple, effective way to read the time when light is limited. While the listing does not specify lume type or brightness duration, the presence of luminescent elements is a meaningful quality-of-life feature for a daily wearer and appeals if you want a luminescent hands watch you don’t have to think twice about in dark environments.

Mixed Brushed and Polished Stainless Steel

Benefit: A refined look that also helps manage visible wear.

Where it helps: Polished surfaces add dressy shine; brushed surfaces tone down glare and better hide fine scratches. If you intend to wear the watch both to the office and on weekends, this finishing blend supports that flexible wardrobe. The steel construction also imparts a reassuring solidity—expect a bit of weight on the wrist, as is typical for a stainless steel bracelet watch.

Screw-Down Crown and Back Case

Benefit: More secure sealing against dust and incidental moisture; tighter overall case integrity.

Where it helps: A screw-down crown is less likely to get displaced by a sleeve or accidental bump, and it better protects the case interior when properly tightened. The screw-down caseback supports serviceability and integrity. While no water rating is listed, these features usually accompany watches designed for better everyday robustness.

Deployment Buckle

Benefit: Quick, secure closure with a tidy look.

Where it helps: A deployment buckle is faster and often more secure than simple pin-and-hole clasps. It also tends to distribute pressure evenly for comfort, and it’s easier to open/close with one hand. If you take your watch on and off multiple times per day, this small convenience adds up. It’s also a plus if you prefer a deployment buckle for its professional look.

39 mm Case, 14.7 mm Thickness, 7″ Adjustable Bracelet

Benefit: Balanced sizing with presence.

Where it helps: The 39 mm diameter wears comfortably for many wrist sizes—suiting office, casual, and dress scenarios without overpowering the wrist. The 14.7 mm thickness gives it substance and may slightly lift it off the wrist; it looks purposeful but may not slide under very tight cuffs. The bracelet, sized for approximately a 7-inch wrist out of the box, can typically be adjusted by removing or adding links (consult a jeweler if you don’t have the tools). If you have a larger wrist, confirm that extra links are available.

Performance & Everyday Use

In day-to-day wear, this model aims for a practical, polished experience. Let’s break down how it performs in common scenarios and what to expect during setup and maintenance.

• Readability and contrast: The black dial offers clear contrast against the hands and markers, aided by luminous material for dim conditions. If glare is an issue outdoors and there is no AR coating specified, simply tilt the watch slightly to find the angle with least reflection—a natural motion you’ll adopt quickly.

• Comfort and wrist presence: On a 39 mm case, most wearers will find the watch neither too small nor too large. The 14.7 mm thickness, per the listing, gives a taller profile—noticeable but not unwieldy. It feels substantial, especially with a solid steel bracelet. For best comfort, focus on getting the bracelet sizing right so the watch doesn’t flop or pinch.

• Under a shirt cuff: Slimmer dress cuffs may brush the case due to thickness, but most business shirts with standard cuffs should be fine. If you wear very tailored sleeves, test how it slides under your favorite shirts.

• Bracelet sizing tips: If you’re comfortable with basic tools, you can remove links at home; otherwise, a jeweler can size it quickly. Aim for a fit that allows one finger to slip between bracelet and wrist. That keeps the watch secure while maintaining blood flow and comfort as your wrist naturally expands slightly over the day. If the 7-inch starting length is too small, you may need extra links—check availability with the seller before purchase if your wrist is larger.

• Setting the month and date: While specific movement instructions are not listed, most month/date watches use a crown with multiple positions. As a general best practice followed by many watch owners, avoid adjusting calendar functions when the hands are near midnight (often a “danger window” for mechanical date-change mechanisms) unless the manual explicitly says it’s safe. The included manual should provide step-by-step instructions tailored to this model.

• Using the screw-down crown: Ensure the crown is screwed down fully after setting time or date. This helps maintain the case’s seal and prevents dust or incidental moisture from entering. If the crown resists, don’t force it—back it off slightly to align threads, then try again gently.

• Care and cleaning: Wipe the sapphire crystal and steel surfaces with a soft microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges. For more thorough cleaning, use lukewarm water and a mild soap on the bracelet only if the manual confirms it’s safe; dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. Polished surfaces show fine swirls over time; that’s normal for steel. Brushed areas hide minor wear better.

• Durability expectations: Sapphire crystals are exceptionally hard and resist scratches from most everyday objects (keys, coins, desk edges). They can still chip or shatter with sharp impacts; avoid dropping the watch on tile or concrete. The mixed finishing will keep the watch looking fresh longer than fully polished alternatives, especially if you’re rough on your gear.

• Water exposure: Because the listing does not specify water resistance, treat the watch as not water-rated. Avoid submersion, hot tubs, and steamy showers. If you expect to swim or dive with a watch, consider a model with a stated rating (e.g., 100 m or 200 m) and serviceable gaskets.

• Storage: When off the wrist, store the watch in the manufacturer’s box or a lined watch tray to avoid unnecessary scratches. If the caseback is exhibition sapphire, avoid placing it on rough surfaces; lay it on a soft cloth instead.

Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy This

• You want a black dial sapphire crystal watch that feels versatile for office, evening, and weekend wear.
• You value scratch resistance and long-term clarity from sapphire crystals on both the front and back.
• You appreciate a classic 39 mm footprint with a refined, mixed-finish steel bracelet.
• You like the visual interest of an exhibition caseback, even if specific movement details aren’t provided.
• You prefer the convenience and tidy look of a deployment buckle.
• You want a month/date complication for quick calendar checks without pulling out your phone.

Who Shouldn’t Buy This

• You need specific performance specs (e.g., confirmed water resistance rating, movement type, power reserve). These are not listed.
• You require a very slim watch to slide under tight dress cuffs; the 14.7 mm case height might be too tall for your shirts.
• You dislike the weight of steel bracelets or prefer ultra-light materials (e.g., titanium).
• Your wrist is significantly larger than 7 inches and you can’t confirm availability of extra links.
• You want prominent sport features (timing bezel, high lume brightness claims, screw-pin bracelet construction) that aren’t indicated here.

Specifications

All figures below are from the product listing. Items not in the listing are marked “Not listed.”

Final Thoughts

For shoppers who prize clean style, robust materials, and everyday utility, this model makes a strong case. The combination of a black dial, scratch-resistant sapphire up front, a sapphire exhibition back, and a month/date calendar is rare at many price points and makes for a durable, handsome daily driver. The proportions at 39 mm feel wearable across a range of wrists, and the mixed-finish steel bracelet with deployment buckle adds comfort and polish.

The main caveat is the absence of certain specs—movement details and water resistance most notably. If those are must-know factors for you, confirm with the seller or manufacturer before buying. Otherwise, if your short list includes a versatile black dial sapphire crystal watch that you can dress up or down and wear most days, this one deserves consideration.

Looking for the simplest next step? Check the current offers, verify bracelet sizing for your wrist, and confirm any unlisted specs you care about. If everything aligns, it’s an easy-to-recommend pick for a classic, durable everyday watch that won’t go out of style.