What is the chicest trend in the watch world right now? A highly versatile black timepiece. Monochrome design has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. Just ask Swiss brand Omega, which has welcomed a sleek new collection of midnight-hued watches into its Seamaster Aqua Terra range, each fitted with a shimmery ebony dial.

The Aqua Terra collection – a much-loved line within the Seamaster family – was first introduced in 2002, marking Omega’s foray into the sports-chic market with a seamless merging of functionality and timeless design. Since then, Omega has reworked the Aqua Terra with technical updates and a revamped look. In 2008, the luxury watchmaker enhanced the collection by integrating its in-house Co-Axial calibre. The following year, the Aqua Terra Chronograph and Aqua Terra GMT, as well as the Aqua Terra > 15,000 Gauss were introduced, the latter being the first watch to feature Omega’s revolutionary Co-Axial calibre 8508, a movement resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss.

In 2013, Omega introduced the Aqua Terra Golf Edition, catering specifically to golf enthusiasts. This limited-edition design was distinguished by its golf-inspired aesthetic, including a patterned dial reminiscent of golf courses and a striking green seconds hand. The collection received a further upgrade in 2017 with redesigned cases and the introduction of master chronometer-certified movements. Elsewhere, that same year, a limited-edition Aqua Terra GMT Worldtimer debuted in platinum.

In 2019, a new Worldtimer was added to the Aqua Terra lineup, appealing to Omega’s globetrotting clientele with a practical world-time complication, displaying multiple time zones on its dial. More recently, meanwhile, Omega unveiled the Aqua Terra Shades collection in 2023, which features a vibrant mix of coloured watch dials, from pale blue to green, pink and ivory, in 34mm and 38mm sizes.

Today, the Aqua Terra family expands once more with a range of new Seamaster Aqua Terra models, each highlighting a black dial with a slick lacquered finish. With this latest launch, Omega has delivered three stainless-steel models in 41mm and 38mm sizes – featuring classic Aqua Terra details like a trapezoidal date window, sharp triangular indexes, and an outer minute track – as well as a 34mm case, which is differentiated by its round date window, sailboat-shaped indexes, and no minute track.

Beating at the heart of the new 41mm Seamaster Aqua Terra is Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8900, while the 38mm and 34mm are driven by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800, each movement visible to the wearer via a sapphire crystal caseback and certified by Metas, the Swiss industry’s highest standard of precision, performance and magnetic resistance. The watches also boast an impressive water resistance of up to 150 metres and are guaranteed by the Omega’s five-year warranty.

If you’re looking to embrace the dark side and add a stealthily luxurious timepiece to your treasure trove, the new Seamaster Aqua Terra makes for a bold statement, offering an intriguing take on a classic silhouette with not only style but versatility, too.

£6,200; omegawatches.com