Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Ref. 231.10.42.21.01.002 "Bumblebee"
Luxury Tool Watch / GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) / Anti-Magnetic · Omega (Swatch Group). Luxury tier manufacturer known for technical innovation and its history with NASA and James Bond.
Period: Modern Luxury (2010s). Part of the second generation of mechanical Aqua Terra models, identifiable by the vertical "teak" dial pattern and the introduction of Master Co-Axial technology.
Type
Luxury Tool Watch / GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) / Anti-Magnetic
Brand
Omega (Swatch Group). Luxury tier manufacturer known for technical innovation and its history with NASA and James Bond.
Movement
Automatic, Omega Calibre 8508. Featuring Co-Axial escapement, Si14 silicon balance spring, 60-hour power reserve, twin barrels, and resistance to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss.
Dimensions
41.5mm case diameter, 13mm thickness, 48.5mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. It wears true to size but has a substantial presence due to the long, twisted lyre lugs.
Description
The 'Bumblebee' Aqua Terra is a landmark piece in horology, being the first watch to achieve high magnetism resistance without a soft-iron inner cage. It maintains the classic Aqua Terra silhouette—reminiscent of the Seamaster models of the 1960s—but updates it with a bold, technical aesthetic defined by its high-contrast yellow accents.
Key Features
Black and yellow striped seconds hand; Yellow minute track numbers; ">15,000 GAUSS" text on the dial; Calibre 8508 movement; Vertical teak dial pattern.
Dial Description
Black lacquer with vertical "Teak Concept" stripes. Features applied triangular indices with Super-LumiNova. The defining feature is the "bumblebee" seconds hand—a lacquered black and yellow striped hand. Date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
316L Stainless Steel with a combination of brushed finishes on the case sides and high-polished finishes on the smooth bezel and lug tops.
Crystal Type
Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides.
Bezel Details
Fixed, polished stainless steel smooth bezel.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down crown with the Omega 'Ω' logo. Integrated crown guards formed by the asymmetric case design.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel three-link bracelet (outer links brushed, center links polished) with a butterfly deployant clasp.
Caseback Details
Screw-in exhibition caseback with sapphire crystal, allowing view of the Calibre 8508. Engraved with ">15'000 GAUSS" and "ANTI-MAGNETIC".
Movement Type
Automatic, Omega Calibre 8508. Featuring Co-Axial escapement, Si14 silicon balance spring, 60-hour power reserve, twin barrels, and resistance to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss.
Water Resistance
150 Meters (500 Feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not recommended for professional saturation diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. In-house movement manufactured in Bienne, Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Circa 2013–2017. This specific model was the pioneer for Omega's fully anti-magnetic movement technology.
Cultural Significance
This model marked the start of the 'Master Chronometer' era for Omega. It effectively ended the industry's struggle with everyday magnetism (cell phones, magnets in bags, etc.) by setting a new standard for movement durability.
Condition Notes
Based on the image, the watch appears to be in 'Good' to 'Very Good' condition. There are visible surface scratches on the polished bezel and lugs consistent with regular wear. The crystal and dial appear clean.
Value Estimate
$4,500 - $6,000 USD depending on the inclusion of the original box and papers. Values have remained stable due to its status as a technical first for the brand.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service interval is 5-8 years. While highly anti-magnetic, the watch should be pressure tested annually if used for swimming to ensure gasket integrity.
Similar Watches
Rolex Milgauss (116400GV) - which uses a shield rather than non-ferrous parts; IWC Ingenieur - another historic anti-magnetic competitor; Tudor North Flag - similar integrated-feel tool watch with yellow accents.
Interesting Facts
Before this watch, anti-magnetic watches like the Rolex Milgauss relied on a Faraday cage (iron shield) to protect the movement. Omega innovated by making the movement parts themselves out of non-ferrous materials, allowing for a thinner case and a sapphire caseback.