In the world of watch lovers, few names carry the quiet authority of Omega. It’s not just another luxury label—it’s a brand forged from humble 19th-century beginnings into a symbol of precision, adventure, and style. Over the decades, the Swiss brand has moved effortlessly across worlds: strapped over a spacesuit during the Apollo 11 moon landing, slipped under the cuff of James Bond, and trusted by Olympians, deep-sea divers, and fashion insiders alike.

Now, the legacy finds a new stage in Texas, with the opening of its Austin store, marking an expansion of its North American presence. The momentous occasion was celebrated with an event that brought together esteemed watch experts, editors (including me), and Omega global brand ambassador and Austin native Glen Powell in the heart of Texas.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Powell, who explained that the shared adventurous spirit between Omega and Austin makes the city a perfect fit for the brand. “Austin has grown and changed a lot,” he noted, “But there’s always been an entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit to the place. It’s a town of idealistic people who care about how things are made and how they look, and Omega has that same energy.”

Naturally, in a store filled with timepieces, I inquired about his personal favorite Omega style. He revealed an obsession with a specific Constellation model. “There’s a Constellation with a black face, gold bezel, and leather strap that I’m really obsessed with,” he said. “I have a very busy existence, and sometimes I’m changing throughout the day, and this watch can adapt to everything. It’s not too dressy or too casual.” He noted that he gets a lot of compliments on it and that Omega watches, in general, are great conversation starters. “People who know, know, and they care about the aesthetics, the engineering, the legacy of the brand,” Powell added.

Following my conversation with Powell, I explored the new store. I admired the iconic Seamaster, widely recognized as the “James Bond watch,” and the Speedmaster, the legendary “moon watch” worn by Buzz Aldrin. However, the Aqua Terra truly caught my eye.

Paying homage to Omega’s maritime roots, the Aqua Terra instantly impressed with its slim case, clean dial, and an understated, versatile aesthetic. A brand specialist described it as a “go-anywhere, do-anything” style that seamlessly transitions from casual to formal wear. Its light feel on the wrist contributes to its everyday wearability.

It is available in various dial colors, with bands in stainless steel, gold, or two-tone, and in sizes including 34 mm, 38 mm, 41 mm, and a newer 30 mm size—my favorite for its petite but charming appeal.

Watch content creator, collector, curator, and seller Courtney Bachrach, who was present at the Austin event, was similarly drawn to a 30 mm Aqua Terra, favoring one with a green dial and a diamond bezel. “The pop of color on the dial elevates a daytime look, while the warmth of the gold and the diamonds gives it just enough for evening without trying too hard,” she shared. “It’s one of those rare pieces that truly work day to night, styled more like a piece of jewelry than a traditional sports watch.” Its popularity reaches the celebrity world, with fans such as actress Allison Williams, who wore a 30 mm Aqua Terra with a white mother-of-pearl dial, diamond bezel and casing, and a gold band to the exclusive Omega celebration.