Vogue Scandinavia's editor-in-chief, Martina Bonnier, recounts her immersive experience in Japan to celebrate OMEGA's newest timepiece innovations. Walk with her through the historical, secret-saturated city of Kyoto, to discover the newest member of the Aqua Terra family and powerful accompanying campaign, 'my little secret'
Laden with culture, temples and shrines, Kyoto lies at the heart of the Kansai region, a city that captivates with its serenity and depth. Untouched by the devastation of war, it remains a living archive of Japan’s heritage: a place where past and present coexist in quiet harmony.
It was in this setting that I joined OMEGA for the unveiling of its new Aqua Terra watch collection. While the Swiss brand has no historic ties to Kyoto – or Japan more broadly – the city proved a thoughtful and evocative backdrop for this latest expression of its classic timepiece.
Editor in Chief Martina Bonnier in Kyoto with OMEGA.
It is through the lens of this new collection that Kyoto's subtle beauty and hidden gems become especially resonant. Marking over two decades since its debut, the Seamaster Aqua Terra has now been reimagined in 30mm casing, with no less than 12 variations rendered in either stainless steel, 18K Sedna Gold, 18K Moonshine Gold or sleek two-tone designs. Each timepiece features a new Master Chronometer movement, vibrant dials, integrated bracelets, and transparent sapphire casebacks - inviting a glimpse into the meticulously engineered soul of the watch.
To truly capture the elegance, restraint and quiet sophistication of the new collection, the Kyoto experience began with an immersive display rooted in Japanese tradition. We were welcomed by the graceful movements of Maikos performing a classic Japanese dance – refined, precise and deeply emotive, much like the watches themselves. This was followed by a calligraphy workshop, where we learned how to scribe "my little secret" in Japanese characters, before we were invited to enjoy traditional matcha tea ceremony and pasty-making, the deliberance and sacred movements a reminder of the reverence Japan holds for ceremony and detail.
A traditional tea ceremony.
One of Kyoto's many sacred and breathtaking temples.
Wearing tradition dress and accompanied by local instrumentalists, a group of Miakos performed a classic Japanese dance.
Throughout the experience, I couldn't help but reflect on how deeply ingrained ritual is in Japanese culture. A bow upon greeting, hands held just so during ceremony – each act a sign of intention and respect. Much like OMEGA's craftsmanship, every gesture is deliberate, refined, and meaningful.
The traditional Yakinuku lunch.
With its vivid green lacquer, this variation is one of the hero pieces amongst the 12 Aqua Terra 30mm models.
No immersion in Kyoto would be complete without venturing into its spiritual heart. Surrounded by ancient walls and locals in tradition kimonos, we wandered through sacred local temples, soaking in the quiet majesty the city offers at every turn: small alleyways swathed with traditional foods, 'Maneki-Neko' or 'Lucky Cat' figurines with their gentle rocking arms, and lush secret gardens were just some of the enchanting scenes we encountered at every turn.
OMEGA deepened our cultural immersion with a Yakinuku lunch, where each traditional dish was prepared and served with an almost ceremonial precision. Much like the day's earlier experiences, the meal itself became a ritual – another layer in a journey defined by craftsmanship, intention, and beauty. It was after this that the unveiling of the new Aqua Terra 30mm timepieces took place.
The collection – 12 striking iterations of OMEGA's original watch – marks a deliberate shift in focus for the brand, with each piece designed specifically for women. The introduction of a 30mm case responds to a growing demand for smaller, more elegant watches, while simultaneously showcasing a new level of technical complexity. Achieving this compact form without sacrificing performance or aesthetic integrity required four years of meticulous engineering.
Thai actor and model Kornnaphat Sethratanapong.
OMEGA's line-up of powerhouse ambassadors for the Aqua Terra 30mm 'my little secret' campaign.
German artist, model and TikTok sensation Lena Mantler.
It is this hidden brilliance that OMEGA CEO Raynald Aeschilmann believes defines the collection's allure. "The most beautiful part of the watch is the one you cannot immediately see," he explains. "Our new calibres represent OMEGA'S highest expression of engineering, hidden within yet defining the watch's essence."
This philosophy comes to life most vividly in the collection's standout piece: a watch with a rich green lacquered dial, encircled by diamonds and paired with a radiant gold bracelet – slim yet luxuriously weighty at the wrist. At once bold and refined, it perfectly captures the 'my little secret' theme – with beauty and technicality that is at once subtle and palpable, revealed and concealed.
Photo: OMEGA
Photo: OMEGA
Photo: OMEGA
As twilight settled over Kyoto, all culminated in a stunning gala at Shogunzuka Seiryuden Temple, backdropped by a dramatic sunset. The celebration brought together OMEGA’s ambassadors – model, entrepreneur and advocate Ashley Graham, K-pop star Danielle Marsh, Grammy award- winning singer-songwriter Tems, and actors Ariana DeBose and Marisa Abela. They were joined by a global guest list that included Thai actor Kornnaphat Sethratanapong, Japanese singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and German artist, model and TikTok sensation Lena Mantler.
Reflecting on the Aqua Terra 30mm collection, Graham shared her personal connection to the piece. "The moment you put it on, you just feel like it could take you through whatever you're going through," she commented. "Whether it's your date night, or you're a busy mom to businesswoman, your highs and lows. I think that it just instils confidence in you that it's a piece that's always with you."
That sense of empowerment was echoed by fellow ambassador Tems. "I used to associate watches with men who like to show off quietly, so I always thought of watches as a hidden flex," she says. "So now, when I wear a watch, I feel like I'm creating a quiet shine, a quiet statement. It makes me quietly confident."