TAG Aquaracer: A Guide to One of the Most Reliable Divers

When it comes to sports watches, TAG Heuer is among the brands that immediately come to mind, mainly because of its infamous Formula 1 series or their Carrera collection. However, TAG Heuer’s reputation as a luxury sports watch brand does not stop with these pieces. TAG Heuer also boasts a collection that is perfect for water sports enthusiasts called the TAG Heuer Aquaracer or TAG Aquaracer — a pretty well-known range among the diving community.

Although the brand offers a variety of waterproof watches in its array of collections, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer is known to be the line with features catered to withstand the extreme circumstances that come with diving and other water sports. With that, let’s find out whether or not the TAG Heuer Aquaracer is truly one of the most reliable dive watches out there.

TAG Heuer: Over a Century of Watch Innovation

Again, one does not have to be a watch connoisseur or a sports enthusiast to know TAG Heuer, as it is one of the most popular luxury watch brands in the market today. For over 160 years, TAG Heuer has been a leading manufacturer in the watchmaking industry, boasting cutting-edge innovations in both design and engineering.

TAG Heuer did not let the passing of time and evolution of technology catch them off guard. Rather, the brand used the shift to industrialisation and the world’s desire for innovation to create timepieces that would change the watchmaking game forever — particularly its use in the fields of medicine, transportation, and even sports. From pocket chronographs that aid in counting pulse to the installation of the “Time of Trip” chronograph feature in vehicles to supplying stopwatches at the Olympic Games, TAG has made it clear that they value precision and reliability above all. As decades passed, TAG Heuer continued to establish its name, not only as a luxury brand but also as a reputable manufacturer of avant-garde timepieces.

The Birth of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 

Although TAG Heuer’s first line of dive watches dates back to as early as the 1980s, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer was not introduced until 2004. It was initially part of the 2000 series and was called the 2000 Aquaracer. The luxury brand’s main goal during its launch was simply to get back into the market involving “aluminium ring diving watches”.

The TAG Aquaracer line is known today as TAG Heuer’s youngest collection of dive watches, stemming from a widely successful lineage namely the Heuer 2000 series. TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer collection can be divided into four generations: 1st Generation (2005-2009), 2nd Generation (2009-2012), 3rd Generation (2012-2014), and 4th Generation (2014 – present). 

TAG Heuer Aquaracer 1st Generation (2005 to 2009) 

Due to the immense success of the 2000 Aquaracer model, TAG Heuer decided to rename the entire 2000 range to the Aquaracer series. In a span of four years, TAG Heuer launched multiple models to be included in the TAG Aquaracer collection, such as the Aquaracer Calibre 16 Chronograph, the Aquaracer Quartz, the Aquaracer Automatic, the Aquaracer Grand Date, the Aquaracer S Calibre, and the Aquaracer Chronotimer. While these are all quite distinct pieces, the first three models mentioned above quickly rose to fame. 

• TAG Aquaracer Calibre 16 Chronograph

Two versions of the Aquaracer Calibre 16 Chronograph, both with a depth rating of 300m were released in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The 2005 edition featured the classic date design in a 41mm case, while the 2006 edition came in a 43mm case with a day-date design. 

• TAG Aquaracer Quartz 

This model came in two different sizes, distinct designs, and both with a 300m depth rating. The 38mm Quartz is said to be the most reminiscent of the 2000 series in terms of design, as it featured similar but updated attributes as the previous models. Meanwhile, the Quartz Chronograph also held a similar design to another model, the 41mm Aquaracer Calibre 16 Chronograph. Additionally, it was during this time that TAG Heuer used a coloured logo to distinguish their Quartz models from the Automatic ones. 

• Aquaracer Automatic

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic came in a 38mm case and followed a similar dial pattern as the earlier 2000 models but with updated features, a 300m depth rating, and a Calibre 5 movement. 

TAG Heuer Aquaracer 2nd Generation (2009 to 2012) 

The 2nd generation of the TAG Aquaracer range included major upgrades in both function and design. This specific collection allocated a more serious-looking design to the 500 M range while incorporating more features in the 300 M range. 

• TAG Aquaracer 500 M 

The pieces in this range utilised either a Calibre 5 or a Calibre 16 movement with a rubberised bezel, a 3-hand function, and a date feature. Just with a single glance, one can already tell that this range definitely differs compared to the other Aquaracers released prior as the timepieces have a more striking and daring look to them. 

• TAG Aquaracer 300 M 

The pieces in this range, on the other hand, still look quite similar to the watches in the 1st generation. It came in Quartz and Automatic 3-hand models that included added features such as an alarm function and a Grand Date component. 

TAG Heuer Aquaracer 3rd Generation (2012 to 2014) 

The 3rd generation of the TAG Aquaracer series gives emphasis on the redesigning of the 2012 500 M Aquaracer model. TAG Heuer opted to change the bold look of the 2010 version into a more subtle and conventional style. The 2012 edition 500 M Aquaracer came in a 42mm case with either a Calibre 16 Chronograph or a Calibre 72 Countdown Chronograph. In comparison to the 500 M series released in the 2nd generation, this collection highlights the brand’s decision to focus on creating pieces that are more simple, classic, and suited for everyday use. 

TAG Heuer Aquaracer 4th Generation (2014 to present) 

The 4th generation of the Aquaracer collection, which is also the most recent offering among the ones mentioned above, focuses on the 300 M range. The models in this range either come in a steel bezel or a ceramic bezel. The Aquaracer 300 M Steel Bezel pieces have a familiar look to them, similar to those in the previous generations, only with enhanced features particularly around the dial area. 

The 300 M Steel Bezel comes in multiple variations: the Calibre 5 model in a 40.5mm steel case, the quartz Grand Date model in a 43mm steel case, the Calibre 16 model also in a 43mm steel case, and more. 

The 300 M Ceramic Bezel also includes multiple styles, ranging from the Calibre 5 in 43 mm, the Calibre 16, and the Quartz model. In addition, TAG Heuer also released a sports series for the Aquaracer 300 M Calibre 5 Ceramic Bezel which incorporated deeper colours in the dial and straps.  As of today, no new 500 M watch has been released as a part of this generation. 

The Present-Day TAG Aquaracer 

Now that we know the evolution of the Aquaracer through the years, let’s delve a little deeper into the general design, features, functions, as well as price range of the present-day TAG Heuer Aquaracer collection. 

Design

Based on the categories available on TAG Heuer’s website, the Aquaracer series can be filtered by gender, size, colour, and material. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer for men is generally bigger and bulkier-looking, while the TAG Heuer Aquaracer for ladies is more simple and subtle. However, regardless of gender, the pieces in the TAG Aquaracer collection boasts elegant and resilient designs,  suitable for all lifestyles. The Aquaracer watches come in four sizes (27mm, 32mm, 41mm, and 44mm), six main dial colours (black, grey, blue, red, green, and yellow), four strap materials (ceramic, gold, steel, and TIT), and four strap colours (black, blue, khaki, and no colour). 

Features & Functions 

Moreover, the variations of the TAG Aquaracer do not stop with its designs. This collection includes models with different movements as well such as the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 5 Automatic and the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Quartz. This range also features a 3-hand function and a date component, typically found at the 3 o’clock dial marker. 

Price

In terms of price, luxury watch collectors would say that the cost of TAG Heuer timepieces falls on the more affordable side especially when compared to other luxury watch brands in the market. The price of a new TAG Heuer Aquaracer can range from around $1,500 USD  to over $4,500 USD, depending on the model, specs, and other factors. You can also find pre-owned, authentic TAG Heuer Aquaracers online for a lower price.

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Limited-Edition

In 2020, TAG Heuer released a limited-edition TAG Heuer Aquaracer x Bamford Watch Department piece, which features a 43mm matte-finish automatic watch with a black dial and hints of orange around the markers and hand outlines. The goal of this collaboration was to create a quality piece with a perfect balance of toughness and conventionality for anyone and everyone. 

Despite being a collection that has been in the market for nearly two decades now, TAG Heuer’s modern-day Aquaracer range manages to stay true to its roots, especially in terms of precision and reliability, while still introducing new designs and features. 

TAG Aquaracer: The Good and The Bad

Regardless of all the information and details explained above, let’s face it, the real question is: Is it worth it to buy a TAG Heuer Aquaracer or not? Spending a huge amount of money on something is never easy, which is why we listed below some pros and cons to aid you in your decision. 

Pros 

• It is a quintessential timepiece.

Whether you’re a diver, a water sports enthusiast, a luxury watch collector, or a just normal person who’s looking into buying their first high-end watch, it is guaranteed that there is a piece that would fit you among the TAG Aquaracer collection. Even though this specific series is more popularly known as a dive watch, the classic and elegant design it offers makes it such a versatile piece that would look good on anyone at any time.  

• It is less expensive compared to other luxury watch brands. 

Despite being well-regarded as a luxury brand, TAG Heuer’s pieces are relatively cheaper in comparison to the other luxury watch brands in the market. Many people say that the TAG Heuer Aquaracer is a safe entry-level investment for aspiring watch collectors. It still requires a hefty amount of money but it is definitely not as expensive as a Rolex Submariner, for example. 

• It is both functional and reliable. 

One of the many great things about TAG Heuer is that their products are just as reliable and accurate as other luxury brands out there, despite having a lower retail price. As previously mentioned, the Aquaracer comes from a long lineage of timepieces that has only evolved for the better through the years. TAG Heuer’s commitment to ensuring that their collections continue to showcase their high regard for reliability and precision definitely reflects on the Aquaracer and their other collections.

Cons

• It has lower brand recognition and resale value. 

Much like many things in life, companies also have their own place in a hierarchy, depending on their branding, products, prices, and many other factors. While it is no doubt that TAG Heuer can be found in the luxury tier for watch brands, when compared to its competitors in the market, TAG Heuer falls on the lower end of the said tier, leading to lesser brand recognition. Furthermore, it was mentioned above that the TAG Heuer Aquaracer is less expensive compared to other luxury watches, so this can also mean that it has a lower resale value should it be sold in the future. 

At the end of the day, no amount of research and reading can magically coerce you into buying a certain product. It is still up to you and the different factors you take into consideration whether you choose to invest in luxury items or not. The pros and cons stated above merely serve as a guide and an overview for those looking into buying the perfect watch for themselves. Nonetheless, it is safe to say that there are many luxury timepieces out there that are great for short term and long term investments if you know where to look. 

Final Thoughts

Why is the TAG Heuer Aquaracer one of the most reliable dive watches out there? There are many factors and reasons as to why the Aquaracer is considered to be such an irrefutable timepiece in terms of reliability. However, it really boils down to TAG Heuer’s consistency in innovation and their dedication to the over-arching theme of creating high-performance avant-garde timepieces. TAG Heuer’s colourful history that dates back to as early as the late 1800s can still be seen and felt in their modern-day collections.

It is no secret that it’s difficult for any brand to stay true to its roots, especially with the constant evolution of technology. Still, TAG managed to keep the nautical heritage from their early dive watches and incorporate it into the different generations of the Aquaracer. The reason behind the reliability of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer is not limited to just the 300m and 500m depth rating features or the scratch resistance of its bezels or its variety in movement. What makes the Aquaracer series truly reliable is the narrative behind what it is now. As successors of the 2000 series, the TAG Aquaracer had a lot to live up to, which is why all the innovations and tweaks that came with each generation only toughened the series.  

If you want to know more about TAG Heuer’s other iconic collections, check out our guide to the TAG Heuer Autavia.

Photo credits: All photos courtesy of TAG Heuer