There is a fact.
TAG Heuer is probably one of the most recognizable watch brands out there.
They’re arguably one of the best entry-level luxury brands you can find right now.
While they won’t fetch as high a price as a Rolex or an Omega piece might, TAG watches are known for bringing with them an air of class and prestige not a lot of other brands can match.
Among many series from the brand, the Aquaracer might probably be one of the most well-known ones.
And in this TAG Heuer Aquaracer review, we’ll take a close look at some of the best timepieces in the whole series.
Sounds good enough?
Read on to find out more.
| AT A GLANCE: MY TOP 5 PICKS FOR THE BEST TAG HEUER AQUARACER WATCHES |
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Series Overview
The Aquaracer series officially launched in 2003 and hasn’t changed much since then.
Watches in the series are known for their bold designs, very high water-resistance, and Swiss-made movements that keep the watch as accurate a possible.
But the series can actually trace its roots all the way back to the 80s’ with the Heuer 2000 Series that was launched in 1982 and served as the main inspiration for the Aquaracer.
The world of luxury dive-watches is a big one with a lot of iconic “Holy Grail” pieces such as the Rolex Submariner.
And while the Aquaracer hasn’t been around as long and isn’t as expensive as these highly coveted pieces, you’ll find that these watches hold their own against the best of the best.
Overall Customer Feedback
All in all, people are very satisfied with the series.
This is because of the incredibly high-quality build that most of the watches have, the bold designs, and the relatively low price.
Customers usually know they won’t really be getting the most prestigious watch when shopping in the Aquaracer line, but they will be getting a luxurious timepiece that works and looks great.
Those who bought an Aquaracer are usually quick to make the comparison to classic Omega and Rolex dive watches.
And the common consensus is that while they aren’t exactly on the same level as these very expensive watches, but they can definitely hold their own against them.
But more on the comparisons later.
Customers are quick to praise the functionality and accuracy of these watches, and really enjoy the fact that they come in very well-designed cases.
Reviews of the Best TAG Heuer Aquaracer Watches
1. WAY111C.BA0928 Aquaracer Blue Dial Watch
Kicking things off is an Aquaracer model with the quintessential dive watch aesthetic.
It features a silver-toned stainless steel case and a deep blue dial that instantly makes you think of the ocean.
It has a uni-directional rotating bezel that shares the same blue tone of the dial and the whole thing runs on a Swiss-Quartz movement.
So you’ll definitely have an accurate time reading and more with this dive watch.
And above all of that, it’s water-resistant to 300m which means you can wear this beautiful watch while swimming, diving, or simply having a good time out at sea without having to worry about damaging the watch.
Pros:
-Simple and classic dive-watch design
-Sapphire crystal will make sure your watch doesn’t get scratched
-300m water resistance
-Has a date window
Cons:
-The 41mm case may too large for some
2. WBD1312.BA0740 Women’s Aquaracer
TAG Heuer is a brand known for making both men’s and women’s watches, so it’s about fitting that one of their most popular series features models designed for women.
This Aquaracer has a silver-toned stainless steel case, a uni-directional rotating bezel, and a deep blue dial with a date window.
It’s very similar to the previous entry on this list, save for the bezel which shares the same tone as the case and bracelet.
As it is a women’s watch, it measures in at 32mm in diameter, which is fairly large, but very fitting for a dive watch.
It runs on a Swiss-made quartz movement.
Granted, it would have been nice for this watch to have a more luxurious movement, but considering that it’s one of the less-expensive TAG watches, it’s an understandable compromise.
Like all Aquaracers, this watch is equipped with great water-resistance, 300m of it to be exact.
That way, you can bring this watch with you just about anywhere to keep you on time and add a bit of style to your look without worrying about damaging the watch.
Pros:
-Great craftsmanship
-Nice size for a dive watch
-300m of water resistance
-Well-designed dial makes reading the time very easy
Cons:
-Only has a quartz movement
3. WAY201A.BA0927 Calibre 5 Automatic Watch
Next up, we have an Aquaracer with an automatic movement, a bold black dial, and a large case that will definitely turn heads.
The movement of this watch is the Swiss-made Calibre 5 movement, which is one of the best automatic movements in the horology world today.
So if you’re looking for an accurate timepiece with a simple yet bold design, this one is worth checking out.
The black dial is a great background for the white markers and gold-toned detail on the seconds hand that adds a touch of class to the watch.
As is par for the course with Aquaracer, this watch has 300m of water resistance that will withstand heavy water activities like skin-diving and scuba diving.
Anyone who’s aiming to look stylish with a watch that can withstand a variety of environments and keeps time with a superior automatic movement, this model may be it.
Pros:
-Calibre 5 automatic movement
-Bold design
-300m of water resistance
-Uni-directional rotating bezel adds both character and function to the watch
Cons:
-43mm case may be too large for some wrists
4. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Quartz WAY101A.BA0746
This model is very similar to the previous entry on the list.
They both have large and black 43mm dials, 300m of water resistance, and a uni-directional rotating bezel to match the dial’s color.
While there are minute differences in the details, the main thing that sets this watch apart is the movement.
This model uses a quartz movement, which is as accurate as it is practical.
While the movement isn’t considered “premium” in the same way that automatic and mechanical movements get, they are actually very accurate and reliable.
Aside from that, it brings down the price a bit.
So if you’re looking for an entry-level luxury dive watch but don’t exactly want to bust the bank, this Aquaracer may be the top pick for you.
Pros:
-Less expensive than other Aquaracer models
-Classy and bold design
-Keeps great time
-The luminous dial allows you to read time in any lighting conditions
Cons:
-The watch may feel heavy on the wrist
5. TAG Heuer 500m Rubber Strap Watch (WAJ1110.FT6015)
This is one of the more sporty entries on this list, and it’s a watch that you can tell was designed for divers.
Instead of the classic stainless steel bracelet, it instead has a rubber one that feels more comfortable on the wrist, especially when doing strenuous activities like diving.
The watch also has 500m of water-resistance, which is more than most dive watches out there, so you can really wear this when doing heavy water activities.
Since it was designed to be used by divers, it has a large black 43mm dial with a date window that can be read very easily underwater.
This is a real heavy-duty dive watch that would look just as good with a diving suit as it would with your casual Friday outfit.
Pros:
-Durable
-Designed to be used in heavy water activities
-Comfortable on the wrist
-Has a well-made, accurate quartz movement
Cons:
-The design may not be for everyone
6. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic Men’s Watch (WAY201F.BA0927)
This model has an eye-catching design and runs on a very high-quality movement.
The watch uses a Calibre 7 automatic movement which is one of the most well-respected movements in the world of horology.
So if you’ve been wary about the inconsistencies usually associated with automatic movements, you can rest assured that this movement won’t have the same issues.
On top of all that, it also has an extra hand on the face that can keep track of another timezone, which is a great feature for those who travel a lot.
The face of the watch features a textured black opaline dial with white markers that make reading the time very easy and straight to the point.
However, the uni-directional rotating bezel of the watch features red and blue tones (which is why this is also called the Aquaracer Pepsi) that give the watch an undoubtedly sporty look while also making the design pop a bit more.
So if you’ve been on the hunt for a timepiece that has a classic design that pops, then this may be the Aquaracer for you.
Pros:
-High quality, Swiss-made, automatic movement
-Easy to read dial
-300m of water-resistance
-Sapphire crystal will keep the watch face safe from scratches and dents
Cons:
-The crown could be made better
7. TAG Heuer Calibre 5 Aquaracer (WBD2113.BA0928)
This watch has a very sleek look, coming with a bright silver-toned stainless steel case and an anthracite textured dial.
This not only gives the watch a very modern and cool look, but it also makes the white and silver markers and hands pop out of the watch, which makes reading the time very easy.
And with the lume on the dial, you can read the time in almost any conditions, even underwater.
It runs on the Calibre 5 automatic movement, which can keep time very well while also continuously ticking as long as you wear the watch regularly.
This is a very sleek dive watch with a high-quality movement that’s a great pick both for those new to the Aquaracer line and seasoned veterans alike.
Pros:
-Design works well with a lot of styles
-Swiss-made automatic movement
-Sapphire Crystal
-300m water resistance
Cons:
-May feel heavy on the wrist
Style & Comfort Of An Aquaracer Watch
Ask any watch connoisseur out there and they will say that the quintessential description of an Aquaracer’s style is bold.
Bold angles, solid colors, and bold bezel markers are almost synonymous with the Aquaracer.
So if you’re looking for a tough-looking watch that doesn’t appear anything close to soft, you will definitely enjoy this series a lot.
After all, you won’t exactly be looking for a reserved look if you’re on the hunt for a luxury dive watch.
As these watches are dive watches, they aren’t exactly the most comfortable pieces on the planet, especially if you choose to go with a model that has a steel bracelet and not a rubber one.
That being said, after a bit of getting used to, you won’t really notice how chunky these watches feel at first.
Considering that these watches are incredibly durable and have an unmistakable look, the small sacrifice it takes to get used to the feel is well worth it.
How Does TAG Heuer Aquaracer Compare To Other Series?
1. Aquaracer vs. Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is considered the “Holy Grail” of dive watches so coming close to this watch is pretty hard to do.
But the Aquaracer does it with ease.
The Submariner is a much more heavy-duty dive watch than the Aquaracer and also has a bit more gravity to its name, but that also means it comes with a steeper price.
While the Aquaracer can perform almost just as well as a Submariner and also is much more affordable.
So if you’re going for brand recognition and resale value, the Submariner might be a better choice.
But if you just want a well-made, highly functional dive watch, that’s more affordable, any Aquaracer will serve you very well.
2. Aquaracer vs. Omega Seamaster
If the Submariner is the “Holy Grail”, the Seamaster can be considered the “Arc Of The Covenant”, just as well-respected, but not known as well.
Aquaracer models generally have better water-resistance than Seamaster models (especially if you get the ones with 500m of water-resistance) and aren’t as heavy as the Seamasters.
However, Seamaster models usually have longer power-reserve compared to most automatic Aquaracers.
Omega watches will definitely cost more than an Aquaracer, but many experts claim that the Aquaracer is the best option for those who want something close to a Seamaster but don’t necessarily want to bust the bank for it.
3. Aquaracer vs. Breitling Superocean
Breitling watches, especially the Superocean models are very well-respected in the watch world.
They are usually more feature-packed and considered more premium than Aquaracers, which is part of the reason they cost almost double the price.
That means that you’ll have better resale value and more timekeeping options with a Superocean.
But if you don’t plan on using all those extra complications and want to save some money, you might be better off with an Aquaracer.
4. Aquaracer vs. Oris Aquis
These two models are very close together.
They are both entry-level luxury dive watches, which can make choosing between the two very difficult.
One of the main differences is the resale value.
Aquaracer watches will usually resell for more as compared to an Oris Aquis watch.
However, there are some people out there who will say that the Aquis models perform much better as dedicated dive watches.
While the Aquaracer is known for being a great water-resistant dive watch, Aquis watches are generally considered better when it comes to water-resistance.
In fact, a lot of enthusiasts will easily choose an Oris Aquis over any other watch if the basis is just water resistance.
So choosing between the two models can be really difficult as they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Those who are out there looking for a high-performance dive watch might have better luck with Oris.
But if you’re looking for resale and aesthetic value, the Aquaracer is the way to go.
5. Aquaracer vs. Longines Hydroconquest
Longines and TAG Heuer are generally put in the same tier as each other.
That’s because they are very similar in performance, resale value, and general price.
However, as dedicated dive watches, Longines pieces, especially the Hydroconquest models usually perform better.
That being said, those with a lot of experience in the watch world will usually say that Aquaracers have more unique designs as the Hydroconquest is commonly described as “just another dive watch”.
So if you’re looking to stand out with a well-designed watch, the Aquaracer is your best bet.
But if you’re looking for a simple dive watch that performs at the highest level, the Hydroconquest takes the cake.
FAQ’s
1. Is A TAG Heuer Aquaracer A Good Watch?
Yes, it is widely considered a high-quality dive watch.
However, they are also considered an entry-level luxury so they don’t have the same prestige as other models like the Submariner.
2. Is TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic?
Some are, some aren’t.
Depending on the model you get, you can either have a quartz Aquaracer or an automatic one.
But either of these movements is Swiss-made and very high-quality.
3. How Can I Tell If A TAG Heuer Aquaracer Is Real?
The safest way to check for legitimacy is to bring the watch to a jeweler for them to confirm if the watch is legitimate.
However, you can also check yourself by looking at the case back.
An Aquaracer case back will usually have the model number, serial number, and water-resistance stamped on.
You can also look at the minute details of the watch to check if it’s real.
Other detailed TAG Heuer watch reviews:
Conclusion
So there you have it.
A deep dive into the Aquaracer series.
It’s one of the most respected lines in the watch world because of their bold designs, high-quality build, accurate timekeeping, and relatively affordable price.
There are a lot of Aquaracers out there that you can choose from, and with the best ones laid out for you, the only thing left for you to do is decide if the Aquaracer is the way to go.
Any of these watches will make for great timepieces for years to come, but what makes a watch the best watch for you is if you’re comfortable with it and if you love the watch.
And if that’s the case, and you really believe you have the best watch for you, no expert on the planet can tell you otherwise.
Related: Compare two excellent dive watches
