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So, is the TAG Heuer Aquaracer any good? One of the globally best-known brands in Swiss watchmaking, TAG Heuer finds itself in a bit of a controversy when it comes to answering this question. In this video, I take a look at my favorite modern example of the Aquaracer while discussing the history and of not just the model, but the brand as a whole. What do you think of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer dive watch?
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Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:30 Background & History
2:30 Modern Collection
3:08 TAG Heuer Aquaracer 200 Overview
4:20 Dial Design
5:40 Movement
6:30 Final Thoughts
My wife gave me an Aquaracer as a wedding gift, which later timed the 355,640 minutes from the time we learned she was pregnant until the minute our daughter was born. For some crazy reason, my reaction was to check the time when the doctor gave us the news! 😆 Since then, it’s been on my wrist on many special occasions. I still love it and someday, it will be passed on to her.
Tag heuer was that brand that got me into watches. It always surprises me to see the hate that their new lines seem to get. While I think a little overpriced, I like most every one of their newer watches!
Same, while the aqua racer doesn't speak to me, its the brand that got me into this obsession.
Me too! Tag Heuer was the brand that pulled me into watch hobby. Perhaps the most approachable Swiss brand that doesn’t cost silly money.
Likewise!!!
Me three.. It's the brand that got me into collecting watches. I feel they've had a lot of unwarranted criticism in recent years. Glad to see they're starting to get recognition once again. I personally like this new itteration of the Aqaracer and if I wasn't as deep into collecting I would seriously consider it as a one and done.
Same here, saw my cousin’s Tag Heuer in the early 90s and wanted to have one! Finally got my first when I turned 30… a Formula 1 Alarm Quartz. I’ve since gotten an Aquaracer and a Carrera Calibre 5. Hope to get the Monaco Calibre 11 soon!
My wife brought me a TAG every time I was promoted when I served in the U.S. Marine Corps. 1st Lt, TAG! Captain, TAG! Major, TAG! LtCol, TAG! She purchased them at Marine Corps Exchanges. When my RSUs vested when I worked at Amazon, she was with me when I bought a TAG Monaco Calibre 11 in NYC a few years ago. 😊
Would love to know all the different watches were that she got you!
my dad unfortunately lost his aquaracer he bought when we lived in japan. i want to buy it back for him one day. wish me luck! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Depends which one… they’re not that expensive
Hello son! It’s me your dad.
Tag Heuer, and specifically the Aquaracer, were the reason I got into the hobby/obsession. Starting off, it's by far the most attainable Swiss brand that has all you'd want when buying your first luxury watch: beautiful design, brand recognition, sturdy automatic movement, and great fit. I'm really happy with my Aquaracer 2 years after I bought it.
Used market is enough to make sellers cry
@@chefgav1if you’re buying just to sell you’re buying for the wrong reason
@mankdemelord6974 everyone sells eventually
I love Hamilton and Omega
I got that exact Aquaracer 200 for my wedding, and it holds a sentimental value in my watch collection. I was considering Tudor Black Bay or the Aquaracer 300 at the time, but when this Aquaracer 200 in blue came out just in time I was instantly in love with the look and the size fits me perfectly. I got it second hand in brand new condition for half of the retail price😍 Have it for over 1yr now and serve as my daily watch, love every time it is on my wrist❤
My dad had a tag heur growing up. Still has it and it has been his sole watch since I was born. He bought it when he first started working. Now it’s only worth $400 but it’s his watch and it’s just part of his look. Infamously iconic. I’m hoping to get a tag heur in ode to his watch. I’m loving the titanium aqua racer and am thinking that when I’m able, that will be the next watch I’d like to pick up.
What tag does he wear?
@@JohnConnor636 tag heur 2000 professional
I own a 2017 aqua racer caliber 5. It’s one of the best Swiss watches I’ve ever owned. Super comfortable on the wrist and it’s substantial at 43mm. And the design certainly sets it apart as it has a modern look with the angles on the bezel and the lines on the dial that can disappear in certain light. Most importantly it runs like the day I first put it on.
Too big. It’s a clowns watch
I remember as a youth in the 90s that Tag Heuer was worn by a lot of power couples. They were good at marketing the combined image of success and sportiness. I like this model, have been checking them out on Joma.
The quality of all your videos looks amazing!
Tag Heuer got me into watches in the 1990s. I own 3 Tag watches l purchased in the 90s & 2010 and purchased the Heuer Monaco Calbrie 11 Steve McQueen blue dail last year and l love all 3 in different reasons great watches well built never let me down looking to add my 4th Tag soon.
my dad got me an older version of this in black back in 2011 for graduating college. the modern updates like that blue dial make it even nicer now
i remember Tag Heuer Carrera was the big thing during the late 90s and suddenly they weren't there anymore. still tag has a place in my mind for sure .
Love mine. Wish I still had my old automatic that was stolen, but the current quartz replacement has been my primary watch for years until I recently started collecting.
Thanks Teddy, I bought it this gorgeous Tag Heure about one year ago after many searches as my first luxury watch, and looks great on my wrist, totally value for money in quality, finishing and as a well known brand, im very happy with my decision 😊
Nice that you did a take on this TAG! Most watch experts are so "purist" they can't even talk about TAG!!! I own a Carrera with Heuer 01 movement and I'm quite happy with it.
This is the watch I own and I love it! Loved to see your take on It!
Me too
Great time piece. Awesome daily driver. I really don’t know why I haven’t pull the trigger on this. Thnx Teddy.
TAG finally getting some of the love they deserve. Not every waych of their's is a winner, but they've made some great prices and owned the 90s/early 2000s
I love my Tag Heuer 41mm AQUARACER Quartz WAY111A. Black Dial, black rubber bracelet. The watch looks sharp and is super light on the wrist.
Thanks, Teddy for this video, it is always a pleasure to watch your reviews! It is nice that you've made a video with Aquaracer - my favorite entry-level Swiss watch. I own a previous model in 41 mm, 300m Calibre 5 with a blue dial. It is the perfect everyday-use watch!
I’m in love with the Titanium Solar version. I’m having a hard time with the price, but I think it’s the best looking Titanium watch out there.
Totally agree!! The price is insane but still appealing..
Got it and love it. Great watch
@@markmiller3682 How does it feel on wrist? Are the edges polishes smooth, or are they sharp to the touch?
I’ve owned the titanium version since launch. It’s still the watch that gets the most wrist time. Just came back from French Polynesia where I used it daily in the ocean. Absolute gem of a watch.
"Tag" has its place. Outside of Rolex it was the only brand I knew of luxury watches prior to being into watches. Today, I like some of their designs like the Aquaracer but the price leads me to other brands.
That's the one I bought. My first watch was a Tag Heuer 2000 Professional Chrono so this range is close to my heart. This one is the perfect daily.
I got the Aquaracer when I went to buy my first luxury watch (what I’d consider luxury anyway - opinions may differ.) I loved the 300m diver but the dimensions were too large for my wrist at 43. I went in to buy the titanium Solargraph but fell in love with the blacked-out WBP1112.FT6199 with better lume inside and on the bezel with a superluminova marbling of sorts. I adore the watch and have become quite fond of TAG since. Great review!
I owned the gmt aquaracer for a time. It was a great watch, felt well made, kept great time.
I have this watch. It's simply a beauty. A great everyday wear.
Congratulations on reaching 1M.
Got an aquaracer chronograph 300m as a hand-me-down by my brother.. I liked how comfy it is, the fit and weight are not bad as well
I agree with Teddy, Tag Heuer was my gateway to watches. My Dad had a rack of Heuer stopwatches that he took with him and my Mom when they went out doing automobile road rallies in the 60&70s. That was one of the reasons that my first watch purchase with my very own money was a Tag Heuer 1500 in 1994. My college graduation gift to myself. This model is also known as the “Obama” watch as he wore one while campaigning. Not the reason I bought it but some interesting trivia nonetheless. Still have the watch and wear it often. Right size and sentimental.
The Aquaracer is under-appreciated imo
Certainly looks the part!
I own an Aquaracer from 2017. I know about the challenges the brand currently faces, but it is still a watch that never let me down. It is still running really well in between +4/-4 seconds a day. I have been everwhere with the watch and the good thing about it is that you can wear it hiking a 6000, diving or whatever and also wear it for a nice dinner. Highly recommend.
I have tried the green dial one and in my opinion it’s the best of the bunch!
I bought this watch at the beginning of the year. I got the black dial. Much like you Teddy, I remember going to a Macy's here in downtown Chicago with my then girlfriend, and seeing posters of Aquaracers and seeing them on display. I told my then girlfriend one day I'm gonna get that watch. Could I have bought something better for the price point, sure. But Tag and specifically the Aquaracer was the watch that got me into this hobby. I have acquired the watch. As for my girlfriend.....that's a different story 😂
I just bought a Carerra used, and really like both it and the deal I got. The place had one of the early Tiger Woods golf watches too. Pretty neat, I had never seen one where the clasp was built into the housing.
I owned this exact piece and its an awesome everyday watch. The only down side is low power reserve, but doesnt bother me as it's on my wrist everyday.
I just bought the Green Dial 200 Aqua Racer version and love it! The lume is amazing and has kept great time. It's a daily. The colors change throughout the day as well. Green is the new "Hot" color for 23/24 I'd take this over the Rolex Explorer or OP ANY day, and save $7K for a better-looking Swiss watch. I have a 2020 "Bluesy" as well.
When I was a kid I saved up all my money and bought a Tag Heuer 2000 professional. Wore that watch for like 20 years, was a one watch guy. When I got engaged I bought myself an Aquaracer as sort of a replacement, wore it on my wedding day. But to be honest I’ve rarely worn it since. It’s nice enough but for some reason it doesn’t do for me what the old 2000 does. Most days I find myself reaching for a custom Sellita mod, which for an intangible reason seems to scratch the same itch as my trusty old 2000.
I owned one. Sold it last year. Can’t remember why. I loved the dial texture and fit. Just fell out of love I guess. Your video makes me want her back. 😂
Hey! First time I've owned a watch before your review is out. I love mine, although I feel like it can be a tad bit big for my tiny wrists sometimes. Also my first bought Swiss!
I have worn Tag H since the 80's. The first one I bought was the plastic Formula One. I still remember seeing it in GQ magazine in a glass of water. Several stacked up in the water filled glass. I thought it was really cool and a great looking watch. The next was a Professional diver in 1994. I will never forget the feeling of wearing that out of the jewelers. I loved it. I have had several since, the new F1 redesign, a few of the Professional series and finally the Aquaracer, black face and get this, quartz battery operated. Not one of those watches since the 80's has failed. I have probably owned more battery operated Tags, then movement watches. Those watches are great value for the money, and even better on the gray market where it makes sense to buy them at a45% discount.
I have this watch in my collection and I am absolutely loving it. I know there are watches with better mouvements in this price range, but it's just a good looking and solid watch. Especially the dial is just stunning.
The aquaracer I like the most is the 300 GMT blue & white with yellow hands (WBP2010.BA0632) on the optional blue & yellow NATO. It looks fresh and the price is very decent for a 300 meters GMT diver of a reputable name brand. Of course, some microbrands are still cheaper but a GMT Master is 3 times more expensive (better power reserve but average water resistance)
The ruby red one is the very next watch on my hit list! its been ever since it came out a couple years ago!
The last generation 300m Aquaracer was on my list and closely lost out to the Carrera Calibre 5 that I needed up with, something I don’t regret, I tried on the latest Aquaracer a couple of months ago and was pleasantly surprised, a beautiful piece that felt solid and the clasp is next level for easy adjustability. Looking more to a chronograph though as that is what Heuer is renowned for and Aquaracer just has never been given the diving chronograph that Omega would pull off. Still I will have one in my collection at some point for sure
I bought the solargraph in black and wear it a lot, great watch
I think it's a nice watch and don't have anything bad to say about it. I've had a Link Professional Quartz for 20 years and it's been a good watch, though I haven't worn it much over the last few years. I do think, as you said, there are many diver options at or below that price point that are more appealing to me.
Looks good. Waiting for tag aquaracer steel automatic to get in-house movement before i get one.
My very first “expensive” known brand of watch was a Tag Heuer 2000 series back in the late 1990’s. It was second hand in beautiful condition & in the 2 tone gold/silver. I still own it & wear it occasionally!👍🏼😎
It's on my wish list. I've always wanted an Aquaracer. I love the design of this watch. The 300 was too big for me, but the 200 is perfect.
I love Tag Heuer not fot what it is now but for what it meant for me in the past, my first swiss watch was a TH, and now 19 years later i was able to find a TH Aquaracer automatic. And i still have both TH to compare past and future.
I bought the Aquaracer with the green dial. Absolutely happy with it. One -: the bezel becomes so many scratches while the 2 years
A 2016 quartz Aquaracer 300 has a very welcome place in my collection, and is pretty much my grab & go choice for just about any occasion.
Love Tag!! Bought my first one in ‘99.
The new Solargraph models have got me interested in the Aquaracer, especially the WBP1112.FT6199.
I bought a mechanical Aquaracer 200. I got the Black Monster that I had been wearing until then. I thought that the carrier bag was really interesting. The box was heavy lol Since the black monster's nighttime glow has weakened, I was looking into Aquaracer in search of a companion that I could use all the time. At first, I was planning to buy 300 in blue, but the store only had black. 200 was available in both mechanical and quartz models, so I instinctively went for the blue mechanical model. Since solar captures sunlight, the color is different. As a result, I purchased a 200 automatic. I'm very satisfied
Beautiful case and the perfect size for modern dive watches.. The dial is also stunning.... Its way above my paygrade at the moment but i think its the perfect entry to swiss watches..
I really like the style of this Aquaracer and was really close to getting one, but decided to get the Black Bay 58 instead as it was going to be my first "high-end" watch and I really liked the looks of the Tudor more. That being said, this Tag is a really nice-looking watch. I also like the F1 quite a bit.
I have a 2013 calibre 16 chronograph with an ETA 7750 movement it hasn't been serviced in 9 years and is running minus 3 seconds a day ,that's got to say quality.
I own the green dial. It’s one of 10 in my collection. It coexists with watches that are currently unobtainable at MSRP and it does absolutely fine! The green dial is BEAUTIFUL, the case is nicely finished and wears like a dream. The clasp is OK for the price - At its price, I think it is great value! I live in a country where these are highly sought after and even though I have a higher chance of having this stolen off my wrist than the more expensive but under the radar Exp I i do enjoy wearing it! The bracelet is a pain in the ass to size but who cares. If you’re on the fence, buy it.
You can get these online WELL below $2,000. Pre-owned has even better deals. Seriously a no-brainer when it comes to entry-level luxury.
Online where?
Oris >>>> this
@@funny_money_ad_infinitumAh the fan boys. Rolex > This … yet both coexist in a collection. My collection… fan boys won’t get it. Collectors don’t care.
@@ScoobieDoobie197474Watchfinder and Chrono24 are great options for online. I have purchased 2 watches from watchfinder and have been really happy with their service.
With the super clones out there though, you take a risk in getting a replica.
I would mention also TH 4000 series, most advanced, to describe all the spectrum of pre Aquaracer models. I wish all the present watches were built and function so good as my old TH diver.
I have the green one and for me its one of the most beautyfull watch on the market.
Tag Heuer is one of my favorites when it comes to divers. And not only that, I always wanted a Link...
I like the discussion on Tag and I do like the style of the aquaracer but have been looking at the Carrera line also. What are your thoughts on that line and movements?
Great video, I am a fan of the Aquaracer, and do own one. I am a fan of Tag in general. However with recent price increases they are simply too expensive, I would go for Tudor BB54 or 58
Don't forget that your long-term maintenance costs will be considerably higher and waiting time considerably longer for a Tudor as you will likely have to send it to Switzerland for service and repair. The Aquaracer houses a Sellita-based SW200-1 (a tried and tested high-quality Swiss movement) which can be serviced and repaired by any qualified watchmaker anywhere in the world, considerably cutting costs and waiting.
This is a great TAG Heuer and love that blue dial. I like the bezel being brushed but wish it had minute markers that go to 15 and the bezel had lumed numbers or at least a lumed pip at the 12 o’clock. Still excellent piece TAG Heuer!
Good video teddy always i like that watch.💯👍
I own a quite solid collection now and , apart from the brand and his bad connotation I can read everywhere, the titanium solar quartz version of the aqua racer could be one option in my wishing list (for my golf sessions), i could go also for an second hand steel Aqua terra quartz or a brand new grand seiko 9F “snowflake”. I will see the opportunités to have them ;)
This video was made for me, this is the exact watch i want.
My favorite series from Tag Heuer are the transitional period 1000s and 2000s chronographs. They are basically Tag Heuer dialed Heuer's
I love my tag, the older green aquaracer always gets a like, but he is right, the prices are going up on all watch brands and would look at Tudor for the next one!
Don't forget that your long-term maintenance costs will be considerably higher and waiting time considerably longer for a Tudor as you will likely have to send it to Switzerland for service and repair. The Aquaracer houses a Sellita-based SW200-1 (a tried and tested high-quality Swiss movement) which can be serviced and repaired by any qualified watchmaker anywhere in the world, considerably cutting costs and waiting.
Great video! Could you make a video about the legendary bracelet of Tag Heuer?
Major brownie points for the night diver and Timothy Dalton, The Living Daylights is seriously under rated.
I enjoy the channel, but it'd be nice if the weight of the watch could also be listed in the specs, if available. If this is part of the subjective observations that Teddy makes when he says a particular watch "wears like a" smaller or larger watch, then I suppose I understand.
My late dad's greatest achievement was purchasing a Tag Heuer 6000 series with two-tone gold plating. Since then, it was my obsession to be able to afford one. In 2004 I managed to save enough to buy Tag Heuer Kirium, which I was proud of. But unfortunately someone stole it. I felt so disappointed that it took me 6 years to get another Tag to replace it: Formula 1 to celebrate a change of career. Now I have Grand Seikos and Omegas, but the Tag 6000 and Formula 1 remain in my watch box as a reminder of how it all began. Thinking to get a Monaco though wkwk.
My first luxury watch🎉👌
You have those nice smile lines that Courtney talked about in her recent video 🥰
I have the original aquaracer (no sweeping second hand) I didnt realize prices have gone up so much. Bought mine new for $800. Wear it every day for everything. Been a very solid, simple, reliable, and appealing time piece.
Part of the price difference is the move to mechanical instead of quartz movement; part is the general industry shift towards "luxury" since watches are no longer a utilitarian purchase, now that we all have phones and smart watches to tell us the time.
@@waffle911 A Sellita SW200 bought in bulk should cost about 50 bucks more than a good quartz, in a watch priced like this the difference is negligible.
@@giusepperocchi2979 As we see in the price difference beteen the Quartz and Powermatic PRX, a manufacturer isn't just going to pass along the cost difference of the movement without additional margin on top, as well as additional "improvements" that drive up the retail price further. They also didn't say how long ago they purchased their Aquaracer, or if they received any discounts. It's likely not a completely fair comparison to pitch their particular example against a current one in today's market. A Quartz Aquaracer today has an RRP starting at $2,150, and the Calibre 5 starts at $2,850 (not that these are necessarily the prices you'd actually pay). The Calibre 5 isn't a straight-up SW200, either; it's going to be equivalent to a customized Elabore or Top grade with "Refined" finishing or better. Now, I don't actually know how much more it would be to source a Calibre 5 over whatever quartz movement is currently offered in the Aquaracer, but it could well be much more than a $50 cost difference, while also obviously not being the full $700 premium.
Just ordered one for nephew’s 21st birthday!
Can I be your nephew ?
@@daveLin104 haha
Love this watch. Came close to getting one. Instead,got my wife the 30mm MOP diamond Aquaracer. I can wait. Got her away from the smartwatch.
I have a question regarding the outer layer of AR coating. If the outside of the crystal has AR coating on it, does the coating get damaged when you swim in sea or swimming pool water?
Absolutely 👏👏👏👏
I have an Aquaracer quartz, great watch! My first "luxury" watch and I chose Quartz as I didn't want to care much about maintenance in the long term. I have a review of it in my channel 🤙
I wish they’d make the 43mm in this size, with the same ceramic bezel configuration.
Really like my previous gen AR. Was my first mechanical watch, so might have a little bias. Ah well.
I own this watch. Its design is top and makes me completely forget that the movement is “basic”. It can be serviced everywhere for a low price.
I have a TAG Heuer Formula Watch CAZ101AP, green rubber strap,nice watch
Absolutely a gateway for me. I have an F1 quartz. I know kinda expensive for quartz but the dial, bezel, the weight on my wrist and the bracelet feel and look largely better than most watches I’ve been looking to add up to $2000 & a bit higher.
The aquaracer solargraph in titanium is one of the best watches I ever bought!
I looked closely at this watch too. My only holdback was the price of $3,000 Cdn.😮
@@mikesmith6543 I agree in theory. But it just wears so well and truly is a go anywhere do anything - like it’s perfect for office then a jog after - then just rinse in the sink - then to dinner. Great watch!
I hear you. I'm still tempted with the aquaracer titanium solargraph. In that price range also looking at a pre-owned Omega railmaster and Longines zulu. Hard to decide.
Agreed. My one-two punch is my Omega AT 41 and the Aquaracer Solargraph Ti…it’s a great watch
I've got an Aqua Terra with blue dial. Love it. Still the bluejean Railmaster is calling to me lol. I might see if the titanium Tag Heuer turns up on chrono24 at some point
The automatic Tags are great but only if bought used for around 1/3th the retail.
A good looking watch which I rather like
I would absolutely love this watch if wasn’t for the bezel thickness. There’s just too much bezel and case for that size dial which is a shame as the dial is stunning 🙏
0 words about million subscribers, what a chad
There aren't that many watch brands that are recognized by the masses. Tag Heuer is one of the few. It's also one of the few watch brands that convey a sense of status while still being casual enough to wear every day. I've worked in sales most of my life and I've had more than one boss in my early days tell me to buy a nice pair of shoes and get a proper watch. In those days a proper watch meant a Rolex, Tag, Longines, or High end Seiko. It would depend on the market you're in. The understanding that Tag Heuer means quality still exists today. It's just not as interesting to watch enthusiasts which really represent a tiny fraction of the actual buyers.
I think it’s a great looking, GADA watch.
Wait what!? the Lume is like my favorite part of my aquaracer 200, it’s better than my Longines and my omega. It’s the only watch I have on par with my seiko’s. I’m guessing either my Longines or my omega are bad or I just got a really good example of the TAG, idk. But I’m not blind.
Waiting for my aquacer 300 blue on rubber strap my first luxury watch
What about the 300 review now?
I like and own the 43mm Pepsi GMT!
I love my Aquaracer