I was always a bit luke warm about the Tag Heuer Aquaracer watch line. The watches were always nice, but not quite nice enough to excite me. Without a big announcement these new Aquaracer Calibre 5 watches started to appear in stores. Not sure if they are in US stores though. Sources indicate some availability in Europe and Asia. So what about the look of the new line? Tag Heuer has taken the term "Professional" off this line, but they look more professional than the last line. For the first time that I know of, a helium escape valve has been added to the design making them appear much more Omega Seamaster-ish.
The water resistance is up to an impressive 500 meters. I know there are a lot of 1000m dive watches out there, but really? Is that necessary. While there will inevitably be quartz versions of the new Aquaracer line, the first models all have automatic mechanical movements. Powering the watch is of course the Tag Heuer Calibre 5 movement. I don't know much about the movement actually, but as far as I know it is your standard Tag Heuer branded ETA movement. However, the Calibre 5 is NOT to be confused with the Tag Heuer Calibre S, which is something altogether different.
Size wise things have grow up a bit, but nothing massive. The steel case is 43mm wide being 48mm including the crown. Pretty wearable, even with the large aggressive looking crown. Retained from the old Aquaracer watches is a similar looking steel bracelet, but there is a newly styled rubber strap. Trying to be different ("Swiss Avant Garde" - Tag Heuer catch line), they have placed a rubber coated bezel with a circular patten that looks pretty neat. I'd have to live with it for a while, but I feel good about the design of the watch overall. The bezel number indicators and proprietary screws on the bezel look equally nice. Legibility has always been a strong point with Tag Heuer and this is no exception. The hands and hour markers do a great job at jumping out at you, making the watch easy to read. Tag Heuer goes back to its claymore sword styled hands for this one. It works relatively well, though I wonder about how it would look with an hour hand that looks a bit different than the minute hand. Speaking of which the seconds hand is really something and ought to look impressive sliding along the periphery of the based. You'll no doubt notice that the date window is placed opposite where it normally is. This is to help balance out the bulk of the crown and make the face and case design look "even." Still, I wonder if functionality suffers and the placement of the date window on the right side of the face is purposeful being the first out of your sleeve for easy reference. There is also a magnifier cyclops over the date Rolex Submariner style.
You'll notice that three dial colors are available. Rubber and steel straps are available, with the exception of the blue faced model that apparently only comes with the steel bracelet. The bracelet itself features a diver's extension in case you were wondering. Retail price of the new line is about $2,600. Expect a solid street price at just over $2,000. I'd say that is a reasonable prices given the design, Tag Heuer name, and solid reputation behind the brace.
Via Tag Heuer Japan.
See Tag Heuer Aquaracer watches on eBay here.
See Tag Heuer Aquaracer watches on Amazon here.
 Tag Heuer Aquaracer Swiss Automatic WAB2011 no reserve  US $405.00
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 ◄ SHARAPOVA EDITION WATCH ► TAG HEUER PEARL AQUARACER US $2,295.00
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 AFFORDABLE NEW TAG HEUER AQUARACER 2000 AUTO MENS WATCH US $1,195.00
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 DISCOUNT NEW TAG HEUER AQUARACER LADIES SS DIVERS WATCH US $1,025.00
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 LADIES TAG HEUER AQUARACER DIAMOND STEEL MOP WATCH US $1,432.00
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 REDUCED TAG HEUER AQUARACER SILVER WATCH WAF2111.BA0806 US $1,195.00
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I was thinking of buying one of these and found your review excellent, well done. I think the date window is innovative being situated at the other side of the watch as it makes it a bit ‘different’. I also think you only need to see the date once a day, and if your sleeve hides it then it balances the watch nicely. My major concern is the rubber coated bezel, this is the killer for this watch. Rubber will deteriorate ( i have a 20 year camcorder that is testament to this, certain parts look look they have melted) whereas steel or titanium can be polished up. Excellent watch, but in my opinion the rubber bezel is a serious flaw.
Bruce,
I am glad that you mentioned this about the rubber as I have had this same thought. Any who has had a rubber band around long enough will understand that rubber does do that after a period of time. First, the rubber here is specially made, and not “natural rubber” in the strictest sense. I have a feeling that there are processes to help increase the lifespan. Then again, I don’t know of watches at this level 20 years ago that used rubber, so what will happen in 20 years is a guess.
However, think about it – if this watch lasts 20 years, that is pretty good. Tag Heuer will be around for that long most likely, and they will be there to service the watches. We aren’t talking about investing in a house here, and if you are still wearing the same watch 20 years from now, you are probably invested in it enough to have some work put it to it. Otherwise yes, it is a very nice looking timepiece.
All intelligent and objective reasoning aside, I must say that my gut fell in love with this watch at first glance today. I saw the orange-dialed version, and it was very tempting to pull out the card and take it home. The only thing for me, really, is the price tag combined with the fact that the band is rubber. If it had a band like the Link series, it would be on my wrist at the moment.
Hi Andy,
Did you see the metal bracelet for the Aquaracer 500m? It is not bad. Right now I really like the metal bracelet on the Formula 1 Grande Date. Thanks for the comment.
All of your thoughts are worth reading… I agree on the rubber coated bezel as this will really deteriorate for some period of time but wait until you see the “quartz” version of this watch with “orange” seconds hand, I mean the whole seconds hand not only the tip! with a brushed steel bracelet? Ooohh… It’s so tempting! Please comment on the quartz edition and does it come only with black dial? Do they have a gray dial also?
I would imagine that the quartz model will come in at least a few colors. Not to worry. Likely gray as well. Take care.
Tried one on last week. Bezel is too easy to turn and I don’t feel it is worth the asking $ for a base ETA movement and poor resale. In 12 months, these will be 50% off just like Omega’s and everything else Swatch Group. Poor aftersales service doesn’t help either. Buy a lesser known brand and avoid paying Leonardo’s or Sharipova’s endorsements.
Totally acceptable position on the watch, although I still love the design. Sometimes it it hard to stomach paying a premium for a brand name. Thanks for the comment.
I think that the rubber bezel has a great advantage over a color one, like rolex or omega… that is that it wont scratch!!!
I think this watch is full of testosterone, but elegant enough. Different… and the price is a bargain.
Hi
I bought a Calibre 5 grey face auto movement about 6 months. Have had signifcant issues regarding accurate time keeping and have had the watch sent back for testing. I bought the watch prior to the quartz being released and after the problems i have had would definitely select the quartz movement. Aside from that i love it.
I’ve had mine for a month now and love it! For teh first 2 weeks it was consistantly +5 sec a day but has now settled in to from +1 to +3 sec a day. I think this is within tolerance and is not significant enough to worry about at all. Watch looks and feels great. Very happy with the purchase.
I guess they’ve gone for the sub and omega seamaster market I own a sub and a luminor and wanted
to purchase another divers watch I liked the look
of both and instantly fell for the looks of the Calibre 5 I have owned it for 6 months now and had no regrets it feels great on. the rubber around
the bezel is infact made of a hard wearing nylon type metirial,the finish is top draw in my opinion one of the best looking Tags. could be classic.
Thanks for the comment. I do agree it is a good design.
i have a doubt about the reserve power of the aquaracer calibre 5 automatic, somebody can help me? thank you