The New Tag Heuer Aquaracer 300 - How good is it really?
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- I think this diver is really solid, and doesn't quite get enough attention from watch collectors.
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Tried thisnon at a boutique in Japan. Gmt on rubber strap on my 6.5in wrist, fits brilliantly and a very beautiful watch indeed. Thanks for taking the time to review this watch.
The first lux watch I ever got was a gift from my amazing wife and was a Tag 300 in orange. It was a timepiece that I drooled over for years and is still my fave. You’ve talked about all the great elements and I think it’s hard to beat. Great review! 😊
I bought this exact model on the new year eve. I have other watches that I love so much, but for some reason this one is stealing my heart all day long. Amazing watch with a fantastic details and COSC certified.
I bought this exact model for myself on a Christmas sale. It is one of my favorite watches. The detail in the dial looks like the ocean at night. Well priced for everything it offers.
Good review. I have two Aquaracers. A 41mm white plank dial with orange seconds hand (ref WBD2111.BA0928 - discontinued in 2019 and even then was hard to get the 41mm version in white) and a 200m Chronograph Date (ref CBP1111.BA0627 - released in 2023 and still available) with the silver plank dial. I enjoy wearing both of them along with my Omega Seamasters, various Breitlings and others in my collection. The Aquaracer line maintains a distinct look among other dive watches - something I like. For those who enjoy what I'll call a "dressy" diver, TAG delivers. Great aesthetics, visually appealing with a very distinct design, quality finishing with reliable and proven movements. New Aquaracers can be had at less than retail if you shop around and some significant savings can be had on the secondary market for mint or near mint pieces (but again, have to shop around).
Bought this watch in the GMT version and I love it.
It looks as good or even better than other watches I own from Omega and Tudor that cost more. The dial in particular looks fantastic. The polygonal nature of the watch is much less pronounced in person and on the wrist. In addition, the custom Sellita movement is easy to wind, and keeps better time than some other certified chronometers I own. I don’t use this watch for travel, so that it’s caller GMT is fine with me - I just like the look of the GMT complication, the dial, the ceramic bi-color bezel insert, and the bright, polished bits.
The bracelet quick adjust is also very easy to use and effective. Not bothered that the links are pin & collar - that was very common on expensive watches not that long ago, and no screws to check on/tighten.
I’ll probably buy another one if they make a Pepsi or Coke version. IMO, TAG delivered a very nice watch at an attractive list price. Not saying this is a replacement for a Rolex GMT master, but I’m not as determined to get one any longer and will save my pennies for a precious metal Sky-Dweller instead.
I have the green GMT, couldn't agree more! The dial is awesome and the two-tone ceramic bezel is gorgeous as well.
Well said, thanks for commenting with some owner feedback
Beautiful watch! Love that dial. Detail is amazing on this one. I think Tag has really upped their game lately. Thank you for the great review and comparisons!
I'm a Tag Heuer fan boy; owning the preceeding 43mm version with orange dial and a Carrera with small seconds. I also bought my wife a steel/ceramic Formula 1, which she loves.
Same here... I also have the 43 mm aquaracer ceramic bezel and the carrera small seconds
I've thought about one for my wife too
I tried on the green dial, which is very beautiful- one of the best green dials I’ve seen.
I tried the blue version at a dealer and it was very attractive. Looks even better in person.
Looks fantastic on your wrist, great presence but refined
Well done Tag
Just got this model with rubber strap. Absolutely love it
Great addition to review adding images and prices of direct competitors, would love to see this become a feature of all online reviews.
I bought a Aquaracer Quartz, Chrono Automatic in 2010 that was my every day watch. It has been all over the world and now at TAG Service Center for a refurbish. In the meantime I am looking at other watches just in case my Aquaracer is not worth the $$$ to be refurbished. This Aquraracer shown has kind of caught my eye! Thanks for the video!
I love the aqua racer, and the latest model I really think they’ve smashed it. The dial is great, and I was really pleased this one didn’t just have a standard sw200 shoved into it. Clasp adjustment looks really well done too.
Thanks for the review
They managed to get an 80 hour power reserve movement in there and not have to write about it on the dial. Bravo 👏
Haha true
We have to give them credit for that!
Exactly!! And Breitling still uses ETA and Sellita with 38 hr PR and charging over 5.5k. In 2025 thats wild
I own an Omega Seamaster 300m 2254.50 on a rubber strap (a classic), an Omega Seamaster 210.30.42.20.01.001 black wave dial (modern), and a Submariner Date 116610. My wife got me the new 2024 TAG Heuer Aquaracer Batman this New Year in Las Vegas, and it looks stunning in person and my own personal opinion looks better than my other 3 watches. The Aquaracer Batman has become my daily watch.
Compré este mismo modelo en azul en noviembre de 2024, por 2880€ ( en España), aquí en Europa las tiendas tienen margen para bajar precios en Tag. Tengo divers como Oris aquis cal400, longines hydroconquest y he tenido un tudor black bay 54. Este reloj de tag es un win to win. Estoy encantado con el. El adelanto es de 1 segundo cada 5 dias. Y 82 horas de reserva de marcha. Los acabados nunca los habia visto a este nivel en un aquaracer. Gana mucho mas viendolo en persona que en el video. No os fijeis el precio retail. Siempre será mas barato. Por otra parte el brazalete es el mas comodo que tengo, muy por encima de Oris por ejemplo. Esos micro ajustes son muy cómodos.
Great video.
Tag heuer got me into watches going back 1990s.
l own the Heuer Monaco Calbrie 11 Steve McQueen blue dial and l love it.
I like it a lot Bruce, but at that price point I’d balk at buying it.
It is definitely worth looking at the watch again with an open mind. I personally don't like it, but it's not the garbage we often think it is.
I own both the Omega SMP 300 & Rolex No Date Sub this will be on my wrist come October when I travel to Fiji for the tax free price. I think it would make the perfect 3 watch diver combo. I like it alot.
Nice. I don’t see a lot of Tag Heuer videos. I’m waiting to see if you get a Cartier Santos Dual Time. I’m so curious about that.
I think TAG still suffers from some negative brand association (i.e., expensive mall watch), but this piece and the glassbox models are def steps in the right direction towards rehabilitating TAG.
I just recently bought the blue dial version and I love it! Having owned several Tudors prior to this watch and I have to say, this one wins in the details. The orange seconds hand against the wavy blue dial is brilliant & the octagonal motif gives this model its own design DNA. The movement really is the cherry on top of it all with chronometer specs and 80 hours of power reserve. To make things even better, I got a 10% discount on this watch when it was priced at $3800 so I’m really glad I bought it now that it’s $4200! Couldn’t be happier!
I love my tag Heuer's ive the older aquaracer c16 also carrera c6 and they keep time better than some of my more expensive watches, for me theyre great watches
I am not certain that these types of highly detailed dials will remain popular over time. I would grab a Tudor. Nice review.
I have this watch love it!!!
I've seen these at a Tag boutique and they are really good looking. The GMT versions are also killer! I could see this one easily being a daily driver.
I definitely want to check out a GMT
got the blue GMT as my first luxury watch. very pleased. the dial is Grand Seiko tier. actually, it might have even topped Lake Suwa for me, due to the 3D texture. it just looks cool, most other luxury divers are safe design for boring farts
Tried one on recently at the AD, the cyclops had me in two minds & I didn’t pull the trigger. It would be nice to have a no cyclops option.
If it was in the 3000's they might have nailed it. Currently no chance I would ever touch this when I could spend another 200 for a seamaster or something
You are comparing full price vs used omega. Its still quite a bit lower if doing a similar compare (used vs used, or new with a discount vs new with a discount)
@BruceWilliams ya but event still. I feel like that's where tag still loses. Nice looking watch but would you go for a new tag or even a slightly used omega
You are just letting your previous bias show through. TAG's are much improved and worth the price they are asking for their watches. Just like Bruce said, it's the watch collecting community that has a grudge against TAG. They had some poor leadership in the past but have made great turnarounds. They are producing watches now, especially in their chronographs that are as good or better than any other company out there.
@@ericpignatore5317 what does bias have to do with a 2ndhand Omega being only $200 more?
I like TAG & I still wouldn't buy this over a 2ndhand Omega.
Wow! I am thrilled to see your review of this new Aquaracer! I just purchased this exact model and color way in December. It was purchased from a Boutique; pre-price increase. As you mentioned, I did indeed cross-shop with Tudor, Breitling, and Omega. For the money, I don’t think you can do better than this Aquaracer. On a side note, I believe Breitling should take notice of what TAG Heuer have done, by giving us a chronometer movement with 80hrs of power, and excellent finished, for more than a $1k discount over the Avenger or Super Ocean. I do not see the reason for premium increase in the Breitling offerings. Thanks again for this video and your channel! Big fan!
Thanks for the great comment. I appreciate you sharing your experience
I like this one, and love my previous generation AR, but I would be lying if I said I had not considered trading it in for a Tudor or Breitling
The mark of a true watch fan. We are always wondering what if
I had the previous version (43mm) Blue... I loved the look, dial, color and LUME but the movement was finicky after a while setting the date or time, it wouldn't "click" into the right gear to hour , time or wind unless I put it back and forth like 4 times.... not cool for a $3500 watch.
I do own a white Carrera and love it. Should I give this integration another chance or is the shunning of Tag real (meaning they put bottom of barrel movements and subpar quality) in their watches at a premium?
With a display caseback I'd be intrigued 🤔
This watch is priced in no man's land. Spend a little more and get a Tudor, Breitling or Omega or spend a little lot less and get an Oris or Longines or Rado. So this is the major reaon watch collectors like us don't buy the Aquaracer, it's terrible value compared to other watch brands.
Yes at retail. You can pick these up basically new for 1700ish…they are good for that $$ not retail $$
What the watch collectors don’t tell you is when you get the Tudor Pelagos that is so respected 8 months later the lume starts falling out of the bezel insert, then you have to send it back to Tudor for them to tell you it costs $500 to fix. I learned that lesson firsthand. While there is some merit to this comment, I say buy the Tag because you want it, not because it gets approval from aficionados
Couldn't disagree more haha
@@spencerpardue422
8 months after the warranty period started?
Had the same issue but it was covered under warranty. Just had to wait a few months for it to return from the RSC.
Why would you be charged for a defected bezel that is still under warranty. My Tudor has been a tank for the last 3 years of ownership.
I've always thought the Aquaracer is the sharpest looking diver
A diver that beats Breitling, Tudor and Omega!
How to open the back case for replace the battery? If its battery.
Do you prefer the older model in the discontinued model (41mm) or this model? I’m on the fence of buying one of those two.
1500 for the discontinued model and $2000 for this one… wondering which to get
I’m a watch collector and I recently bought the one with the orange second hand. It’s my first Tag Heuer and I’m in love with it. I like the marketing of the brand and their choice of ambassadors among them Ryan Gosling and Ayrton Senna. Thank you so much for the review 🙏🏻
They have very effective marketing I think
I bought this model instead of Tudor BB. Because it has a stunning dial and every look at it makes me happy. ❤
Better looking than seamaster diver 300 for sure.
💯
I once bought the Aquaracer 200 but ended up returning it because of the polished centre links and lack of on-the-fly micro-adjust. If they put this bracelet on the 200 design I would absolutely buy it!
I generally don't like PCLs, and glad this doesn't have them, and has the quick adjust
How do you not notice polished center links before ordering a watch? The 200 model has a diver's extension that works more like an easy-adjust system than a traditional diver's extension. Most reviewers miss it and don't mention it as a feature on the clasp.
@@kresimirpleic I didn't not notice it, just really hoped I'd be able to live with it because I loved the design of the watch so much. I couldn't even make it to the end of the day 😅 We all make our watch-buying mistakes, I guess. The Tag Boutique were really cool about it though and, from a customer care experience alone, I'd be more than happy to go back to them. Like I said, if they did a 40mm version of this 300 that @BruceWilliams just reviewed, I'd be all over it!
I bought this exact model from Saltsman’s. The buying experience was wonderful & I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from them again. I’m not sure I’d buy the watch again though. It isn’t keeping chronometer time after 4 months of nearly daily wear, the bezel has back play & some give up & down, the crown doesn’t have good action when pulling all the way out, and I find the cyclops makes the dete difficult to read unless head on. The fit & finish are amazing, as is the loom, and the star is the dial.
In for service it goes
IMO the issue Tag Heuer have with watch collectors goes back to those awful designs of the 80-90s which appear like trinkets belonging to a Roman legionaries helmet and Breitling also. However, I agree the public in general seem to like them and tend to have the sense to be content with one good watch..
Looks a bit like a Seamaster Diver with an Oyster bracelet.
I'm a tag Heuer non owner fan! I like the watch a lot.
How about the Seiko Coastal diver ?? 😂😂
I like the Aquaracer. A perfect watch to purchase pre-owned and save at least half that retail price.
TAG is always perceived as “down market” by watch enthusiasts, but your video makes me ask, “why?”
I have the previous version and its fantastic. Definitely underrated. As ive expanded my colection and budget i havent felt the need to "upgrade" this watch. In fact my wife bought me a blue and grey Seamaster and i returned. Told her i already have the blue aquaracer.
Nice watch...however if I am going to spend 4k I will be going for an Omega or Tudor
Why?
4k for an Omega new?
Both Tudor and Especially Omega are more expensive at retail than Tag. And chances are you'll get a bigger discount on the Tag. The Aquaracer is perfectly positioned price - wise. Above Longines and below Tudor. It's competitors are Seiko SLA divers.
Omega left the price range in the dust. Omega watches get more expensive on each release. If my calculations are correct. We get a Speedmaster and Seamaster every 2 months so probably be about 7 or 8k for a Seamaster and 10k for a Speedmaster in no time
Let me know when you get a Seamaster for 4k brand new. I'll be over here holding my breath.
Creo que el cambio de movimiento ha sido un gran paso hacia delante, el anterior calibre 5 dejaba mucho que desear, más en un reloj de este precio y acabados.
No sé a qué esperan para incorporarlo al Carrera y más con certificado COSC.
El exterior es muy bonito y bien acabado.
Make it 40 mm or even 41mm, Around $3k and id definitely be in line. Love the design though
I think the GMT versions of this are also really nice! people like to knock on Tag but their recent offerings have been very good.
Totally agree. I'll be featuring the glass box from them soon
BRUCE THANKS SO MUSH FOR YOUR REPLY , IVE DECIDED ON ANOTHER OMEGA MOONWATCH , IVE BOUGHT A COUPLE WATCHES FROM ESQUISITE TIME FROM MAURICIO , I ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS , WHEN YOU DID SEIKO SBDX017 YEARS AGO IVE PURCHASED FROM JAPAN ON LINE , NEXT THE NEW MARINEMASTER HAVE A GREAT DAY
The watch looks like a solid product to be fair however i just don’t feel the connection to the brand just like I don’t feel the connection to breitling, i rather go up and get the Tudor or the omega.
TAG Heuer makes some high quality timepieces. Even though I'm more of a Heuer fan more. I do love a nice amount of TAG Heuer's aswell. The finishing on my Heuer Monaco CAL-11 is impeccable 👌. Love the orange 🍊 dial Aquaracer that pays homage to the Heuer Monnin case ref 980 005
The trouble with Tag Heuer over the last ten years is they have sold their soul to the devil to grab everyone’s money with the sad connect range and the cheap quartz watches that are over priced for what they are and watch collectors have got very sniffy about them , I love my Monaco and Carrera and wish they would drop the lower level and just make good mechanical watches which is what got me into the brand back 30 years ago , I like what they have done over the last couple of years and they have made a bit of a comeback of late so hopefully things will get better and better
Dude I have been OBSESSED with the Green version (WBP5116.BA0013) of this with the yellow seconds. It looks so amazing and I really, really want to get it. I’ve been wantng a Tag for years, but none really spoke to me until I saw these Aquaracers. Green/Yellow is just so appealing to me
No longer have my Rolex submariner with the Cyclops and Tudor 1926 but now have 2 Tags, much happier.
I like it more than Tudor
Helló Bruce, I have the previous gén model, and alsó think its overpriced a little. Regards from Hungary
Bruce you talk some shite at times.!!!! How did you come up with " the monochrome has the best bezel action in the business " 😂😂
It’s cooler than the Tudor but probably won’t be in a few years if you catch my drift.
I like it!
I think its a solid watch . Buy used for 2k and you have a good buy. Got everything you need in a good diver , nice model and a great brand. Tags were one of the most popular watches in the 80s , everyone wanted one , so its nice to see them coming back with some nice designs. Personally i wouldnt buy any luxury watch brands new , they are so much more affordable preowned.
You're not getting this watch used for 2k. Not with this updated movement and 80 hour power reserve. Live Bruce said, they upgraded the movement from the ETA/Selita that used to come in it. But I do share your philosophy in buying used. I have the previous generation of this Aquaracer which I did get used for less than 2k and recently picked up a Planet Ocean used but practically like new for 4k. I always look for used in good condition before I even consider new.
@@ericpignatore5317 Absolutely. Buying used is a great idea for most of these watches but this one is probably never going to drop to 2k.
@ericpignatore5317 well I didnt mean straight away , but like in a year or so . Most new watches lose a quarter as soon as you leave the shop. I looked on ebay and there was a beautiful green one with a green shady dial, for £3300 slightly used. And the older models were 2k or under. This time next year 2k will be realistic. Ive never bought a luxury watch brand new , because I buy too many , lol. If you're a one and done guy , then why not though ? I wish I hadn't looked at the green one , I will be thinking about it now , maybe next year !!!
Some of these Aquaracer models look nice (i.e. the gold trim version) but the price is very stiff for what's on offer in this hyper competitive segment. Fine on 40% sale but otherwise, nope.
The cyclops is horrid and the rubber strap version which requires cutting to size is just stupid.
Great video , im looking at this Tag or Tudor Monochrome 41 , i am sure either one is good Bruce , whats your opinion
Tudor has nicer clasp, movement, and bezel action. Tag has the wider brand recognition, better arc, longer power reserve and more scratch resistant bezel. I like the fit and thinness of the Tag better, but the Tudor is the one I bought (burgandy 41)
This rendition of the Aquaracer is overpriced for me. The Mont Blanc Iced Sea is a Selitta based movement for 3190.00 and even better finishing in my opinion.
It definitely looks very well finished but to command over $4,000.00 you have to have an in house movement.
saw this in person, not my cup of tea. it was like a children’s toy🤭 then i saw the omega seamaster blue dial in person, it was a love at first sight. i bought it, and im in love since😊
Calling it children’s toy is beyond ridiculous! 😂 I’ve seen and tried them both in person, Aquaracer looks premium, built quality is superb, wears way better than thick, heavy Seamaster with very dated bracelet.
I dig TAG and I like this watch. I agree that the brand is underappreciated, and that this sits at a price point that makes it difficult to justify.
I wouldn't compare this watch to anything but the Omega. Same vibe.
I also don't like their aftermarket accessory support. Every strap is reference-specific and they won't sell you anything based on color, material, or lug width.
I love this watch, but I don't think I could justify paying retail price for it. At $3300 or less, this watch would be a steal.
Nice watch I do like the bezel shape plus the dial with the waves going through it , but tag as lost it’s can I say this it’s luxurious status if I was going to spend this kinda money I’ll go with the Tudor but again I do like it so maybe I’m brainwashed into buying Tudor lol
I own the blue dial version of this watch, it and the green dial are spectacular, the black dial not so much.
while I will not be giving money to LVMH, that movement seems great, giving the Kenissi movements in Tudors and Breitlings something to think about
I figure it's probably at least as good as the last one. Which was absolutely excellent.
Excellent indeed
Hate Tag, but this is a great watch. $4k is a deceiving price as you are more likely to score a sizable discount at an AD than an Omega (or possibly Tudor) and certainly a great value on the secondary market.
If only they could capture their mojo from the 90s. They just don’t do anything for me 😐
The Tag Heuer Aquaracer competes with the Longines Hydroconquest
I think it looks a little too much like the Sea Master, for that price range I like the Tudor BB or Pelagos
I didn't like the Aquaracer's aesthetic very much when I saw pictures online, but after seeing this in person as well as a Seamaster, they are quite different and my preference goes out to the TAG (which I ended up buying).
The Aquaracer style is older than the HE valve Seamasters that came out in the mid 90s. The Aquaracer is based of the Heuer 844. That came out in the late 70's
Plastic movement spacer?
I don't know, since this isn't my watch I didn't open it up. I wouldn't be surprised if it was metal or plastic
This was a missed opportunity I mention Frédéric Arnault.
Great watch at $3k. Too much competition above $4k. $3k to $5k is very competitive but I think Tudor is the king in this range. $5k to $8k, got to go Omega. Sub $3k, I’d go Longines.
Certainly getting harder to hate TAG. I do think this one takes a lot of inspiration from the SMP300 though.
let go of the hate lol
👍😊 it's a good watch
Buy Tag and Next year change all and your Watch IS old...
Tag change too much things too fast.
2k or 2''5k no more, its his really price...
4k is outside market.
You can find them for 3k or less on the grey/used market
👍👍👍
It is not as accurate as ORIS❤
montre très sympathique mais pas au niveau de la Black Bay nouvelle génération et encore moins de la DIVER 300M. Pour ma part, je l'ai acheté 2100€ et c'est amplement suffisant, ça ne vaut pas plus
It’s not bad looking. But the cyclops needs to go.
I hate Tudor,I think after 100 years Tudor still doesnt have their identity or design language,they just copy Sub 52 and thats it.
But I would still buy Tudor over any Tag Heuer,4200 for this monstrosity is just too much.
Cyclops… im out
Not very is the answer. It’s a Tag.
The problem is that when you are buying a luxury watch, you are buying the brand as well as the tool. The problem is that while they make some great watches, they also sell a LOT of crap watches. Rolex and Omega (and even Tudor) don’t sell crap. I would not pay $4000. While it might be a good watch, it is probably no better than Formex or Christopher Ward. At least they know who they are, and so do we.
What crap is TAG putting out???
Overpriced. For $1000 more you could get the Grand Seiko diver with Spring Drive movement. For almost half the price the Seiko Marinemaster with in house movement SBEN011.
No thanks😂. That integrated cyclops is a deal breaker
Yes, I am not a fan of the cyclops.
I'm usually not the biggest fan of the cyclops date but at the 6 position I think it looks cool
Thats it. We are no longer friends lol
lmhv is powerful and rich. Tag heuer has a good financial base that can throw most luxury watch manufacturers into despair. But it is not necessary, its position is purely defined as affordable luxury.
Overpriced shit
your mom is what?
man that’s probably the most beautiful diver right now in this price range! What are you talking about?!
@@dawcal It is good looking, but not $4200 good looking. Maybe $2000
3k. Less than Tudor but more than longines. Looks a tad boring but so does the submariner.
This my friends is called 'ignorance'