Tag Heuer Aquaracer - Is this the best $2,000 Swiss Diver? 

I love the aquaracer! I have the 41mm version which I bought back when I was a teen and just getting into watches and it has been an amazing companion ever since. I don't care what snobs say, it's full of them in this hobby unfortunately, the purpose of a watch is to enjoy them I don't care if it's a $10 watch or a $10k watch.

First nice watch I ever bought. Adored it then, adore it now. It had all the options I wanted, at the price I was willing to pay, and I'm still very happy with it.

I have an Aquaracer & love it. I’m a swimmer & I really appreciate it. And it’s face shape is very unique. Even from afar, you could easily recognize it as Tag Heuer. The design is very distinct & has an identity on it’s own.

Many dont realize that those plastic spacers are not a cost cutting measure. They are actually a high grade nylon that will last for decades and decades. The decision to use a nylon spacer Is for weight savings and for increased shock protection. Even Cartier uses them in some models. I have watches costing over 20k and enjoy wearing my Tag Heuer F1 quartz just as much. The fit and finish on their watches is excellent!

I like it. The fact that TAG Heuer gets so much hate increases its appeal to me. I'd wear it just to enrage them.

I still find the Aquaracer the best looking out of the bunch in this price category. I still haven't owned one but I'm sure I will eventualy. Of course, there's always place for improvements and yes, I don't care about the plastic spacer. Thanks for the nice review!

Hiya,I have three friends that have TAGs as their one watch.All quartz and bloody nice watches. The fact that they offer quartz is appealing to a lot of guys.

I own the blue version and it is a great watch. I looked at TAG, Oris, Hamilton and a couple of others. This was the best one by far. And yes it has a plastic spacer but so does Cartier and nobody bats an eye when they use one. It's well made, durable, accurate, and a good looking watch. If it didn't say TAG on it, the haters would be all over this watch.

I have a Tudor, Omega, Oris and I've always liked Tag Heuer! Especially the Aquaracer and the Monaco. Totally agree with you!

Just got this one in blue. My first luxury timepiece and I’m very happy with it. Would certainly like to move up the ladder but as an entry level lux watch with so much versatility and at 2k it’s hard to find better imo. Thanks for showing the movement!

If you want a tag, go for it. I swear, the community in this hobby is the most toxic one there is.

Kudos for not simply jumping on the bandwagon and hating on TAG Heuer, Bruce. While I do not like all their watches (of which there are too many, in my opinion), I have been a fan of the brand since 1968. I own a Heuer Autavia and a TAG Heuer 2000 ( both chronographs) and love them both to bits.

I own watches across the spectrum- Omega to Seiko- Longines to Sinn. I also own this Aquaracer in blue. It’s a beautiful watch. If you care for compliments from those who could care less what you’re wearing on your wrist- you’ll get it with this. Scout’s promise ✋

Purchased my first one the other day, mine has the stainless steel bezel with blue numbers matching the blue dial and OMG it's a stunning watch, I absolutely love it, the Calibre 5 caught my eye and I'm so glad I made the decision to purchase one for myself

Another great perspective on TAG. I still love my Aquaracer 500M GMT and wear it every day, and as it was a discontinued, new old stock purchase, I paid about $700 under retail.

I am wearing my Tag Heuer Formula 1 GMT while watching this. Always appreciate your frank and fair reviews Bruce.

I have 41mm version, black dial, ceramic bezel. I think it’s just a very nice looking watch. The shape and design of the bezel & the details on the dial standout. Also, this watch has held up quite well. No regrets. One of my favorites.

Nice, well made watch Bruce. Still a fan of Tag and I don’t worry what others think/say 👍 I prefer the 41 - great you can get 2 case sizes.

I love my Tag Heuer Aquaracer! I actually purchased it twice. Brought it for 2.5K and sold it to my local jewellers 2 years later for 500 dollars. And then returned a week later to the same jewellers to purchase my very same watch again at a bargain 500 dollars as I missed it so much!👍🏽

I wish Tag would comment on the plastic

wow ! what a great detailed review! great angles, really informative and well spoken!

For me, the Aquaracer line falls into the "if you love the design, just buy it" category. The designs are good and original. The bracelets look and feel awesome. Many divers lean more classic these days, so I appreciate bold stuff like the Aquaracer, Oris Aquis, and Christopher Ward C60 Mk3. I think the "value for money" thing is really important to some people, and less important for others - this is influenced a lot by stuff like cultural background and beliefs about money. It's OK to care about this when it's your money - and if that's important, you probably will find a better option if you shop around. I have yet to spend over $1000 on a watch, but the new Carrera chronographs make me drool. (And I'm not even into chronos!)

Love my Aquaracer, it gives you so much for what you pay. High quality overall. Don’t care for plastic holder, own it for 3 years now and it works perfect.

I literally just bought the 41 mm yesterday! It wears and looks beautiful on wrist 🤩

Just got this yesterday for my 21st birthday present! I’ve been very into watches for the last few months and chose this one as my first luxury watch. I chose this over the Oris aquis 39.5 as it was more comfortable, and for my first watch I wanted a little more wrist presence and brand value. Cool review!

I own the 41mm with steel bezel... love it The Aquaracer transitions better into a dress situation, also I thinks it looks more like a sports/dress watch (specially the steel bezel one) rather than a diver/tool like many of its main competitors. I like this quality, it sets the Tag apart imo Never buy a Tag at retail though... their prices at retail are ridiculous. I got a great deal on mine used and in excellent condition. Under $1,000.

Love the Aquaracer,I have the 41mm in blue. I am now considering the Aquaracer 36mm as the whole package looks and feels better.

Bruce, In regards to the plastic spacer, I agree with the majority of the points you've made with one caveat. If the LVMH group is truly using plastic to cut costs, then yes I absolutely agree with you. However the question then becomes what material is the competition using? Especially factoring that the Aquaracer is at the top edge of the competition pricing wise. With the size of the ETA 2824-2 and SW-200 leaving a good room of additional space for any watch manufacturer producing a watch at the 41-43mm sizing, what material is Rado, Longines, Sinn, Tutima, and especially Seiko, Oris, and Zodiac using? The reason I ask this is if a company with the sourcing reach of the likes of LVMH is using plastic to keep costs down then I'd be willing to bet other smaller companies with less sourcing abilities such as Oris, Rado, Zodiac or companies known to manufacture at a large scale to keep costs down (Seiko & Longines) are most likely doing the same. While I'd be willing to bet the German companies are most likely steel due to a long history/background of metal machining I'd be willing to bet that the Swiss and Japanese competition is also using a plastic spacer as well out of necessity, and if this is the case I don't think that TAG also using them should be held against the company. Would love to know your thoughts on this, and as always loved the video man.

This is one of the best looking watch in the world and its construction qualities are extraordinary. I love my Tag.

Tag is more of a connoisseur's watch in that if you are into horology and own one you do so for love of the watch, not what other people have to say about it. Which is very admirable. In green, very nice. Imagine a Nautilus with that green dial...

Wear whatever you like... hardly anyone will even notice. The Tag might as well be a Timex to most people

Good video Bruce. Plastic holder, non screwed in links, cheap dive extension. So much more quality from Breitling, Sinn, and Tudor if you come up another 6-700$ in the price point. But, it’s a good looking watch.

I think not using a chronometer grade movement is a miss. I don’t think brands should be selling at this price point without a top end movement.

This diver Tag is the most good looking in the group, a runner up of Seamaster from Omega, but under $1000 Seiko was a leader.

I own the 43 mm blue color version..... great looking watch, good accuracy(+ 5 seg d), good bezel, good lume; good brazelet.... I love it.

I have the 41mm of this exact watch but with the rubber bracelet. I kind of wish I got the metal bracelet. This is my daily driver. I love this watch. It's just so beautiful. I get a decent amount of compliments. There is a lot of hate on Tags over the years due to some business decisions. But this watch at face value is hard to beat.

Ive had this watch for 5 years now and the accuracy is superb, +2 seconds per day, it feels like a quality timepiece, and is way more comfortable than my seamaster and BB58, as an Engineer I get the use of a delrin spacer, don't let the snobs put you off.

I bought the 41mm version because of your first video! I enjoy it a lot, thanks friend!

I own the 43mm black titanium case one and I love it. TAG is back in the game and new designs demonstrate it.

i dont mind tags, they have their own appeal as a brand. wouldnt mind having one as a beater watch

I have this exact one. Great watch.

I like the green one. It pops to me

Thanks Bruce. The 43 Aquaracer is my fave watch. Absolutely love it.

If you like the watch get it. After a certain price point all watches are overpriced. People try to convince themselves that a watch is worth the price because of this or that but in reality it's not.

I have the 41mm TAG Heuer Aquaracer and I feel like it is a super quality offering. When you hold it you know you have a quality time piece in your hand...there is a discernable difference from other watches. The two tone lume is stunning. It is also probably the most comfortable watch I own. It just feels great on the wrist. I think it gets a very bad rap from the watch snobs...and you know not everyone wants to or can spend $10,000.00 for a Rolex. This watch is a great option for those who want a quality watch but don't wanna spend 10k.. I also own an Omega Seamaster but honestly I wear the Aquaracer more. It just fits better.

The shots outside are very satisfyingly beautiful, the best video review of the watches I watched

I bought the Aquaracer GMT model back in 2018. Still a great daily watch to wear in my opinion. But you need be careful when you own one because they scratch easily, especially on the bracelet buckle.

Just bought my 2nd Tag. Bought my first in 2000 and sold it in 2010. Had to buy it back again! Would definitely recommend Tag Heuer and I hope to buy at least one more.

Love my blue 41mm Tag Aquaracer. Agreed wish they’d update/upgrade the clasp.

I have this watch. I wear it every day. I needed a watch I could ware for work. I clean pools for a living. This watch is awesome! It’s built like a tank! I highly recommend it and I’m very happy with this watch

I like Tag. I want to start with that. But with the plastic movement holder, they do this only with the watches without a clear caseback. Yeah it is sly on Tags part to the customer but also a little smart on their end because most people other than a watch maker will open up the back to a dive watch.

I can’t believe people get upset about plastic filler in a closed case back watch 🤦🏽‍♂️

I like just about everything about these pieces, except for the date magnifier(blemish) on the crystal.

I was considering getting this watch as a present to me from me, thanks for the video it was very reassuring and informative!

As a diver, at least these are pretty unique looking. Definitely not possible to accuse these of homaging anything to any great degree.

Great review Bruce! I love the Aquaracer ceramic but the timepiece is too expensive for what you get in my opinion.

I love my Aquaracer. I have the blue dial version. It’s truly a great piece.

The green color is very beautiful and the price is very reasonable. This color increases the difference of $ 600 after purchase

Oris is the most underrated watch. Very good quality

Don’t bother what you have heard from some watch enthusiasts, the Tag heuer is a class watch a good buy

Listen it’s a great looking watch and seems to be as solid and well made as any in this price point . Honestly seems impeccable made . Looks fantastic in the video . Like the brushed bracelet, ceramic bezel , even the hand set . I’d prob try one of these for a bit if I wasn’t in a savings mode . Both the ads in my area have the green one in . Hasn’t been easy to find .

Come up about $600 more and score a Breitling Super Ocean Heritage. Now you have some wrist presence.

Tag is the best value. The price point in the gray market is perfect, and because it sits in that $1,000 to $2,000 it makes perfect sense. The TH quality control is bullet proof. I know; bought my first in 1988. I know I am dating myself, however that being said, I stand by my statement. I have NEVER had an issue with their watches. I have the Aquaracer, the F1, among others. If you are looking for a value prop, they are the best. Give me a dependable stainless diver. I even own their quartz pieces. You want quality and something that lasts for years? Go for it, TH is your answer hands down. As a reference, I also own Omega. Give me a rugged TH and I will bang the hell out of it while looking good wearing it.

I’ve had my Aquaracer since 2007, still wear it. Really considering the new IWC pilot watch XX as I love the design.

Sinn, Oris, Longings- T.A.G and I've owned a Heuer + 2 T.A.G.'S I really like the outer bezel shape of the aqua. Sinn is the most complete diver though.

I just got a Batman bezel as a gift and I've been surprised people have noticed it as much as they have.

How much does it weigh? Does anyone know?

The Mido 600 with it's silicon balance spring, 80 hours of power reserve, helium escape valve, on-the-fly bracelet micro-adjustment, 600m water resistance and Chronometer certification, is superior on every level, except the lower beat rate. Furthermore it retails at 1500 EUR vs Tag Aquaracer's 2600 EUR. It's not a fair fight, it's a first round knock-out. 😂

Absolutely love the just released Aquaracers with the tortoise shell style bezels, particularly the blue dialled one. Having said that I just picked up a Superocean 42 white dial with great discount. It worked out a little more than the Aquaracer but in terms of specs it’s a better buy.

I like the Aquaracer. Probably my favorite Tag Heuer model. But at this price point there are a lot of different option that deserve to be considered : Oris, Sinn and Christopher Ward for example.

Within my friends' groups I am the "watch guy". Whenever they ask me for watch advice, I always ask "Budget?"... It's always $3K Cad (about $2K - 2.5K USD) My response is the same... "Go up or Go down." DON'T buy a $2K USD watch. Not nice enough to impress aficionados/ enthusiasts/ snobs (like me?). Not cheap enough to be a beater/ everyday driver. Remember, we are talking about people who are NERVOUS about dropping $2K. Save up for an Omega AND that is what they really wanted anyways... They are just hoping I am going to say "A Tag? Oh yeah, great buy! It's just as good."

Yep the clasp if tag would do something with that it would be great, I like the steel bezel in person

I've had one for 3 years. It's a great watch, with great lume, and it keeps good time. But I agree, the clasp, just like the Aquis on the steel bracelet, should be better, like the CW C60 mk3 for example. Great vid.

I love it with the green dial..

Great video, thank you, Bruce. My opinion I think this TAG is best option if I were shopping this price range. The plastic insert yeah rather have metal, but if they break hopefully TAG would carry replacements. Only thing I don't like, kind of a pet peeve, when the case gets big, eta2824 Rolex 3135 etc. Date window starts creeping toward the center of the dial. That's it. Oh! And please just blue lume. Otherwise I love it. Thanks again for all the effort you put in your videos.

I must be on the minority, but I genuinely think its one of the best looking at this price range. I love mine.

I’m an idiot but I can see multiple benefits having a high quality plastic surround.

I’ve owned this watch for the last 2 years and love it work it everyday since never let me down, touch wood!

You nailed it. The Aquaracer is a good daily driver diver. I love the design elements. It is a unique mix of elements from the Nautilis, Submariner, and Seamaster. Like you, I have owned a few TAG Heurers. With a decent discount, they are great watches.

Tag aquaracers😍🥰 most haters love fake rolex or have a Casio😊

Nice, but the sheep won't like it.

Looking at the green version It pops like no other. Could be my everyday work watch

Wow, you're spot on with the movement holder. I originally wanted to add a TAG to my collection but I CAN NOT get over the plastic movement holder. NOT at this pricepoint, NOT even at $500 is that acceptable.

I like both the TAG and the Oris, but opted for a Longines Hydro Conquest, which cost me $1,530 after discounts. I went with the loam green face. Cheers.

Heck yes it is. Especially since I just got a white dial Aquaracer for $1600 from Jomashop. It’s is a badass watch.

Looking online tonight and it appears there is a newer model 300m with date window at 6 o'clock. It also has a new micro adjustment system in the S/Steel bracelet. Wow, I want one.

I like the watch, TAG is ok... and if they aren’t talking about you then you aren’t doing anything...but the plastic spacer is often found in lesser quality watches. You right it’s certainly cost saving part. I am also in the market for the Oris. ..I’ll get the TAG one day still.

I was recently shopping in this same segment of the market, I found a decent deal on a Marine Master 300 as well as a few Aqua racers, I ended up with a Seamaster 2232.80, really sold by the thinner profile and lighter weight of the titanium

It is the same with almost every Tag the movement belongs in a cheaper watch and until they stop doing it the hate will be there.I was at my AD yesterday and when you hold any tag in your hand you think of this especially when you can see a Longines at the same time with a much better movement at a much better price.This is a one watch collectors watch or a beginner's watch as with many Tags.

Tag is a really cool brand. Really enjoy their Autavia models :) You should out Pequignet Royal 300 Bruce! In-house movement with 88h PR, vulcanized rubber bezel inlay, unique design of the case and a cool story of how the French government saved the brand when they finished developing their expensive in-house caliber. Keep up the good videos Bruce and stay safe!

hold on, you said saltzmans watches? no way they have a location right by my house!

I have the green dial and the blue dial both of them are amazing but just love the green dial with the green ceramic bezel 😊

So, what's the deal with the plastic movement holder, you don't believe it will last or won't do the job? When I first heard of it, my first thought was that it would be better for helping to protect the watch's intricate inner workings from shock.

Bought this watch a little over a year ago and I love it!!!

My first love I have older version with blue dial and quartz.... 😍

A decent option under $1,500.00; otherwise you’re overpaying.

Very nice and objective review i like it thank you. Btw i think you should also consider the Raymond Weil Freelancer automatic diver watch wich has great design and hold the Sellita sw200-1 movement, ceramic bezel a nice jubille bracelet and sapphire crystal with iner and outer AR coating, 300 meters WR, trending from 860$ to 1600$ depending on market. This should be definitly a solid choice to consider regarding the price range and the quality of execution of the RW diver watch. Cheers!

Brilliant watch, i have the exact same one! Really nice to wear daily, looking to buy either a cartier Santos or tank franchise xl next 🤔

I personally prefer the model that I own Tag Heuer WAK2110, as it has a dressy appeal with 500m water resistance durability. However, the newer aquaracer does seem playful and vibrant. I can see the appeal of the design.

I’ve had this watch for last 4 years, very nice watch but it doesn’t keep time well, I have to manually adjust it every 3-5 days or so, not sure if this is normal?