general consensus on Tag Aquaracer
general consensus on Tag Aquaracer
Author
Discussion

graeme4130

Original Poster:

3,955 posts

212 months

Tuesday 6th March 2012
quotequote all
Here's my conundrum :
I have a beautiful Chopard Mille Miglia GTXL, which although a lovely watch, is a little big and 'showy' to wear everyday (not to mention it's reasonably valuable, so I'd like to keep it in good condition and hold some value)
Therefore, I'm in a position where I need an everyday watch that's not too showy and reasonably hard wearing
The options I have are 1) Source a smaller 38mm Mille Miglia 2nd hand (which is not going to prove easy) or maybe an IWC aquatimer for around £2k or 2) PH's very own Dominic can get me a new Tag Aquaracer Chrono in blue like the image below for a very attractive price where I can pocket the change and spend it on other shiny things or new tyres for my car ;

Now I've always had a liking to Tag Watches, but what my concern is - are they a bit chavvy nowadays as there's so many fakes around and even the real ones are quite common ?
I've not had Tag before, so I don't want to part with my hard earned and then regret it, and I'd really like the watch to still feel and look special
What do people think ?

Cheers

Graeme


Edited by graeme4130 on Tuesday 6th March 23:02

Arun_D

2,340 posts

226 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
You like it, so as far as I'm concerned that's the end of that. Easy to say, but try not to be concerned about what others may think (FWIW I cant' see an issue with that or any TAG in terms of chaviness, it's hardly a fashion brand watch)

Ikemi

8,610 posts

236 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
Arun_D said:
(FWIW I cant' see an issue with that or any TAG in terms of chaviness, it's hardly a fashion brand watch)
This! There are a few watch enthusiasts who turn their nose up at TAG Heuer because of the association with TAG, a Saudi company who bought Heuer in 1985. As a result, the TAG Heuer range will never be as good or as desirable as a proper Heuer, which is absolute rubbish ...

TAG are hugely innovative, not afraid to push the boundaries of what is possible in a modern automatic movement. Just look at the Calibre 360, the Monaco V4 with linear weights, the Mikrograph 1/100th, the Mikrotimer Flying 1000, the Mikrogirder 2000, and the Pendulum movement that works via magnets rather than a hairspring ... Awesome!

Compared to some other highly regarding manufacturers, I think TAG Heuer should have a bit more respect! Nothing chavvy about them smile

If you like the Aquaracer, go for it! The only thing I'd take into consideration is that the one pictured in your OP is quartz, which won't hold it's value as well as an automatic version. Not a problem if you're not looking to move it on anytime soon, but for resale value, auto is better (esp. when it comes to TAG) smile


LordGrover

34,189 posts

243 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
Off topic, but I've been interested an a Tag lately, considering the Link Calibre 5 day auto: click.

That Aquaracer looks good too. I particularly like the date. If you like it, go for it.

graeme4130

Original Poster:

3,955 posts

212 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
Ikemi said:
The only thing I'd take into consideration is that the one pictured in your OP is quartz, which won't hold it's value as well as an automatic version. Not a problem if you're not looking to move it on anytime soon, but for resale value, auto is better (esp. when it comes to TAG) smile
Yeah, this had been part of the consideration
I really like the look of this watch, but the next good looking automatic piece is the thick end of a grand more, so if I'm spending that much more, I may just spend that little bit extra and get a really nice watch

I'm going to head up to the Tag Outlet in Bicester on Friday, so can at least play around with a few
Has anyone been there, I'm assuming it's worth a visit as its only 45mins from here ?
Is it much cheaper than RRP ?

Fittster

20,120 posts

244 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
Ikemi said:
TAG are hugely innovative, not afraid to push the boundaries of what is possible in a modern automatic movement. Just look at the Calibre 360, the Monaco V4 with linear weights, the Mikrograph 1/100th, the Mikrotimer Flying 1000, the Mikrogirder 2000, and the Pendulum movement that works via magnets rather than a hairspring ... Awesome!
I don't think the Calibre 360 is a good example.

http://www.calibre11.com/heuer-carrera-mikrograph-...

Ikemi

8,610 posts

236 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
Fittster said:
Ikemi said:
TAG are hugely innovative, not afraid to push the boundaries of what is possible in a modern automatic movement. Just look at the Calibre 360, the Monaco V4 with linear weights, the Mikrograph 1/100th, the Mikrotimer Flying 1000, the Mikrogirder 2000, and the Pendulum movement that works via magnets rather than a hairspring ... Awesome!
I don't think the Calibre 360 is a good example.

http://www.calibre11.com/heuer-carrera-mikrograph-...
It was a breakthrough movement at the time ... 1/100th second automatic chronograph ... Pretty impressive! The Mikrograph was based on the 360 movement and records 1/100th second, except with the centre hand, rather than a sub-dial smile

ETA: Just to add, can you find another 1/100th second automatic chronograph watch? wink Also, TAG were the first to create the 1/1000th chrono quartz watch with the Microtimer.

Edited by Ikemi on Wednesday 7th March 13:38

Mogsmex

556 posts

266 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
my daily is a tag aqauracer, as you say there does seem to be a bit of snotiness towards tag's and I can understand that as I feel there probably the most well known "quality" watch, I love mine it's not that expensive if the worst should happen it's robust and it actually keeps very good time wink

that all said If I was buying another daily for that sort of budget I would probably go for a speedmaster though.......

most important thing as above is make yourself happy not anyone else smile

Dominic H

3,289 posts

263 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
LordGrover said:
Off topic, but I've been interested an a Tag lately, considering the Link Calibre 5 day auto: click.

That Aquaracer looks good too. I particularly like the date. If you like it, go for it.
If you're thinking of the Link, buy before March 12th as TAG will be increasing their prices by an average of 6.8%.....

D

LordGrover

34,189 posts

243 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for the heads-up. YHM.

LordGrover

34,189 posts

243 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
Sorry to go off topic OP...

The TAG Heuer Link I like has a 'Calibre 5' movement which I gather is a pretty run-of-the-mill ETA - is it worth the price tag?

Jonny cobra

615 posts

243 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
I have just got an Aquaracer 3 weeks ago same as the picky .. Love it got it in Grenada Well cheep from Columbien Emaralds .. Goes in my collection nicely ..

JC..

Ikemi

8,610 posts

236 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
LordGrover said:
The TAG Heuer Link I like has a 'Calibre 5' movement which I gather is a pretty run-of-the-mill ETA - is it worth the price tag?
yes

The Link range of watches are lovely ... The bracelet is the most comfortable of any watch I've worn smile

Maxus

1,253 posts

212 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Ikemi said:
yes

The Link range of watches are lovely ... The bracelet is the most comfortable of any watch I've worn smile
+1
My first quality watch was a Link CJF2110. Fabulous build quality and as a first watch had an expensive weighty feel to it. Several watches later I still feel most comfortable wearing this.


graeme4130

Original Poster:

3,955 posts

212 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Well, today I had the intention of going to the Tag Dealer in the Bicester Outlet village just to check a few models over and get a better understanding of what's what.
Anyway, my addiction to all things shiny got the better of me, and I've now purchased this as my new day to day watch ;




The deal there was very good, and despite the rather inflated RRP's they had displayed next to the sales cost, I couldn't get within 25% of it on the internet (And the girl serving me in the shop also had massive jugs, which is always a weak spot for my wallet smilesmile)
Seems a very nice, very comfortable watch and km very happy with it

Edited by graeme4130 on Thursday 8th March 22:16

Arun_D

2,340 posts

226 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
graeme4130 said:
Anyway, my addiction to all things shiny got the better of me, and I've now purchased this as my new day to day watch ;
Standard PH Watch forum affliction, congrats. I like the display back

Disappointed with the lack of pictures of said woman with massive jugs

langy

641 posts

270 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
graeme4130 said:
Well, today I had the intention of going to the Tag Dealer in the Bicester Outlet village just to check a few models over and get a better understanding of what's what.
Anyway, my addiction to all things shiny got the better of me, and I've now purchased this as my new day to day watch ;




The deal there was very good, and despite the rather inflated RRP's they had displayed next to the sales cost, I couldn't get within 25% of it on the internet (And the girl serving me in the shop also had massive jugs, which is always a week spot for my wallet smilesmile)
Seems a very nice, very comfortable watch
Got myself exactly the same watch from Bicester village just after Christmas. I though it was a good deal and it's a lovely watch cool

LordGrover

34,189 posts

243 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Nice acquisition. thumbup

I'm sorely tempted to follow suit into the TAG Heuer fold... scratchchin
Not sure why though.

Nattyboy888

260 posts

188 months

Thursday 15th March 2012
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I'm looking at some new toys for my 40th...a second hand j,c memovox, and ironically a chopard mm and the aqua racer (rubber strapped with rose gold bezel). Tried tha tag on at Bicester and was a little underwhelmed. You'd looks great though. Would love to hea you thoughts in the chopard and maybes pic ?!

traffman

2,263 posts

240 months

Thursday 15th March 2012
quotequote all
I nearly purchased the Aquaracer before i finally plonked for the Omega smp.