Recently we spent some time on the podcast talking about the durability and charm of an old-school TAG Aquaracer. You still see them on guys and gals here and there, maybe even a quartz version that’s been beat to death while ticking away for a decade. There’s just a lovable quality to them and I’m excited by the fact that an Aquaracer often serves as someone’s first, nice watch. This week, TAG Heuer announced an new and expansive collection of Aquaracer watches that take us back to the earlier days, and a smaller case sized at 40mm (the specific version we’ll be focusing on). The new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 is here, in automatic AND quartz versions.
Introduced in 2004, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer collection is definitely the brand’s entry-level point if you’re looking for a dive watch. Unlike the previous models, the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 shrinks things down to a more wearable, 40mm case size and features a selection of black, white, or blue dials. It should be no surprise that my favorite combo is the black dial quartz version pictured above. No date, no cyclops, and no sunray effect—a dial treatment found on the pricier automatic versions. Other features like 300m of water resistance, Super-LumiNova-treated hands and markers, and an all-steel dive bezel nail this down as a utilitarian sport watch built for mass appeal.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Specs
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Case Thickness: 11mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Movement: Calibre 5 Automatic or quartz
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Bracelet: Stainless steel with polished center links
- Price: $2,750 for 40mm automatic, and $2,050 for 40mm quartz
To my eye this looks like a flat-out fun release from TAG Heuer and a great option for folks seeking that older Aquaracer vibe in a newer watch. Although pricey, I definitely could’ve seen TAG charging more, something I’m grateful they didn’t do. And let’s be real—as time goes on, supply will be plentiful and I’m sure we’ll see a nicer street price, especially for the quartz models. And finally, a fully-brushed bracelet option would’ve been cool. So if I bought one, you’d probably see it on a NATO strap. Price for the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 is $2,750 for the automatic, and $2,050 for the quartz model.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
I agree that quartz, no date is the sweet spot here. If that configuration was available with the blue dial, I would give this a second look in the aftermarket. A svelte, grab n go with no date to mess with….plus a stainless steel, rotating bezel to time my eggs or pizza, lol.