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Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M Automatic Chronograph Watch Hands-On

By on August 15, 2010 in TAG Heuer

Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M Automatic Chronograph Watch Hands On tag heuer

We all knew it was coming. First there was the new Aquaracer (called the Aquaracer 500M because it didn't actually totally replace the more basic Aquaracer) and now there is the chronograph version. It looks pretty rad actually. Feeling very similar to a dive version of the new Carrera, this watch has a similar layout, but not the 1887 automatic chronograph. The Aquaracer 500M Automatic Chronograph has a Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 that they refer to as the Calibre 16 movement.

The layout of the chronograph on the dial does not really take away from legibility, and at the same time does not look flat. There is a really nice balance of texture and depth to the dial. Plus, the subdials are beautifully legible and feel as though they make a lot of sense. Well designed chronographs meant to actually be used aren't as common as you think. Then again. Tag Heuer places a lot of effort into the design of the Aquaracer to make sure it is a fully functional professional diving watch. I was one of the first people to write about the new Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M Calibre 5 watch when it came out here - where you can get more details on the other parts of the watch.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M Automatic Chronograph Watch Hands On tag heuer

Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M Automatic Chronograph Watch Hands On tag heuer

Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M Automatic Chronograph Watch Hands On tag heuer

In a 44mm wide case, the watch has that great looking rotating diver's bezel with a rubber insert. We now have some large chronograph pushers to accompany the crown and the helium escape valve. My hands-on experience with the watch resulted in a conclusion that it is everything you love about the new Aquaracer 500M watch, only now in chronograph form. Still special, but not 'extra special.' Gone is the exhibition caseback, with an engraved caseback displaying a watery image with a traditional looking diving helmet. Going back to the dial, it is very legible with a sapphire crystal that is richly AR coated. Really a great dial I must say.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M Automatic Chronograph Watch Hands On tag heuer

People will like this watch for several reasons. First, because they are fans of the great looks of the Aquaracer 500M collection and want a serious diving tool. Second, because they fancy a Tag. And third, because they like the looks of a chronograph and/or want the functionality. Most people prefer a chronograph when they want something sporty and serious looking, and Tag Heuer watches are particularly well suited to that look. The addition of subdials and more pushers always seems to have that effect. Plus, this is a good option if you don't want to spend the extra amount on a piece with the in-house made Tag Heuer Calibre 1887 movement. The Aquaracer 500M Chrono should be available starting in October of 2010, and will come with a steel bracelet or textured rubber strap. Both are good strap options depending on what you need. Aside from this dark gray dial, I am sure there will be a few other options as well (given that the Aquaracer 500M Calibre 5 comes with plenty of dial options).

See Tag Heuer Aquaracer watches on eBay here.

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18 comments
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Dimitar
Dimitar

Thanks guys! On my way to the dealership :) I will share impressions after I get it wet (the watch) ;)

LHL
LHL

Dimitar did you purchase the watch after all? If you did, what is your impression so far?

For Christmas I purchased the Full Black Chronograph version made of Titanium. I have to say that it is a very comfortable watch to wear and with the lime color index markers and hands it makes telling time day or night very easy. Since the Full Black version is made of titanium, it is quite a bit lighter than the steel version. I have been using this one more than the steel version due to its lightness and comfort ability. The one thing I do wish the full black would have is a titanium bracelet to be able to alternate with the rubber one. That is one thing that I do like about the steel version. You can alternate between steel bracelet and rubber strap. In any case I have to say that both versions are great and I have not had a problem with either one of them. So I would still recommend either version of these watches. Now let me just state that the Chronograph Full Black is harder to find. It is a limited production and only sold at a Tag Heuer Boutique. The only boutique in the U.S. is in Las Vegas, NV.

This comment has been deleted

LHL
LHL

Dimitar did you purchase the watch after all? If you did, what is your impression so far? For Christmas I purchased the Full Black Chronograph version made of Titanium. I have to say that it is a very comfortable watch to wear and with the lime color index markers and hands it makes telling time day or night very easy. Since the Full Black version is made of titanium, it is quite a bit lighter than the steel version. I have been using this one more than the steel version due to its lightness and comfort ability. The one thing I do wish the full black would have is a titanium bracelet to be able to alternate with the rubber one. That is one thing that I do like about the steel version. You can alternate between steel bracelet and rubber strap. In any case I have to say that both versions are great and I have not had a problem with either one of them. So I would still recommend either version of these watches. Now let me just state that the Chronograph Full Black is harder to find. It is a limited production and only sold at a Tag Heuer Boutique. The only boutique in the U.S. is in Las Vegas, NV.

Dimitar
Dimitar

Nobody? :/

LHL
LHL

This is a fantastic watch. I had bought a Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph about two months ago. As I was on vacation in San Francisco about a month ago, I decided to go diving and whale watching. With this in mind I went to a local watch company that carried many different brand watches. I compared the Aquaracer to other brands, but none of them felt or looked as good as the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Chronograph 500M. I asked many questions to make sure that I wasn’t making decisions on looks or brand. The sales rep assured me that the Tag Heuer Aquaracer was solid and would do very well above or below deep water. I decided to purchase the watch and have to say, that I love it. I used it in San Francisco for diving and whale watching and had no problems. I would totally recommend this watch. Just make sure you get it from an authorized dealer.

admin
admin

Good comment on experience, thanks!

This comment has been deleted

LHL
LHL

This is a fantastic watch. I had bought a Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph about two months ago. As I was on vacation in San Francisco about a month ago, I decided to go diving and whale watching. With this in mind I went to a local watch company that carried many different brand watches. I compared the Aquaracer to other brands, but none of them felt or looked as good as the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Chronograph 500M. I asked many questions to make sure that I wasn’t making decisions on looks or brand. The sales rep assured me that the Tag Heuer Aquaracer was solid and would do very well above or below deep water. I decided to purchase the watch and have to say, that I love it. I used it in San Francisco for diving and whale watching and had no problems. I would totally recommend this watch. Just make sure you get it from an authorized dealer.

Dimitar
Dimitar

Hi everybody!
First of all, 10x for the wonderful review! I am on the very edge of buying this watch and would very much appreciate if you guys could advise juuust a bit more :)
1. Since this would be the first time for me to spend more than 500-600€ on a timepiece, are there any other ($3-4K range) chrono divers to concider? I dive, kitesurf and swim often, so I would want a sturdy watch, that is not afraid of h2o :)
2. With this one, would I be better off with the steel or the rubber bracelet? I kinda like the way the metal one makes the rubber basel stand out, but with all those pins/screws stuff ... J I dont know, I dont want to buy something that would easily fall off...

Overall I really like the way this watch looks and feels on my wrist, but since it is not exactly cheap for my standarts, could you please share if you find it worth the $

Thx a lot and best wishes :)

Dimitar
Dimitar

Hi everybody! First of all, 10x for the wonderful review! I am on the very edge of buying this watch and would very much appreciate if you guys could advise juuust a bit more :) 1. Since this would be the first time for me to spend more than 500-600€ on a timepiece, are there any other ($3-4K range) chrono divers to concider? I dive, kitesurf and swim often, so I would want a sturdy watch, that is not afraid of h2o :) 2. With this one, would I be better off with the steel or the rubber bracelet? I kinda like the way the metal one makes the rubber basel stand out, but with all those pins/screws stuff ... J I dont know, I dont want to buy something that would easily fall off... Overall I really like the way this watch looks and feels on my wrist, but since it is not exactly cheap for my standarts, could you please share if you find it worth the $ Thx a lot and best wishes :)

Frank
Frank

The Tag 1887 is a Seiko 6s37 mechanical chronograph caliber, 40 jewels, 50 hours power reserve, pillar wheel, vertical clutch, 12 hour chrono and -5/+10 secs per day factory adjusted accuracy.

The Seiko 6s37 (As well as the 6s28 and 8r28 both column wheel and vertical clutch chronos) blow out of the water anything based on the ETA/Valjoux 7750.

That is the reason why Tag went to Seiko to source their next mechanical chronograph. Because Seiko makes the best mechanical chronos in the world today.

Frank
Frank

The Tag 1887 is a Seiko 6s37 mechanical chronograph caliber, 40 jewels, 50 hours power reserve, pillar wheel, vertical clutch, 12 hour chrono and -5/+10 secs per day factory adjusted accuracy. The Seiko 6s37 (As well as the 6s28 and 8r28 both column wheel and vertical clutch chronos) blow out of the water anything based on the ETA/Valjoux 7750. That is the reason why Tag went to Seiko to source their next mechanical chronograph. Because Seiko makes the best mechanical chronos in the world today.

John
John

I know, I was just responding to this sentence:

"Plus, this is a good option if you don't want to spend the extra amount on a piece with the in-house made Tag Heuer Calibre 1887 movement."

John
John

I know, I was just responding to this sentence: "Plus, this is a good option if you don't want to spend the extra amount on a piece with the in-house made Tag Heuer Calibre 1887 movement."

John
John

I thought the 1887 was a slightly modified Seiko movement...

admin
admin

It is. But this isn't that movement.

This comment has been deleted

Kris C
Kris C

Yeah, but what fun is that? No need to sober up the party BIG CHRONO, watches like this are neato, no need to worry about maintenance issues that may or may not be required years and years down the road. Besides, my local jeweller loves working with the 7750 and 7751, its not a tough movement to maintain.
I'm no Tag fan, but I like this one: the bracelet version is a nice face on a classic design (I despise the 'T' shaped links on so many Tag bracelets). Boooo to the caseback: why no display? When is someone going to step up and try an etched, etc clear caseback that has designs like this combined with movement visibility.

Kris C
Kris C

Yeah, but what fun is that? No need to sober up the party BIG CHRONO, watches like this are neato, no need to worry about maintenance issues that may or may not be required years and years down the road. Besides, my local jeweller loves working with the 7750 and 7751, its not a tough movement to maintain. I'm no Tag fan, but I like this one: the bracelet version is a nice face on a classic design (I despise the 'T' shaped links on so many Tag bracelets). Boooo to the caseback: why no display? When is someone going to step up and try an etched, etc clear caseback that has designs like this combined with movement visibility.

BIG CHRONO
BIG CHRONO

The trouble with chronos is that they require costly maintenance if they are, or not utilized.
The same version without the chronograph functions will cost considerably less. And, it
will require fewer, & less costly services in
the future life of the watch. As previously noted
ad nauseum, chronos are rarely needed, except
for sporting, scientific, & certain other business
uses per se. Average timers can use elapsed time
bezels for monitoring parking meters, cooking, birthing contractions, etc.
contractions.

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