The Aquaracer Calibre 72 Countdown Chronograph
‘The Ultimate Sailing Chronograph’
Inspired by TAG Heuer’s original designs from the 1980’s, and celebrating its partnership with the Oracle Team USA, the Aquaracer Calibre 72 Countdown Chronograph is a true feat of engineering. This interpretation of TAG Heuer sailing watches of the past is stylish and classic in design but first and foremost this is a sports mans watch the is inspired by, and designed for the best sailors in the world.
The countdown chronograph is the first of three new ceramic 500m Chronograph models. The countdown function, or the ‘Regatta’ function, has been used by the Swiss brand before. Unlike previous chronographs, this watch introduces the ‘5-segment’ display window seen in previous models of the brand. The slight variation on this watch from previous models makes a move forward for the brand and gives the watch a more contemporary, sleek look.
The design is similar to the 1982 original Tag Heuer Aquaracer watch; the original launch of the Jack Heuer ‘Heuer 2000’ series. The first watch by Heuer sold that featured the ‘Regatta’ function was the Aquastar Regate, which was first made available in the 1960s. In the 1970s, Heuer released Autavia-based Heuer Regatta. The ‘Regatta’ or Countdown function is designed with the idea of yacht racing in mind. It splits time across 5 windows that each show 1 minute.
The new Aquaracer 500m has a case similar to that of the Aquaracer 300m series except that the 500m has a thicker case back and bezel. The oversized numerals on the bezel are there for function, rather than just mere aesthetics. The case size is 43mm in diameter and many of the components in this watch have been adapted to ensure water resistance to a greater depth – 500meters.
Inside this watch is a Swiss made movement, a self winding, automatic calibre. The black dial of this Aquaracer 500m Calibre 72 countdown chronograph has horizontal lines on the dial that nicely contrast the circular pattern of the two counters; the two counters are located opposite each other on the three and nine o’clock positions. The date window is located below the 12 o’clock position with the TAG Heuer logo located above the six o’clock position. Flashes of blue can also be seen in this dial creating another visual contrast when looking at the watch face. Other features of this watch include a ceramic bezel and a helium-escape valve.
Aquaracer 500m Calibre 5
This new TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m Calibre 5 has reverted back to the original case size of 41mm produced by TAG Heuer before the arrival of the 43mm Aquaracer 500m released in 2012. This change in size, and the reduction in the depth of the case too, shows that TAG Heuer are really investing time in fine tuning and upgrading their range of diver’s watches.
Moving the date window back to the 3 o’clock position, and de-cluttering the dial gives the watch a much more desired classic, contemporary feel. The result – a much more sophisticated and elegant design that retains the traditional Aquaracer looks that has become synonymous with the brands history. In fact the design for this new 2012/2013 Aquaraces collection takes design inspiration for the case, bezel and dial from the Heuer 2000 series that was launched in 1982 – the last watch that was launched under the stewardship of Jack Heuer.
As with all the watches in this new collection the bezel is ceramic; something that TAG Heuer have never done before in a gentleman’s watch. The smooth, almost glassy look of the bezel has quite a different look from the original metal bezel insert that has been used throughout the previous models. Most importantly it is much more durable and so, fingers crossed, far less prone to scratches.
Available in three finishes: Steel, steel and gold, and Titanium. This watch is stylish and contemporary and will look equally as good with a suit in a boardroom or a wet suit by the sea…
TAG Heuer’s 2013 Aquaracer 500m Ceramic Calibre 16
Like the Calibre 5 watch and the Calibre 72 Countdown Chronograph, the new Calibre 16 model features a completely re-designed case, a helium escape valve and re-designed dial and ceramic bezel.
Keeping in line with the other two watches in the new 2013 Aquaracer range, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 16 is also a more classic, stylish looking diver’s watch than its earlier relative the 300m. The combination of the highly polished, scalloped sides and the brushed finish used on the lugs lends a contemporary feel to this diver’s watch that is another exciting release from TAG Heuer for 2103.
Like the Calibre 72 model, the new Calibre 16 ceramic Chronograph is available with either a bracelet or the fantastic Isofrane-inspired rubber strap.
