5 Affordable TAG Heuer Watches for New Collectors

When it comes to automobile races and the precision chronograph watches that time them, TAG Heuer is the name most enthusiasts think of. Let’s take a look at five models that are available in stores now at accessible prices.

Aquaracer 300m

Launched in 2004, the Aquaracer series has developed into one of TAG Heuer’s most popular, and for good reason. These watches offer sporty looks and professional dive watch features at an accessible price.

As you may have discerned from its name, this TAG Heuer Aquaracer can descend to 300 meters, or nearly 1,000 feet below the surface, which is sufficient for even the most ardent underwater sportsman. Divers also appreciate the unidirectional countdown bezel; large, luminous hands and markers for excellent legibility under all conditions; the oversize, screw-down crown with double gaskets to keep what’s outside from getting inside; and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with nonreflective treatment. The bracelet features a double-security clasp to assure the Aquaracer stays put. The 41-mm diameter case falls into the “just right” range. The Swiss-made Caliber 5 automatic movement operates at 28,800 vph or 4 Hz with a 38-hour power reserve.

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300m retails for $2,600.

Formula 1 Calibre 16 Chronograph

At this year’s Baselworld, TAG Heuer surprised many fans with an all-new version of the Formula 1. Enthusiasts had been asking for a larger case, and they got it. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 16 Chronograph measures 44 mm in diameter. The case is not round, but rather slightly barrel- or cushion-shaped, giving it a look that is both retro and modern.

The case and tachymeter bezel feature a combination of polished, brushed and sandblasted finishes. The dial includes continuous seconds at 9 o’clock, a 12-hour chronograph counter at 6 o’clock, and a 30-minute chronograph counter at 12 o’clock. Red-tipped hands improve legibility. The massive case and screw-down “easy-grip” crown combine to provide 200 meter water resistance.

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 16 Chronograph is priced from $2,900.

Monaco Calibre 6

When you say TAG Heuer, many racing enthusiasts immediately think of two things: Steve McQueen, and the Monaco he famously wore in the film Le Mans. The Monaco may be TAG Heuer’s best-known model, and the iconic square shape has remained essentially unchanged over the decades, giving it that rare “instant recognition” factor. Some may not know that when it launched in 1969, the Monaco featured the first-ever square water-resistant case.

Today, you can strap on a TAG Heuer Monaco with an automatic-winding mechanical movement in a stylish and distinctive case without breaking the bank. The Monaco Calibre 6 case is fashioned from brushed stainless steel with a bold, all-black titanium carbide coating. Below the sapphire crystal, the red “Automatic” text and small seconds hand offer a hint of color. A race-style perforated leather strap with red accents completes the package.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 6 retails for $3,900.

Link Calibre 16

The Link Calibre 16 combines TAG Heuer’s signature chronograph look with a modern reinterpretation of the widely recognized “link” bracelet, resulting in a distinctive and elegant sports watch. The polished tachymeter bezel is mounted on a brushed steel case, and the screw-down crown with double gaskets provides 100-meter water resistance. The sapphire crystal is treated with a nonreflective coating on both sides for excellent legibility.

Beneath the crystal, the red-tipped central chronograph hand measures elapsed seconds marked on the angled inner bezel for perfect timing. The polished and faceted hour markers are hand-applied to each dial. The automatic-winding mechanical movement runs in 25 jewels at 28,800 vph with a 42-hour power reserve.

The TAG Heuer Link Calibre 16 Chronograph is priced at $4,450.

Carrera Calibre 1887

The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 brings together two significant events in TAG Heuer history. 1887 is the year Edouard Heuer invented the oscillating pinion, an important development in the field of chronographs. In Heuer’s design, the pinion served to engage and disengage, or start and stop, the chronograph mechanism.

In 1963, Jack Heuer named the Carrera collection after the Carrera Panamericana, the legendary 1950s road race considered by many to be the most dangerous in the world. Jack envisioned a timepiece for drivers that offered a wide-open, easy-to-read dial and a shock-resistant, waterproof case that could withstand the punishment of a multi-day event.

In 2010, TAG Heuer put its newly developed Caliber 1887 chronograph movement in the Carrera. The watch features a ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale surrounding a sapphire crystal. Both of these components are virtually scratchproof. The 43 mm case is fine-brushed and polished steel. Sporty black and elegant anthracite gray dials are available, and the new bracelet with H-shaped links completes the look.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Auto Chrono is priced at $5,550.

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via Watchtime.com