Deep dive: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300

TAG Heuer reimagines its iconic diver’s watch in a stylish and ergonomic new collection, put to the test by a top team of extreme adventurers

Watches & Jewellery 25 Jun 2021

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300

TAG Heuer is renowned for its legendary racing watches, but its connection with the ocean runs just as deep. For 2021, the watchmaker has looked to its iconic diver’s model the Aquaracer, presenting a new take that not only improves the functionality of this high-performance timepiece but reimagines it to suit the needs of the modern-day urban adventurer.

Cliff diver Robin George

And to truly push the boundaries of these timepieces to the limit it has enlisted the help of a trio of daring individuals well accustomed to taking on the most extreme of conditions. The team of outstanding athletes comprises big wave surfer Kai Lenny, a long-standing ambassador of the watchmaker, freediving champion Julie Gauthier and cliff diver Robin George. What better way to truly test the resilience and robustness of a diving watch than if it can withstand these most challenging of underwater pursuits.

Freediving champion Julie Gauthier

Engineered to perform both in the sea and on land, the new collection has seen TAG Heuer’s designers take a deep dive into examining every element of the watch, which has then been carefully remodelled with both ergonomics and the stylish spirit of the original Aquaracer in mind. This includes its distinctive 12-sided unidirectional rotating bezel, which has evolved to integrate a scratch-resistant ceramic insert. Each of the 12 facets has been fluted to make it even easier to grip and turn, while the bezel’s internal tooth profile has been reengineered to make it smoother, quieter and seamless to set.

Big wave surfer Kai Lenny

Further improvements come in the form of a wider, sword-shaped hour hand and narrower minutes hand, providing a clear distinction between the two to improve legibility in all conditions. Meanwhile the sapphire glass has been updated to integrate a magnifier over the date at 6 o’clock into the underside of the glass, maintaining a smooth surface and making the date clearer to read from wider angles. This attention to detail extends to the case and metal bracelet, which have been slimmed down for a lighter and more comfortable fit. This includes shorter watch lugs giving a more svelte profile, while the case has been chamfered and polished for a handsome finishing touch. The result is an overall form that is lightweight while also hardwearing, and doesn’t comprise its high-performance qualities, including a water resistance of up to 300 metres.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300

The new Aquaracer Professional 300 comes in seven new references. Six of these are in stainless steel with a choice of 42mm or 36 case diameter and available in a choice of black, blue or silver dials with integrated metal bracelets. Meanwhile, a special limited-edition model, the Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref 844, takes its name from an important TAG Heuer diver’s watch introduced in 1978. Constructed from hard-wearing high-tech Grade 5 titanium, the timepiece nods to vintage features from the original, including the red 24-hour scale, while it comes on a black rubber strap based on a design intended to allow water to swiftly pass between the watch and the wearer’s wrist.

From £2,500 to £3,600; tagheuer.com