Like I had mentioned in my earlier review post, getting to touch and feel a new watch has become something of a “once in a blue moon” affair since the onset of the pandemic. However, in recent weeks, things across the board have improved and I have had the good fortune to get a hold of a few new watches. This time it was the all new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 (Ref No. WBP201A.BA0632).

Now we all have a good understanding of what the new 2021 TAG Heuer Aquaracer watches is all about. For the uninitiated, I would suggest to first head on to the story we did on the same here and continue with this review. For those who are keeping up with the times, you will not be surprised to know that the features of the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 are not exaggerated. With this new series of watches, TAG Heuer has taken a step forward into the right direction.

First Impressions: 

One look at the watch and you immediately notice its ergonomic case structure and design. Despite sitting at 43mm, the watch felt sleeker and sturdier on the wrist, courtesy of a thinner case (at 12.20mm) and shorter lugs. In comparison to the 2015 iteration, the new timepiece features changes across the board, from its dial design and the bezel markings to the magnifying lens. Even with some major and minor changes, one aspect of the watch that sticks is its overall design language that remains true to the heritage and legacy that began more than 40 years ago.

The Case:

As mentioned earlier, the slimmer case and shorter lugs provide the watch with a comfort that is hard to find within the 43mm stainless steel case spectrum. Furthermore, the presence of an improved bezel grip allows easy movement. The scratch-resistant black ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel has been made better with 12 fluted facets and a bold new triangle at 12 o' clock (filled with blue Super-LumiNova) instead of the one seen in the 2015 version. The stainless-steel screw-down crown and caseback allows the watch to have a water resistance of 300m.

Adding a finished look to the case is the engraved caseback with the famous scaphander diving suit that first appeared in the collection back in 2004. This diving suit is set against a repeating hexagonal motif that is set on a 12-faceted faceplate. This allows the diving helmet to look more angular.

The Dial:

One of the biggest improvements in the watch is found on the face – the dial. The black dial with its signature engraved horizontal lines is home to new features like the introduction of a combination of white octogonal and regular hour markers, wider and more sword-shaped hour and slimmer minute hands, and the date display window that has moved from 3 o' clock to 6 o'clock. This time around, TAG Heuer has ensured maximum clarity and legibility by using differently coloured Super-LumiNova® for the hands; green for the hour hand and markers, and blue for the minutes hand and the 12 o' clock triangle on the bezel.

Additionally, for the date window, instead of using a magnifier above the sapphire crystal, the designers have utilised the underside of the glass to magnify the date without actually obstructing the smooth surface of the crystal. Other details include the inculcation of the TAG Heuer sticker logo and the collection name and details like 'AUTOMATIC 300 m / 1000 ft' printed on the dial.

Movement:

Like its predecessor, the Aquaracer Professional 300 is powered by the powerful Calibre 5- a Swiss-made automatic movement that offers the function of hours, minutes and seconds with a date function. It is a movement that has proved itself time and again and makes for a perfect fit in the new editions of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer.

Bracelet:

The presence of a stainless-steel three-row bracelet with a folding clasp adds to the ergonomic nature of the overall watch. Additionally, the fine adjustment system on the folding clasp of the bracelet gives the wearer adjustment options that would require just a click. All of these factors makes this timepiece an ease to wear and adjust without losing your mind over it.

Final Thoughts:

With the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 editions, the brand has not only taken the design back to its heritage but at the same time offered a modern luxury tool watch that is a rare find these days. Apart from being a useful timepiece for adventure enthusiasts, the bright look and feel of the watch (it is available in a range of coloured dial options) is sure to make a connection with a younger group of watch enthusiasts who are looking at investing in a timepiece that has it all. And this one is sure to satisfy their every need!

Price: Rs 2.42 lakhs (approx.)

The 2021 TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 is now available in India here.