10 BEST Tag Heuer Watches Across ALL Categories (2024)

Driving a race car can be a thrilling and intense experience for the driver. The physical sensation of speed, the need for split-second decision-making, and the competition with other drivers can create an adrenaline rush.

The driver must also manage their focus, technique, and concentration over a long race, often feeling physically exhausted at the end. For the audience, watching a race can evoke excitement, anticipation, and tension.

Hearing the roar of the engines and seeing the cars whizzing by can be a sensory overload. The thrill of the competition and the skill of the drivers can also evoke admiration and awe. Racing is more than just a competition; it represents the human drive for achievement, pushing the limits of technology and performance.

The energy and excitement of racing have inspired many, including TAG Heuer, a Swiss luxury watchmaker known for its connection to the world of motorsports. TAG Heuer has been a part of the racing world for over 150 years and has captured the passion and energy of the sport in its line of watches. These timepieces are designed to reflect the spirit of racing, with bold designs, high-precision movements, and innovative technology.

A GUIDE TO TAG HEUER

Historical Review

TAG Heuer is a Swiss luxury watch brand with a rich history dating back to 1860. Founded by Edouard Heuer in St-Imier, Switzerland, the brand initially made a name for itself as a producer of high-quality chronographs.

Over the years, TAG Heuer has continued to push the boundaries of innovation and design, constantly evolving to stay at the forefront of the luxury watch industry. Originally founded as Heuer, the brand introduced its first chronograph wristwatch, which became popular among race car drivers and aviation pioneers in the early 20th century.

During World War II, the company supplied timepieces to the Allied Forces. Heuer faced several problems during the quartz crisis of the 1970s, and it was acquired by the TAG group in 1985. In 1999, the brand became a part of the LVMH group, one of the largest luxury products companies in the world.

One of the brand’s most iconic models is the Carrera, a chronograph that was first introduced in 1963 and remains popular to this day. In the 1980s and 1990s, TAG Heuer expanded into the realm of sports timing, becoming the official timekeeper for many major international sporting events, including the Olympic Games and Formula One. 

Should You Buy a TAG Heuer Watch?

TAG Heuer has positioned itself as a decent entry-level luxury watch brand. One factor that makes TAG Heuer stand out from other brands is its commitment to combining traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern technology.

TAG Heuer’s watches are designed for a wide range of consumers, from fashion-conscious individuals looking for a stylish accessory to sports enthusiasts looking for a high-quality timepiece that can keep up with their active lifestyle. 

For those who are looking for a decent entry-level luxury watch brand with a strong connection to the world of sports and a commitment to combining traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern technology, TAG Heuer is definitely worth considering.

What Collections Are Offered by TAG Heuer?

1. Carrera: A classic collection that includes chronographs and three-hand watches inspired by the Carrera Panamericana road race.
2. Monaco: A sporty collection featuring square-shaped chronographs and three-hand watches known for their bold and distinctive design.
3. Aquaracer: A collection designed for water sports featuring dive watches with water-resistant cases and rotating bezels.
4. Formula 1: A collection inspired by the world of motorsports, offering sporty chronographs with bold color combinations and robust construction.
5. Link: A collection of sophisticated and elegant watches for men featuring classic three-hand designs and chronographs.
6. Connected: A collection of smartwatches that combine traditional Swiss watchmaking with advanced technology and features such as fitness tracking, mobile payments, and voice control.
7. Other collections include the Autavia, the Heuer 02T, the Heuer 01, and the Monza. Each collection offers a range of styles, materials, and features, giving customers a variety of options to choose from when looking for a TAG Heuer watch.

Additionally, TAG offers a number of special edition timepieces with limited numbers in circulation.

What Are Some Criticisms of the Brand?

1. Price: Some customers have criticized the high cost of TAG Heuer watches, considering the price to be too steep for what they perceive to be a mass-produced luxury product.
2. Quality control issues: Some customers have reported problems with the durability and reliability of their TAG Heuer watches, including issues with water resistance, battery life, and chronograph functions.
3. Lack of originality: Some critics have accused TAG Heuer of being too focused on following trends and copying other luxury brands rather than developing truly original and innovative designs.
4. Environmental impact: Some customers have raised concerns about the environmental impact of luxury watch production, including the use of precious metals and minerals, as well as the carbon footprint of shipping and packaging.

It’s worth noting that while these criticisms are prevalent, they are far from universal and many customers are highly satisfied with the quality and value of their TAG Heuer watches. The brand continues to be one of the most well-regarded luxury watchmakers in the world, offering a wide range of styles and models to suit different tastes and preferences.

Buyer’s Guide

1. Style: TAG Heuer offers a wide range of watch styles, including chronographs, dive watches, and sports watches. Consider your personal style and what type of watch will best suit your needs when making your choice.
2.  Movement: TAG Heuer uses both mechanical and quartz movements in its watches. Mechanical movements are powered by winding a spring and are considered to be more traditional and high-end. In contrast, quartz movements are powered by a battery and are considered more accurate and reliable. Consider which type of movement is best for your needs and preferences.
3. Price & Availability: TAG Heuer watches are not the most affordable option on the market, and prices can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, some models may be difficult to find in certain regions, so be sure to research availability before making a purchase.
4. Features: Consider what features are important to you in a watch, such as water resistance, date display, and stopwatch functionality. TAG Heuer offers a range of watches with different features, so make sure to choose one that meets your needs.

The Best TAG Heuer Watches

1. TAG HEUER MONACO 39MM (ref. CBL2111.FC6453)

The TAG Heuer Monaco is a luxury chronograph watch that was first introduced in 1969. It was named after the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious races in the world of motorsports.

The watch was designed to be a sporty and bold timepiece, with a square-shaped case that was a departure from the traditional round shapes of other watches of the time.

This edition comes in a blue and white dial, with silver lined hour and minute hands, in addition to red second and subdial hands. This watch is also available in a black and white dial with a stainless-steel bracelet. 

Specs & Features:

• Case size: 39mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial Color: Blue/white & black/white
• Movement: Caliber HEUER02, in-house automatic movement
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Bracelet/strap: Blue alligator leather 
• Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph & date

Price: $7,100

2. MONACO Automatic Chronograph 39MM (ref. CBL2180.FC6497)

Referred to as the “Dark Lord”, this titanium beauty was released for the 50^th anniversary of Monaco. Of course, the Monaco model is associated with Steve McQueen, and this takes the heritage to the next level.

This watch pays homage to the all-black 70s Monaco. The dial is black with rose gold hands and markers. The second hand is a contrasting red. The open caseback with rose gold is a work of art. All this is paired with a black alligator leather band. 

Specs & Features:

• Case size: 39mm
• Case material: Titanium 
• Dial colors: Black
• Movement: Caliber HEUER02, in-house automatic movement
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Bracelet/strap: Black alligator strap
• Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph & date

Price: $8,600.00

3. TAG HEUER CARRERA DAY-DATE 41MM (ref. WBN2012.FC6502)

The TAG Heuer Carrera is a line of luxury chronograph watches that was first introduced in 1963. The watch was named after the Carrera Panamericana, a legendary road race held in Mexico during the 1950s.

The Carrera was designed to be a sporty and precise timepiece focused on durability and accuracy. This particular reference steers away from the traditional chronograph Carrera models. It’s an interesting option for an everyday timepiece, thanks to the simplicity of its design and the day-date complication.

Worn by Canadian actor Ryan Gosling, this watch features a blue dial with silver and white hands and markers. It’s paired with a blue alligator leather strap. This model also comes in various dial colors, including black, gray, silver, and steel blue.

Specs & Features:

• Case size: 45mm
• Case material: Titanium 
• Dial colors: Black
• Movement: (Caliber 5)
• Power reserve: 38 hours
• Bracelet/strap: Blue alligator leather strap
• Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, day & date 

Price: $3,100

4. TAG HEUER CARRERA X PORSCHE RS 2.7 42MM (ref. CBN2045.FC8316)

This special edition, with only 250 in circulation, is a stunner. As the name implies, this watch is a tribute to the Porsche RS 2.7 race car, which came in white with a red racing stripe. This timepiece features a rose gold case, hands, and markers. A date is displayed at the 6 o’clock position. 

The back of the watch case is open, and there’s a Porsche-like steering wheel positioned over the movement. The dial is white with sporty red accents, second hand, and subdials. It’s paired with a red leather alligator leather strap. There’s also a less expensive version in stainless steel, white, and blue, which is also a special edition with 500 in circulation. 

Specs & features:

• Case size: 42mm
• Case material: Pink gold
• Dial colors: White
• Movement: Caliber HEUER02, in-house automatic movement
• Power reserve: Approximately 80 hours
• Bracelet/strap: Red alligator leather strap
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date & chronograph 

Price: $23,550

5. TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 X MARIO KART CHRONO TOURBILLON 45MM (ref. CAZ5080.FC6517)

This sporty, amusing, and remarkable timepiece pays homage to the world of Mario Kart. There are only 250 in circulation for this special edition. This timepiece, while humorous, is no joke, with several meticulous details ensuring this Haute Horlogerie piece is noticed.

Starting with the ceramic bezel with the Mario Kart logo in white Super-LumiNova. The tourbillion cage features Mario in his kart, the Spiny Shell, and Bullet Bill “chasing” each other. 

The dial is black with red accents, including the subdials. The hands and markers are outlined in black with white LumiNova centers. The timepiece is encased in grade 5 titanium that’s been finely brushed and polished. The black calf leather strap includes contrasting red stitching. 

For those unaware, a tourbillon is a mechanism in a mechanical watch that compensates for the effects of gravity on the movement. It does so by rotating the balance wheel, escapement, and other components inside a cage, averaging out any positional errors, and improving accuracy.

It is considered a high-end complication and is admired for its technical sophistication and beauty.There’s also a less expensive version, sans tourbillon, offered in a stainless-steel case. 

Specs & Features:

• Case size: 45mm
• Case material: Titanium
• Dial colors: Black
• Movement: Calibre Heuer 02T, in-house movement
• Power reserve: 65 hours
• Bracelet/strap: Black leather strap 
• Features: Hours, minutes, seconds & chronograph 

Price: $25,600

6. TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 43MM (ref. CAZ101AC.BA0842)

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection is a line of sporty and stylish watches designed for active individuals. Inspired by the world of motorsports, these watches feature bold designs, durable materials, and precise Swiss movements. 

The collection includes a range of quartz and automatic chronographs with features like water resistance, unidirectional rotating bezels, and easy-to-read dials. With its combination of performance and style, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 is a popular choice for those seeking a versatile timepiece that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

This timepiece sports a black dial with a checkered racing flag pattern and contrasting yellow accents. It boasts a black ceramic tachymeter. The hands and markers are silver lined. It’s paired with a stainless-steel bracelet. 

Specs & Features:

• Case size: 43mm
• Case material: Stainless-steel
• Dial colors: Black 
• Movement: Quartz 
• Bracelet/strap: Stainless-steel  
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds & chronograph 

Price: $2,250

7. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 GMT 43MM (ref. WBP2010.BA0632)

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer is a line of dive watches first introduced by TAG Heuer in 1982. Inspired by the brand’s rich heritage in water sports and underwater exploration, the Aquaracer was designed to be a reliable and stylish timepiece for divers and water enthusiasts. 

One of the key features of the Aquaracer is its water resistance, with many models rated for depths up to 300 meters. The watches also feature durable and comfortable bracelets, unidirectional rotating bezels for timing dives, and easy-to-read dials with luminous markers.

This timepiece is encased in stainless steel and features a blue dial with a horizontal pattern and a magnified date window at the 6 o’clock position. It also includes a GMT function, making this great for travelers and divers. The model comes in various colors (black and blue dials) and strip/bracelet combinations.

Specs & features:

• Case size: 43mm
• Case Material: Stainless-steel
• Dial colors: Blue 
• Movement: Automatic (caliber 7)
• Power reserve: 50 hours
• Bracelet/strap: Stainless-steel 
• Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, date & GMT

Price: $3,800

8. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 200 DATE 40MM (ref. CBP1112.BA0627)

Some describe the dial of this timepiece as the color of the sky. It’s a lovely soft blue, streaked dial featuring three sub-counters that convey the vastness of the sky. The color makes for a perfect match for a TAG Heuer Aquaracer. It’s water resistant 200M, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. It’s paired with a stainless-steel bracelet.

Specs & features: 

• Case size: 40mm 
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Dial colors: Light blue
• Movement: Quartz
• Bracelet/strap: Stainless-steel
• Hours, minutes, seconds & date

Price: $2,650

9. TAG HEUER AUTAVIA FLYBACK CHRONOMETER 42MM (ref. CBE511A.FC8279)

The TAG Heuer Autavia is a line of chronograph watches with a rich history dating back to the 1960s. The name “Autavia” is a combination of “automotive” and “aviation”, reflecting its origins as a dashboard timer for race cars and aircraft.

The original Autavia watches were known for their sturdy construction, easy-to-read dials, and reliable movements, making them popular among drivers and pilots. In the 1970s, TAG Heuer expanded the Autavia collection to include wristwatches, offering a stylish and practical alternative to traditional tool watches.

These early Autavia watches were popular among sports enthusiasts, including divers and adventurers, who appreciated their durability and versatility. This timepiece looks classy in all-black, from its black ceramic bezel to its black dial with silver-lined hands and markers. It pays homage to its aviation heritage.

TAG Heuer describes this as a watch for free spirits, and it certainly captures that feeling of airborne adventure. It features a COSC-certified Flyback chronometer that gets the job done and looks great doing it. 

Specs & features: 

• Case size: 42mm
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Dial colors: Black
• Movement: In-house Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Bracelet/strap: Black alligator leather strap
• Hours, minutes, seconds & chronograph  

Price: $6,750

10. TAG HEUER LINK 41MM (ref. WBC2112.BA0603)

This model was worn by racing legend Ayrton Senna, who was a legendary Brazilian Formula One racing driver. He competed in the sport from 1984 to 1994. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of motorsports and is remembered for his exceptional skill, competitiveness, and bravery on the track. 

This timepiece is as daring as the man it’s remembered for, while remaining sporty and elegant. It’s encased in stainless steel that’s been so polished it almost looks like liquid metal. That stunning display is matched by an equally arresting blue dial with luminescent silver indexes and finished off by a high-end luxury version of the iconic double-S bracelet. This watch also comes in a black dial version.

Specs & features: 

• Case size: 41mm
• Case material: Stainless-steel 
• Dial color: Blue
• Movement: Automatic (Caliber 5)
• Power reserve: 38 hours
• Bracelet/strap: Stainless-steel
• Features: Hours, minutes, seconds & date

Price: $3,300

PARTING THOUGHTS

Today, TAG Heuer is arguably most known for its association with the world of motorsports and iconic figures like Ayrton Senna and Steve McQueen. Hopefully, from this list, you can see that besides their racing chronographs, they also produce a variety of watches that are suitable for everyday use, travelers, and divers.  

TAG Heuer is popular with a wide range of people, including watch enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the brand’s reputation for high-precision timepieces and innovative designs. It also attracts sports fans and athletes, as TAG Heuer is associated with high performance and precision through its partnerships with various sporting events and collaborations with athletes. 

TAG appeals to professionals and businesspeople who seek a luxury watch that combines style, reliability, and practicality. The brand has also grabbed the attention of trendsetters and fashion-conscious individuals who appreciate the brand’s contemporary design aesthetic and the appeal of luxury Swiss watches.

TAG Heuer appeals to people who are looking for a luxurious timepiece that reflects their style, ambition, and appreciation for quality. For expert guidance in purchasing your next TAG Heuer timepiece, contact your friends at Exquisite Timepieces.