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10 BEST Tag Heuer Watches Across ALL Categories (2024)

Posted on March 8, 2024April 10, 2024 by Grant McKay

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?

Carrera: A classic collection that includes chronographs and three-hand watches inspired by the Carrera Panamericana road race.
Monaco: A sporty collection featuring square-shaped chronographs and three-hand watches known for their bold and distinctive design.
Aquaracer: A collection designed for water sports featuring dive watches with water-resistant cases and rotating bezels.
Formula 1: A collection inspired by the world of motorsports, offering sporty chronographs with bold color combinations and robust construction.
Link: A collection of sophisticated and elegant watches for men featuring classic three-hand designs and chronographs.
Connected: A collection of smartwatches that combine traditional Swiss watchmaking with advanced technology and features such as fitness tracking, mobile payments, and voice control.
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?

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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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.

The ULTIMATE Guide to Rolex Oysterquartz (2024 Updated)

Posted on March 7, 2024April 10, 2024 by Grant McKay

The year was 1969. It was the height of the Cold War between the USA and the USSR. The Vietnam War was at its peak. The murders of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy (both assassinated the year before) were sentenced. John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged a bed-in for peace, where they recorded the song “Give Peace a Chance.” The California Zodiac Killer was making headlines. Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon.

Amid all those major world events, a lesser-known “bombshell” was about to shake the world of watchmaking. On Christmas Day of 1969, Seiko, a relatively unknown brand outside of Japan, released the world’s first quartz wristwatch and forever changed the watch industry, creating what some watch historians would later call “The Quartz Crisis.”

While many legendary timepiece manufacturers would go belly-up, Rolex survived the crisis, answering Seiko with the Oysterquartz, their own overbuilt, quality quartz movement. Today, those quartz Rolex watches can be purchased for a relative steal compared to the typical automatic Rolex. This article serves as your collector’s guide into the world of the Oysterquartz.

Quartz vs. Mechanical Movements

A quartz movement is powered by a battery and uses a quartz crystal to keep accurate time. The quartz crystal oscillates at a precise frequency, and this oscillation is used to power the movement of the watch hands. Quartz watches are known for their high level of precision and reliability and require very little maintenance.

On the other hand, a mechanical movement is powered by a winding spring and uses gears and levers to keep accurate time. Mechanical watches are known for their intricate design and craftsmanship and require regular maintenance, such as oiling, to keep them running smoothly.

Quartz watches are generally more accurate than mechanical watches, as they are not affected by temperature changes, shocks, and other environmental factors that can affect the performance of a mechanical movement.

However, many watch enthusiasts consider quartz watches to be inferior to mechanical watches, as they lack the craftsmanship and artistry of a mechanical movement. Quartz watches are also considered less exclusive and more widely available to the public.

One way to quickly tell if a watch is powered by a mechanical movement is the sweep of the second hand, in contrast to the tick, tick, tick of the quartz movement.

Understanding the Quartz Crisis

The railroads were among the major forces in the mid-1800s, driving the need for timekeeping accuracy. After some tragic rail accidents due to pocket watch inaccuracies, the movements were refined, and official time zones were adopted in the US and eventually globally.

This would be one of the drives behind the birth of a new era of highly accurate watches, and Switzerland would become the de facto capital of watchmaking. That is, until a challenger from the East, Seiko, would introduce the world’s first quartz wristwatch.

Watchmaking is as much an art as it is a science in Switzerland. Their top luxury brands, like Rolex, are known for their handmade movements crafted by expert artisans. With the advent of quartz wristwatches in the late 60s and 70s, all that seemed in question and sparked a panic, which “sunk” many notable luxury brands and put Omega into bankruptcy.

Many wondered if Japan would become the future of watchmaking, displacing Switzerland, as quartz movements were far easier to mass-produce, significantly less expensive to manufacture, and more accurate.

Rolex managed to weather the crisis by developing its own in-house quartz movement, the Oysterquartz, while maintaining its focus and commitment to mechanical movements. This approach proved successful, as quartz eventually became synonymous with mass-produced, inexpensive watches that didn’t last generations like the fine, handcrafted timepieces Rolex was known for.

Rolex Oysterquartz History

In the 1970s, Rolex decided to develop its own quartz movement in response to the growing popularity of quartz watches, which were becoming increasingly accurate and reliable. Rolex teamed up with a group of Swiss watchmakers and engineers to develop the movement named the Beta 21.

The Beta 21 was based on a Japanese quartz movement called the Seiko Astron and was one of the most accurate and reliable quartz movements of its time. Rolex was the first brand to put the Beta 21 in production, followed by other brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Omega.

The Rolex Oysterquartz was the first watch model to feature the Beta 21 quartz movement, and it was first introduced in 1977. The watch was available in two models, the Datejust and the Day-Date. It combined the precision and reliability of the quartz movement with the classic design and durability of the Rolex Oyster line.

The Oysterquartz quickly became a highly desirable watch among collectors and enthusiasts. It was in production until 2001 when Rolex decided to discontinue the line and focus on its mechanical timepieces.

Buying a Pre-Owned Timepiece

When buying a pre-owned luxury watch, such as a Rolex, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure that you get a high-quality, authentic timepiece.

Research: Before making a purchase, research the different models and styles of Rolex watches. Familiarize yourself with the features and characteristics of the watch you are interested in and its retail price. This will help you identify potential red flags when looking at pre-owned watches.
Buy from a reputable seller: Look for a reputable seller, such as a certified jeweler or a licensed pre-owned watch dealer. These sellers will have a reputation to uphold and will be more likely to offer a high-quality, authentic watch.
Check the documentation: Make sure that the watch comes with its original documentation, such as the warranty card and instruction manual. These documents must be present to ensure that the timepiece is authentic
Inspect the watch: Carefully inspect the watch for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches on the case or a worn-out bracelet. Also, look for any inconsistencies in the engravings or markings on the watch, as these can also indicate that the watch is not authentic.
Have it professionally assessed: Have the watch inspected by a professional before making your final decision. A professional watchmaker can confirm the watch’s authenticity and check for any potential issues.
Consider the price: Keep in mind that pre-owned Rolex watches may be priced higher than their retail value. Compare the price of the timepiece you are considering to its retail price and consider the watch’s condition before making a decision.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are getting a high-quality, authentic pre-owned Rolex watch.

Rolex Oysterquartz Models

The Rolex Oysterquartz line was initially offered in the Datejust and the Day-Date models. Both models featured the iconic Rolex oyster case, which is waterproof and highly resistant to corrosion.

1. Rolex Quartz Beta-21 (ref. 5100)

Only 2,000 of these watches were made. It’s theorized that 1,000 were made in white gold and 1,000 in yellow gold. That makes these watches quite rare. The case size is 39mm and fits nicely on the wrist. It offers a magnified date at 3 o’clock.

This was the first Rolex to feature a synthetic sapphire crystal, a hacking movement (meaning the movement can be stopped to synchronize with other watches), and a quick set date. Some have criticized the style of this timepiece, but to others, it’s a unique stand-out that will surely be a conversation piece.

Price: $20,472-$30,836 (Source: www.watchcharts.com).

2. Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust (ref. 17000)

The Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust is a luxury watch that was first introduced by the Swiss watchmaker in 1977. The watch features a stainless-steel case with a diameter of 36mm and is water-resistant to 100m.

The case is paired with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown, which helps to protect the movement from water and dust. The dial features a white color with gold hour markers and a date display at 3 o’clock. The watch is available with a stainless-steel bracelet or a leather strap.

One of the most notable features of the Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust is its classic and timeless design. The watch is a perfect example of Rolex’s commitment to precision and reliability while maintaining its classic and timeless design.

The Oysterquartz Datejust is also highly collectible, thanks to its historical significance as one of the first Swiss-made quartz movements and Rolex’s first and only quartz watch, which was in production for over two decades.

Price: $4,775-$7,119 (Source: www.watchcharts.com).

3. Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date (ref. 17013)

The Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date was first introduced in 1977, along with the aforementioned Datejust. The watch features a 36mm diameter case, available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, and it’s water resistant to 100m.

The case is paired with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown. The dial features a white color with gold hour markers, and the watch features a day of the week display at 12 o’clock and a date display at 3 o’clock.

The timepiece is available with a matching president bracelet, which was designed specifically for the Day-Date. The Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date is a highly desirable watch that offers the best of both worlds: the precision and reliability of a quartz movement and the classic design and durability of a Rolex oyster case.

The watch is also highly collectible, given the limited supply and no indication that Rolex will be producing more quartz watches at this time.

Price: $3,921-$5,749 (Source: www.watchcharts.com).

4. Rolex Lady-Datejust (ref. 69173)

The Rolex Lady-Datejust Quartz was first introduced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is a smaller version of the Datejust model, designed specifically for women.

The watch features a 26mm diameter case, available in yellow gold and stainless steel, and it’s water resistant to 100m. The case is paired with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown, which helps to protect the movement from water and dust.

The dial features a white color with gold hour markers and a date display at 3 o’clock. The watch is available with a matching jubilee bracelet, which was designed specifically for the Lady-Datejust.

Price: $3,279-$5,183 (Source: www.watchcharts.com).

5. Rolex Cellini Quartz (ref. 6623)

The Rolex Cellini Quartz is a dress watch that was first introduced in the late 1990s. The watch features a 34mm diameter case, available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, and it’s water resistant to 30m.

The case is paired with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown. The dial features a white color with gold hour markers and a date display at 3 o’clock. The watch is available with a matching leather strap or a matching gold bracelet.

The Rolex Cellini Quartz is a classic dress watch that is designed with simplicity and elegance in mind. The watch features a timeless design that is perfect for formal occasions. The watch’s dimensions and technical specifications make it an ideal fit for a man’s or a woman’s wrist, making it easy to wear and comfortable.

Price: $4,000 – 18c white gold version (Source: www.exquisitetimepieces.com).

Conclusion

There’s something luxurious about a mechanical movement, both in the way it’s made, requiring more human involvement than the assembly line, automated manufacturing of the quartz, and in the way the movement functions and looks. However, there are undeniable benefits to a quartz movement.

The Rolex Oysterquartz line offers the best of both worlds, the iconic design and craftsmanship of Rolex married with the accuracy of a quartz movement. Most horologists and collectors favor the beauty and intricacy of the handmade, mechanical movements and expect that in a luxury timepiece.

However, the Oysterquartz created a unique hybrid and became a cult favorite among some collectors. The Oysterquartz also provides an opportunity to get a Rolex at a lower price point.

Best Investment Rolexes for 2024 (Daytona, Submariner & More!)

Posted on March 4, 2024March 19, 2024 by Grant McKay

Everyone knows Rolex. If one conducted a “man on the street interview” and asked random people to name the first watch companies that came to mind, it seems reasonable to expect Rolex to be in the top five. Rolex has become a household name, synonymous with luxury and wealth.

Yet not everyone knows they can also be a solid investment. Many would wrongly conclude owning a Rolex is an unwise financial decision, like buying a boat or any other depreciating luxury asset. After all, a Timex will tell the time just as well, for a tiny fraction of the price.

However, Rolex not only delivers a beautiful watch that can be passed down to multiple generations but given the high demand and low inventory, Rolex watches are known to hold their value and often appreciate.

About Rolex Watches in 2024

The demand for Rolex watches has only gone up in recent years, and the supply chain issues further added to delays. Rolex doesn’t release official numbers as to the volume of watches produced each year, but the most accepted number in the industry is roughly 1 million watches per year.

Yet, the demand greatly outstrips Rolex’s ability to produce. Their most popular models have waiting lists that can be several years long, and even their less popular models require a wait of at least a few months. So, if one goes to an authorized Rolex retailer today, they shouldn’t expect to walk out of the shop with a Rolex on their wrist unless they already went in with one.

By keeping the inventory low and the demand high, Rolex shrewdly creates an environment of exclusivity and scarcity, and this fuels a competitive market and drives up the prices both in the authorized retail and the gray markets.

Should You Invest In Rolex for 2024?

Should Rolex be one of your investments? That’s a personal decision that one must make for themselves. However, many are choosing to invest in Rolex because they want to enjoy the exceptionally well-made, stunning timepieces that Rolex makes while having the peace of mind that there’s no safer watch investment bet than Rolex. At least, that’s the point of view of many watch experts and collectors.

Watch experts value Rolex because they have a long, rich horological history. They’ve been at the cutting edge of innovation in the watch industry. Further, some of the greatest achievements in mountain climbing, deep sea diving, cave exploring, and racing have been marked with Rolex watches.

Rolex also uses the highest quality materials to build their timepieces. Rolex has its own foundries, where they forge the highest quality steel, gold, platinum, and titanium. This is matched by the artisans’ expertise in crafting each watch perfectly, down to the very last detail. Their quality and consistency, paired with their remarkable history, is something that captures the attention and trust of professional watch collectors.

Some of the top-selling Rolex collections in recent years are the DateJust, Daytona, Oyster Perpetual, Day-Date, Submariner, and GMT-Master. These are the top Rolex watches selected by the public and collectors.

There’s a reasonable probability that these collections will remain in demand; therefore, one could conclude that they’re likely to hold or increase in value. In fact, the gray market is where one used to go to get a deal on a Rolex. Today, it’s where one goes to pay double MSRP (if not more) to get the watch of their dreams without having to wait three to five years.

The Best Investment Rolexes

1. ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA 126500LN

Sometimes the word iconic can be overused, but it’s perfectly appropriate in this case. The Rolex Cosmograph Dayton is a special timepiece. Of course, its association with another icon, actor, race car driver, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Paul Newman, simply adds to the gravity of this watch. In fact, Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona sold for a record-setting $17.8 million. This timepiece has been a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why.

The Oystersteel case measures 40mm, sits on the wrist at 11.9mm thick (which is .5mm thinner than the previous generation), and is 46.5mm lug-to-lug. The model we’re exploring here is steel, but there are versions in two-tone steel and yellow gold, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum.

At the center of this wristwatch is a shiny black ceramic bezel with a high-performance chronograph. The tachymetric scale allows for measurements of average speeds up to 400 miles or kilometers per hour. The style of the bezel is a nod to the 1965 version. The watch’s white dial (also available in black on the Oystersteel configuration) is a three-register chronograph with 18-karat white gold hour markers and hands.

Under the hood is Rolex’s caliber 4131 automatic movement, with a 72-hour power reserve, which is COSC and Rolex certificated. The watch features a signed screw-down crown and water resistance to 100 meters. The chronograph movement also offers hacking seconds. All this is paired with a three-link Oystersteel bracelet with a folding clasp and a 5mm extension.

Price: $15,100 starting price.

2. ROLEX GMT-MASTER II YELLOW GOLD 126718GRNR

The original Rolex GMT Master was first introduced in the 1950s in collaboration with Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) to meet the needs of pilots flying long-haul international routes.

The tool watch, with its useful 24-hour hand and ceramic bezel, quickly became popular with pilots and globetrotters. Over the years, several notable versions have been released, such as the red and blue bezel nicknamed “Pepsi” by collectors.

The version we’re examining is the Oyster, 40mm, yellow gold. The timepiece sits at 11.9mm on the wrist and measures 48mm from lug to lug. The watch, finished in 18-karat yellow gold with a black bezel and face, is absolutely gorgeous and is dripping with luxury. An inner yellow gold ring encircles the black dial with white gold indexes and yellow gold hands. For added functionality, there’s a Cyclops date window at three o’clock.

The timepiece features a screw-down crown, sapphire crystal, and a water resistance of 100 meters. The watch is powered by Rolex’s caliber 3285 automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve.

The movement’s features include a second time zone with independent rapid reset of the hour hand, instantaneous date, and hacking seconds. The timepiece is paired with an 18-karat yellow gold jubilee 5-link bracelet, which is simply as handsome as it gets, with a folding clasp and 5mm comfort extension.

Price: $38,900

3. ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL “CELEBRATION MOTIF” 124300-0008

The Oyster Perpetual Celebration is a new Rolex model that’s cheeky and fun. I’m not sure those adjectives have ever been used to describe a Rolex. Rolex is known for its conservative design cues, which is why its designs are so timeless and enduring. However, this new, colorful model bucks those traditions, and I think it’s a daring move that will pay off and garner interest from a younger clientele.

Back in 2020, Rolex released their 36mm Oyster Perpetual with multiple bright lacquer dials and included more sizing options. The colors included candy pink, green, yellow, coral red, and turquoise. The latest Celebration motif offers a ’Tiffany blue’ backdrop that incorporates all those dial colors into something reminiscent of champagne bubbles of different sizes, lined in black. It’s a simple, three-hand watch with white gold hands and indices.

The Oyster Perpetual is offered in several different sizes from 28mm up to 41mm, but the celebration dial is only available in the 31mm, 36mm, and 41mm cases. The Oystersteel case measures 41mm, sits on the wrist at 11.7mm, and is 47.5mm lug-to-lug.

The case and smooth fixed bezel are polished, and the timepiece is fitted with an Oyster bracelet and clasp with 5mm micro extensions. The watch has a screw-down crown and is water-resistant to 100 meters. Inside, the timepiece is powered by Rolex’s in-house 3230 automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve.

Price: $6,400

4. ROLEX SUBMARINER “STARBUCKS” 126610LV

The Submariner, for many, is the standard bearer of dive watches. First introduced in the 1950s, the Submariner benefited from Rolex’s military and World War II heritage and became a respected tool watch among professional divers. The timepiece also has deep Hollywood roots and was worn by American actor Steve McQueen and was later worn on the wrist of James Bond actors, such as Sean Connery, on the silver screen.

Filmmaker and explorer James Cameron is known for his relationship with Rolex, which included record-setting dives to the Titanic wreckage. He’s recounted how he wore his Submariner on his professional dives and when he received his Oscar for the film Titanic.

This is just one of those watches that is the perfect choice to be worn over a wetsuit, for rugged deep-water dives, and for more formal occasions when paired with a suit or tux. Making it a great all-rounder.

The stainless steel case measures 41mm, sits on the wrist at 12.4mm thick, and is 48.1mm from lug to lug. The polished green ceramic unidirectional bezel pairs nicely with a black lacquered dial that is clean and easy to read. Because of the green and black, some have dubbed it the “Starbucks” or “Kermit”. The hands and indices are lined in white gold, and there’s a Cyclops date window at three o’clock.

The timepiece is powered by Rolex’s caliber 3235 automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve. It features a screw-down crown with Triplock triple waterproofness and is water resistant to 300 meters. It’s fitted with a 3-link Oyster bracelet with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp and the Glidelock extension system.

The timepiece can also be configured with a black bezel for a more classic look, but the green “Starbucks” version just might prove to be a desirable collector’s item.

Price: $10,800

5. ROLEX MILGAUSS 116400GV & 116400

If the Submariner is the cool Rolex, the Milgauss, I suppose, would be the nerdy Rolex, and I mean that in a good way. The Milgauss, like the Submariner, dates back to the 1950s but was designed for a very different purpose. The Rolex Milgauss is known for its ability to resist magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss, hence the name “Milgauss” (a combination of “mille,” the French word for “thousand,” and “gauss”).

The Milgauss was designed for engineers and technicians. The collection was out of production for a couple of decades but was brought back in 2007. However, it’s since been discontinued again, which might create the perfect limited supply environment to make it an investment opportunity or collection item.

This timepiece is nicely suited for smaller wrists and will comfortably slide under a dress shirt. The stainless steel case measures 36mm, sits on the wrist at 13.5mm thick, and is 48mm lug-to-lug. The 116400GV variant offers a handsome green-tinted crystal paired with a matt black dial, and includes a striking orange lightning bolt seconds hand.

The black dial sports two-tone luminous indicators. It also comes with a blue-green dial option. The 116400 offers a white dial with orange luminous indices and the same orange lightning bolt seconds hand, which pops more against the white background.

The watch is powered by the Rolex 3131 automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve and is COSC-certified with a 100-meter water resistance. This model includes the Easy-Link system and raised Rolex crown. It’s paired with a three-link bracelet with contrasting center polished links and brushed satin outer links.

Market Price for the 116400GV: $10,877, Market Price for the 116400: $9,444

6. ROLEX SEA-DWELLER “TRIPLE SIX” 16660

The Sea-Dweller is a collection from Rolex, a close sibling to the Submariner, but a beefier watch for professional divers. It was first released in 1967 and known initially as the Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000. The initial models were created in partnership with the French diving company Comex (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises), and those are some of the rarest, desired by collectors.

While similar in design to the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller has always been a larger and thicker timepiece due to the added features like a helium escape valve (HEV) and rugged construction to withstand the sometimes-rough environments of deep-sea expeditions.

The “Triple Six” version, a reference to the three consecutive sixes in the reference number, is now considered a vintage model. Its production years ran from 1978 to 1989. The stainless steel case of the Triple Six measures 40mm, has a height on the wrist of 14.8mm, and is 49.7mm from lug to lug. The watch has a unidirectional black aluminum bezel insert. Earlier versions offer a matte black dial with painted hour markers (giving it a more vintage look), while later versions have a more modern glossy dial with applied white gold hour markers.

Inside the Triple Six, one will find Rolex’s 3035 automatic movement. The movement features include hour, minute, seconds, and quickset date. There’s a screw-down crown with a water resistance of 4,000 feet. There’s also a helium escape valve and a flat sapphire crystal. The timepiece is paired with a three-link Oyster bracelet.

Market Price: $12,125

7. ROLEX EXPLORER II 16570

In 1953, the Rolex Explorer was first introduced to commemorate the ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The Explorer ref. 1016 was worn by Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels, who, during the Second World War, served as a real-life British spy.

The Explorer II 16570 is a no-nonsense sports watch. Its production years were from the 1990s through the 2000s. In contrast to the current Explorer II, which is sized at 42mm, this version is more modestly sized at 40mm, making it a more versatile watch, which is more likely to comfortably fit all wrist sizes. It sits on the wrist at 12.5mm thick and has a lug width of 20mm.

The brushed steel bezel is a nod to ’70s sports watches, and Rolex has continued that tradition with this collection through the decades. The bezel is a fixed 24-hour that works in conjunction with a GMT hand. The dial is a crisp polar white with black hands and indices. There’s also a Cyclops date window at 3 o’clock.

Powering the watch is Rolex’s 3185 automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve. The timepiece has a solid case back, a signed crown, and a water resistance of 100 meters. Paired with a three-link Oyster bracelet with a folding clasp, this watch model is fast becoming a classic.

Market Price: $8,116

8. ROLEX SUBMARINER 16610

The Submariner 16610 perfectly straddles the line between vintage and modern. Its production years were between 1987 and 2010. The stainless steel case measures 40mm, with a thickness of 13mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 47.5mm. This model bridges two eras from the original tool watch days of Submariner’s early life to its first redesign as a luxury timepiece.

This watch simply covers all the bases. It’s vintage, it’s modern, and it’s all Rolex. The aluminum bezel is paired with a matte black dial. The watch features the classic Mercedes hands, white incites, and the Cyclops date window at 3 o’clock.

On the inside of the watch is Rolex’s 3135 automatic movement with a power reserve of 48 hours. It offers a screw-down crown and a water resistance of up to 300 meters. The timepiece is paired with an Oyster bracelet, with a folding clasp and extension system. This is a classic version of a classic model and deserves to be considered a collector’s item.

Market Price: $9,608

9. ROLEX GMT-MASTER II 16710

The GMT-Master II has its roots in the original GMT-Master from the 1950s. As previously noted, the Master was created for Pan Am pilots, but those weren’t the only ones who adopted this famous Rolex model; it was also picked up by NASA and US Air Force pilots, in addition to world travelers.

The GMT II’s production years were from 1989 through 2007. This model was nicknamed “Pepsi”, because of its red and blue bezel. The timepiece offers a black dial with Mercedes hands and white indices. There’s also a Cyclops date window at 3 o’clock. The stainless steel case measures 40mm, sits on the wrist at 12mm thick, and has a lug width of 20mm.

Under the hood, the watch is powered by Rolex’s caliber 3185 (later models had the 3186). Besides time and date, the watch featured a 24-hour hand and hacking seconds. The model could be paired with an Oyster bracelet or a Jubilee.

Market Price: $12,870

10. ROLEX EXPLORER II “STEVE MCQUEEN” 1655

The GMT-Master was for the masters of the air, the Submariner for kings of the sea, the Daytona the champions of the road, and the Explorer II was a sports watch for everyone else.

As previously discussed, the Explorer was designed for cave and volcano explorers but was broadly just a sports watch for anyone that liked to play as hard as they worked. Its production years were between 1971 and 1984. At the time, it didn’t find an audience, with its atypical Rolex styling, and wasn’t one of the more popular Rolex models, but it has since become a cult favorite among collectors.

The stainless steel case measures 39mm, sits on the wrist at 13.4mm, and has a lug width of 20mm. The watch features a stainless steel bezel and black dial with a domed crystal and Cyclops date window at 3 o’clock. The timepiece has white hour, minute, and seconds hands. The seconds hand is lollipop-style, and there’s an orange GMT hand.

Under the hood is Rolex’s 1570 automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve. The watch was water resistant to 100 meters and includes an Oyster bracelet with a folding clasp. Because of the limited numbers produced, this watch has become a popular classic.

Market Price: $27,966

Parting Thoughts

Rolex is the king of luxury watches, and they have the crown to prove it. In recent years they have especially enjoyed a low inventory and high demand market, many of their models with waiting list requirements of multiple years. This has driven up the price of Rolex watches in the gray and pre-owned markets.

Few watches can hold their value like Rolex. Many Rolex models have also proved to be excellent investments, increasing considerably in value. In this article, we’ve outlined ten models we especially like that we think are worth considering as collector items. Of course, ultimately, one must decide for themselves. We hope this article has at least armed you with enough information to make a more informed decision.

15 BEST Tag Heuer Dive Watches For All Budgets (2024)

Posted on February 15, 2024March 25, 2024 by Grant McKay

TAG Heuer dive watches are popular. Often given as a graduation present or to celebrate a major milestone, many consider them to be their first “real” luxury watch. Seen on the wrists of American Presidents like Barack Obama and worn by movie star characters like James Bond, they’re spotted everywhere in pop culture. It’s easy to see why. Their popularity stems, at least partly, from their affordable prices, broad list of features, striking styles, and models with both quartz and automatic options.

TAG Heuer’s dive watches have gained a reputation for their exceptional quality and durability, making them a favorite among divers and water sports enthusiasts. With a wide range of models to choose from, each with its unique features and capabilities, it can be challenging to decide which TAG Heuer dive watch best fits your needs.

This article aims to examine some of the top TAG dive watches on the market today. We’ll explore their specs, features, style, and price points. So, if you’re in the market for a dive watch, especially a TAG, we’ve done the homework for you.

About TAG Heuer Dive Watches

TAG is probably most known for its dive watch collection – a close second might be their popular Formula 1 collection, which offers unique styles celebrating motorsports and useful features and tools, like 200 meters of water resistance and tachymeters that can track a car’s speed. In this article, we’ll focus on their Aquaracer 200 collection and their 300 and 1000 series.

TAG Heuer dive watches are a stylish and functional option for those looking for a timepiece that can withstand the rigors of diving. With its roots in the late 70s and early 2000s, the current line of Aquaracer Professional collections is more refined than its predecessors.

TAG has designed the new Aquaracers around 6 must-have features for a dive watch:

Water resistance of 200 meters or more

A screw-down crown

A double-folding clasp

Sapphire crystal

A unidirectional bezel that sounds and looks well made

Luminous hands and indices

History of TAG Heuer Dive Watches

TAG’s history with dive watches dates back to the 1970s. This is when the brand first introduced its Professional line of dive watches, which were water resistant to 200 meters. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, TAG Heuer continued to innovate in the realm of dive watches.

In 1985, the brand introduced the TAG Heuer 2000, which was water-resistant up to 300 meters and featured a helium release valve for use during saturation diving. This watch became popular among professional divers and was worn by Jacques Mayol, a world champion free diver.

By 2003 TAG released their Aquaracer collection, which has become one of their most desired lines. These dive watches offered deeper water depth ratings of 300 plus meters. Today, they have timepieces rated to 1,000 feet with some impressive dive features.

Celebrities Known to Wear TAG Heuer Watches

TAG Heuer has been a luxury timepiece of choice for decades, with many famous celebrities and professional divers choosing their dive watches as their preferred choice. Here are just a few of the notable names who have been spotted wearing TAG Heuer dive watches:

1. Tom Brady – The legendary NFL quarterback has been known to sport a TAG Heuer Aquaracer during his downtime.

2. Leonardo DiCaprio – The Oscar-winning actor and environmental activist has been seen wearing a TAG Heuer Aquaracer Chronograph.

3. Cameron Diaz – The Hollywood actress and former model has been spotted wearing a TAG Heuer Aquaracer Lady.

4. Jeremy Lin – The NBA star has been seen wearing a TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500M.

5. Jean-Michel Cousteau – The son of legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau has been a TAG Heuer ambassador for many years and has even helped to design a limited-edition TAG Heuer Aquaracer.
6. David Guetta – The French DJ and producer has been spotted wearing a TAG Heuer Aquaracer during his performances.

The Best TAG Heuer Dive Watches

1. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 (REF. WBP201A.BA0632)

This series of Aquaracer watches dates back to the 1980s. The Aquaracer Professional 300 features a classic dive watch design with a ribbed black dial and white hands and indicators, making it easy to read. The seconds hand features a mustard tip. There’s a date window at the 6 o’clock position.

The watch case is sized at 43mm, making it suitable for medium to larger wrists. The timepiece is powered by Calibre 5 Automatic with a 38-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a stainless-steel bracelet giving it a brawny and sporty appeal.

The back of the case includes an etched, raised diver’s helmet emblem. Of course, as a professional dive watch, it has a water resistance of up to 300m. This is an excellent entry-level luxury dive watch.

Price: $3,400

2. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 200 AUTOMATIC (REF. WBP2111.BA0627)

The Aquaracer Professional 200 sports a ribbed blue sunray brushed dial with silver-lined hands and trapezoid indicators, in contrast to the dots on the 300 series. There’s also a date window at the 6 o’clock position.

The case size is 40mm, and the bezel is brushed steel, in divergence from the ceramic bezel of the 300. Under the hood, it’s powered by the same movement as the 300. On the back of the case is a raised compass symbol.

As the model number implies, it’s water resistant to 200m. All of this is paired with a stainless-steel bracelet.

Price: $2,850

3. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 GMT (REF. WBP2010.BA0632)

The 300 GMT is a striking, high-performance diving watch that combines style and functionality equally. This timepiece features a 43mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel that allows for accurate timing of diving sessions.

This model matches the style and features of the 300 series with a few notable distinctions. The eye-catching blue dial is ribbed, featuring a GMT function and a Cyclops date window at 6 o’clock. The ceramic bezel is half blue and white.

The timepiece is powered by the Calibre 7 automatic with a 50-hour power reserve. The watch is fitted with a handsome brushed stainless-steel bracelet.

Price: $3,800

4. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 200 QUARTZ (REF. WBP1110.BA0627)

This model, with its black ribbed dial, is virtually identical to the 200 automatic reviewed above; however, it’s powered by a quartz movement. Quartz movements offer exceptional accuracy and a lower price point, as they’re a product that can be mass-produced on an assembly line, in contrast to the meticulous, handmade process required for an automatic movement.

There’s no date window, just a clean dial with hours, minutes, and seconds. The bracelet of the Aquaracer Professional 200 is made of stainless steel and features a double safety clasp and extension system that allows for easy adjustment, even when wearing diving gear.

The three-link bracelet style has polished center links and brushed outer links. The watch also comes with a black rubber strap that can be easily swapped out for a more casual look. It gives you the same look at a better price point if you can live with a quartz.

Price: $2,150

5. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 BLUE DIAL (REF. WBP201B.FT6198)

This model 300 is paired with a ribbed blue rubber strap to match the blue ribbed dial, creating a head-turning, sporty look. The case size is 43mm. The strap features a steel, folding clasp secured by push buttons. There’s also an option for a NATO strap.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Blue Dial 43mm is a bold diving watch that is both practical and stylish. It combines TAG Heuer’s commitment to precision timekeeping with a rugged design perfect for outdoor activities, making it an excellent choice for those who demand the best in form and function.

Price: $3,200

6. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 200 SOLARGRAPH (REF. WBP1180.BF0000)

The 40mm case, bezel, and bracelet are all made of brushed titanium and this pairs quite nicely with a black ribbed dial. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock, unlike the model WBP2111.BA0627, where it’s in the 6 o’clock position.

The indices, hour, and minute hands are silver lined, and the seconds hand and outer accents are turquoise, offering a pop of color. The timepiece features a solargraph, which means the quartz movement is powered by the sun and, therefore, never requires a battery replacement.

The watch is light and wears comfortably on the wrist. The timepiece is sporty but is thin enough to slip under a dress shirt and can be worn with business casual or even a suit.

Price: $3,050

7. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 ORANGE DIVER (REF. WBP201F.BA0632)

The Professional 300 Orange Diver is a bold and rugged diving watch that is as functional as it is unique. This timepiece features a 43mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel that allows for accurate timing of diving sessions.

Inspired by the 1979 version, which proved to be popular with collectors, this sporty model boasts an orange ribbed dial with a cyclops date at 6 o’clock. It’s noticeably more refined than the original model it pays homage to.

The 43mm dodecagon-shaped case and ceramic black bezel pair nicely with the orange dial for a standout look. This timepiece makes a statement on the wrist and will surely get noticed.

Price: $3,400

8. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 1000 SUPERDIVER (REF. WBP5A8A.BF0619)

The Aquaracer Professional 1000 is one cool dive watch with so much to offer. It has a large 45mm case and a black ceramic dodecagon bezel. The feel and sound of the turning bezel exude quality. The black and orange bezel is a steel and ceramic blend.

The dial is ribbed black, and the minute and seconds hands are orange lined. There’s a date window at 6 o’clock. The watch sits high on the wrist and is a touch heavier than one might expect from a case made of titanium. However, many find it to be comfortable.

On the side of the case, at 9 o’clock, there’s a helium release valve. On the opposite side, there’s a screw-down crown and crown guard. The timepiece is powered by an automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve and is water resistant up to 1,000m. It also offers a hacking seconds feature for precise timing.

The bracelet is made of grade 5 titanium with folding claps and push buttons, keeping everything secure, even under active conditions. The bracelet also includes an extension to fit over a diving suit. You won’t find these same features and quality craftsmanship offered anywhere near this price point from Omega or Rolex. Included in the box is a handy diver’s flashlight at no extra cost!

Price: $6,650

9. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 (REF. WBP201C.BA0632)

This model offers an understated but refined silver sunray brushed dial, unlike the previously reviewed, sporty orange dial. This model has large black gold-plated hands, a magnified date window at 6 o’clock, and a black ceramic bezel.

The bracelet of the Aquaracer Professional 300 is made of stainless steel and features a folding clasp with a double safety push-button system that allows for easy adjustment, even when wearing diving gear.

This timepiece features a 43mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel. This model comes in seven different configurations with various dial colors and strap options. The watches come with a black leather travel pouch with contrasting red stitching and the official TAG Heuer logo.

Price: $3,400

10. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 TITANIUM GREEN DIAL (REF. WBP208B.BF0631)

Something about this version of the Professional 300 reminds me of British race cars. Maybe it’s the light titanium case, sized at 43mm. Perhaps it’s the color. The green sunray brushed dial and silver-lined white indices are sharp and easy to read.

The ceramic bezel is also green. A magnified date window at 6 o’clock adds functionality to the timepiece’s good looks. The case and bracelet are made of grade 2 titanium with an attractive and unique sandpaper finish, making the watch light and comfortable on the wrist.

It’s powered by a Calibre 5 automatic with a 38-hour power reserve and is water resistant to 300m, which gets the job done. To my eye, the timepiece would look great over a wetsuit when exploring the ocean depths and would look equally as bright paired with khakis and a field shirt on a hike.

Price: $4,200

11. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 NIGHT DIVER (REF. WBP201D.FT6197)

This is a nice pairing of a bright white ribbed dial with black and white indices and black-lined hands. This model tip’s its hat to Heuer’s luminous dials from the 1980s. There’s a magnified date window at 6 o’clock. The bezel and rubber strap are black, giving the watch a sleek appearance, and when paired with the bright white, there’s a noticeable arctic flair.

With this watch on the wrist, one can almost imagine themselves retracing the steps of Shackleton’s arctic expedition, though perhaps from the comfort of a warm cruise ship. The stainless steel case, made of DLC steel, measures 43mm. It’s powered by a Calibre 5 automatic with a 38-hour power reserve.

The good looks of this timepiece are matched with solid performance. This watch can also be fitted with a light and dark blue strap or a black and gray strap.

Price: $3,750

12. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 200 SOLARGRAPH BLACK (REF. WBP1112.FT6199)

This is an all-black watch from the dial to the bezel and rubber strap. The case is made of steel and measures 40mm, which is suitable for a wrist of 15 cm or more. The hour and minute hands are white and lined in silver, as are the indices. The seconds hand is light blue, offering a pop of color. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock.

The bezel design features a unique luminous patterned insert that reminds me of a stormy ocean. The DLC black coated steel and rubber strap make this a rugged timepiece, ready for any conditions. As noted on previous models, the solargraph allows the watch to be powered by the sun or artificial light without the need for a battery replacement.

Price: $3,050

13. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 PINK DIAL (REF. WBP231J.BA0618)

This is a fun and feminine model, sized perfectly for women at 36mm. The dial is a cotton candy pink with a wave pattern, which looks bright against the polished ceramic black bezel. The hours are marked with genuine diamonds. There’s a magnified date window at 6 o’clock.

The watch is powered by a Calibre 5 automatic with a 38-hour power reserve. But don’t let the pink and diamonds fool you. This is a true diver’s watch, with water resistance up to 300m.

The bracelet is stainless steel with a folding clasp. This model comes in five different colors and strap configurations.

Price: $3,600

14. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 GOLD (REF. WBD2321.BB0320)

The Professional 300 in two-tone gold and brushed steel is a classy women’s timepiece. It’s sized perfectly for ladies’ wrists at 32mm and features a yellow-gold bezel and a gray, wave pattern dial. The hands are gold, and the hours are marked with gold-lined diamonds.

There’s a magnified date at 3 o’clock. The movement is a Calibre 9 automatic with a 40-hour reserve. It has a balance frequency of 28800 vibrations per hour (VPH). The balance frequency of a wristwatch refers to the number of oscillations or vibrations that the watch’s balance wheel makes per hour.

A balance wheel is a key component of a mechanical watch’s movement, and it swings back and forth at a constant rate to regulate the watch’s timekeeping. The three-link bracelet has polished gold center links flanked by brushed steel links.

Price: $3,600

15. TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 200 QUARTZ MOTHER OF PEARL DIAL (REF. WBP1416.BA0622)

The timepiece has a mother-of-pearl dial with silver-lined hands and diamonds marking the hours. The diamonds are a brilliant-cut 1.4mm VS. The dial face is clean and simple, with no date. The bracelet and bezel are stainless steel, and it’s powered by a quartz movement.

The bracelet comes with a comfort extension link and double safety push buttons. This version of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer has a screw-down crown and is water-resistant to 200m, which makes it suitable for swimming and light snorkeling. This watch comes in five different colors and strap/bracelet combinations.

Price: $2,650

Parting Thoughts

TAG Heuer’s commitment to design, rigorous engineering, and useful tool watch collections in diving have propelled the brand to great heights. If you’re in the market for a dive watch, you can’t go wrong with their Aquaracer collection, with price points and styles to suit the needs of the everyday buyer, as well as models that meet the needs of the military and dive professional. All this is offered at prices far below other luxury brands like Rolex and Omega.

15 Best Oris Watches Across All Categories

15 BEST Oris Watches For All Budgets (2024 Updated Guide)

Posted on January 21, 2024March 29, 2024 by Grant McKay

Oris is a Swiss luxury watchmaker known for its functional and stylish, high-quality timepieces. While Oris is considered a budget brand, in contrast to Rolex and Omega, the watchmaker has been creating exceptional timepieces for over a century.

Their commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and innovation has made them a favorite among watch enthusiasts and collectors. Oris watches are designed to be durable and reliable and are often chosen by professionals in various fields, including aviation, diving, and motorsports.

The brand has a reputation for creating watches that can withstand even the most extreme conditions while maintaining their accuracy and elegance. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best Oris watches on the market.

We will explore each timepiece’s unique features and functions, as well as the design and craftsmanship that make them stand out from other luxury watches.

Whether you’re a collector, an adventurer, or simply looking for a high-quality timepiece that you can rely on, there is an Oris watch that will meet your needs. Join us as we discover some of the best Oris watches available today and find out why they are considered some of the finest watches in the world.

History of Oris Watches

The Oris brand was founded in 1904 in the Swiss town of Hölstein by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian. The two watchmakers envisioned producing high-quality timepieces at an affordable price point. Initially, the company focused on producing pocket watches, but in 1925, Oris created its first wristwatch, marking a significant turning point for the brand.

Throughout the 20th century, Oris continued to innovate and expand its range of timepieces. In the 1930s, the brand began producing watches for pilots, and in the 1960s, it introduced diving watches designed to withstand the pressures of deep-sea exploration. Oris was mainly known for its Big Crown watches, which were designed to be easily adjustable by pilots wearing gloves.

In the 1980s, Oris faced challenges due to the Quartz Crisis, but the brand adapted by focusing on mechanical watches, which were experiencing a resurgence in popularity. In the 2000s, Oris continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking, introducing new materials and technologies into its designs. In 2003, the brand introduced its first in-house movement, the Calibre 110, which boasted an impressive 10-day power reserve.

The Current Status of Oris

Today, Oris is recognized as a leading luxury watch brand known for its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability. The brand is particularly respected for its diving and aviation watches, which professionals trust in these fields. Oris has also been involved in motorsports, partnering with the Williams Formula 1 team and producing limited-edition watches to commemorate the partnership.

In recent years, Oris has made significant strides in the area of sustainability, launching initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and partnering with organizations such as the Coral Restoration Foundation to protect and preserve marine ecosystems. In 2018, Oris introduced the Clean Ocean Limited Edition, a watch made from recycled plastic designed to raise awareness of the growing problem of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans.

The Best Oris Watches

1. ORIS AQUIS DATE CALIBER 400 01 400 7769 4135-07 8 22 09PEB

The Oris Aquis Caliber 400 is a handsome, well-appointed dive watch. It’s a substantial-looking timepiece that sits at 13.4mm thick on the wrist and features many large visible screws, yet it wears well, even for men with modest wrist sizes.

The case measures 41.5mm, is encased in stainless steel, and the dial is a gradient blue. Gradient dials are currently popular. There’s a date window at the 6 o’clock position.

The stainless-steel bracelet has an upscale taper to it. It has a latch system that allows for easy removal of links and half links for a micro fit. It also includes an adjustable dive extension to fit over a wetsuit.

The timepiece is powered by the Oris 400 automatic movement, with a 120-hour power reserve. It’s also water resistant to 300M, making it a true dive watch. The watch punches above its weight, looking and feeling like a more expensive timepiece.

Price: $3,700

2. ORIS DIVERS SIXTY-FIVE 01 733 7707 4055-07 8 20 18

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five features a vintage design that’s both simple and complex. The dark blue dial with yellowed luminous hands and indices is encased in stainless steel and measures 40mm. The face is clean and readable, with a date window at the 6 o’clock position. It’s wrapped in a black ceramic bezel.

The timepiece is powered by the Oris 733 automatic movement and offers a 38-hour power reserve. It’s water resistant to 100m, which is acceptable for swimming and some light diving activities but not for professional diving.

The watch is paired with a rubber strap that features a stainless-steel buckle. It can also be paired with a brown leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet for an additional price.

Price: $2,150

3. ORIS PROPILOT X CALIBER 400 01 400 7778 7155-07 7 20 01TLC

The Oris ProPilot is not only a fine-looking timepiece but also exceptionally well-made. This is a true unisex model, encased in titanium and sized perfectly with a 39mm case. This might just be the perfect sports watch.

The dial is sandpaper blue with silver hands and white indices. There’s a date window at the 6 o’clock position. This is a fine-timing device with and features a stop-second.

The watch is powered by the aforementioned Oris 400 automatic movement with a 120-hour power reserve. It’s water resistant to 100M. The titanium bracelet features a lift-lock system. Everything about this watch is finely crafted.

Price: $4,300

4. ORIS BIG CROWN POINTER DATE 01 754 7741 4065-07 8 20 22

The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date features a vintage aviator style. The 40mm stainless steel case with a 12.1mm height on the wrist is a good unisex option.

Encased in stainless steel, the modern blue color of the dial pairs nicely with the vintage silver hands and white numbers and lettering. The seconds hand features an inward-facing red triangle. The case size is 40mm and sits at 12.1mm thick on the wrist.

The timepiece is powered by a basic Oris 754 automatic with a 38-hour power reserve. It offers 50M of water resistance for surface swimming. The satin and polished multi-link bracelet gives the watch an upmarket feel and features a twin trigger release clasp, which is a must for any luxury sports watch.

The unisex watch is comfortable on the wrist and serves as a great all-rounder on the field and in the boardroom.

Price: $2,150

5. ORIS RECTANGULAR 25.50 X 01 561 7783 4065-07 5 19 17

For those with their heart set on a Cartier Tank but a budget-conscious head comes the Oris Rectangular. It’s a well-appointed, classy, unisex timepiece.

The blue dial, with white lettering and indices, is decorated with an outer and inner railroad track design. Displayed are numbers 3, 9, and 12, and a small date window is at the 6 o’clock position.

Powered by an Oris 561 base automatic with a 38-hour power reserve. The timepiece is paired with a blue leather strap. The watch, especially in this shade of blue, has a feminine touch and, therefore, might be more suited for women, but that’s purely subjective.

Price: $2,050

6. ORIS ARTELIER DATE 01 733 7721 4051-07 5 21 64FC

The Oris Artelier is classic and elegant. The watch’s case is made of high-quality stainless steel, which gives it a sleek and durable appearance. Its diameter is 40mm and a thickness of 10.7mm, making it a perfect size for casual and formal occasions. The case features a transparent case back that allows you to see the inner workings of the watch.

The dial of the watch is silver with a subtle guilloche pattern. The hands are silver, and so are the raised indices. Arabic numeral hour markers, which provide excellent readability. There is also a date window at the 6 o’clock position.

The movement of the watch is powered by the Oris Calibre 733. It has a power reserve of 38 hours and is water resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear. The watch comes with a black leather strap.

Price: $1,850

7. THE ORIS BIG CROWN PROPILOT BIG DAY DATE 01 752 7760 4164-07 8 22 08

The case of the Oris Big Crown is encased in stainless steel. It has a diameter of 44mm and a thickness of 12mm, making it a large and bold timepiece that is easy to read. The case features a screw-down crown and a screw-down case back that provides water resistance up to 100 meters.

The dial of the watch is black with white Arabic numeral hour markers and hands coated with Superluminova for excellent readability. The dial also features a big day and date display at the 3 o’clock position.

The movement of the watch is the Oris Calibre 752. It has a power reserve of 38 hours and is protected by a solid case back that features an engraved ProPilot logo. The watch comes with a stainless-steel bracelet.

Price: $2,300

8. ORIS AQUIS DATE RELIEF 01 733 7730 4153-07 4 24 63EB

This watch is part of the Aquis collection and is designed for professional divers who demand precision, reliability, and style.

The watch features a 43.5mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a screw-down crown, which helps ensure water resistance up to 300 meters (1000 feet). The dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, which makes it easy to read even in bright sunlight.

The dial is gray, which is meant to capture the color of the cold stormy waters that expedition swimmer Ernst Bromeis faced in Lake Baikal. It has large, luminous hour markers and hands. The date function is displayed at the 6 o’clock position.

Inside the watch, you’ll find an automatic movement, the Oris Calibre 733. This Swiss-made movement features a power reserve of up to 38 hours and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It also has a hacking second hand, allowing you to set the time precisely.

The timepiece is paired with a gray rubber strap.

Price: $2,000

9. ORIS DIVERS SIXTY-FIVE BRONZE 01 733 7771 3155-07 8 19 15

This timepiece captures that feeling of new beginnings, which each spring brings, while simultaneously giving a vintage nod to its 1965 predecessor. Oris describes this as their cotton candy line of watches in blue, pink, and green. The bronze case is 38mm and 13mm thick.

The dial of this model is a lively pastel blue with rose gold hands and indices. The watch is powered by the Oris 733 movement, with a 38-hour power reserve. It’s water resistant to 100m. The bezel is also bronze, but the insert of the bezel has a matt bronze finish.

Date window at 6 o’clock position. The timepiece is fitted with a bronze bracelet that fits smaller wrists for both men and women and includes an upscale win trigger release.

Price: $2,900

10. ORIS PROPILOT X CALIBER 115 01 115 7759 7153-Set7 22 01TLC

The Oris ProPilot X Caliber is a bold and innovative watch that combines a skeletonized movement with a futuristic design. The watch features a 44mm black DLC-coated titanium case with a sapphire crystal case back that allows the wearer to see the intricacies of the movement. The watch is 12.8mm thick.

The dial of the ProPilot X Caliber 115 is made of sapphire crystal, which gives the watch a unique transparent appearance. The hour markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova. The watch has a small seconds subdial at the 7 o’clock position and a power reserve indicator at the 3 o’clock position.

The watch is powered by the Oris Caliber 115, a hand-wound movement that provides a power reserve of 240 hours (10 days). The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, and its skeletonized design gives the watch a modern and futuristic look.

The ProPilot X Caliber 115 is water-resistant up to 50 meters and comes with a titanium multi-piece bracelet. A little fun celebrity trivia, this is the same timepiece worn by Yankee’s manager and former ballplayer, Aaron Boone.

Price: $8,000

11. ORIS BIG CROWN CALIBER 473 01 473 7786 4065-07 5 19 22FC

The Oris Big Crown 473 is a handsome pilot’s watch. Encased in stainless steel, it measures 38MM and sits at 12.8mm on the wrist. The sides of the case and bezel are highly polished. The dial is offered in a light blue tone and features a railway-style date track. Against the light blue are silver hands and a red-tipped seconds hand.

The numerals and lettering on the dial are white. The open case back showcases the hand-wound 473 movement with a 120-hour power reserve. This new movement is what drives the price over the base model. The timepiece is fitted with a brown leather strap with a butterfly clasp.

Price: $4,400

12. ORIS ARTELIER COMPLICATION 01 781 7729 4051-07 5 21 66FC

The Oris Artelier Complication is a sophisticated, elegant watch with several useful complications. The watch has a stainless-steel case with a diameter of 40mm and a thickness of 11.72mm. The case is topped with a polished bezel and features a screw-down crown at the 3 o’clock position.

The watch has a silver dial and soft guilloche pattern, with sharp blue hands and indices. The dial features several complications, including three subdials with date, day of the week, and second 24h time zone. The watch also features a moon phase indicator at the 12 o’clock position.

The watch is powered by the Oris Caliber 781, an automatic movement that provides a power reserve of 38 hours. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, which is engraved with the Oris shield emblem and the watch’s individual number.

The Oris Artelier Complication is water-resistant up to 50 meters (165 feet). The dark blue leather strap has a crocodile pattern that complements the watch’s elegant design.

Price: $2,350

13. ORIS AQUIS GMT DATE 01 798 7754 4135-07 8 24 05PEB

The Oris Aquis GMT Date is a stylish and versatile watch designed for diving and travel. The watch features a stainless-steel case with a diameter of 43.5mm and a thickness of 12.6mm. The case is topped with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black ceramic insert and features a screw-down crown at the 3 o’clock position.

The watch has a blue sunburst dial with applied hour markers and hands coated with Super-LumiNova. The dial features a GMT function, which displays a second time zone using a central hand with an arrowhead outlined in orange. The watch also features a date window at the 3 o’clock position.

The watch is powered by the Oris Caliber 798, an automatic movement that provides a power reserve of 42 hours. The Oris Aquis GMT Date is water-resistant up to 300 meters (1000 feet) and has a stainless-steel bracelet.

Price: $3,000

14. ORIS DIVERS SIXTY-FIVE 12H CALIBER 400 01 400 7772 4054-07 8 20 18

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 12H Caliber 400 is a highly functional and stylish dive watch designed to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration. This timepiece is built with a 40mm stainless steel case that is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for recreational diving and water sports.

One of the most notable features of this watch is its unique, vintage-inspired design. The watch is also equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a scratch-resistant ceramic insert, making it easy to keep track of elapsed time while diving. There’s a date window at the 6 o’clock position.

The movement powering this watch is the Oris Calibre 400, a highly accurate and reliable automatic movement with a power reserve of up to 120 hours. This movement is also highly resistant to magnetism, shock, and temperature changes, ensuring the watch remains accurate and reliable in even the harshest conditions.

Price: $3,900

15. ORIS BIG CROWN PROPILOT TIMER GMT 01 748 7756 4064-07 5 22 07LC

The Oris Big Crown ProPilot is a sophisticated pilot’s watch that offers an impressive range of features and functions. This timepiece is a member of the Big Crown ProPilot collection, which is designed to meet the needs of professional pilots and frequent travelers.

The watch features a large, 44mm brushed stainless-steel case. It has a black dial with luminous hands and markers, as well as a date display at the 3 o’clock position. The GMT function is displayed in a subdial at the 9 o’clock position.

The watch also has a brushed stainless-steel rotating bezel with a 60-minute timer function. The timepiece is powered by the Oris 748 automatic movement. The movement has a power reserve of up to 38 hours and is water-resistant to 100 meters.

Price: $2,800

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oris offers a range of exceptional watches that combine precision, functionality, and style. Whether you’re a professional diver, pilot, or simply a watch enthusiast, there is an Oris timepiece that will meet your needs.

With its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Oris is a brand that continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking and remains a top choice for discerning buyers.