TAG Heuer Aquaracer Pro Solargraph: New Sizes and Upgrades With Cool Sculpted Bezels
Do you like '90s-nostalgic "rider tabs?" We do.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer seems to be on a rolling schedule of tweaks, updates, and redesigns, and the latest sees new features for the 40mm Pro 200 Solargraph variant. In the latest launch, these changes make the solar-charging quartz dive watch feel more considered and elevated than ever, perhaps most prominently with a new sculpted steel (or titanium) bezel. For tiny-watch fans, the release also introduces a new size for the collection of 28mm with similar features.
Though perhaps in the minority, I’m also likely not alone as a fan of the steel bezels and “rider tabs” associated with the ‘90s — those little three-dimensionally raised elements, also sometimes called “pins.” The popular, but now polarizing, TAGs and Breitlings with such features of those days somehow stick in my mind. The new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraphs give some of those vibes, but the new bezels also recall the look of certain Rolex Yacht-Masters with their polished elements standing in relief from a laser-engraved and grain-textured backdrop.
The bezel will catch your attention first, but there are other changes, significant as well as subtle. The 9 o’clock side of the case, for example, is now what the brand describes as “fluted” seemingly to match the bezel’s grooves that are meant to provide grip. More notably, it also protrudes in a way that mirrors the crown protectors on the other side for more case symmetry. In watches such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus, this kind of protrusion is called an “ear” by watch enthusiasts.
Other changes include a sloping rather than stepped flange ring for the dial. The 28mm models introduce a new skeletonized design for the hour and minute hands. A quick-change system for the bracelet is also a notable upgrade but one that’s becoming more common and nearly expected across the industry. As of now, it’s only on the 40mm models, but it’s something we hope and expect to see for more (or all) Aquaracers (and other watches, frankly) in the future.
If the stated diameter includes the new case shape’s 9 o’clock protrusions, it might also mean that the watch will wear smaller than its specs suggest. We got to try the watch on briefly at Watches and Wonders, and are very much fans of the new case shape. You can see in the images how it fits on the author’s 6.5in/17cm wrist. We only got pictures of a couple variants, but it comes in several.
The 40mm models are technically called the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Pro 200 Solargraph and are powered by the Caliber TH50-00 with 200m of water resistance. Of the four variants, two are in steel with blue or green dial options, and two are in titanium — one with a bead-blasted finish and black dial, and the other brushed and polished with rose gold-plated dial elements. Prices range from $3,100 to $3,850. There are four models at 28mm (TAG Heuer Aquaracer Pro 100 Solargraph) powered by the Caliber TH51-00 and water resistant to 100m with dial and other options (including with diamonds) for prices from $3,050 to $3,350.
Learn more on TAG Heuer’s website here.
