Running on Sun: A Second Look at the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph


Photography by Bilal Khan.

At the 2022 meeting of Watches and Wonders in Geneva, TAG Heuer introduced the first Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph, a sleek and versatile sports watch powered by innovative technology. The black DLC-coated steel case was the first to house the TAG Heuer Solargraph technology, which is powered by any light source it is exposed to. Nearly a year later, the brand has introduced a tougher-looking follow up, this time around trading in shiny, DLC-coated surfaces for a robust, sandblasted look. 

tag heuer aquaracer solargraph

The new Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph was first introduced at LVMH Watch Week in January of this year. As one of TAG Heuer’s leading novelties from the event, it seems to be just the beginning of a developing line of models using the Solargraph technology. Positioned as an every-day outdoors companion, the model is designed to be robust, yet versatile enough to wear as a daily driver. 

The original Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph with a DLC case.

Maintaining the same silhouette of the debut Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph from 2022, the new iteration sports the expected 40mm diameter, though this time it takes shape in a titanium case. The lightweight material is transformed to have a rugged look with a sandblasted finish and complementary sandblasted, 60-minute scale unidirectional turning bezel. Enhancing the versatile functionality of the watch, the case offers a water resistance up to 200 meters. 

tag heuer aquaracer solargraph
tag heuer aquaracer solargraph

The horizontal line pattern of the new Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph dial is yet again reminiscent of its predecessor, though this detail is also perhaps most important to its functionality. The sunray-brushed dial is semi-translucent to allow light to pass through and effectively power the solar movement. At 3 o’clock is a subtle date aperture, maintaining the straightforward, clean layout of the dial. The white geometric indices glow bright green in low lighting while the minute hand glows polar blue. 

tag heuer aquaracer solargraph

The most notable attribute of this new release is that it is the second model from the brand to utilize the brand’s Solargraph technology. It uses that light that passes through the semi-transparent dial to generate power without ever needing a battery, similar to the pioneering Eco-Drive calibers long used by Citizen or the 2021-introduced Solarbeat mechanisms produced by Cartier.

A minimum of two minutes of direct light exposure is enough to power the watch for an entire day, while a full twenty hours of exposure will fully charge and power the watch for up to six months without additional exposure. Though dubbed ‘Solargraph,’ the technology does not necessarily need sunlight to operate and can run off of artificial light sources as well. The movement itself is the caliber TH50-00, a quartz movement that is developed and manufactured in partnership with La Jouz-Perret exclusively for TAG Heuer. 

tag heuer aquaracer solargraph

The Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is a measured release by TAG Heuer, taking technological innovation and omitting design frills to create what seems to be a strong everyday-wearing piece. The merging of utility factors without major aesthetic experimentation in this way helps the watch be everything that it claims to be without outdoing itself. 

tag heuer aquaracer solargraph
tag heuer aquaracer solargraph

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is presented on a sand-blasted titanium bracelet that matches seamlessly with the case. Available via the brand’s website, the watch is priced at $3,050.

To learn more, visit TAG Heuer here.

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  1. Philip Sherman

    Other than the TAG Heuer name, I find it hard to understand why this solar
    powered quartz watch has over the titanium encased Citizen Eco-Drive watch
    I bought new for $230.00 in 2017 from an authorized dealer. The over $2,800.00 price differential seems a bit much to me.

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