FACETS OF INNOVATION
WatchTime|July/August 2022
With the reimagined Aquaracer collection, TAG Heuer aims to "bring out the adventurous side of every watch enthusiast." WatchTime takes a closer look at the latest watches equipped with the characteristic 12-faceted bezel: the ultra-robust Superdiver, which is powered by an exclusive new mechanical caliber; the Solargraph with the brand's first Swiss solarpowered movement; and the Orange Diver with its unmistakably vibrant look that, too, was heavily inspired by a highly influential watch from the past.
Roger Ruegger
FACETS OF INNOVATION

In 2021, the Aquaracer collection received a substantially upgraded design and new materials like ceramic and titanium, and, just one year later, even two new movements. Equally important, the Swiss watchmaker has turned repeatedly to some of its past dive watches for inspiration, like the Ref. 844 from 1978 that became Heuer's first professional diver, before the team began to work on the current collection which means the current Aquaracer also represents a "best of" the brand's past and present innovations. Frédéric Arnault, TAG Heuer's CEO, explained, "TAG Heuer has been making bold, high-performance, stylish, luxury tool watches for more than four decades. The Aquaracer Professional 300 picks up a much-loved story and moves it on with the most significant step we've taken to develop our Aquaracer collection in many years. Pushing the limits, high functionality, a bold and unmistakable aesthetic, and the promise of going with you, even to the extremes - the Aquaracer Professional 300 is a watch that will take you beyond the edge.

This is, after all, the place where we truly find ourselves." The (quickly sold-out) Aquaracer Professional 300 "Tribute to Ref. 844" limited edition in titanium (Ref. WBP208C.FT6201) was perhaps the most direct nod to the Swiss avant-garde brand's past, but two more followed this year: the "Night Diver" (Ref. WBP201D.FT6197) with its distinctive full-lume dial and black (DLC) 43-mm case, and, even more recently, the "Orange Diver" (Ref. WBP201F.BA0632), launched in March 2022.

This story is from the July/August 2022 edition of WatchTime.

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