Getting back into the swim of it

TAG Heuer announces an octet of Aquaracers and Simon de Burton dives straight in…

Whether you’re a wild swimmer, a lido lizard, a dedicated lane lapper or just someone one who loves to float in an inviting sea, lockockdown must have left you longing for the chance to get out and submerge yourself. self. And now we’re allowed back in the water, ater, TAG Heuer could hardly have chosen a better time to announce the launch of a raft ft of new models in its famous Aquaracer range. nge.

The Heuer name wasn’t much associciated with dive models until 1978, when it t launched an underwater watch, the Reference 844, that grew into the Professional 1000 Series, a vast family with different depth ratings, case sizes, movements and prices. By the mid-1980s these e divers had come to represent the quintesssential TAG Heuer ‘ look’, before a 2004 04 revamp saw the introduction of the Aquaruaracer, which has since become instantly recognisable by its 12-sided, easy-grip bezel. l.

Now TAG is paying homage to the Aquaruaracer’s roots with a limited edition that comombines the up-to-the-minute mechanics of its Calibre 5 automatic movement and a 300m 00m water-resistant, titanium case with a couple uple of styling styl cues from the venerable 844. That means you get a red 24-hour scale, a perforated rubber r strap and a flat black dial with buff-coloured buff-c lume for that vintage vibe.

But if the Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844 (pictured, £3,600) isn’t for you, there t are seven other new Aquaracer Professional Profes 300s to choose from – all of which are more affordable and carry the signature natu bezel, luminous markings, screwdown do crowns and double-safety- clasp bracelets that mark them out as proper dive tools. These latest models, four at 43mm and three at 36mm, benefit from tweaks including date window magnifiers, m more legible hour hands, octagonal octa markers and a 12-sided winding crown with revised guards that mirror the shape of the reworked bezel.

Overall, Ove the watch is thinner and lighter than its it predecessor – in particular the 43mm titanium titaniu special-edition fitted with a green dial an and matching ceramic bezel insert. The other versions are made from steel with either black, blue or silver dials. From £ £2,350; tagheuer.com