ON THE WRIST: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Two Tone/Blue Dial Calibre 5 Watch

 

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TAG Heuer Boutique / Meadowhall, Sheffield, 18th June 2022 

It's a fact that you can never really judge any watch from pictures or video alone and I have lost count of the number of watches that I have changed my opinion of (either for the better or worse) on actual physical acquaintance. If only we all had access to all the watches our favourite brands released rather than a select few over and above the run of the mill models found in shop windows.

And if you live in a third world country like, oooh... Sweden, yes I appreciate that living in the UK we are actually pretty lucky with what we can get our hands on! :)

VIDEO: Which TAG Heuer Chronograph? by Brent Miller Time

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TAG Heuer Carrera Elegant 'Watches of Switzerland Exclusive' L/E Chronograph

 

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For as long as I can remember, the THF Forum has been absolutely crying out for a Heritage Carrera with a panda dial... and while this isn't quite that just yet, it does offer the best option we've seen for some time and as such this model has jumped to the head of the queue when it comes to discussing the C.O.C.O. Watch of the Year. 

And there was me thinking the gold panda had it in the bag - at least until I realised I had made a mistake with the scoring and it dropped from an 8.8 to 7.8! 

Actually, let's be fully transparent; I didn't realise I had made a mistake, one of the C.O.C.O. members questioned the score based on the scores included in the comments on that post. And while I explained that not every scorer leaves a comment so that isn't the full score sheet (my score isn't quoted either incidentally) it did make me question myself and so I got out of bed (at 1AM! Seriously!) and went and checked my calculations. 

Going forward I am thinking of including the full scores so everyone can check that I'm not diddling it to please myself, but it's tricky because some C.O.C.O. members are a bit slow delivering their scores and I often have to go back and amend the results a few days later.

Anyway, let's get on to the watch...

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Carrera 'Japenese' Limited Edition Heuer 02 Chronograph by The Watch Village

 

THIS WATCH IS CURRENTLY INCLUDED IN THE WATCH VILLAGE'S BLACK FRIDAY SALE

ON THE WRIST: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 'Porsche Gold' Limited Edition Chronograph

 
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TAG Heuer Boutique, Sheffield, 12th November 2022

It's always a pleasure to visit Meadowhall's splendid TAG Heuer boutique, but in all honesty I wasn't really expecting to find much in the way of 'new stock' to look at. After all, it's not that long since I visited the Milton Keynes boutique and tried on the new F1s; but I was (perhaps naively) hopeful of finding a Solargraph in store (which turned out to be a non starter without a deposit). 

However it transpired that not one but two unexpected watches were lurking in the cabinets - well I say lurking; as usual one of them was right at the front of the store and I had walked straight past it on my way in! 

The first was the 'Year of the Rabbit' Carrera which I posted about a few days ago and the second was the red/gold limited edition 'Porsche Carrera', something I didn't honestly think I would ever see, and certainly not north of the Oxford Street boutique!

VIDEO: TAG Heuer x MarioKart - First Thoughts by Watches with Dennis

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 Gold Chronograph

 

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A slightly perturbing release this one, and as you will read in the C.O.C.O. comments below there is some considerable confusion about whether this is intended to be a JH90 (to celebrate Jack Heuer's 90th birthday) or not. Unlike the JH88 released in 2020, this has no reference to Jack, no engraving on the back or signature on the back of the strap, indeed this isn't even a limited edition! And while TAG Heuer have issued photos of Jack wearing the watch, and declared the piece 'crafted to celebrate our honorary chairman', truth be told he doesn't look overly enthusiastic about it... 

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Museum Tour with Nicholas Biebuyck

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TAG Heuer Carrera 'Year of the Rabbit' Limited Edition Heuer 02 Chronograph

 

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With new releases, what usually happens is that we see renders, then photos on release day from website like Monochrome and A Blog to Watch, and then, if we're lucky, a few weeks later (assuming we're not talking about a limited edition or even worse a region specific limited edition) we might get to see them in a store or failing that a TAG Heuer boutique. 

So generally speaking I write a 'First Impressions' post (including the scores and opinions of the C.O.C.O. Council) right after release and then an 'On the Wrist' post a few weeks later once (if) I've actually got to see it in person. But once in a blue moon I get to see a new watch right away, and in this case before I'd even written my 'First Impressions' post, such was the case with the 'Year of the the Rabbit' Carrera.

VIDEO: TAG Heuer x Mario Kart Unboxing and Hands On Review by John P Watches

 

BUYING EXPERIENCE: TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes Benz Calibre S Lap Timer Chronograph

 

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I don't know how many times I have seen a CAG7010 at TAG Heuer's Bicester Village store, but up to about 2019 it seemed like something of a constant fixture during my regular visits. I must have tried it on a few times too, and even a year or so ago (the last time I saw an SLR in store) it was the white dial version of this same watch, actually now I come to think of it I don't think I've ever seen an automatic version of the SLR for sale there, only ever the Calibre S version. 

Of course, being something of a contrarian I've long admired the watch, seduced by it's obnoxiously brutalist bracelet and complex quartz movement, but never quite enough to pull the trigger; especially since even at outlet discounted prices these watches were still pretty pricey (£2500-2800... IIRC).

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 'Aston Martin' Special Edition Chronograph by The Watch Village

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TAG Heuer Carrera 'Polychrome' Dial Heuer 02T Limited Edition Chronograph

 

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Well if there's one thing that's certain, it's that TAG Heuer's releases are never 'boring'; you might not like them all, but there's no way anyone could predict everything they come out with and to be honest this was one of the things that first interested me about the company and one of the things that has kept me interested so long. I could never write a blog like this about Rolex, pretending to be excited about a 1mm change in case diameter and slightly thicker lugs.

And so now, at the tail end of 2022 we come to this rather surprising release, which is... yet another tourbillon! They seem to be spitting them out left right and centre nowadays, which surprises me somewhat given the £19,500 price tag, but I guess there's still a lot of wealthy people out there with plenty of cash for these sorts of watches. And in actual fact this particular piece is limited to 'just' 150pcs...

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Carrera 'Porsche 2.7' Limited Editions by Time & Tide

 

BUYING EXPERIENCE: TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 17 Chronograph

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Well, this has been a long time coming. My first hands-on experience with the CAV511A came way back in 2017 when I tried on a pre-owned piece in the Michael Jones store in Northampton. At the time the watch was priced at £2700 and while I gave it considerable thought, I eventually made the absolute school-boy error of buying a cheaper (GMT) version which I ended up only keeping for a year and then traded in against a couple of quartz pieces (one of which I only kept for a year!). It was a bad decision which kept on going wrong and this ultimately (and unfortunately) put me off Grand Carrera ownership for some considerable time...

 

VIDEO: TAG Heuer 4000 Restoration by Nekkid Watchmaker

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TAG Heuer Carrera Ladies Automatic Watches

 
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Okay, I get it.... these aren't the most exciting watches you've ever seen. And you would be forgiven for thinking that surely TAG Heuer already had a diamond bezel, mother of pearl, diamond hour marker ladies Carrera in the range, and they surely have in the past. But just like the Calibre 16 Carreras issued earlier this year, the brand does update old models as and when it sees fit. Obviously it doesn't shout about watches like this because there isn't much to shout about, they are pretty much like for like save for small design details and to be honest most people probably wouldn't even notice the difference.

NOTICE: TAG Heuer Sale at Watchfinder

 

I feel like I should have put this up a couple of days ago really, but just in case anyone hasn't noticed Watchfinder are currently have a brand specific sale on TAG Heuer watches, I got £300 off my latest purchase so it's well worth a look if you haven't already.

Again, I'm not affiliated with Watchfinder and I am not paid to promote their website.

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/promo/brand-sale-22

VIDEO: Heuer Calculator Review by Jimmy Split 77

 

FEATURE: A Look Back at TAG Heuer 2022 So Far - Part 1 (featuring Jim Dollares)

 

Once again it's time for a sit-down chat with our Swedish correspondent Jim '4 gold teeth' Dollares, and this time we decided to discuss the year so far. This chat was done a few weeks ago so unfortunately we didn't cover the recent Mario or Porsche releases, but still there was plenty to discuss.

ROB: The end is nigh. The end of September that is, and by extension 2022! Yes, it won't be much longer before we're all huddled in coats, cursing the cold and selling watches to pay our fuel bills. But let's not dwell on such misery, because today we have our favourite Swede with us to look back at the year so far. Hello Jim, how are you doing?

JIM: Well isn't this awesome, good to be back! You know, I am quite good and doing my best to just enjoy life and maybe I shouldn't start off with giving everything away but you know that I have been very positive with TAG Heuer in the last year or so. Some killer releases to talk about indeed.

ROB: Great to have you back as always, so where shall we begin? Do you wanna pick something off the list or go straight to the new F1 Chronos?

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Link Blue V White Dial Comparison by Brent Miller Time

 

SPOTLIGHT ON: TAG Heuer Monaco V4 Platinum Limited Edition Watch

 

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During the 00s and early 10s, and under the stewardship of CEO Jean Cristophe Babin, TAG Heuer flexed their horological muscles and produced a slew of hardcore time pieces including the Mikropendulum, the Mikrotimer Flying 1000 and the Monaco V4. The V4 was released in several different configurations (including a tourbillon) but this particular model was notable primarily for its platinum case.

Now, I had this quote in my head that all the platinum in the world would fit in an Olympic swimming pool... but I knew if I blithely slapped that into this post and it was wrong someone would call me out. So, like all good journalists, I Googled it... and it appears that I wasn't far wrong. Apparently it is estimated that there are 70,000 metric tonnes of platinum, mostly still in the ground in South Africa, but as far as how much has already been mined, well supposedly it would all fit in a room 25ft square.

Which probably explains why it's so bloody expensive! Indeed, the watch in question is currently available new from 'Watches of Mayfair' at a price of £89,279... I wonder if they have the nerve to charge carriage on top?

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph by Bruce Williams

 

FEATURE: Who Would You Like to See TAG Heuer Collaborate With Next?

Following TAG Heuer's recent collaboration with MarioKart, I thought it would be interesting to ask the Council of Considered Opinion who they would like to see TAG Heuer collaborate with next and what they would like to see come of it. Here then is a brief insight into the minds of the members of the council...

KAPPA MD: "TAG Heuer x Nike / Jordan would be interesting for me, in the form of Connected, Aquaracer sports watch or some hype production? Just thinking out of the box. How about Lego?"

ANTHONY R: "Enough already.... just do what they are good at. Let's hope we see some classic stuff next year."

REMO:  "If they stay with Nintendo they could do a Link x Legend of Zelda (since the Hero of Zelda is Link if you didn't know)."

"After there were TAG Heuer x Art and TAG Heuer x games collabs there will most probably be TAG Heuer x music collabs. Bamford already did it with the Bamford Mayfair x Queen and Bamford x Kylie Minogue. I would appreciate a TAG Heuer x Young Gods edition with matching Soundtrack: Gasoline man!"

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Watch by Birth Year Watches

 

SPOTLIGHT ON: Watches Available at TAG Heuer Bicester Village

 
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It's been a while since my last 'Bicester Village' post, mainly because the stock seems fairly static these days. But I noticed yesterday that there a few new pieces filtering through and I thought I would share these with you. As ever, stock is limited so please call the store before driving long distances, I'm sure Evan and Frazer will be delighted to hear from you!

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List Price - £2100

BICESTER VILLAGE PRICE - £1400

VIDEO: TAG Heuer 2000 Series by Erased Culture

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TAG Heuer x Mario Kart Formula 1 Calibre 16 and Tourbillon Limited Edition Chronographs

 

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Oh Lord. Where to begin with this pair? Okay, cards on the table here... I think I played a Super Mario game once about five years ago at a New Years Eve party, and that is pretty much my experience of the admittedly very popular gaming franchise. As such, I really have zero investment in this, I'm solely viewing this from the perspective of a watch enthusiast and not a Mario fanboi. Which is probably not ideal and in fact I posted on the 'THF Forum' asking if anyone wanted to write a guest 'First Impressions' post for these because I felt it might be better written by someone who understood where TAG Heuer were coming from with these watches. Alas, no one volunteered, so I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and do it myself... though I can't honestly say I'm looking forward to it.

VIDEO: TAG Heuer MarioKart Watch Costs $25,000! by Watchfinder & Co

 

OWNED: TAG Heuer Formula 1 'Baby Blue' Quartz Watch

 

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Slowly but surely I am divesting myself of my excess of watches and unfortunately this classic F1 quartz is the latest to bite the eBay bullet. I can't deny it's one of the cooler looking colour schemes for the old Formula 1 range and mine was in lovely condition - but the truth is I never really felt that comfortable wearing it. For one thing, you just know that light blue strap isn't going to stay pristine-looking forever (unless you're very careful with how you wear the watch and indeed what you wear on your sleeve next to it as the plastic strap can take pigment from clothes).

VIDEO: TAG Heuer 2000 Series Quartz Chronograph by NeilPinkett

 

ON THE WRIST: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Ladies Calibre 5 'Pink Dial' Watch

 

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TAG Heuer Boutique / Milton Keynes, 10th October 2022

My TAG Heuer enthusiast wife Rose was keen to try on this new pink-dial Aquaracer today, even though she knew that at 36mm it was probably going to be too big for her tiny wrist. Fortunately she was in luck as the TAG Heuer boutique had it in stock and actually it didn't look as ridiculous as she feared; which was a surprise given that we've always thought her 32mm green dial Aquaracer was pretty much her limit size wise. 

Maybe it's to do with the thickness, but others have commented about how well the 43mm Aquaracer wears, people who usually moan about oversized watches as it goes... so maybe the design philosophy applies equally to the 36mm versions? I know our Swedish correspondent (Sleazy) Jim Dollares tried a 36mm Aquaracer on recently as he thought he could get away with it and was openly mocked by the shop assistant! 😏

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Monza CR2113 by Watch Once Over

 

ON THE WRIST: TAG Heuer Formula 1 'Stoplight' Quartz Chronographs

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TAG Heuer Boutique / Milton Keynes, 10th October 2022

My initial reaction to the press photos for these watches was fairly tepid, but over the following days they started to grow on me a little bit to the point where I was actually semi-excited to see them. After all, in recent times a lot of new watches seem to look better on the wrist than in photographs so I didn't want to make up my mind until I'd viewed them for myself (especially since these new pieces have strong metallic dials that can look different from different angles).

Well, now I have and I have to say the straps look fantastic, really nice colours and comfortable too... when they make a black one I will definitely be first in the queue (assuming it will fit my orange F1 WAZ101A?) because these are a definite improvement on the somewhat uninspiring perforated rubber straps that came before.

VIDEO: Heuer Super Professional 1000M Dive Watch by Birth Year Watches

 

https://www.birthyearwatches.com/product/c1984-heuer-super-professional-with-pouch/

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 'Porsche 2.7 Edition' Chronographs

 
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To say it's been a busy year on the watch release front would be an understatement (more than fifty new watches already this year!) and we're not finished yet. Next up we have not one but two new 'Porsche' branded (and these ones really are branded) Heuer 02 driven Carrera Elegants... though whether you could describe these watches as 'elegant' is a different matter altogether. 

Okay, we'll scratch that part, but these are the smaller 42mm Carreras rather than the 44mm 'Sports' models (these 'Elegant' and 'Sports' labels seem to have fallen by the wayside somewhat) and so more befitting of a retro-vibe appropriate for pieces celebrating 50 years since the launch of the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS.

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Quartz Watch by One Man Reviews

 

NEWS: TAG Heuer Catalogues Now Available Online

 

With the unfortunate demise of the Calibre 11 website we lost a fantastic long standing source of information about our favourite brand and while rumours persist that the data will eventually surface in some form on the TAG Heuer website, I very much doubt it will be as complete since TAG Heuer seemingly have little interest in the history of their less celebrated watches. I understand this since it doesn't help them sell their current watches and they are a business after all, but still.

Maybe they will prove me wrong and they will unveil a fabulous history section on their website... I genuinely hope so. But if there was one thing I wasn't prepared to lose access to it was the huge selection of TAG Heuer catalogues, and so once I knew that C11 was being closed down I spent many hours downloading each and every page of all 100+ catalogues (dating from 1959). It was a relief when it was over to be honest.

Now, thanks to Imagwai from THF Forums, you can access these once more by clicking the banner to the right of this post (or clicking the link in the CATALOGUES tab if you are reading this on a phone or tablet).

Alternatively you can click the link below:

http://medd.co.uk/th_catalogues

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 'Cortina/Singapore 50th Anniversary' Limited Edition

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Quite something, this one... perhaps a watch that could be described as 'Marmite'; something that's clearly borne out by the vastly divergent comments from the 'Council of Considered Opinion' below! And I guess it's easy to see why as this watch may not really hit the mark for Western audiences, but since this watch is specifically made for the Singaporean market and particularly for the 50th Anniversary of watch retailer 'Cortina' who are based there perhaps we in the West are not best placed to appraise it?

VIDEO: TAG Heuer Monaco 'Grand Prix de Monaco Historique' Limited Edition Heuer 02 Chronograph by The Watch Village