WBP201E.BA0632
Realistically, there are two kinds of 'limited editions' in TAG Heuer world. On the one hand you have the full-on all singing and dancing (often black PVD) editions and on the other you have the more subtle variations with fairly minor (or inexpensive if you prefer) alterations to an otherwise standard model, possibly using another standard part from a different model or possibly a different coloured second hand.
And that's exactly what we have here. In essence what you are looking at is a blue 2021 Aquaracer 300 Professional (aaah, that name never really caught on did it?) with a black bezel insert. Simple as that. So is it a lazy 'cash grab' or a 'stroke of genius' or something in between?
So first of all lets remind ourselves that this is a 43mm Calibre 5 Aquaracer with a 300M water rating, which means that you can very comfortably swim in this without worrying your pretty little head about it, but you might at some point have a winding issue. Does it sound like I'm already padding this post out a bit? Well, yes, there's not really that much to say is there...?
I'm kidding. There's always something to say...
This isn't the first time we've seen an Aquaracer with a transplanted bezel. TAG Heuer made two (identical) limited edition Calibre 5 WAY series Aquaracers for different markets with a black dial and red bezel, and they looked great. Of course that configuration was also available as standard in the quartz range, but if you wanted an automatic that looked like a quartz these were on the money.
And here also it seems a simple (low-effort) tweak has produced an excellent outcome. I honestly think this looks great, much better than the original version with the blue dial / blue bezel. A pity then that they've only made 20 for the Ibiza market. But of course, there's nothing to say they won't put the same watch out in another market with a different backplate, part number and fancy box.
(And what's stopping you from buying a black bezel insert and making your own 'Ibiza' edition?)
Oh yes, this one comes in a fancy box indeed. But looking at it you can't quite help wondering what it is about the blue and black colour scheme that evokes Ibiza? Granted, I've never been to Ibiza, but the word conjures up bright colours, sunshine and potentially drunk British tourists throwing up on each other's shoes. I'm sure there are other, more positive parts of the island, but even so a dour blue/black combo seems a slightly odd choice.
That box carries a hefty premium though, since this retails about £450 above the standard blue model. Is it worth it? Well, that depends on your viewpoint. I think this Aquaracer looks a goodly bit better than the all blue model so given the choice I think I would pay a little bit more for it. Plus of course it is a very limited novelty so it would probably retain a few percent extra value over the basic piece. Just imagine this on Chrono 24 in a few years time, amidst a sea of blue dial Aquaracers... it's definitely going to be worth a few extra sheckles then isn't it? Especially with that funky box.
So that's my two pennies worth, but what do the esteemed members of the COCO Council think?
"The box is excellent. Nice souvenir if you happen to find yourself in Ibiza."
"This one gets an 8 from me, I think the black bezel with blue dial is a very nice combination."
"Doesn’t get the juices flowing, Ibiza nah, denim factory, maybe, 3/10"
"20 pieces should just cover the amount of people who can’t decide between the standard black and blue AR."
"Looks like it's just part of the standard line-up, and apart from the box it comes in, nothing about it says Ibiza at all."
"Best new AR so far, love the box, still hate the hour markers. I don't like blue bezels, so the black/blue combo really calls my name because it's a little brighter than the black/black AR I wear most days. I could actually wear this if it lost the ridiculous 6yclops."
"I like this blue dial & black bezel combo, but it’s a Limited Edition with no creativity… just combining two components from two existing regular versions, with no specific part or design, and charging extra €550 for that! The extra price from €2850 to €3400 is not justified at all, even having a nice box and the '1 OF 20 IBIZA' at the back… once more, not properly numbered!"
"I think it is just a normal AR. Nothing unique and special. Nobody will know it is an LE except you and the possibly the other 19 owners."
"This is my favourite combo yet, I wonder what a blue beeeezil black dial would look like."
"I like the new Aquaracers. This one looks good, too. But nothing special about it. The box is a bonus, the price a drawback."
"The box is cool and it's a nice shade of blue, but at the end of the day it's still an Aquaracer."
Link to the WBP201E on the Spanish TAG Heuer Website:
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