We seem to be reaching the point of the year where TAG Heuer aren't actually releasing new watches so much as putting straps on existing models and trying to generate excitement about them by calling them 'Online Exclusives'... which is something I've never really understood. 'Boutique Editions' I understand (watches you can only obtain by travelling to a particular boutique, possibly in an exotic location like Monaco), but suggesting that something is 'exclusive' because you can 'only' buy it on the internet makes so little sense that I feel like I would need the world's most powerful microscope to measure it!
Anyway, I feel somewhat duty bound to at least show you a picture of these most elusive timepieces, but I really don't think there's any need to trouble the C.O.C.O. with either of them. After all, they'll still get to score them at the end of the year.
So first we have what is essentially the original titanium Solargraph but on a custom grey fabric strap with polar blue highlights. Personally I'm not a fan of this kind of strap, but this one looks okay, and for those who missed out on the 'Time & Tide' limited edition last year (the 2025 C.O.C.O. Watch of the Year, lest we forget!) this might provide some small comfort? Especially since the T&T model seems to be the one recent TAG Heuer that has gone up significantly in value, at least judging by online prices on Watchfinder and Chrono 24.
Ah, well... are we really surprised? Such is the power of the C.O.C.O. Watch of Year award!
Personally I think it looks much better on the original titanium bracelet, but I believe these kind of straps are quite popular these days, with some... people.
The other watch that popped up was this one, and I must admit it confused me a little to begin with. At first glance I thought... okay so they've swapped the blue edged strap for an orange one. But then I thought... I'm sure that blue one also had a blue second hand, so it's not the same watch...
Eventually I twigged that this was a 39mm date only Carrera and not one of the new 41mm day/dates... so what they've actually done is put one of the new style straps on one of the 2021 Carreras. Good job you can only buy it online, wouldn't want hordes of people stampeding the boutiques for this one. 😏
Okay, to be fair, I quite like the strap with this, and seeing that the watch is plain black it could wear any number of differently edged straps and still go back to the original black strap or indeed a bracelet. So a very versatile watch that could suit someone who just wants one simple watch, but likes to switch things up now and again.
So there you have it. Two watches which are perfectly okay and moderately exciting. Simply lovely.
The Aquaracer is £2750 on the strap (versus £3000 on the bracelet) and the Carrera is £2850.
Both available from the TAG Heuer website.... EXCLUSIVELY!
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