TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver Watch Review
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver builds on the success of the company’s 2021 model update. It’s now available with an orange dial that will resonate with nostalgic brand devotees as well as appeal to style-conscious ‘desk divers’. US-based Meehna Goldsmith shares her thoughts.
Heuer Ref. 844
TAG Heuer released its first dive watch in 1978, the now iconic Ref. 844. Shortly thereafter, the 844 came with a vibrant orange dial, now a favourite among collectors. The Aquaracer first hit the scene in 2004, replacing the 2000 series. Over the years, TAG Heuer has updated the model several times while preserving the aesthetic of the original 2004 model.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 series
Last year, TAG Heuer presented another evolution of the Aquaracer, introducing the Professional 300 series. One of these models was a limited-edition called the Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844. This model differed from the ‘regular’ stainless steel Professional 300 models by featuring a red 24-hour scale adjacent to the hour markers as seen on the original. The feature was originally intended as a quick conversion chart for on-the-field professionals reporting the time against the 24-hour clock. Another defining characteristic of the Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844 was its Grade 5 titanium case. The beauty of Grade 5 titanium is that it can be polished to a brilliant gleam.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver – dial
Continuing to pay homage to the Ref. 844, TAG Heuer once again expands the Aquaracer repertoire with the Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver. This model, along with other members of the new Professional 300 range of 2021, incorporates numerous updates that are as subtle as they are consequential. A keen eye will note the horizontal ribbing on the dial is wider and more prominent than before. While the previous generation of Aquaracer used trapezoidal indexes to represent the hours, the Orange Diver uses them sparingly to denote 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. The rest of the numerals are marked by octagonal indexes.
Other changes include a reduction of text on the dial and flipped orientation of the ‘Aquaracer’ name with the TAG Heuer logo, located at 12 o’clock. Like the previous Aquaracer model, the Professional 300 range keeps the trapezoidal-shaped lollipop seconds hand, but shifts it a bit closer to the pivot point. In addition, the quickset date now resides at 6 o’clock and includes a new style magnifier. To retain the smooth surface of the sapphire crystal, it’s integrated underneath the dial. Also, notice that the track to the edge of the dial now features half-second delineations.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver – unidirectional bezel
In keeping with the former model, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver retains the 12-sided unidirectional rotating bezel. However, the Orange Diver, along with its updated Professional 300 siblings, benefit from a further upgrade, switching from aluminium to a scratch-resistant, black ceramic ring. The bezel is easier to grip and now provides a pleasing soundtrack as it is rotated.
Why do several divers’ watches have orange dials?
All of these modifications are in the service of utility and legibility – an absolute must underwater. Speaking of legibility, let’s focus on the orange dial for a moment. In the late 1960s, DOXA introduced the orange dial to dive watches after conducting underwater tests. In contrast to the typical black or white face, this bright colour made reading the indications easier. With the Ref. 844, TAG Heuer presented its own striking version. The brand has a history of dive watches using coloured dials and the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver perpetuates this. There are also generous amounts of lume on the hands and indices, all serving to enhance visibility.
New style caseback with a depiction of a diver’s helmet
Furthermore, TAG Heuer has finessed various details to the rear, including a new style caseback with an updated depiction of a diver’s helmet, which has more angles and definition. Surrounded by hexagons, it looks like it’s floating in bubbles. Without a comfortable and secure strap, the best of dive watches aren’t fit for exploration on land or sea. The Orange Diver offers a new three-row bracelet with double safety push buttons and a micro-adjustment system to fine tune the wrist fit whether over a wetsuit or beneath a stylish shirt cuff.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver – closing remarks
Housed in a 43 mm stainless steel case, sporting a tasteful blend of brushed and polished surfaces, the Orange Diver is powered by TAG Heuer’s Calibre 5, a self-winding movement that comes with a 38 hour power reserve. Upon its arrival, the Professional 300 series created a splash. The handsome TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver is another winner, respecting the Swiss firm’s patrimony while offering modern styling and various technical advancements.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver
- Reference: WBP201C.BA0632
- Case: Steel; diameter 43 mm; water resistance 30 ATM (300 metres); sapphire crystal to front; solid caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; centre seconds; date
- Movement: Calibre 5; automatic movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); power reserve 38 hours.
- Strap: Steel 3 rows bracelet with steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons and fine adjustment system
- Price: £2,500 (RRP as of 26.4.2021)