TAG Heuer Aquaracer Camouflage 300 Metres Calibre 5
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Camouflage 300 Metres Calibre 5 is offered in two versions ‘Arctic’, with a distinctive camouflage motif, and ‘Jungle’, which sports khaki tones. Could these be the ideal watches for ‘Military Fashionistas’? This detailed review of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Camouflage 300 Metres Calibre 5 includes live images, specification details and pricing.
‘Arctic’
When I was a young man, I visited a shop which sold army surplus. At the time, I craved an army jacket as it is seemed ‘very cool’ and every teenager seemed to be sporting a relaxed military look. I desperately wanted to be en vogue and squandered my pocket money on a plain gabardine garment.
Looking back at my army apparel I now realise it probably was not my shrewdest purchase. Its overt character meant that some became out of date. Regrettably, my desire for ‘military chic’ soon became ‘fashion faux pas’.
The secret I have learnt is to employ military symbolism sparingly. A dash of khaki or a smidgen of camouflage can enliven a sartorial ensemble and imbue it with a small dose of eye-catching chic. Indeed, to be a military fashionista is learn not to overwhelm the torso with too much khaki or camouflage.
Recently, TAG Heuer, a watch brand with a shrewd ability to identify market segments, unveiled two stylish timepieces which will suit military fashionista whilst avoiding the excesses of combat chic.
The Aquaracer has been a mainstay of the TAG Heuer catalogue since 2003, but the ‘Arctic’ and ‘Jungle’ versions of the watch are brand new. They are housed in state of the art Grade 2 titanium cases featuring black PVD.
The dial
Both the ‘Arctic’ model and the ‘Jungle’ version feature bold luminescent hour, minute and seconds hands. Applied faceted indexes populate the dial and, once again, feature luminescent treatment. The colour of the hands and indexes is dependent on the version chosen.
‘Jungle’
The ‘Arctic’ model is more conspicuous than its khaki coloured sibling, sporting a camouflage motif which blends, blue, white and grey shades. The colour scheme is rather playful and would perfectly suit casual attire.
The ‘Jungle’ model is a tad more conservative, delivered in khaki hues. Where the khaki coloured watch proffers more flexibility is that it can be paired not only with jeans but also a suit, making it more versatile.
‘Arctic’
Both watches sport a prominent date display, courtesy of a magnifying lens atop the sapphire crystal. The visibility of the date is excellent.
A minuterie makes the determination of minutes and seconds very user-friendly.
Despite both watches featuring unusual coloured dials, ease of read-off is assured.
The case
The cases of both models measure 43mm in diameter and are formed of sand-blasted Grade 2 titanium, covered with black PVD. The aesthetic appearance exudes a stealthy, covert character.
‘Khaki’
The bezel colour is dependent on which version of the watch is selected. The ‘Arctic’ model features a black bezel with a black ceramic minute track, while the ‘Jungle’ version employs a sand-blasted aluminium minute track with green anodised coating. Typical of divers’ watches, the bezel is unidirectional.
Crown protectors hug the crown, affording protection and underscoring the masculine temperament of the timepiece.
Gracing the rear of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Camouflage 300 Metres Calibre 5 is a solid case-back, formed in Grade 2 titanium and featuring a diver’s helmet motif.
The lugs are comparatively straight which may prove an issue for the smallest wrist sizes but I found the union between watch and wrist to be most agreeable.
Each watch is supplied with a NATO strap. Interestingly, the ‘Arctic’ version has a ‘custom pattern, which is woven with different colours, to ensure both that it is heard-wearing and that the colours are uniform’.
The movement
The frequency of the balance is 28,800 VpH (4Hz). The Calibre 5 movement appears in several TAG Heuer models with a jewel count of 25 or 26, depending on the execution, and a power-reserve of 38 hours.
Owing to the solid case-back it was impossible to evaluate the finissage.
Closing remarks
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Camouflage 300 Metres Calibre 5 brims with style in both the ‘Arctic’ and ‘Jungle’ specification. The ‘Jungle’ specification proves more versatile when it comes to daily wear, suiting both casual and formal attire. However, I personally prefer the less practical ‘Arctic’ version with its eye-catching colour scheme.
Despite both watches featuring unconventional colourways they remain simple to read. The plump hour and minute hands succinctly convey the prevailing time. The central sweep seconds hand benefits from a prominent tip, augmenting legibility. The applied indexes are highly visible, even in restricted light, courtesy of the luminescent fill employed.
The case has a discreet mien, is light and highly attractive. Moreover, the case treatment coalesces with both dials, upholding the concealed character of each watch. The fabric straps are of high quality and combine with each watch to deliver an appealing appearance.
Ultimately, the primary reason for selecting these models in preference to other Aquaracer models is appearance. Personally, I think both watches are fabulous and whether you choose ‘Arctic’ or ‘Jungle’ you can be rest assured you will be a shrewd ‘Military Fashionista’
Technical specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Camouflage 300 Metres – Calibre 5
- Case: Grade 2 Titanium; diameter 43mm; water resistant to 30 bar (300 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; central sweep seconds; date.
- Movement: Calibre 5; self-winding movement; 28,800 VpH (4Hz); 25 or 26 jewels depending on execution, power reserve= 38 hours
- Strap: Blue camouflage NATO or khaki fabric. Brushed steel buckle with engraved TAG Heuer logo.
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