TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph in Titanium Review

With its stealthy black case and incredible carbon bezel fused with green luminous material, the original Solargraph was designed with headline-grabbing aesthetics. The new Tag Heuer Solargraph has a far more classical, under-the-radar, feel. However, it is in the choice of materials, refined details, and dependable movement, that it becomes a very interesting proposition.

 

 

Aquaracer Professional 200

Incorporating six key design codes established over forty years ago on the Aquaracer collection, all Professional 200 watches are characterised by a unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, luminous dial markers, sapphire crystal, folding clasp and water resistance to a minimum of 200m (hence the 200 in the series name). Moreover, the series incorporates upgraded materials with a redesigned dial and case.

Described by TAG Heuer as a “stylish, all-terrain, luxury tool watch”, the choice of titanium for the case and bracelet of the new Solargraph makes perfect sense.

 

Titanium Case & Bracelet

 

Crafted from sustainable heavy-duty grade 2 titanium, the case and bracelet of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph are both ultra-light and incredibly resilient. Furthermore, the whole watch has a sandblasted finish with no polished detailing in sight. Although slightly more susceptible to scratching than stainless steel, the darker tone of the titanium appeals to anyone who prefers a more subtle finish than bright polished steel. Also, it’s sure to develop a beautiful patina over time, which will only enhance its good looks and charm. Additionally, the advantage of its lightweight feel makes it supremely comfortable on the wrist and therefore the perfect wristwear choice for explorers or anyone wanting a durable daily wear watch.

 

Case

At 40mm in diameter, the case of the Tag Heuer Solargraph is a non-controversial size that perfectly suits most wrists. The scratch-resistant bezel has the distinctive Aquaracer twelve-sided shape, each side with six teeth. Unidirectional (to avoid accidental adjustment when diving), the bezel features slimmed-down fluting. This provides maximum grip for adjustment when wearing gloves. Furthermore, the bezel is paired back with an engraved 60-minute scale in black featuring simple markers and numerals. Also, unlike the original Solargraph, there is no lume on the bezel. Some may feel that this reduces its usefulness for divers. However, we feel that it gives the watch a more utilitarian feel which fits its remit as an outdoors watch.

Chamfered edges on the case add to the Solargraph’s sleek aesthetic and tactile feel. Turn the watch over, and the caseback features an embossed compass motif in different textures. This echoes the “go anywhere spirit of exploration” of the line. Moreover, the repeating engraved hexagonal motif reflects the famous 12-faceted bezel. 

Additionally, the case extends to protect the screw-down crown from damage. With deep ridges for grip, just like the bezel, it is designed with functionality and ease of use in mind.

 

Bracelet

The three-link titanium bracelet of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is sleek and ergonomic. I particularly like how seamlessly the folding clasp blends into the bracelet. Featuring double pushers and an integrated clasp extension for comfort, it’s a beautifully engineered aspect of the watch that adds to its easy wearability.

 

Dial

More than just a design feature, the horizontal pattern on the dial of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is semi-translucent. Crucially, this allows light to be absorbed by a solar cell underneath which powers the watch.

The charcoal dial has a subtle, sunray finish which radiates from the centre. The pattern lines up with the hour markers and imperceptibly draws the eye to the centre. Also, along with the hour hand, the faceted trapezium-shaped hour markers are in polished black which helps them to stand out from the matt dial. Filled with Super-LumiNova, they glow green in poor light conditions. The minute and centre seconds hand along with the five-minute markers have Polar Blue lume. This differentiated lume looks amazing. Moreover, the Polar Blue colour is a tribute to the northern lights that illuminate the skies in the Arctic Circle.

A flat sapphire crystal protects the dial, and a double anti-reflective coating reduces glare. Also, a date indicator at 3 o’clock is a useful addition.

 

Solar-Powered Movement

The TAG Heuer Solargraph has a TH50-00 solar-powered movement. Manufactured exclusively for TAG Heuer by Citizen-owned La Joux Perret in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, it is powered by sunlight and artificial light. As industry leaders in solar-powered movements, the calibre is based on the E168 solar-powered quartz movement found in the Citizen Promaster line.

The Solargraph can run for up to six months in complete darkness on a full charge. Only two minutes of direct sunlight are needed to fully charge the watch for the day. Also, to achieve full power capacity, the Solargraph needs only 20 hours in the sun. Should the watch stop ticking, exposure to a light source for only ten seconds is enough to restart it. 

Although many watch aficionados will always favour an automatic movement, for dependability and autonomy, the Solargraph is hard to beat. Like a traditional quartz watch, it’s always ready to wear. This is convenient and makes the watch very accessible. However, unlike a traditional quartz watch which needs regular battery changes, the Solargraph has less need for intervention. 

 

Tag Heuer Solargraph: Verdict

Offering comfort, practicality and style, the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph in Titanium is the accessible, all-terrain luxury tool watch you’ve been looking for. With its ultra-light case and bracelet, it’s supremely comfortable to wear. Easy to see at night thanks to the differentiated Super-LumiNova on the dial, adventures at night are no obstacle. Moreover, the innovative and dependable TH50-00 movement means the Solargraph is always ready to grab and go. 

 

Where to Buy

Wallace Allan is an authorised Tag Heuer dealer offering up to 48 months of interest-free finance. With a full range of the latest Tag Heuer models in stock including the new Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph in Titanium, our knowledgeable team are here to help. Contact us if you have any questions or if we can be of any assistance.