TAG Heuer Formula 1 vs Aquaracer: Which One Takes the Lead?

TAG Heuer is the first name in racing watches that makes timepieces that work from the office to the pit lane. Those in the market for a luxury watch will be faced with the challenge of committing to just one of the Swiss watchmaking pioneer’s iconic lines.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 vs Aquaracer: Which One Takes the Lead?

Among these are the TAG Heuer Formula 1 and the Aquaracer. Both are among TAG Heuer’s best sellers and are upheld by the brand’s high quality standards and innovative spirit, however, they feature some distinct characteristics.

 

Fortunately, we’re here to help make the decision to commit to either watch a little easier. By comparing key features, selling points and pitfalls for both watches, you will be armed with all the information required to help you make the right decision.

 

TAG Heuer Formula 1

TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 43MM MENS WATCH

 

Dubbed by TAG Heuer as ‘the motor-racing inspired collection for men and women who dare live at full speed.’ The Formula 1 collection is iconic for its intimate ties with Formula 1 racing, and through its legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Ayrton Senna, TAG Heuer’s commitment to Formula 1 runs deep.

 

Built for speed. The casual sports watch worn by Formula 1 legends has a metal bracelet with driver extension to fit over the sleeve of a racing suit. Highly shock resistant, it goes through more than 60 quality tests and can take anything your life’s adventure throws at it.

 

The line began as a way to distinguish TAG Heuer from Swiss competitor, the swatch. The brand adopted and elaborated on many of the same mechanisms – vivid colours, efficient movements, synthetic cases – and became a resounding success. However, what made it unique is the collection's blend of commercial and cutting-edge appeal. The modern design, sleek materials, and bold colour palette make the TAG Heuer Formula 1 stand out from the competition.

 

What’s more, TAG Heuer Formula 1 watches don’t remain fixed. The brand has continuously updated its watches beyond mechanical to quartz movement. They have also added the chronograph for racing aficionados in subsequent years and fibreglass dial cover for clarity and durability.

 

Today, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection boasts a variety of high-end watches, including quartz and automatic movement models. These also feature individual variations in the crown, hands, bezel, and other features to ensure complete comfort and functionality for wearers, and majority of the timepieces are available in black or blue dial, and stainless steel. It is also worth mentioning that since the release of the Formula 1 quartz watches, TAG Heuer has never made an automatic model.

 

TAG Heuer Aquaracer

TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300 NIGHTDIVER 43MM

A professional sports watch of timeless style - TAG Heuer Aquaracer watches are designed to go deep. TAG Heuer have invested unique technology into the Aquaracer, including a double security clasp to prevent dust or water penetration, and a unidirectional rotating bezel to ensure you maintain accuracy and precision as you explore the depths. They are water, sweat and humidity resistant and are guaranteed by the brand to survive even the most extreme adventures.

 

Forged for the depths and fit for every ground, the Aquaracer is the ultimate tool watch to push the boundaries of luxury timekeeping. Sporting heavy-duty materials, this ultimate watch emerges with a new lease of life.

 

One thing that may attract buyers is the colours available in the Aquaracer collection. The Aquaracer professional 300 is finished in a brilliant royal blue, with the option of green or orange too, and has a dial with a shutter-like embossing to it. The hour markers are rectangular, and the swords are narrow for those who like a sleek and slim design.

 

A design element that was first introduced in 1995, the 12 faceted bezel on the new Aquaracer makes it immediately recognisable whilst also making the bezel very easy to grip and turn. The counter-clockwise rotation of the bezel is smooth thanks to the re-engineering of the internal tooth profile that guarantees 60 precise clicks. Readability is also excellent in any situation due to the large hands and hour markers, eight of which have an octagonal shape that is a clear reference to the bezel’s silhouette. 

 

TAG Heuer Formula 1 vs Aquaracer Side by Side Comparison

Let’s take a closer look at each watch family, comparing the key features, functions and characteristics.

 

 

Formula 1

Aquaracer

 

Tool

Race / Sport watch

Dive watch

Case

Available in steel, ceramic, gold, aluminium

Available in steel, titanium and two-tone

Bracelet

Available in steel, ceramic, gold, leather, and rubber

Available in steel, titanium, and gold

Dial

Available in a number of colours and designs

Available in a number of colours and designs

Bezel

Unidirectional rotating bezel on some models

Unidirectional rotating bezel

Water resistance

100m - 200m

Up to 300m

Functionality & Features

 

Shock-resistant,

Different models feature chronograph

12 faceted bezel,

Double security bezel

Movement

 

Quartz, and automatic models available

Quartz, tourbillon and automatic models available

Price

 

From around £950 – £2,400

From around £950 - £17,400

Top Models

Calibre,

Quartz

Professional 300,

Calibre 5,

Chrono

Which one takes the lead?

Now that you’ve had the chance to review all the important details of each watch family, you should be armed with the knowledge you need to pick a watch that suits your needs. If shock-resistance and racing ties are important to you, then Formula 1 has endured all the rigorous testing needed and has ties to racing legends, making it the obvious choice. Although, if you need a watch to keep up with your water activities, then the Aquamaster is a must-have adventure companion, whilst being a great day-to-day option too.

 

However, both timepieces appeal to the luxury, premium watch buyer, featuring aesthetic appeal and pioneering design. Therefore, either option is more than a suitable choice. Thanks to the extensive design range and variations available within both watch families, you are sure to find a watch that meets your individual preferences and requirements.

 

The collection available at Wallace Allan boasts an incredible collection of watches from both the Formula 1 and Aquaracer lines. Browse our entire range online today to find the newest addition to your timepiece collection. 

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