Introducing: The TAG Heuer Aquaracer 43mm Tortoiseshell Effect Calibre 5 Automatic

July 27, 2020

While the past several years at TAG Heuer have been largely invested in heritage models like the Autavia and the Monaco, their latest announcement adds some summer flair into the ranks of the Aquaracer. With two new Calibre 5-powered models sporting tortoiseshell effect bezels, it's a small change that packs a shimmering punch for patios, pools, and beyond. Offering both a?blue and a red/black colorway, these 43mm automatic Aquaracers have bezels with colorful resin inserts that mimic the flashing highlights and rich tones of classic tortoiseshell.? Initial Thoughts Given the common use of the material and effect on sunglasses, this kinda feels like a no-brainer despite being TAG Heuer's first use of the material. While I personally prefer the size and presence of the 41mm Aquaracer, these 43mm models share a very similar aesthetic, and, at least from the press images, I really like the added color and razzle-dazzle of these new bezels. Tortoiseshell has such a lovely way of playing with light and, while the red is likely closer to the tones of the sunglasses many of us know, the blue is absolutely my favorite of the two.? The blue version is matched with a blue sunray brushed dial with applied indexes and plenty of Super-LumiNova for when the sun finally sets. For the red bezel, we see a black sunray dial and both models have flat anti-reflective sapphire crystals, 300 meters water resistance, and come fitted to a color-matched rubber strap replete with patterning to mimic the surface of an alligator leather strap. While I'd likely opt for a more basic strap, the rubber makes a lot of sense for such a modern and sporty diver design.? Based on the ETA 2824-2, the Calibre 5 is TAG Heuer's standard time and date automatic movement and it has 42 hours of power reserve, ticks at 4 Hz, and places a date display at three on the dial.? For either version, the list price is $2,600, which is a few hundred dollars more than a similar Aquaracer with a steel bezel and about $50 less than one with a ceramic bezel. With a defined style, a solid and sporting history, and solid specs, these two new Aquaracers offer a distinctly fun effect for those who never let a dog day slip by.? The Basics Brand: TAG HeuerModel: Aquaracer 43mm Tortoiseshell EffectReference Number: WAY201P.FT6178 (blue), WAY201N.FT6177 (red)?Diameter: 43mm Case Material: SteelDial Color: Blue and black sunray brushedIndexes: AppliedLume: Super-LumiNovaWater Resistance: 300 metersStrap/Bracelet: Black rubber with alligator patterning.? The Movement Caliber: Calibre 5 Automatic Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, dateDiameter: 25.6mmPower Reserve: 42 hoursWinding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800 vphJewels: 25 Pricing & Availability Price: $2,600Availability: August 2020For more, click here.