TAG Heuer is splitting their Aquaracer family into two categories. One geared towards their root of diving and the other for the outdoorsy crowd. The Aquaracer Solargraph falls into the outdoors category (it still has a very respectable 200m of depth rating).
This all black watch with a carbon bezel, a solar powered movement and no cyclops, is packing a lot of watch in a 40mm case.
Movement
La Joux-Perret developed the TH50-00 movement for TAG Heuer. It relies on sunlight or any light to charge its battery-less movement. This is the first time TAG Heuer has used a solar-powered movement in their watch, and it makes perfect sense. The movement just needs a couple of minutes in the light to charge for the day, and if you charge it for twenty hours in any light, it will keep the watch ticking for six months.
The movement is very light, which is a welcome move in a watch made for outdoor use. The steel case is PVD black with a black dial, white hands and white hour markers for that crisp viewing contrast.
Case
The bezel is made out of carbon, with ribbons of lume appearing organically throughout the bezel. You will not find a lot of colour in this Solargraph besides the light blue second’s hand. It is legible in light and dark settings. The black rubber strap ties the whole look together. Though, I think a nylon or a fabric strap would be a perfect pairing for the watch.
Pricing
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Pro 200 Solargraph will be available in stores later this year with a price tag of $2,950. While there’s a lot of value here in this watch, the pricing feels a little too aggressive for a market targeted toward non-mechanical watches.
