Small review of my Tag Heuer Aquaracer

[Pix]

Hi folks,

in this thread we have been discussing about this rep I found on iOffer : it seems that this is the only place and seller to provide thisspecific version. We all know other quartz versions from our known dealers, and I found interesting and worth talking about this one : a quartz version (yes, I know, that's cheap ) with what I consider as an high-end case and strap.

Let's start with some shots, my favorite part...

Engraved caseback, as for the high-end replica

High quality rubber strap (I mean it)

Beautiful crown and perfect pushers

The dial : black is the only colour available in this version. Quartz automatically means an other subdial layout...

Nice lume, but not over the average. I've seen worse, for sure !

And the wristshot... Back in black

1. Why did I go for this one ?

Well, it's been a while I've been wandering and looking for a decent affordable Aquaracer. The previous version I owned was not the level I expected, and even if the beautiful automatic replica we all know is THE ONE to get for the Aquaracer lovers, I was not completely ready to spend 300 dollars on it, despite By-Tor's teasing

Finally I found the one I was looking for... Ideally a quartz movement in an high-end case.

This is typically what we can't find by our dealers, although technically it should not be a problem to put a quartz engine (for those like me who have no problem with it) in the same case used for the automatic high-end reps we have been seing these days (and for more than one year now). I know this exists for the HBB for instance...

I bought that beauty for 100 dollars + EMS costs on iOffer. You'll find the link in the other thread. The dealer's name : TOS. I don't really know him, as that was only my second purchase from him, but he seems reliable. At least I never met troubles, neither in the transactions nor in the watches I received : he's reponsive and I find he has an interesting range of reps, although he's not particularly cheap.

2. How is it as a watch ?

I own it for more than 1,5 month now, so I think I have enough experience with it to say it's worth every buck ! (Sorry for my delay in reviewing, BTW).

Although it's NOT the same case as the Asian 7750 version we know, it looks very close. Plain SS and engraved caseback : that's the evidence of a somehow better work than on the other quartz or inexpensive auto versions we meet here and there. Most of them have a simple laser etching. That might sound like a detail, but IMO the caseback is as important as the front. Not only it is right or let's say "righter" than the others (vs the gen), but it's also heavy and breathes high quality.

As Watchmark (dealer here) who usually hunts the reps I'm inquiring could not get it, I am pretty convinced that this model does not come from Mainland China. Maybe from Thailand ? Indeed, TOS is registered there.

The crown and the pushers are remarkable too.

I'm a bit less enthusiastic about the rotating bezel, although it makes it's job well and does not suffer from critical defects : the pearl is OK, ithe bezel itself has been clicking for 1,5 month, which makes me think it's reliable. But... it is not aligned. I'm not sure that concerns all models : indeed, on this one it seems OK.

The second remarkable thing is the strap : it too looks of high quality, and has proved to be so since I own the Aquaracer : half stiff, not a dust-trap, sharp TAG HEUER markings, nicely engraved buckle. That makes the watch too - I am more tempted and seduced by the rubber version than the SS bracelet version, and that's a happy coincidence : that version only exists with the strap.

What else ? Although the dial is black, I am not disturbed by any light reflection (as often). There is no AR coating, but maybe the dial being placed quite deep in the case, that could affect the way it is hit by light. I don't know. But the result is very good. I was a bit worrying about this. And, oh, yes, the water drop test says it has a mineral crystal...

3. How is it as a rep ?

Here too, we already had a discussion in the other thread.

This version should rather be considered as a fantasy (in this case I prefer to say "hybrid") version.

Quartz means a different subdial spacing and layout. It's an obvious tell, although, as BT often says, Tag is making so many Quartz models that a Quartz Aquaracer is credible.

The diameter is 43 mm (without crown), which is correct, and the height 16mm.

Also, the latest Aquaracer version has day+date, whereas we here only have the date. One could think that the older Aquaracer is replicated. But the problem is that the older one had not square pushers. That's why I'm calling this one "hybrid".

As for the rest, it looks accurate to me. But I leave it to the specialists to tell us more on that

Here some pictures from the "three" versions, for comparison (first borrowed from By-Tor) (thx) :-)

I suggest all readers to go and read his fantastic review (and pics), that will give you an idea of what the Aquaracer really is.

>>>CLICK HERE

[Victoria]

2. How is it as a watch ?

I own it for more than 1,5 month now, so I think I have enough experience with it to say it's worth every buck ! (Sorry for my delay in reviewing, BTW).

Although it's NOT the same case as the Asian 7750 version we know, it looks very close. Plain SS and engraved caseback : that's the evidence of a somehow better work than on the other quartz or inexpensive auto versions we know. Most of them have a simple laser etching. That might sound like a detail, but IMO the caseback is as important as the front. Not only it is right or lest's say "righter" than the others (vs the gen), but it's also heavy and breathes high quality.

As Watchmark (dealer here) who usually hunts the reps I'm inquiring could not get it, I am pretty convinced that this model does not come from Mainland China. Maybe from Thailand ? Indeed, TOS is registered there/

Great review and photos, Pix, comme d'habitude! (That's French for this Frenchie is always doing something good).

I read everything carefully, and since RWG is very slow so close to Christmas, I hope you will forgive a question: did you blindly pick out TOS from a list of dealers? Never having been on iOffer, I don't know how that works. You took a risk, but it paid off.

I think your sleuthing about the Thailand provenance is correct. Not sure why, but straps/bands seem to be a very big priority for Thai-made products. I have a Chinese HBB and a Thai one from Narikaa, and the quality of the rubber isn't even close -- Thai is so much more gen. Strange, no?

Thanks for posting this, and as usual with your posts, I will "digest" it again and again, later!

[Pix]

Merci Mademoiselle V.

Actually the first time I chose TOS blindly, however I checked his feedbacks first.

Now that I delt twice with him, I think I'm not doing a mistake in advising business with him.

Everything is on iOffer : worse and best, in products and dealers. I don't think it's a place to go if you don't have a minimum of knowledge about reps. Surely most RWG members are clever enough to sort out the rubish from the rest. But I also see many people overpaying their watches there.

Actually I have not found (except in some cases) much cheaper "high end" reps. But the inexpensive ones are usually found at better prices compared to our dealers.

What is exciting is the vast choice and also the availability of fantasy or simply different models (like this Aquaracer), which the boards' dealers won't carry. The fact that prices can be negociated give the whole thing a real interest : I like that, and I'm sure you will too.

Don't hesitate to PM for more recommendations on the dealers, I will answer with pleasure.

I wish there were more Thai reps, if the theory of higher quality is correct, which I believe

[By-Tor]

Excellent pics, excellent review (as usual).

Thanks for taking the time... this kind of posts are what keeps this forum alive.

I linked this article to the TAG guide.

Thanks again.

[AllergyDoc]

Thanks, pix. Your review makes me want to take a peek at iOffer once again.

This looks like a good starter watch for my 21-year-old. Hmmmm . . .

[Pix]

Thx for your support and remarks BT, I'm glad I can contribute to your guide.

Allergydoc, I agree, Tag is definitely a brand which is not as shocking as Rolex to start with reps

[rek001]

Excellent review, your photo skills are admirable, Pix. I think that is a very good looking watch, for the price, who cares about inaccuracies.

I should be getting an Omega Seamaster chrono from Tonyxkf any day now.

It is advertised as working japanese chrono with "swiss case" - supposedly the same case used in the asian 7750. Interesting.

I first saw it from Tos, but he won't take any less than $120.

I showed Tony a pic and he said he has the exact same, I'm getting it from him for $82.

[Pix]

It seems we have the same concept of what a rep should be : feelings it's bringing before accuracy in replication. (both are ideal of course)

You are confirming my initial feelings about TOS : he is not particularly cheap. He has an advantage though, he brings watches noone else seem to be able to provide.

I recently saw a Breitling SFSO for 105 dollars, and thought "even cheaper as Ruby", but I was wrong : it has an other case (good but not the same level) that noone else carries. A real alternative.

As for the "Swiss case", it seems it's a quite spread concept too : we know it isn't Swiss...but expect it to be better than what we usually see under 100 dollars.

That's a nice bargain you did, and this dealer (Tony) is highly recommended too. For sure. I bought my Quartz Navitimer from him for 42 pounds, and never had any regret about it.

[paulV]

Very nice watch, so i was tempted and had a deal with TOS.

As i'm not very rubber minded, the SS bracelet would be nice,

any idea where i can find one, pix?

Edited December 24, 2007 by paulV

[Pix]

Hope you will be satisfied : I have no doubt actually

Bracelet are very difficult to find, I had (and still have) problems sourcing a new one for my VCO.

Sillix is selling some for PAM, but I never saw a TAG one.

The best thing to do is to ask all your favorite dealers and hope.

It's such a pity there's no spare parts business for reps...

[paulV]

Thanks for your advice, i will check the dealers.

Paul

[paulV]

:thumbsup: I found a bracelet, a seller from HK.

He's asking 45 US$ shipping included.

I will think it over, its almost half of the price of the watch

[Pix]

That's actually cheap !

Can you point me to him, as I am looking for a VCO bracelet...Who knows ?

[paulV]

The watch arrived today already, ordered 24th....very fast !!

The package was bombfree and the watch was as described.

He was even able to find a bracelet, for which i payed an additional 10$.

TOS is a very careful seller and very communicative....

Highly recommended!! if you don't mind to accept a quartz movement.

He sells also high end watches, many Panerai, Omega,

......don't know if they match member standards.

Paul

Edited January 2, 2008 by paulV

[Pix]

Glad you liked it too. Excellent idea on the bracelet too. Maybe as a bonus in a coming order

Currently he carries the same high end reps as our dealers, but he usually sells them more expensive.

BTW, how is your bezel ? Also misaligned ?

[paulV]

Its an amazing watch for this price.

Bezel turns smooth, chronohand perfect aligned on 12 when reset..

I'm not sure what you mean by "bezel slightly misaligned"

i'm just a noob

[Pix]

I was meaning the pearl, aligned @ 12. Look at my picture number 2, you can see it quite obviously. The pearl will never align with the 12 marker.

[paulV]

Ooh yes, i see what you mean. Hehe, i need some glasses.

Mine seems to be ok...pearl is aligned with the 12 mark.

[Pix]

Lucky you ! :laugh:

Does anyone know if this can be fixed ? It's a common flaw on many reps, but I wonder if it's a conception problem or a bad assembling.

Knowing how demanding I am, I see myself not standing this trouble any more within a short period of time.

Can you tell us about the bracelet you received ? Is it the same as the high end version ?

[paulV]

Edited January 2, 2008 by paulV

[NuTymer]

Hey Pix, I must say you are very good with that camera. Not to mention a great write-up.

I share your view on reps needing to be inexpensive yet good enough not to be called out on, especially with a not-so-exclusive brand such as TAG (I mean, c'mon, they are so widely proliferated that they are sold at Macy's next to Guess watches, for crying out loud).

Having spent 1G in a month since discovering the rep scene, and I am in need of a cheap daily beater that's quartz so I don't have to worry about setting time. Your photos got me intrigued in this fantasy TAG Aquaracer, so I looked up your dealer on ioffer, and I just might spring for for one myself. Thanks for the poignant review!

@paulV, did you pay $119 all inclusive, including the SS bracelet? If so, that's a pretty sweet deal!

By the way, someone from this forum really squeezed TOS to give it up for the same price as when you bought it, at $100 plus shipping. Rather entertaining transaction history if anyone's interested in taking a gander.

[Pix]

Saw that too :-)