takashi Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 Preface I got this watch from a trade just a few weeks ago. This watch was introduced quite a while ago to the rep world but didn't really get the spotlight it deserves. Tag Heuer is a brand that is well known worldwide, probably due to agressive marketing strategy. It is part of LVMH Group which includes Zenith and Dior just to name a few. Nevertheless, many of its model are shunned by watch afficionados. This is perhaps due to quartz movement powering almost all Tag Heuer watches. This trend has not changed till today. Despite Tag's effort to introduce new collections based on mechanical movement (i.e.: Grand Carrera line) and also a few gems in the collection (powered by the mighty El Primero based movement, Tag cal 36), the brand image hasn't really bulged most watch connoisseurs. Well... They may be wrong. I like Tag Heuer watches. Infact my first replica watch is a crappy Link Chronograph with quartz movement. Not an accurate rep at all. Things have changed for us in the rep world. A few years ago the rep makers introduced the Link replica with high beat Asian 7750 (this watch is among the very first watch powered by this movement). This marks the dawn of a new era of Tag Heuer replica (infact the dawn of rep golden age). I eventually got a Link Chronograph with mushroom grey dial but I sold it later on. It's a very fine time piece, well made with only a couple flaws (lume and datewheel). The rest are spot on. At later time, the Carrera chronograph was introduced alongside with many other quartz based replica (a few are really accurate like the Golf Tiger Woods edition). There are many new models from other more "respected" brands. This somewhat overshadows the significance of Tag Heuer replica. Now, in this review, I would like to promote awareness that Tag replica watches are worth considering. So let's begin! The Watch It's none other than a limited edition out of 3500 pieces Mercedes Benz SLR Chronograph made by Tag Heuer. The genuine uses calibre 17 (some internet searches result in ETA2894-2 based, some ETA7750). Well... the more likely answer is ETA2894-2 based because of running second at 3 o'clock position and 30 minutes counter at 9 o'clock position and slightly higher chrono pusher. However, I am still puzzled by subdial spacing. This movement usually exhibits closer subdial spacing than the usual 775x based movement. Comparing it with the genuine article, this is clearly not the case. In short, the watch is very accurate in terms of appearance. The specification of this watch is as follow: Movement: Asian 7750 modified with running second at 3 o'clock, low beat, with regulator. Chronograph central second counter and 30 minutes subdial counter. Case: Stainless Steel Crystal: Sapphire, flat, double sided AR coated. Bezel: Ceramic bezel (I was surprised at first, thought it was PVD but it isn't). Bracelet: Stainless Steel brushed. The Movement This is probably the biggest deal breaker for those prospective buyers of this watch. However, this mindset has to change. The movement maker has improved the low beat Asian 7750 on this piece. It's now much cleaner, lubricated and second at 3 has similar construction to Blackbird higher beat movement (i.e. jeweled). The best part is, the regulator is working. So, you can have my words, this should not be a problematic movement. Time keeping wise, it's about 20 seconds fast per day without any adjustment. I was able to bring it down to +2 seconds per day by using the fine adjuster. The Crystal AR coating is of course not as good as aftermarket AR but it's definitely a big plus on this watch. It's double sided coated sapphire crystal. The Tachymeter Bezel What a big surprise for such a subtle watch. This comes with real ceramic bezel. Look at the ceramic engraving (grey colour not white). It's not painted so the bezel won't fade off. I used the usual test by scratching it using my key. Metal bits were left on the bracelet, easily washed. Not a single scratch left. The Inner Rotating Bezel Like the genuine article, this a bidirectional inner rotating bezel. Very smooth like Navitimer's bezel but hard enough not to be turned accidentally. The triangle mark is also lumed but not so perfect here this can be fixed). The Case Stainless Steel brushed, polished. A very nice combo. This watch is not meant to be a Breitling for Bentley GT bling. Solidly constructed, has a nice heft on it and doesn't have any sharp edges. Even the chronograph pushers are well machined. My yardstick of measuring: it's sharp enough but won't be able to cause injuries. The Dial Circular pattern on the dial with polished marks. Lume applied is pretty decent and even. However, it's nothing like the real SuperLuminova C1 (like the gen). Both hands are also lumed but they don't glow brightly. There is a big upside on this area. This watch comes with correct datefont (ETA font). This is definitely the case as in genuine article. The Caseback Engraved with proper wordings but has not had the chance to compare with the genuine article. It is written properly xxx/3500 The Bracelet Brushed stainless steel bracelet compliments this watch well. It consists of 5 links part with push pin adjustment (unlike Omega Seamaster bracelet, this one is pretty easy to adjust). The non flat design is pretty unique, giving the watch one of a kind look. The clasp is also engraved with Tag Heuer branding and doesn't have any sharp parts. The Verdict Let's have the verdict first and the pictures later. Strap and clasp: (max. 10 points) Nothing to complain here. Easy to adjust, seems clean and flexible at the join. Add a nice weight to the watch. 9 Operation: (10) Flawless chronograph function, working inner rotating bezel. 9 Case: (10) Very well made case, sharply cut and well define just like the genuine article. Caseback engraving is done very well too without "unfinished" part. Engraving looks deep enough. The real ceramic bezel is just cr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitalnrg Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 Excellent review takashi. This was my 1st rep and I must say it's scary accurate to a gen. The bracelet on this one is 10+, not like the crappy carrera bracelet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoTone Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 Excellent! Thank you so much for taking the time... Double T . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmStaFF Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 great review Takashi, thanks mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornerstone Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 Great review! Thank you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxim Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 Very Very informative, has me considering one now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coolfire Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 You know what taka mate? You just made me wanna get one...! Excellent review! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By-Tor Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 Awesome writeup Taka, this article has been "immortalized" in the TAG Guide, in all rep forums. I'm among the biggest TAG fans in the community. Some TAGs really impress me... and this watch is a stunner as well. Somehow they manage to mix classic lines and ultra-modern styles in their design... successfully. In many ways, TAG is the most innovative watch brand of the "big four" at the moment (Breitiling, Omega, Rolex, TAG). Watch people who say that model lineups like Aquaracer, Monaco, Link, Autavia and Carrera don't deserve "respect" should get their heads examined. I mean, what there is not to like in a modern & adventurous design like this... watch world would be hell of a boring place if everyone wore just black and white steel Subs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThinkBachs Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 I don't know if this helps or hurts... Gen with blue background, rep as shown in the photo above with white background as best as I could match them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
negru Posted February 18, 2009 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 Hello guys, I am quitq new in this domain of replica watches, I have this watch and I am not sure about the mechanism of this watch, I don`t have time to go to a watchmaker, can anybody tell me what movement mechanism can I have inside this Tag Heuer Slr ? Thanks in advance PS : I heard that I have myota mechanism, but I am not sure.... Here is the picture of the watch : http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/2/...g&srv=img34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takashi Posted February 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 I don't know if this helps or hurts... Gen with blue background, rep as shown in the photo above with white background as best as I could match them up. The image is computer generated (but very well made). Still I wouldn't draw the conclusion that the gen is bigger in size with different date window spacing, dial marker, hands, bracelet end link and crown shape. I will check it out and report back. Thanks for the compliments. Here is a picture of the gen, posted on RWI: It looks pretty accurate IMHO, different from the computer generated image. @negru: No, it doesn't come with Miyota movement/quartz movement. This one is slightly better replica with Asian 7750 modified with running second at 3 o'clock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shkolnik Posted February 18, 2009 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
negru Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 The image is computer generated (but very well made). Still I wouldn't draw the conclusion that the gen is bigger in size with different date window spacing, dial marker, hands, bracelet end link and crown shape. I will check it out and report back. Thanks for the compliments. Here is a picture of the gen, posted on RWI: It looks pretty accurate IMHO, different from the computer generated image. @negru: No, it doesn't come with Miyota movement/quartz movement. This one is slightly better replica with Asian 7750 modified with running second at 3 o'clock. Aha, ok mate, and thanks, anyway I will go to a wacthmaker to see what movement do I have, anyway I am thinking to buy a watch wich is not a replica, If I will can afford,. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takashi Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Ah on your watch, it's most likely to be the much cheaper movement (Asian 21j). The case, dial, etc. are not accurate at all. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadtorrent Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 I was just at the AD and saw this...and now I see the review. Great stuff!! Thanks Taka. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relox Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 I was just at the AD and saw this...and now I see the review. Great stuff!! Thanks Taka. Then, Toad, we may say this Tag is your fate. Get one or you will find it wherever you go. Watches are that way and you know it: they resemble women and, like women, there is no exit when they want you... relox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strattakan Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 2 things: 1 - in the photoshop comparison made by ThinkBachs, the AD pic was shotted using one type of lens, and the takashi using other. Looking for the pics, the takashi one have much "eye-fish"effect. Just note the crown angle in both pictures. 2 - Where the hell is the wrist shot, Takashi??? wanna this pic urgent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caracarnj Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 You know what taka mate? You just made me wanna get one...! Excellent review! Man Taka, I want one too now!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronoluvvv Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 very well done Thanks for posting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caracarnj Posted February 25, 2009 Report Share Posted February 25, 2009 Taka, any idea about the quality of the rubber strap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takashi Posted February 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2009 Ah yes, missed out on the mandatory wrist shot. Anyway, I went to the AD at VivoCity to check. This watch is very accurate. A couple of flaws: sunken datewheels on rep, AR too blue and slightly bolder text on chapter ring for the gen. Rubber is good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morlock Posted February 26, 2009 Report Share Posted February 26, 2009 Takashi, good review. Thanks You know guys, I am NOT a TAG fan, but you are not helping me holding my none-supported dislike to TAG. Great watch, great pictures, you are breaking my resistance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caracarnj Posted July 5, 2009 Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 Finally got Takashi to sell me this gem of SLR (relumed C1 just like the GEN, bezel re-adjusted to 12 o'clock position perfectly and date wheel changed and all else cleaned up!) @ the gtg yesterday! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenzalrhomb Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 Hiya Tak could you tell me where this watch was bought from originaly. Or anyone else who knows these well reccomend who has the best possible with asian 7750 and rubber strap. Im thinking of the one from Eurotimez it's the best looking to my inexperienced eye. Thanks. Russ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercury Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 I've always wanted one of these but the 45mm size might be a bit big for me and no AD's carry it. Such a shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.