Is Tag Heuer a Good Watch?

Before you buy one, read this in-depth answer to the question, “Is TAG Heuer a good watch?”.

I have a confession. Until a few months ago, I had no idea how to pronounce the name TAG Heuer. In fact, I probably made myself look like a complete idiot in front of fellow watch enthusiasts. “Hey, did you check out the new Aquaracer watch by TAG “Heeuwer?”. I know, right? It’s bad. But the thing is, for the last ten years of my life, I’ve been reading about TAG Heuer (TAG HOY-ər) watches. I’ve been writing about the brand an awful lot, too. I’ve even had the chance to try a few on and review them. But seldom do I hear people speak the name. 

That can happen occasionally with watch brands. Patek Philippe becomes “Patek,” just like TAG Heuer becomes “TAG.”  Moreover, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak becomes “The Royal Oak,” and the Omega Speedmaster becomes “Speedy.” 

Enthusiasts can converse about the Submariner or Daytona without even needing to speak the word “Rolex.” It’s something we call watch lingo. And if you just so happen to be a brand whose models do the talking, you know you’ve made it big. A brand name that needs not one mention because the likes of its dive watch or chronograph design are famous enough? Well, that’s the ultimate goal. So, where to start with the topic “Is TAG Heuer a good watch brand?”. This introduction may have already answered that question. But let’s take a deeper look.

Is Tag Heuer a Good Brand?

The quick answer is yes. But, it’s impossible to discuss the topic “Are TAG Heuer watches good” without looking at who the brand is and what it represents. Where does this successful manufacturer of sports watches stand in the world of Haute Horlogerie? Let’s rewind to 1860. 

Innovation came naturally to TAG Heuer company founder Edouard Heuer. One reason he submitted his first patent in 1869 was the keyless winding system. It’s one of many patents, but it holds significance to the company because it changed the course of watchmaking forever. During the 1880s, TAG Heuer patented its first chronograph and improved it with an oscillating pinion. Advancements in accuracy soon followed with the brand’s first wrist-worn chronograph in 1914, along with the Mikrograph and Semikrograph. These latter two models could display timings of a 50th and 100th of a second, respectively. 

In addition to becoming an official timekeeper for the Olympics, TAG Heuer enjoyed a run of success with some of its most famous models. These include the Carrera, the Monaco, and the Autavia, which leads us to an excellent conclusion. TAG Heuer is a reputable brand with a catalog brimming with world-renowned avant-garde designs. The brand’s diverse portfolio includes robust dive tools, motorsport watches, iconic chronographs, and smartwatches. Above all, these watches are collectible for their precision and accuracy, especially the brand’s chronographs. The TAG Heuer name is also synonymous with many respectable partnerships and several ambassadors. The brand has cemented its massive presence in the sporting world. Intrigued? Read on.

Is Tag Heuer a Luxury Watch?

So, “Is TAG Heuer a luxury watch”? Yes, in every sense of the word. Price-wise, a TAG Heuer watch can vary from a very affordable $1000 to a more indulgent $26k watch. That said, a TAG Heuer watch’s price is relative to its technology and complexity. More often than not, it will reflect the level of craftsmanship behind each unique design. Unless it’s just a covetable vintage model, of course. TAG Heuer anchors itself deeply in the heart of luxury watchmaking. It occupies the middle ground between entry-level and high-end timepieces, bringing accessibility to a large proportion of sports watch collectors. 

However, price is not the only thing determining whether TAG Heuer is a luxury brand. Factors like craftsmanship, build quality, and materials also come into play when classifying a luxury timepiece. You never have to worry about Tag Heuer quality. The Swiss watchmaker, famous for its square-faced Monaco watch, selects high-grade materials and makes some of its own movements. The brand uses stainless steel, ceramic, gold, titanium, and carbon and dabbles in lab-grown diamonds. These materials, combined with state-of-the-art watchmaking technology, make TAG Heuer a strong contender in the realm of luxury watchmaking. 

Tag Heuer Watches: Review

TAG Heuer is a brand that intrigues many people. Despite being relatively long in the tooth, its designs look wholly modern. Most people want answers to questions like “Is TAG Heuer a good watch?” or “Is TAG Heuer a good brand?”. The only way to answer those kinds of questions is to provide a thorough TAG Heuer watch review. 

The world-famous chronograph manufacturer has specialized in quality timekeeping instruments for over 160 years. When comparing its age and expertise with similar brands, that unquestionably stands for something. Many of its distinctive designs have racing DNA. This is thanks to a brand heritage that points back to lots of experience in dashboard instruments for cars and aircraft. 

These include the iconic Carrera and the highly covetable Monaco watch. However, over decades, its heritage and growth have allowed for opportunities like its smartwatch range and innovative plasma technology. Groundbreaking milestones like this enable TAG Heuer to appeal to a broad audience. Whether young, old, a dive enthusiast, pilot, or professional Formula 1 racer, there’s a TAG Heuer watch for everyone. 

To explore TAG Heuer watches in-depth, let’s look at some of its most popular designs. 

Is the Tag Heuer Monaco a Good Watch?

There are no two ways about it: the TAG Heuer Monaco watch is an industry icon. As one of the first automatic chronographs, its square, functional, and unique design became an instant hit with sports watch fans. Fast-forward two years, actor Steve McQueen wore it on his wrist in the classic film Le Mans, boosting its status even more. 

One of the interesting things about the TAG Heuer Monaco is that it comes in an option with a left-sided crown. The 9 o’clock crown is ideal for those looking for something close to the original. Since 2019, the brand has also been fitting its Monaco design with the Heuer 02 caliber – an in-house movement. 

This legendary square chronograph has some very distinctive attributes. These include the square-shaped case, a classic leather strap, and “squircle”-shaped chronograph sub-counters arranged in a bi-compax layout. Price-wise, the Monaco is pretty reasonable, starting at around the $3k mark. The latter would get you an ETA movement. More covetable models ramp prices up, however.  For TAG’s Heuer 02-powered watches, you can expect to pay around 11,000 USD. 

Is the Tag Heuer Aquaracer a Good Watch?

Watch enthusiasts looking to dip their toes into the world of dive watches will want to know if the TAG Heuer Aquaracer is a good watch. And, of course, it is. It’s also affordable compared to a Panerai Submersible or Rolex Sub.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer watches promise a more than satisfactory level of water resistance. So go swimming with one. These watches won’t just hold up well in water. They’re great for dry land pursuits as well. You can truly appreciate the versatility of the Aquaracer in examples from the lady’s catalog. Some feature diamond dot detailing for the hour markers, affording a more glamorous take on the rugged dive watch. That level of decoration, combined with a steel link bracelet, easily amps the watch up to a dressier level. 

An affordable Aquaracer watch will cost around $2-5k. Pre-owned models, however, can sell for around $1.7k. 

Tag Heuer Carrera: Review

TAG Heuer is continually developing new Carrera watches, yet they always manage to retain their charm. The brand has carefully preserved all the most lovable features of the classic chronograph. The current catalog shows examples of this approach. 

Grandson Jack Heuer created this icon by taking inspiration from the deadly Mexican race track, the Carrera Panamericana. The 1963 release was ultra-readable and perfectly engineered to measure elapsed time on the track. Its shock resistance ensured a practical fit for life out on the road, and it is now in its 10th generation. 

Above all, the Carrera is just so classy. There have been many covetable vintage models that still prove difficult and expensive to acquire. This demand only further fuels the reputation and appeal of one of the world’s best chronograph designs of all time. 

Tag Heuer Formula 1: Review

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 is an entry point into the brand’s sports watch offerings. The range comprises GMT models, chronograph complications, and special edition pieces. The collection’s first model arrived in 1986, featuring a steel core and colorful fiberglass. Since then, however, several modifications have been made to the Formula 1 design, including steel bezels and improvements to the movement. 

In 2004, TAG Heuer gave the Formula 1 watch a facelift, equipping it with polyurethane bumpers inspired by F1 cars. Some models also feature PVD coatings and colorful dials. 

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph 43mm CAZ1014.FT8028

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 models are certainly beefy. They’re not the natural choice for those with small wrists, but they perfectly capture the excitement and adrenaline of the racetrack. Ideal for motorsport fans, models like this Formula 1 Chronograph bring a colorful pop to the wrist. The model features a vibrant blue dial with orange injections in the minute track, chronograph hands, and “Formula 1” lettering. These combine nicely with a matching zesty orange perforated rubber strap, capturing the prestige of the motorsports circuit.

Is the Tag Heuer Calibre 5 a Good Movement?

While researching TAG Heuer watches, you may have come across the Calibre 5 movement. It’s the brand’s way of relabelling a Swiss ETA movement. Is the TAG Heuer Calibre 5 a good movement? Yes. Just because it’s not an in-house caliber, it doesn’t mean the Calibre 5 is not accurate, reliable, and powerful. It’s not always clear whether the Calibre 5 uses the ETA 2824-2 architecture or Sellita SW200-1 in some designs. One way to identify them apart is to look at the jewel count. Not all Calibre 5 movements have COSC certification either, though some do.

Since the Calibre 5 has been in production, TAG Heuer experts have upgraded it with a newer rotor. The movement also has a 38-hour power reserve and performs at 28,800 mph. 

TAG Heuer Carrera Date WBN2110.BA0639

Representing a considerable part of TAG Heuer’s everyday elegance, the 39mm Carrera Date watch is about as classic as it comes. It’s things like the level of polishing and the sapphire crystal top that supersede other lower-priced models in the sports category. It shows that stepping up the price ladder is often worth it. That said, the Carrera Date will not burn a hole in your pocket. The build quality is impressive, and the dial is clean. This model comes on a robust stainless steel bracelet and shows the Calibre 5 movement through a transparent caseback. 

Are All Tag Heuer Watches Automatic?

So, you’re wondering whether all TAG Heuer watches are automatic? In short, the answer is no. The Swiss watchmaker offers plenty of quartz watches, including those from the super sporty Formula 1 range. 

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Quartz 41mm WAZ1118.BA0875

The smallest of the Formula 1 watch collection is a 41mm case size, which you can check out this example reference WAZ1118.BA0875. The deep blue dial color is legible and smart, adding to the watch’s sporty character. Although a non-chronograph variant, this quartz TAG Heuer watch is an easy-to-look-after companion. You won’t need to wear it to power it, but you probably won’t want it to leave the wrist anyway. Its stainless steel bracelet oozes sports-luxe appeal, and the cut-out sections on the bezel give the watch plenty of shape. 

TAG Heuer also fits a quartz movement to some of its Aquaracer models. So, to sum up – not all TAG Heuer watches are automatic. And that’s great if you’re looking for an easy, no-hassle timepiece that won’t need servicing or replacement movement parts in years to come. 

Are Tag Heuer Quartz Watches Good?

TAG Heuer watches look good and wear well, irrespective of whether they’re automatic or quartz-powered. But if you’re looking at quartz and wondering, “Are TAG Heuer quartz watches good?” here are some examples. 

TAG Heuer uses quartz movements throughout its Formula 1 watch collection. Although a confident 43mm case size, the chronograph models bring a shot of color and energy to the wrist. 

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph Quartz 43mm CAZ101AK.BA0842

The 43mm TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Red Bull Racing watch creates a huge wrist presence with its blue and black dial. Rich black-filled chronograph counters sit against a deep blue display framed by a chunky tachymeter bezel. The red “Tachymeter” bezel also pairs with the red accents of the chronograph markings. This special edition pays homage to TAG Heuer’s partnership with Red Bull Racing. It features the quartz movement behind an engraved steel case back. 

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 WBP1110.BA0627

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 is a solid choice for anyone needing a rugged tool watch for water activities. The brand equips this model with a quartz movement inside a water-resistant steel case to 200 meters. Its black dial has a distinctive horizontal striped pattern, a date window at 3H, and a set of luminous central hands. Simple and designed for both legibility and reliability, this 40mm quartz has to be one of TAG’s best no-frills designs. 

Why Are Tag Heuer Watches So Expensive?

Collectors often ask me, “Why are TAG Heuer watches so expensive?” While they aren’t the cheapest watches, the price of a TAG watch reflects factors like materials, craftsmanship, and brand provenance. The Swiss brand has a story that dates back to 1860 and a solid presence in the sporting world. Not only does the brand name stand for prestige and reliability, but it has an incredibly strong following. 

TAG Heuer watches also age well and function as much more than a mere fashion accessory. These watches double up as tough tools for outdoor use and wearing during various sporting environments. There is no guarantee that any watch made by the La Chaux de Fonds manufacturer will appreciate over time, but some certainly do. These watches make for good investments and promise to stand the test of time. 

The brand’s Aquaracer and Formula 1 watches are a better option for those adhering to a budget. However, more expensive models do exist. At the top end, you will see the Monaco and Carrera watches in the brand’s catalog. Those that TAG experts fit with an in-house movement will arguably cost more than those equipped with modified ETA movements. 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the TAG Heuer brand.

Where Is Tag Heuer From?

Edouard Heuer first opened his watchmaking shop in Saint Imier before relocating it to Brugg and then to Biel. Today, TAG Heuer manufactures its watches in La Chaux de Fonds.

Do Tag Heuer Watches Have Batteries?

Some TAG Heuer watches are the quartz type, others the brand fits with mechanical movements.

Are Tag Heuer Watches Waterproof?

All TAG Heuer watches have a waterproof rating, most ranging between 100 and 300 meters. However, models like the Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver guarantee an impressive 1000M rating. 

Do Tag Heuer Watches Hold Their Value?

Some TAG Heuer watches will hold their value well. They include models like the Monaco or Carrera. 

Is TAG Heuer a Good Watch? The Verdict

So, what’s the verdict? Are TAG Heuer good watches? The bottom line is yes. TAG Heuer watches are stylish, precise, and popular. The brand manufactures them from a selection of premium quality materials and even fits some with in-house movements. 

These watches appeal most to those who love a good-quality sports watch, and they’re accessible, too! But please learn how to pronounce the brand’s name before you recommend it!

Do you own a TAG Heuer watch? What’s your favorite model? Leave your comments below for us!