APPEALINGLY-RETRO
Adornments from days gone by alongside others more up-to-the-minute are mixed perfectly well to infuse this timepiece that’s totally at ease on land and at sea with a wonderfully timeless look.
This year, TAG Heuer gives its dive watch launched back in 1978 a fresh breath of life by optimizing its wearer-friendliness. To pay tribute to the first-ever model, an Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844 series was produced as a limited edition. In a nutshell, the watchmaker combined a fine-tuned, sturdy yet light, up-to-date 43 mm-diameter case crafted in grade 5 titanium and waterproof to depths of 300 m with stylistic details from the original diver. On the opaline black dial, two large-sized hands hover over an hour chapter comprising hexagonal-shaped indexes amongst others. All these features are topped with the old beige Super-LumiNova® created using a base of green- or blue-glowing radium. We also discover the red 24-hour scale that already existed at the end of the 1970s. This scenography is encircled by a twelve-sided unidirectional bezel hosting a black ceramic insert. The ever-so round watch of yesteryear has been redesigned to offer better grip.
Like the other references in the collection, the time data is driven by the Caliber 5. This movement also powers a date set at 6 o’clock. A magnifier embedded in the sapphire crystal ensures data reading is but child’s play. This selfwinding movement, vibrating at a frequency of 4 Hz, delivers a power reserve of at least 38 hours.
To boost the vintage style even more, each of the 844 pieces issued comes with a perforated rubber strap, attached by a folding clasp, equipped with two safety pushers.
Price: EUR4,100 www.tagheuer.com
By Dan Diaconu