This new release being unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2022 by TAG Heuer is quite special, as it’s a first for the brand. The new Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is the brand’s first-ever solar-powered timepiece.
Last year at Watches & Wonders 2021, TAG Heuer revealed the reimagined Aquaracer collection. This year they are taking it a step further and giving a new meaning to the watch that’s “made for the outdoors”. The Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is a big milestone for the brand, as it will be the first time the calibre TH50-00 produced by La Joux-Perret is used in a timepiece, and will also be the first time that the “Eco-Drive” solar dial technology will be used in Switzerland.
The Aquaracer began in 1978 as a watch “made for the outdoors”. It was designed for both men and women who loved outdoor sports and adventures in nature, whether it be on land or water. The timepiece was seen as a luxury model that is versatile enough to be worn in extreme conditions.
Design:
The Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph comes in a 40mm black DLC steel sandblasted case with quite a unique bezel. The bezel insert is made from a blend of carbon and green Super-lumiNonva. This makes each individual timepiece unique and has an effect unlike each other. When the Super-LumiNova lights up in the dark, the bezel is quite stunning to look at. The sun and artificial light not only powers the movement in this timepiece but also the beautiful aesthetics of the watch as well.
The black sunray dial of the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is made to be partially transparent so that the movement can be efficiently charged from the sunrays. Including the bezel, the black hour indexes and black hands also feature Super-LumiNova which further enhances the readability of the timepiece at nightfall. With the black DLC case, this also enhances the effects of Super-LumiNova as great contrast is achieved between the case and the light-up elements of the watch.
To match the case, the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph comes with a black rubber strap which also gives the timepiece a sportier look.
Movement:
TAG Heuer states that their solar-powered movement, the calibre TH50-00, runs very efficiently, while also being a host of guaranteed benefits. With the Solargraph movement, the battery won’t need to be changed, as it is powered by the sun’s rays or artificial light. The brand states that “the movement needs only two minutes in full sunlight to keep the watch running for a whole day. When fully charged – after less than 20 hours under the sun, the watch can run for six months. If the timepiece stops working, you just need to expose it again to light for ten seconds to make it work again, thanks to its ultra-efficient recharge time”.
The run time of the watch can then be further extended to almost 3.5 years by simply putting the timepiece into Power Save mode. This can be done by quite simply pulling the crown of the watch. To create this every efficient movement, TAG Heuer collaborated with La-Joux Perret Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, which has vast experience in solar movements. Together the two companies are now using the “Eco-Drive” solar movement for the first time in a Swiss timepiece.
Marketed as a luxury outdoors timepiece, the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is certainly standing out from the competition with its new solar-powered movement. With great legibility at night thanks to the use of Super-LumiNova in a very aesthetic manner, the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is appearing to be the perfect companion, day or night!
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is available worldwide from TAG Heuer boutiques or on the brand’s e-commerce website starting from October 2022.
Reference: WBP1112.FT6199
Specification:
- Case: 40 mm
- Case Material: Black DLC steel sandblasted case
- Dial: Black sunray brushed dial
- Crystal: Sapphire Crystal, anti-reflective coating inside
- Water resistance: 200 meters
- Movement: TH50-00
- Power reserve: 72 Hours
- Strap: Black rubber strap, Black DLC steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons with adjustment link extension
