Diving Into the New TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date Watches
Tuesday - 04 June 2024
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 gets another makeover, this time with smaller case proportions, a new case design, a COSC-certified movement, and a newly engineered bracelet.
We’ve only had to wait two years to see TAG Heuer change things up for its successful Aquaracer Professional 300 range. Looking back at 2022, we saw some subtle changes and some that were quite drastic. Overall, these modifications enabled the Aquaracer to move forward into a new era of timekeeping, equalling the technological advancements of some of the brand’s competition. These new changes are just as exciting. Alongside a head-turning GMT version of the Aquaracer, which we’ll cover separately, we’re also treated to three new dial colours for the Professional 300. We’re covering them all here today.
The Evolution of the Legendary Aquaracer
If you’ve already been acquainted with the Professional 300 watch, you’ll know what I mean when I say this is a symbol of the brand’s adventurous and daring spirit. The watches come packed with features like 300-meter water resistance, impressive dial luminescence, and rugged bracelets that cement the design at the very forefront of affordable dive watch technology. On top of that, they are effortlessly stylish. TAG Heuer experts designed a 12-faceted ceramic bezel for the Professional 300 watch when it debuted in 2022, along with a new wave-effect dial that came in a myriad of colours. Thanks to their robustness, though, these watches aren’t confined to use underwater. They also make for great daily beaters. Capturing the Aquamarine essence that runs through the line, these models tell a story of evolution – each one crafted with a focus on legibility.
The new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date
There are a few key differences to note in the design of the new Aquaracer Professional 300 watch from TAG Heuer. Firstly, a glance at the dial will tell you that the minute track has been modified, as well as the hour hand. The latter now encompasses the brand’s iconic shield shape within its broader design. Perhaps one of the most notable changes, however, is the reworked proportions of the Professional 300 watch’s stainless steel case. The diameter has shrunk from 43mm to 42mm and the depth now sits at 12mm (a small but noticeable 0.5mm decrease). Three new colours have been specially curated to make up the new 2024 versions of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date watch; black, blue and green. All three hues are reminiscent of the underwater world but also serve with legibility in mind. Blue, for example, is the last colour to be seen underwater, whereas the vibrant orange shots seen in the second hand of the blue wave-effect dial symbolise safety - a colour that has been used throughout the history of the dive watch’s evolution.
The dials of the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date watches are equipped with a central hour, minute and second hand. The latter, as mentioned, is executed in a contrasting colour; orange for the blue dial, yellow for the green dial, and light blue for the black dial. The blue and black models come on a choice of two straps, adding considerable variety to the range. You can opt for the rugged three-link stainless steel bracelet if you want to achieve a tool-like aesthetic, or the colour-coordinated rubber bands for a sportier spin. All of the straps feature a folding clasp engraved with the famous TAG Heuer shield along with a push-button feature and a fine adjustment system. The green version only comes on a stainless steel bracelet option, which is no great issue.
Inside the new 42mm steel cases of these Aquaracer Professional 300 Date watches from TAG Heuer is the TH31-00 calibre. This is a COSC-certified movement guaranteeing accuracy of the highest standard and a very impressive power reserve of 80 hours once fully wound. Suffice it to say, this is a great weekend watch. If you own multiple timepieces and want to alternate this watch with, say, a dressier model, you can take the Aquaracer watch off the wrist on a Friday evening and not have to worry about it keeping accurate time for you. You can return to it first thing on a Monday morning to find it has kept perfect time while off the wrist.
My favourite features of the new TAG Heuer Professional 300 watches have to be the resized cases and the subtle TAG Heuer Aquaracer symbol, cleverly integrated into the hour hand. The latter is one of the more subtle changes but one that perfectly embodies the brand’s enduring spirit for creating authentic, quality timepieces. I like the fact that the brand has kept a textured pattern on the dial and the positioning of the date window at 6 o’clock under a cyclops window. While the previous models had a horizontal dial effect, these dials benefit from a lacquered finish and a wave-like pattern that gives the dial a fluid, transculent finish. Flip the case over and you’ll also see the familiar helmet depiction engraved into the surface of the steel. While it’s a shame that the watch doesn’t grant us a glimpse of the movement in motion, the helmet engraving is a true hallmark of the Aquaracer and thoroughly deserves to resume its residence there.
While unexpected, the changes to the new Aquaracer Professional 300 Date watches are a very welcomed treat for avid fans of the brand’s popular dive watch range. Perfect for all endeavours in life, but particularly for exploring new diving territory, the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 watches combine values of visual clarity, robustness and precision. If you’d like to learn more about these three new models, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team at 01335 453453 or contact us via email at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
