TAG Heuer is the guest of our pages with the Aquaracer Caliber 7 GMT (Ref. WAY201F.BA0927) that was added to the brand’s product line in 2017.
Some of you will remember 2017 was quite exciting and successful for TAG Heuer. After a long preparation period, the legendary model family Autavia, who reunited with the watch lovers, gathered the appreciation of the authorities as much as watch enthusiasts and once again put the brand among the stars of Baselworld of the same year.
Another Baselworld novelty when all eyes were on the new Autavia was the Aquaracer Caliber 7 GMT (Ref. WAY201F.BA0927), which attracted attention with its red/blue bezel known as Pepsi thanks to the Rolex GMT Master II model family. Let’s take a closer look at the model together which is the guest of our Hands On corner today...
The Aquaracer Collection is among the locomotive product groups of the brand. The collection, which stands out with its relatively affordable prices as well as its sporty and modern lines, especially in the entry and mid-level models, also hosts a wide range of both men’s and women’s models today.
The model we have here comes in a 43mm diameter stainless steel case. Bearing the up to date revisions applied to the Aquaracer Collection in terms of both technical and aesthetical refinements, the case is water resistant to 300 meters / 30 bars. The case is equipped with an anti-glare coated scratch resistant sapphire crystals on the front face and a solid case back that is decorated with a retro diving helmet figure on the rear face, which we are familiar with from the other versions in the collection.
The bezel, which is designed in-line with the case’s angular and bold shape, is bi-directional due to the second time zone display (GMT) feature of the model. Providing a positive feedback about the overall built quality of the model with its solid clicks, the bezel is also the models most distinguishing feature. The bezel insert is designed in 24h scale form with red/blue coloring. Despite offering an eye-catching look with its vivid colors, the bezel’s (in fact the model’s) only drawback is this insert as it is made of aluminum. Using a printed aluminum insert, which is prior to damage and aging, instead of ceramic that is being commonly used for bezel inserts nowadays is obviously not the best decision.
The dial of the model is prepared according to the current Aquaracer Collection design language. Super LumiNOVA phosphor material filled large hour markers and hands offer optimum legibility virtually at any environment. The black background provides the required contrast with accents in order to boost the legibility while offering a sporty image with the horizontal lines. The date display window is located at 9 o’clock with a cyclops added on the sapphire crystal for better legibility.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Caliber 7 GMT (Ref. WAY201F.BA0927) is powered by the Caliber 7. 21 jewels self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and offers up to 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The model features a three-link metal bracelet made of stainless steel. At the end of the bracelet is a TAG Heuer-signed push button folding clasp. Personally, I found the bracelet that came with the model to be very successful in both use comfort and aesthetics. Nevertheless, for the users looking for different alternatives let me add that there are rubber strap options in various colors in the collection.
The model TAG Heuer Aquaracer Caliber 7 GMT (Ref. WAY201F.BA0927) is available at a list price of CHF 3000.00. This figure, which I see at a reasonable level considering the brand prestige and the overall construction quality of the model, sounds a tad expensive due to that bezel insert made of aluminum rather than ceramic,. However, it does not change the fact that the model is still among the most successful alternatives of its segment.
