TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500 41mm Automatic Dive Watch Review (WAK2110.BA0830) - Perth WAtch

Review of this rather well-balanced Aquaracer model, featuring ceramic bezel, 500m water resistance & a helium escape valve!
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TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500 41mm WAK2110.BA0830 (feat. Calibre 5)
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Perth WAtch - Sharing my passion for horology and watches. Enjoy the videos on watch reviews, general thoughts & discussions, side-by-side comparisons, horology topics, and more!
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Prelude in C (BWV 846) Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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[@kristiansvensson2615]

Definitely the best aquaracer ever!

[@PerthWAtch]

Agreed! :)

[@andyclark6649]

This is the most comfortable watch ive ever worn,, its superb , no problems in 6 year s. Great review

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks - glad to hear you’re enjoying it!

[@patternview]

Is its comfort in any way different than the 41mm 300m ones? way2111 and way2112 for example?

[@lukesneesby8327]

I bought mine in 2014 and I’ve loved it every day since. I used to wonder if it’ll ever get old one day, but nearly 10 years later and I’m more in love with it now. I wear it all the time, and if I haven’t got it on, I worry about it. Had it in for a full service at about the 5 year mark.

[@PerthWAtch]

“Sounds like you have a special relationship with this watch and that losing it would be akin to losing a loved one” - Korg (paraphrased) 😄

[@Adrianrulz]

Bought mine in 2014. This was my first real time piece.

[@PerthWAtch]

Cool - are you still using it most days?

[@Adrianrulz]

Perth WAtch currently it’s my main watch. Although I’d like to get into other brands my Aquaracer has been my main piece.

[@treblarefils]

As far as Tag and the Aquaracer go that is my favorite aquaracer version.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks - I knew I wasn't alone in feeling that :)

[@msrp775]

Totally agree. The WAK models are definitely among the best Tags. 😄

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks :)

[@ClayBabcock]

Quality review. About 6 months ago I starting looking for a 2nd sailing watch that was a lot less flash then my go-to Omega SeaMaster Pro 300 Ti Chrono that locals seemed WAY to attracted to. While I had long ago written off any TAG watch as a possession due to their over-the-top design language, the understated aspects of this particular watch, combined with its impressive technical specs and wrist comfort/presence won me over. Its more than a regular part of rotation, and my new go-to sailing watch. I agree, the dive extension is shocking. But I comfort myself in the fact that many vintage Submariner owners are rightly proud of their perfectly capable watches with similar hardware.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that - glad to hear that you are deriving much enjoyment out of the watch! Have you checked out the new Breitling Colt? In the same vein it is impressive in specs yet pleasingly restrained :)

[@ClayBabcock]

@@PerthWAtch All good! Funny you mention Breitling... another make not known for design restraint. I've only owned one; an Aerospace. I still find the Colt too 'busy', and not really sure what it is. Diver? Pilot watch? It has elements of both.

[@PerthWAtch]

It’s a hybrid watch :)

[@rayquintanilla614]

It’s a nice solid watch and a great buy...at around $800. I really don’t hate on Tag, but I can understand where people get their frustration from. My grail watch is a Monaco “Steve McQueen” and when that is where the bar is set, you just hate to see it lowered on so many of their models. Thanks for the review Ivan.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that Ray... yeah, love the Monaco - did you see my review of it last year? I think the Autavia is also a very good piece, and if I had to pick to TAG it would be between those two.

[@BarnOwl61]

Hallo Ivan, I love this watch , almost as much as my grail watch, the Omega Seamaster . I love the hands too, no problem there. I have no problems with the bracelet and dive extension. Let be honest, who is going to use it? No, this is a very attractive timepiece! Thanks for this review!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks Joop - interesting you bring up the Seamaster, I did a head-to-head between these two pieces actually! :)

[@kyleleung333]

This series is growing on me, especially the one chronograph with big date.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that Kyle - Aquaracer chronograph with big date? Which model is that one? I gotta take a look...

[@kyleleung333]

@@PerthWAtch This baby here, kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4PEoYeMpdafl80

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha nice! Thanks!

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

You hit the nail on the head here, just a nice everyday watch. I don’t have any issue with the ‘Tag’ branding but it does divide opinion.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that! :)

[@TedCornish]

I've always been on the fence with Tag I can see the appeal but they never really float my boat. Great review though ivan

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks man... I think they have a certain style and design "DNA" which is their own, and this will not always be universally appealing.

[@TedCornish]

@@PerthWAtch I agree 100% mate. Id still wear an invicta with more of a smile though 👍👍

[@PerthWAtch]

Oh yes, me too, especially the $70 ones! :)

[@southerndrawfirearms]

Owned one of these for 4 years now. Looooove it. I bought the tag because I cant afford the submariner. One day!!

[@PerthWAtch]

Hahaha very nice :)

[@ffudrigo]

I have the exact watch, purchased 5 years ago and has had the stem break twice, maybe I'm a bit ruff lol... I do still love the watch

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that! I'm wondering... did you let it run down and have to restart a lot, hence a bit of manual winding over time? I would think the stem is unlikely to have broken twice from just the odd time adjust and 5 date corrections each year...

[@ffudrigo]

@@PerthWAtch It was hardly worn, I'm thinking it was me incorrectly adjusting the time after it had been sitting idol. Once it's fixed I think I should put it on a watch winder..

[@PerthWAtch]

Ah I see, thanks for the update and clarification!

[@marioaquilina248]

Had a Grand Carrera Calibre 36 but sold it. I liked the looks but I couldn't really get that sentimental bond with it. This one looks better but I don't plan to buy Tag in future. Great video as usual. Thank you.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that - it can such an intangible thing, that undefined 'something' that we sometimes either get or don't get with certain pieces and brands.

[@surfitli]

If you can get it for a decent price it’s fine. Personally I would get something else. I very fair review as usual.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that, I appreciate the feedback :)

[@brianpalay]

I have the GMT version of this watch (WAK211A) and I love it and wear it every day! Yeah, I know it's not in the same league as some others like Omega, but it's nowhere near the price. I picked mine up grey market for around $700 below MSRP, which in my mind solves the main issue people have with TAG, in that the prices seem a bit too high. And I do agree about the dive extension. I'm embarrassed to see much nicer ones on less expensive watches.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah that’s a good price for the watch - nice pickup!

[@pablorages1241]

..... not much of a TAG fan but i quite like these ...and I'd like a Monaco !

[@PerthWAtch]

I would love a Monaco, was so tempted to get my own when I reviewed that watch last year :)

[@poppad1187]

As a teenager in the 1990’s. I found a Tag Sport / Elegance with at the time I thought was a cool herringbone bracelet that lost a pin, It ended up being a legit Tag watch and I wore for a bit cuz people told me it was worth a bunch of cash. Looking back now it’s a horrible looking piece and I’ve never been a fan since. Looking at the new Aqua Racer , it’s not bad with that green dial but for the money I can think of many ways to spend it. So many better options at that price point. Thanks for the great video PW.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that - hanging onto something because of perceived value despite not really liking it ourself is an experience that many can relate to!

[@nunomendes2484]

Can't say i like the brand, but that's a nice Tag! I see nothing wrong with those hands. I like them.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for the feedback! :)

[@scorchinbrandon1864]

I've just aquired an identical(WAK2110) watch. It's my first luxury watch so I was a tad bit nervous being in a high end watch dealers (outsider syndrome 😂). Ended up trying on many others but both myself and the dealer agreed on this watch. Turned out to be "Great". Keeps within 1 second, looks smart and casual but most importantly makes me smile when i look at it. If i didnt have the risk of being robbed id wear it daily. :)

[@PerthWAtch]

Interesting - it was a used watch dealer then? This model was out of production several years ago

[@scorchinbrandon1864]

@PerthWAtch from what I can see they sell both new and used watches, although the condition of the watch was as if its never been worn. My insurance card says it was originally sold from Tag(york) in 2018.

[@PerthWAtch]

Very interesting!

[@dendynoviandana3185]

This is very awesome watch ever !!! And i change to rubber strap

[@PerthWAtch]

Everything is awesome!

[@MohammedZiou9]

where did you find it? the rubber strap?

[@dendynoviandana3185]

@@MohammedZiou9at tag heuer service centre authorized in Jakarta Indonesia

[@kurjan1]

I own this watch. Interesting mine came in a [wooden] box. When I wear mine regularly, I have to adjust time about once every 6 weeks...

[@PerthWAtch]

That’s great accuracy man, thanks for sharing!

[@kurjan1]

Perth WAtch Yes... way better then my Rolex. I have become a big Tag Heuer fan after suffering so many problems and very poor service from Rolex...

[@Gary-vx7gp]

The Aquaracer is a decent watch for some of the prices you can pick it up at second hand.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that man :)

[@addsahmed1726]

I got one second hand if interest (300 meter)if somebody wanted get in touch

[@yusakufudo367]

I don’t know how to compare this one over the Rolex but I feel like the quality in this one is better

[@PerthWAtch]

Outright quality not better I don’t think, but value for money, you could argue that’s better.

[@rickonstark5452]

What is your wrist size?

[@PerthWAtch]

17cm, as stated

[@andreaiacolina]

Not this specific model, but an Aquaracer is in my wishlist. I can't understand why in a lot of groups this brand is really hated. What's your opinion comparing an Aquaracer and an Aquis from Oris? Where's the best value for money and why?

[@PerthWAtch]

I think if I put this on a head-to-head against the Aquis, the Aquis would take it for sure. The main strengths are design originality & uniqueness, durability, and performance (as well as brand factor if you will) in a watch that has a lower MSRP.

[@samuelball8775]

Cheers Ivan. I think you summed it up well - regardless of what you think you know (i.e. it's a Tag)... Put this on the wrist and it seems to disappear. It could be the most comfortable watch I've worn. A great everyday piece for sure. Funny that you also mention it - it does seem to have taken styling cues from the Planet Ocean. Yep it's got those shortfalls but hey no deal breakers 😜 haha. Great review as always.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks again for the loan, I really enjoyed the time I had with it, it's a great piece! :)

[@paulbonaventura4969]

I have the newest iteration and it’s too big… makes me want to go back in time and grab this

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah I agree - current model is too big! Hahaha if I were to go back in time… getting a watch wouldn’t be first thing in mind :)

[@silverback710]

My partner has just purchased this model for me was going to go with the newer f1 or aquaracers but most are quartz so I went for something a little older I can say tho I'm way happier with this than I would be with a newer model

[@PerthWAtch]

Oh nice one… did you get a good deal? I imagine these shouldn’t appreciate so you can bargain it down

[@silverback710]

@@PerthWAtch how do you think this holds up against the newer models ?

[@PerthWAtch]

Quality and movement wise it’s pretty much the same - it’s just about aesthetic preferences and I think it is a fine choice

[@silverback710]

@PerthWAtch yeah was literally brand new just hadn't been sold and had been passed on to a jeweler so was well worth it imo

[@vincevice3729]

Best watch ever!

[@PerthWAtch]

Really??

[@henrybenrycat1]

I guess that if a watch is a piece of costume jewellery that speaks mostly of the disposable resources of the wearer, then the price tag of a Tag can for some be justified. But having looked closely at your crisp images of this watch I am left feeling that it's not surprising that some of the better quality Chinese watch makers copy such designs. The design is after all pleasing and easy to read. But so far as I can see, the Chinese can pretty well match the quality of Tag execution. And underwhelming features such as that dive extension are destined to remind the owner of an Aquaracer on a daily basis that they spent a lot but not enough to get something really well engineered. And so I'm sitting here peering through my loupe at my £67 Bliger Omega Seamaster ripoff that has so much in common with the Tag in terms of materials and design and wondering, how long will Swiss brands of tenuous provenance be able to get away with producing over priced ego massaging bangles...

[@PerthWAtch]

Thank you David, I do admire your prose there, and find myself agreeing with most of it! I would however say that there is no Chinese watch that I have come across that matches the actual quality & execution of the Tags I have handled. I have to concede though that I have not handled any Chinese watch more than a few hundred dollars in cost. Within this range, whilst it may be challenging to discern differences in appearance and surface finishing initially, IMO the difference when having the piece in hand is immediately palpable even to casual observers. Still, is this Tag worth 20x that Bliger you have in hand? That's the serious question being posed to such Swiss brands I think...

[@Asterngeisha]

The fact you condone wearing ripoffs (known in the industry as fakes) already speaks enough of your character. For the same price you could have bought a far more functional watch designed in that price range that doesn't pretend itself by being something else at the cost of quality in function and tact. You do you, but even for twice what you payed you could have a watch that might exceed the quality of some swiss brands that will survive a good knocking around.

[@cameronkane2000]

The piece being reviewed was second hand. In that market it all depends on the price. For 500-600ukp it makes sense, otherwise used Oris or even a Glycine probably has it whacked. Push pin and cheap clasp is a deal breaker ultimately.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah I think up to GBP700 is still OK for this piece, even with the weaknesses as noted. Incidentally the Glycine Combat Sub doesn't do any better in that regard (AFAIK) and has a more derivative design to boot. Oris I agree, that would have this beat.

[@jamessmith6402]

I must admit I do like an Aquaracer 👍 good review thanks Ivan 😁

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that James :)

[@pablorages1241]

I like this older model ... the new ones don't look as well made ... the face is plainer on the new ones, though the hands have more detail ... and i'm not sure I like the dodecagon bezel on the new ones ... you can get the new ones for a little over 2k and that's Australian dollarydoos ...whoops ...just found one for $1780

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that - yep I personally think the loudness of the newer design hasn't done the line favours. The more demure feel of this older model is preferable for me (and probably others), not to mention the more robust water rating.

[@Shino2600]

I don’t get the Tag hate. If at MSRP then yes overpriced, but it’s LVMH luxury brand; and yes not in house

[@PerthWAtch]

When people are able to verbalise it, the negative sentiment usually comes from the tacky marketing, some of the garish and overly large designs, and also certain controversies such as the calibre 1887 shenanigans.

[@Shino2600]

Perth WAtch true

[@junwoojang2941]

The most dressiest version of Aquaracer series. I ordered myself a used one. Let's see how it is

[@PerthWAtch]

Agreed!

[@junwoojang2941]

@@PerthWAtch update: it's pretty perfect for me lol. I agree, the bracelet clasp and the diver extension can be better, but the mixture of classy and modern looks balances perfectly. I've had previous aquaracer with aluminum bezel blue and tried on modern aquaracer line, but this is definitely the best one imo

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for the update - glad to hear you’re loving it!

[@roberthackett7513]

I've had nothing but problems with every Tag I've ever owned. I done, Omega all day long! Ya get what you pay for. Hmmm, maybe not with TH, but most of the time!

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha thanks for sharing that - sorry to hear that you haven't had good experience with TAG at all...

[@Granto-ni9qw]

Strange that got 5 tag s. Never had a problems , got a sea marster , in a super League of it's own u can not compare the to at all

[@alexsdg3441]

Hi Ivan. as you said, this is a silent yet solidly made Tag. Very general & normal looking diver watch that you can use everyday, almost like tool watch. Of course, $2800 MSRP does not make sense and it is being sold around $1000 cheaper at $1800 range for this watch. I guess that pricing is somewhat okay considering it is a TAG (sometimes we have to think how much loyalty we have to pay for big reputable brand names......). Also, as you said, there are some short comings, such as push pin, sadly looking diver's extension..etc. Maybe Tag was hoping to make that up for 500 meter with Helium escape valve, but I mean....who is going to really use that Helium valve anyway.. One out of 100,000 people or even more? Honestly, as for regular people like me, between 300 M to 500 M is just a number difference. so I guess whats left is the sales pricing compared to other brands, specially micro brands that are continuing to chip into the market shares. Steinhart with ETA, 300M..etc starting at $470. Ginault diver (which I believe it has way better bracelet, clasp and even dial and housing...etc OF COURSE, EXCEPT THE MOVEMENT) at $1400. And then, one of the best micro brand, Monta OceanKing (SW300, really really awesome bracelet & glide lock clasp) plus Rolex-like bezel at $2000. It is a no brainer to go with Monta rather than this Tag at similar price tag. I would have gone with Ginault if not for that China copy movement. (However, in spite of the controversy, Ginault is preparing to come out with ETA2824 & SW200 movements. I got to check it out on that. if they can survive the controversy... that is super interesting how it will pan out). Anyway, going back to Tag, in current market, I do not think that many will cough up $1800 for this watch because there are so many better spec'ed, better priced and more interesting watches are around....Oris comes to mind if you want to buy something of this price range and if not interested in micro brands. Just that, this Tag is very old style and boring. Yes, it is a simple solid watch, but in current market, that marketing has been gone for few years. Ivan. thanks for the review and I always appreciate your honest and interesting watch reviews. have a good day.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks Alex... good comments as usual, especially about the brand premium, and the real applicability of 300m vs 500m. This is indeed a superseded model, with the newer being more "exciting" I suppose, with their colors and all. As for whether a TAG in this form will sell, well I think there is no doubt the brand continues to be successful by business measures. A lot of this is a function of marketing, and based on the average Joe on the street, it still seems to be 1. Rolex, 2. Omega, 3. TAG. The brand presence and penetration into the psyche of the general public cannot be denied, and whilst they making progress to appeal to watch enthusiasts and aficionados with their in-house push, the larger part of their audience are not people like us it would seem...

[@AGC828]

Is this watch stil being made? This is the first time I"ve heard about it. And I do like just becasue it doesn't have dot shaped markers. It has the rectangles as on the 200. And why I haven't bought into the "seep dive depth ratings (becasuet there is no proof these watches have ever gone down anywehre near the claimed depths e.g 500m...no footage from Tag or any owner). I think the rectangles draw your tyes to the arms easier and is beett at quick glances for the time. Wondered about the wegiht of this watch...I'm guessing it's heavier than th 200 and 300??

[@PerthWAtch]

Sorry mate, if you can correct this so it’s comprehensible I’d be happy to help answer what looks to be some questions

[@TheSpritz0]

Looks cool!!

[@PerthWAtch]

It does :)

[@clairecava9065]

Nice !!! Wish I have one of these

[@PerthWAtch]

Ownership is but a button click away :)

[@v.rudeboy9829]

❤ my WAN2110

[@PerthWAtch]

Nice one :)

[@simondoutre6225]

Is that a blemish in front of the 'AUTOMATIC' print?

[@PerthWAtch]

Probably a smudge on the crystal?

[@panorama4526]

The dive extension is terrible. Had it on a Tutima. It opens without warning...

[@PerthWAtch]

This one is ok

[@MohammedZiou9]

does any one know where i can get a leather or rubber strap replacement for this model? being looking for a while couldn't find any.

[@PerthWAtch]

Just get any third party one online

[@mochol655]

I also have this watch, I wonder if I can change the strap from rubber to steel? Can u help me?

[@PerthWAtch]

Sure you can. Just have to find one that fits.

[@mochol655]

@@PerthWAtch but i cant find one on the site only the autavia ones, do these also fit on the aquaracer?

[@PerthWAtch]

Dunno man, did you ask them?

[@mochol655]

@@PerthWAtch no but I can’t find straps for aquaracer but the rubber one is also pretty nice, Im pretty young so it’s a bit sportier for me

[@LuisMendez-lk3dj]

why the discontinued it?

[@PerthWAtch]

New designs & models with bigger profits! ;)

[@RomanSipok]

Hello ! Please write who still has them in 2024. I have.

[@PerthWAtch]

My friend does :)

[@excelerater]

Band ambassadors keep TAG well overpriced

[@PerthWAtch]

An unfortunate fact!