I have never been a fan of Tags but I like the Carrera. But I think there is better choises. I think Oris TT1 date diver is a better watch beacause Oris is more in divers than Tag. And I think Oris TT1 is cheaper than the Tag.

 

Alot of WIS regard Tag as a fashion brand. People know that you're wearing Tag. I like their 1884 line very much.

 

I feel seiko is a better choice, if you spend more on the seiko you can get a really good value. Why not look into investing in a spring drive?

 

You want my opinion? $2,100 USD is way too much money to pay on a product from a "watch company" that is nothing more than a fashion designer. By that I mean that all Tag Heuer does is design the watch case and watch dial. The movement inside your $2,100 USD Tag Heuer will be a $100 USD ETA movement. Sure, they will make it look nice by putting some ornamens and the Tag Heuer name on the movement, but that's about as much watchmaking as you will get for your $2,100 USD.

If I'm spending several thousands on a watch, I expect the company to have their own in-house movement.

 

While I agree with some of what you said, I disagree with a lot of it. Yes, a Tag is more of a designer brand that uses off the shelf ETA's, but so is Steinhart, Xetum and dare I say Panerai and Omega (pre in house movement days). So what! Fact is the first thing that attracts us to a watch is its design and many Tag's do this well. What you're paying $2100 for is the process by which an idea becomes a design and the design becomes a consumer product. It's called R&D.

As for Tag's themselves, the only one I'd buy would be a Carrera Day Date because I simply like its design.

For the most part, watches preferences are dictated more by styling preferences over pure function anyways. So if the Tag is calling out to you, then go for it. I don't really buy into the whole "watchmaker" vs "fashion watch" debate since these are luxury items anyways and you should get what you enjoy. Having owned hundreds of divers from all sorts of companies, I have found that the true worth of a watch is how it makes you feel when you wear it, not specs or what other people think of it.

+1

 

For the most part, watches preferences are dictated more by styling preferences over pure function anyways. So if the Tag is calling out to you, then go for it. I don't really buy into the whole "watchmaker" vs "fashion watch" debate since these are luxury items anyways and you should get what you enjoy. Having owned hundreds of divers from all sorts of companies, I have found that the true worth of a watch is how it makes you feel when you wear it, not specs or what other people think of it.

 

its true many regard TagHeuer as fashion brand.
I do like a few still including the Aquaracer.
But there are others I'd choose before TAgHeuer. IMO

Also there are some Tags with Caliber 1887 that is Seiko licensed.

Caliber 1887 39 jewels, column chrono, 50 hours reserve, +/- 4 sec/day. the movement is actually a modified Seiko 6S37 that TAG Heuer licensed for their internal modification and use

 

I was actually checking out Aquaracers not too long ago myself. First of all, no matter how the opinions here may differ, Tag is not a fashion brand. Secondly, if you have the itch for a Tag, asking the opinion of Seiko owners may not really get you the advice you're looking for, better to open this in Public. My advice: Tags are all over,get out to the ADs and the Dept stores and start trying them on. Don't concern yourself with the price at first. See if you like the watch, then try to determine if you like it enough that it justifies the price. If you love it, you'll pay for it. Personally, I wasn't impressed with the 300m Aquaracers that went for $2100. I liked the Carrera line better except that was out of my budget at the time. I ended up going for a Longines Hydroconquest as an alternative, and was glad I did. Imo, better build quality, much better bracelet. Also about $700 less. Again, if you have an itch for a brand, research and determine if it's for you.

 

Since you haven't told us what Seiko diver you bought back in 2005; any answers that you have gotten so far are pretty much just opinions based on brand favourites or rationalized status.

If you're looking to be noticed; buy the TAG but if you really care about the watch and what is inside, then the TAG is over priced by comparison to even your $500 Seiko(whatever it may be).

 

Sorry about that. It's a Seiko SHC041 - stainless steel, dark gray face with the stem at an angle to the face.

 

Last week I was at a Tag AD and looked at a $2100.00 Aquaracer. By the time I left (without it) the dealer reduced the price to $1650.00 . Don't pay retail .

 

I don't think of TAG Heuer as a fashion brand, and I love the look of their Aquaracer line across the board.

But, until they fix the design flaw with their screwdown crowns, I won't be buying one.

Basically, TAG Heuer along with Breitling, Oris, and Omega use tiny threads inside the crown which are ridiculously easy to strip. However, the problem is most common with TAG's Aquaracer line. And once the threads get striped, TAG won't cover the cost of repair under warranty. They'll fix it for you, for around $300. Some independent watch makers will charge about $100 to cut new threads.

I'm sorry but it's ridiculous to pay more money for a diver's model that is actually more fragile than the one you already own, and that cost you less. Until TAG gets their act together, they won't be seeing any of my money.

 

In terms of value, it probably won't be as great as your Seiko (depending on the model). But if the Aquaracer speaks to you, you should find a place to see it in person. Should you expect 4 times the watch? Probably not. But if you love it, then it's probably going to be worth it.

 

Personally, I follow the James Bond principle in my choices of watches. Basically, it must have the ability to go from a dressy trinket to a weapon in a flash. And it must be tough enough to withstand any scratches and banging from desks and tables and stuff. With that in mind, I own a Kirium. Doesn't really fit the above requirements but it was a moment of weakness and I liked how it looked. Still do. I own a Bond Seamaster which perfectly fits said requirements. Also own a 007J on a SuperOyster. Perfection in my own personal opinion. It's been said here again and again. Buy what you like, wear what you want. And, really, how many people are you going to meet that will know the difference between a coaxial escapement and a tourbillon? Or the differences between ETA movements and the Spring Drives? Or what the heck is an ISOFrane? If you can swing a $1200 piece, then go for it. If not, then don't. Cause when it all comes down to it, all watches do the same thing: tell time. Some do it better than others. But it's still time. And how it looks on you...well, that all depends on you. So, Tag or Seiko? Does it really matter? As long as you feel good wearing it? And, by the way, how's that 6-yr old Seiko of yours doing?

 

I personally don't like Tags because I too regard them as a fashion brand. Pay too much for too little watch. Most of their watches are also at the pricepoint where you can find a better watch for the same amount or a hair more. But watches appeal to 99% of people with their looks before what is thought about what is under the hood. For $2100 you have ALOT of options swiss or japanese.

 

I think you'll get a lot more bang for your buck from a Seiko, it won't need to be serviced near as often, all in house movement and durability. There are so many beautiful Seiko's in the price range or less than the Tags your looking at.

 

x2
more bang for the buck with seikos...|> they might not be as glamorous to most and might even be snobbed by the next guy wearing an Aquaracer...o| but deep down inside, you know you got a better watch! :-!my opinion only of course...

with your budget, you get really, really nice seikos already! check out the Sumo for starters (SBDC001, 003, 005). in fact you can get all 3 fantastic divers for the price of an Aquaracer... for a little bit more, may want to consider the marinemaster 300:
SBDX001 AUTOMATIC 300M DIVER
also consider Orient watches -- their Orient 300m Saturation diver is a blast!

i'd also consider other brands like Sinn, Oris, etc..

BUT....

if you really, really like the Tag, then you should get it!!!! after all that is said, if the watch sings to you, then get it! DO NOT BUY IT THOUGH AT THE RETAIL PRICE! haggle a bit and for sure it can go down!

goodluck buddy! damn! wish i had you're dilema!:-!

 

Add about $200-$300 to your $2100 TAG price and you can get a brand new Seiko MM300. Now that is a watch with a fashion statement with an awesome movement inside.

 

I think if where your looking at is charging you $2100 for the Tag Heuer AquaRacer your getting hosed also, as there all over the place online for $500 less, but I'd still go for a Seiko I think you'll find they just have better movements with less maintenance. If you don't particularly need it as a diver look at the Seiko SARB line most are still rated at 200m and use the same movement as the Seiko Sumo which I think beats any Swiss watch in the $2000 range running a ETA movement like the AquaRacer.

 

I'm really interested in the Aquaracer line. Can you please let me know where this $500 Aquaracer can be bought? The cheapest I can find is about $800. Thanks!

--> I misread your comment. Its $500 less and not $500. Thanks.

 

Saw an Aquaracer 300m at Costco this weekend for I think $1350. At that price it's not a bad watch and it will get you noticed. The looks didn't speak to me, but YMMV.

For similar money you can get other watches that can match or beat it feature for feature, but no name recognition. However, it's hard to look at it as a prestige watch when it's for sale at a discount warehouse.

 

Saw an Aquaracer 300m at Costco this weekend for I think $1350. At that price it's not a bad watch and it will get you noticed. The looks didn't speak to me, but YMMV.

For similar money you can get other watches that can match or beat it feature for feature, but no name recognition. However, it's hard to look at it as a prestige watch when it's for sale at a discount warehouse.

I've seen Breitlings for sale at Costco, along with other higher end brands. Also, just about every prestige brand can be ordered from online discount retailers such as Amazon and Overstock. Sorry I cannot see your point my friend...

 

I've had my share of Tags, including a Carrera and a quartz Aquaracer 500m. Eventually sold both and now I'm a regular lurker and occasional poster at the Seiko forums. I began to perceive Tag as a fashion and luxury brand. Truth be told, my tastes have changed, I have become more practical, and I've had it with playing the "prestige game" with watches and pretty much anything else in life.

Seiko is more sensible. More of your dollars go into the watch and not to heavy marketing, advertising, endorsers and payroll of snooty boutique personnel.*

Have a look at the Seiko Sumo. I have no experience with one but it has a good following here at WUS so that should mean something. At $600+, it's less than 1/3 of your Tag Aquaracer budget.


=====
*Yes, the Tag boutiques in the Philippines have people who look at you from head to toe when you enter their store. They do not entertain you if you're wearing cargo shorts and a faded shirt. They seem to judge your capability to pay by the way you look, which is just...wrong.

 

I've had my share of Tags, including a Carrera and a quartz Aquaracer 500m. Eventually sold both and now I'm a regular lurker and occasional poster at the Seiko forums. I began to perceive Tag as a fashion and luxury brand. Truth be told, my tastes have changed, I have become more practical, and I've had it with playing the "prestige game" with watches and pretty much anything else in life.

Seiko is more sensible. More of your dollars go into the watch and not to heavy marketing, advertising, endorsers and payroll of snooty boutique personnel.*

Have a look at the Seiko Sumo. I have no experience with one but it has a good following here at WUS so that should mean something. At $600+, it's less than 1/3 of your Tag Aquaracer budget.

=====
*Yes, the Tag boutiques in the Philippines have people who look at you from head to toe when you enter their store. They do not entertain you if you're wearing cargo shorts and a faded shirt. They seem to judge your capability to pay by the way you look, which is just...wrong.

same snooty sales people here in india too, best part is they no knowledge about the movement and watch and all they do is blabber marketing crap. all bunch of fools in indian showrooms and botiques

 

Heck, I think of Tag Heuer as nothing more than a fashion brand, but I'd be lying if I told you that I'm not tempted by the Carrera GMT. If I get it, I won't delude myself into thinking that my Tag is anything more than a fashion piece. It would be a purely aesthetics based choice in my part.

But us WIS got to have one or two "fashion watches" around just for fun. Come on, fess up!

 

Aside from R&D, some of that USD 2100 money (which may well be USD 1300 instead depending on how good my haggling skill is) goes to Leonardo DiCaprio.
So, a Seiko for me.

 

x2
hahahaha! as well as other stars!:-d

 

With Regards to being a "fashion brand."

Maybe it's just me, but I've always thought of a fashion brand as being one such as Kenneth Cole, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, etc.

Basically brands known for, well . . . fashion and all things related to it. Companies whose line of watches are made by watch companies. Guess watches are Timex. I've heard that the Guess top-end models are made by another watch company. Not sure if that's true or not, but most Guess watches are indeed made by Timex. Have heard that Coach watches are made by Movado. Not sure who makes Hilfiger branded watches but let's be honest, we know it's not Hilfiger.

There's a show on cable called "How is it made." A show that shows step-by-step how various items are made. Everything from RVs, to toasters, to wood cabinets, to . . . Yup, watches! And the watch that was made on the show was a TAG Heuer Carerra. From start to finish, including drop-impact testing. TAG makes their own watches. Not as though some other company makes it for them. The show didn't take the viewer through the Timex or Movado factory where the watch was being made for TAG Heuer.

As for movements, how many well-known and well-established brands use ETA movements in their watches? How many do little more than change one or two parts on a standard ETA 2824-2 movement? How many of them then refer to that as somehow being an in-house movement? I think I've made my point there. If the heart of a watch is the movement, then many models from many different brands clearly have the same "mother" and her name is ETA. They're all related to each other. Luxury brand, Boutique brand, well-known or not; all related by movement.

Also, another WUS member recently posted a topic about his tour through the TAG Heuer watch factory. If a brand has their own factory, and clearly makes as well as tests their own watches; I honestly fail to see how that qualifies them as a Fashion Brand.

With regards to perceived exclusivity.

Buy the watch, wear it on your wrist. If someone asks you about it, just drop the name of a well-known, and pricey, AD in your area. Done!

Or, if you belong to a group that values quality and the ability to get it without throwing money away in order to do so, then proudly tell your peers about the bargain you got at Costco.

 

all very good points. it begs the question- is my Tsunami a "fashion" watch because Jake uses a SII NE15? how about Helios, Doxa and other "micros"- are they fashion brands because they use off the shelf mov'ts?

also, the whole argument that if the OP's purchase of a grey-market Tag et al at Costco or any number of on-line retailers will somehow make the OP's purchase less satisfying than either A) paying full price at an AD or B) haggling with the AD like he's buying a car is pretty presumptuous, IMO.

BTW- Hilfiger is also a Movado made brand. quite a few of them at my local Movado Factory outlet. i won't bring Movado into the discussion because of the vitriol it incites among WIS (worse than Tag, even :roll

 

I owned a Tag Heuer a few years back and compared to the watches I currently own there is no comparison. Service was expensive, accuracy was good but not exceptional, bezel was not great but adequate. Don't get me wrong. Tag Heuer makes a nice watch but it's not worth the price tag. There are so many wonderful brands of watches out there to choose from at half the price and built equally if not better. If money is not a factor and you're looking to wear something on your wrist that a non watch enthusiast will recognize than purchasing a Tag may be the way to go. Spend some time on the forum. Watch lovers will turn you onto some fantastic watches you have never heard of before. Good Luck!

 

I dont think Tag watches are either better than Seiko or better time keepers, personally before considering a Tag i would consider a Seiko Marinemaster 300, now that is a fine watch!

 

Some micro brands do seem to be making their own movements. Damasko, Sinn, Nomos, and probably others. They aren't cheap at all, priced in the 3500 to 4000 USD range.

 

Good for them. I don't have a good grasp of all the micro brands and who owns them, but I imagine for a lot of these companies, Swatch's recent decisions regarding distributions of their movements has forced them to sink or swim.

I know Maurice Lacroix actually claims an in house movement, and Longines, as I recall, has been advertising their heavily modified ETA movements (as in the Retrograde and so on) as in house. Even Frederique Constant is claiming some in house movements now.

Of course, in house doesn't necessarily mean really good or even original so we'll see how this goes, but I think it's a very promising start for the Swiss watch making industry. I'm really excited as to what this'll look like in 5-10 years.

 

TAG Heuer watches are nice. Ask yourself why you want one.
There are many watches out there for half the price and the same quality.
And many out there at one tenth the price for slightly less quality.
Do realize that a good chunk of the $ you spend is going towards advertising.
And already rich celebrities and athletes. Your choice. It's all relative.