Mark'sWRX

I know some people are getting very bored with watch threads, but I've always fancied a TAG, but they've been a bit out of my price range.

They have just launched a new model which I am on the verge of buying and just wondered:

a) Is it any good, bearing in mind it is under £800?
b) Which colour scheme looks best? I keep changing my mind!

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Man Quartz Chronograph > CAF1110.BA0804 > Swiss Dive Watch - Man Luxury Watch

I know the purists won't like the fact it is quartz and not automatic, but it's half the price and can't justify spending any more.

Opinions welcomed, please.

what would scooby do

I'd buy a second hand omega

The Dogs B******s

Something like this:- Auto Trader UK - VAUXHALL Omega 2.6 V6 24v CDX

RJM25R

iTrader: (1)

Thats anolder model Tag, just been "spruced up" a little. It's really a 2000 from the early 90's thats been re-badged the Aquaracer.

I thought it was £895 though, not under £800?

It has an ETA quartz movement IIRC, and if it goes faulty it's only £39 for a new movement (plus fitting?) outside warranty. . . .

what would scooby do

Luton turds

give over

hodgy0_2

i like it -- and for what its worth I would buy a Quartz movement on a watch like TAG/Omega

they just tell better time

Mark'sWRX

Thanks for that. I had a feeling it was an old model, hence the budget price.

Strangely it's £795 in 2 jewellers and £1095 in 2 others. Don't know what the RRP is.

I suppose if I like it and it's cheap to fix, then it doesn't matter it's an old design.

Mark'sWRX

Cheers. I think so too. It also means I don't have to keep winding it up if I don't wear it every day (which I won't). The automatics are twice the price. There must be a reason people are willing to pay that. Is it just snobbery?

Which colour scheme do you prefer?

fatscoobfella1

iTrader: (1)

Its not snobbery..

A quartz watch is just a circuit board with hands..£10 quids worth a best,you pay the rest for bragging rights of the brand you have on your wrist.

An automatic on the other hand is a piece of mechanical engineering,not only is it a supurb piece of design,its also a wonderous to look at if you ever see it working.

Personally i would think it best to invest your £800 in a proper watch..

RJM25R

iTrader: (1)

Pray tell, where did you see it for £795??

MattW

Bought one of these a month ago, and within your budget.

http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/webapp/...24_42136_p.pdf

Also try looking at Ball, some of their models within budget.

Failing that if you really want a Tag, go to the Tag outlet at Bicester as you'll get the above for < 450/500.

RJM25R

iTrader: (1)

They are ex-display I believe or customer returns?

I have a contact at LMVH in Worsley who can do something similar for "imperfects"

MattW

Not sure. The ones I saw there tended to be the previous years model. I bought one for the wife that was £1500 rrp for £700, the later model was a slightly bigger design. They had several boxed in the shop.

The Aquaracer hardly changes though.

RJM25R

iTrader: (1)

The guy at LMVH told me that they do class anything "out of date" as imperfect (Even if they are mint, unworn!)

I got an £895 aquaracer for exactly half price in 2007 when they replaced the flat bezel with the 2000 series "knobbly" bezel. It said "inperfect" on the receipt from Tag but it was brand new.

A guy I know got a Monza Chrono for £995, when they were £19995 in Ernest Jones

yoza

I dont like Tags, I owned an F1 and a 2000 series and the bezel pip would not line up with 12 o,clock...its put me off for life.

Dont be put off by it being Quartz, but you may find that later on you will want to own an auto.

I find that if I buy a model lower down the pick range I always wish that I had waited and bought that one.

Look in at your local CostCo, the Liverpool branch have two Aquaracers in but I didnt note the price....but their Omeag Seamaster chrono was £400 below RRP so maybe worth a look.

I will be passing CostCo today, this will give me an excuse to pop in...

MattW

Bargains, even if there was a rogue 9 in there

hodgy0_2

i suppose I am a bit biased -- I have the old 2000 Chrono series

very similiar to this (although my bezel is slightly different)



and I love the colour scheme -- but tbh I think they all look good (in the link) certainly no "car crash" schemes
but the black is prob the nicest in my mind

I do hear what the other posters say about the mechanical integrity of automatics. and thats why if I was going automatic I would do it on a "proper" watch like a Rolex etc

Mark'sWRX

Ok guys. Thanks for all the feedback. I would love a top of the range automatic, but I would just be so nervous about scratching it etc. I already worry about my £200 Seiko, so I'll have to work my way up gradually.

My money is coming from an insurance payout, so I have to buy it from a high street jeweller, which rules out s/h, online and probably outlets.

By the way, RJM25R: it is £795 in Goldsmiths and Watches of Switzerland and £1095 in Leslie Davis and Ernest Jones.

MattW

Ernest Jones sell both Ball and Hamilton btw. Get yourself a nice auto

Mark'sWRX

The Ball models I like are £1800-£2k (autos admittedly), but I will pop into town and have a better look as some of the Hamiltons.

Cheers.

JPL

+1 Get an auto, if you're spending a lot of cash spend it on a decent piece of work, not just a brand.

You can get watch winders for £20 on ebay.