The Tag Heuer watch company was founded in 1860 in Switzerland by Edouard Heuer. As a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer, the company focuses on high quality instead of low price and uses complex automatic movements to power its products. The Aquaracer is a model of Tag Heuer watch marketed for scuba divers and water enthusiasts.

Advantage: Scratch Resistance

The clear face, or “crystal,” of most watches is made of glass. While inexpensive, this material is easily scratched if it rubs against a hard object. The Tag Heuer Aquaracer watch, however, has the advantage of a special sapphire crystal. By using sapphire instead of glass, the Aquaracer is extremely resistant to accidental scratches. In addition to this resistance, the crystal is also coated with an anti-reflective covering, improving visibility and reducing glare.

Disadvantage: Inaccuracy

The Aquaracer is designed as a luxury sports watch with a focus on craftsmanship and beauty. To showcase this classic craftsmanship, “automatic movement” is used. This type of movement uses gears, springs and an internal weight to power the watch and relies on the motion of the user’s wrist for energy.

The result is watch hand movement that is very smooth. However, the disadvantage of automatic movement is loss of accuracy. Compared to a battery powered Quartz watch, the automatic Aquaracer has less accurate timekeeping over extended periods. The Tag Heuer must be set frequently to maintain the proper time.

Advantage: Water Resistance

As its name implies, the Aquaracer is designed to be used in water sports settings, including scuba diving. As a result, the watch has the advantage of being very water resistant. Its case, crystal and mechanism are engineered to resist the pressures found at ocean depths. The Aquaracer is certified to 300 meters, or 984 feet, of underwater pressure. The “crown,” or adjustment dial, is able to screw securely into place, creating a watertight seal that protects the internal components from water damage.

Disadvantage: Price

The premium features of the Tag Heuer Aquaracer watch come at a fairly high price. According to TheWatchery.com, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the automatic Aquaracer is $2,100. For comparison, a battery powered Casio analog watch with similar water resistance retails for around $200 on the same website. The price difference illustrates the premium brand recognition associated with Tag Heuer and its status as a luxury accessory.