The top 5 TAG Heuer watches of 2021, with a focus on the redesigned and more refined Aquaracer

Andrew McUtchen

There was a curious response to our Instagram post about one particular model in the new Aquaracer Collection. It’s the Limited Edition of 844 pieces based on a Heuer model, reference 844 from 1978. A couple of days ago, we posted it side by side with the model that inspired it.

Now, for me, this new version is not a contentious watch to like. Sure, some of the hallmarks of the Aquaracer – the cyclops at 6 in particular – are idiosyncratic to say the least. But, really, a robust dive watch at a good price point with attractive classic dive watch nuances is hardly breaking any mold.

new 2021 TAG Heuer aquaracer watches 844 heuer limited edition — The TAG Heuer Monza was one of the first contemporary reissues to feature heavy use of ‘fauxtina’ on the hands and indices, giving it an aged look, alongside shiny modern finishings.

In a similar vein to the Monza from several years ago, or the more recent ‘No Time To Die’ Omega Seamaster 300M, this Limited Edition Aquaracer ref 844 is a resolutely modern take on a still outwardly vintage-themed watch. The shorthand for this is that all three have been slathered with thick pastings of biscuity faux-patina on the lume plots. All three maintain the shapes and dial motifs of previous models. All three have been wildly successful.

This post, I should add, has been no different. It is, in fact, the most popular post of Watches & Wonders, 2021. All of this is to say, though, that for every person that loved it, there was one that would have preferred a 1:1 remake of the 1978 ref 844. While I can understand this point of view, just look at the riotous success of the Black Bay ’58, I can also think of plenty of examples of astonishingly popular watches that offer what I call ‘vintage car looks with new car smell’; these are watches that take a motif from the past, and drive it with confidence into the future.

There are, of course, four other watches to check out here. We hope you enjoy this new first quarter crop of TAG Heuer watches.