VIDEO: The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844 revitalizes TAG’s first diver

Zach Blass

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer line has continually been refined and modernised since its initial release back in 2004, with carbon, titianium and ceramics making their way into the collection over time. This Watches & Wonders, however, we have some beautiful irony here that will likely please buyers around the world. Among the new Aquaracer models released this year, TAG Heuer has looked back into their archives – blending the best of old and new with the Limited Edition TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to reference 844, reviving an important dive watch in the brand’s history.

This year TAG Heuer has introduced re-profiled cases across the new Aquaracer Professional 300 novelties, with a thinner case and more compact lug-to-lug measurement. The 43mm grade 5 titanium case is only 1mm larger than the original ref. 844 and shares a similar case shape as well. That being said, modern elements have been introduced in this tribute – including a polygonal 12-sided black gloss ceramic bezel and 300 metres of water resistance (100 metres more than the original). In terms of its finish, the case primarily features a rich satin brush with tapered polished bevels on each of the lug hoods. The dial is tweaked from the standard production models to reflect the look and feel of the original 844, and TAG Heuer has done a great job of recreating the emotion of the original dial with a few minor differences.

The black matte dial has a grained texture to it that gives the slight impression of a freshly paved road. Framed within the printed outer minutes track are the applied hour markers, red-printed 24 hour scale, and central hours, minutes, and seconds hands. The red 24 hour scale, matte black dial, and old radium colored SuperLuminova® really work well to evoke the original 844 diver. Where it differs most visibly is the calendar complication. The date aperture has moved from it’s original station at 3’, and is now found in the more symmetrical 6’ position. The aperture is also now magnified for the wearer with a cyclops lens on the sapphire crystal. The cathedral handset of the original has been switched to a simpler style, with the trade-off being greater visibility of the hands. The last two small deviations from the reference 844 are the applied Tag Heuer logo at 12’, which was printed on the original, and the move from circular hour markers to polygonal markers that mimic the shape of the bezel.

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to reference 844 comes outfitted on a black rubber strap that aerates the wrist with polygonal cut outs – again mimicking the bezel form. The strap has a good amount of positions to fix the deployant clasp too, so once the strap is cut and sized it should be an incredibly pleasant and lightweight wear on the wrist. The clasp also features 1.5 cm of extension that can be manipulated even while on the wrist.

Inside the watch, underneath the engraved solid screw-down caseback, is the TAG Heuer caliber five. Based on the ETA-2824-2, this automatic daily diver has a power reserve of 38 hours – so while not the longest power reserve you can rest assured that the robust movement will perpetually run while worn. As a fitting tribute to the reference 844, Tag Heuer’s first foray into the divers’ category, only 844 pieces will be made of this limited edition – so it would be best to inquire about the watch sooner rather than later.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844 price and availability:

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844 is AUD$6300 and is limited to 844 pieces worldwide. For more details, visit TAG Heuer right here.

Made in partnership with TAG Heuer. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.