TAG Heuer released the last generation of TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT divers in 2021. That’s not long ago, but the brand must be listening to the market. Updated versions are here today with new dials, smaller cases, and significant mechanical changes. The outgoing models were already compelling, which makes these new versions even more intriguing.
TAG Heuer’s releases from the prior decade disappointed many watch enthusiasts, so I was skeptical when the brand announced the new Aquaracer Professional 300 in 2021. Thankfully, the watch ushered in a new era, and most TAG Heuer releases since that time have been quite good. Today’s news relates to the largest case size in the lineup and affects the Date and GMT versions. There’s much to unpack here, so settle in for the details!
Let’s begin with the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT Date models as these will likely be the volume leaders. TAG Heuer has introduced three new variants with stainless steel cases. There are versions with either a three-row bracelet or a rubber strap. Even though the watches look very similar to their predecessors, they have new cases. The diameter has dropped by 1mm to 42mm, and the thickness is up by 0.5mm to 12mm. The lug-to-lug is wearable at 48mm.
Regarding dial choices, TAG Heuer offers a black sunray dial with a light blue seconds hand, a navy-blue sunray with an orange hand, and a green sunray with a yellow hand. The strap options match the colors of the dials and are limited to the black and blue versions. Note the move away from the former dials with their horizontal lines. Now the dials resemble waves. The indexes look larger but retain the general shapes. The hour hand is now segmented, and the outer minute track is less fussy.
The new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT Date contains two colors of Super-LumiNova that are noticeable in the dark. Matching the blue-glowing minute and seconds hands is a luminous triangle at the 60-minute mark on the unidirectional dive bezel. TAG Heuer has elected to keep the internally mounted magnifier over the date window at 6 o’clock. Other features include a screw-down crown and an all-steel case back with a diver’s helmet in relief.
The new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT Date and GMT watches represent a significant upgrade over previous models. Smaller case sizes, more than double the power reserve, and a chronometer rating sum up a worthy contender among dive watches. These Aquaracers also remain attractive and modern with their updated dials and colorways. Finally, in what is a refreshing move compared to most brands, the small price increase means they’re quite competitive.
TAG Heuer is renowned for its automotive heritage and racing chronographs, but the brand also boasts a strong nautical and water-sport legacy, particularly with its Aquaracer dive watch collection. Introduced in 2004/2005 as the direct successor to the 2000 series, the Aquaracer line has become a cornerstone in TAG Heuer’s portfolio. The collection was fully revamped in 2021 with a rather convincing update: more elaborate, with sharper lines yet still very recognizable. This year, TAG Heuer once again expands and updates the collection, with several new Aquaracer Professional 300 Date and TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT versions, powered by new proprietary movements and featuring appealing new dials.