All week we’re reviewing 2022 debuts presented during Watches and Wonders 2022 that, perhaps, you didn’t read too much about in the first wave of online reporting.
Somewhat lost amid the other 2022 TAG Heuer debuts like the Aquaracer Pro 1000 Superdiver and the Carrera Plasma Tourbillon Nanograph, this Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph conveys several stories simultaneously about this bedrock Swiss watchmaker.
The new watch both represents TAG Heuer’s first entry into the light-powered watch arena while also demonstrating a slow but steady move by Swiss watchmakers to build greater sustainability into their products, and even into their day-to-day operations.
The 40mm black DLC-coated stainless steel watch is powered by light thanks to its all-new solar-powered movement designed and built by La Joux-Perret, the Swiss-based movement maker owned by Citizen. (We’re inquiring as to how much of Citizen’s existing Eco-Drive expertise the Swiss manufacturer has utilized.)
The sun not only powers the movement of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph, but it also lightens the distinctive SuperLuminova elements of the watch’s very cool light-marbled bezel, as well as its dial and hands.
As the SuperLuminova blends with the black carbon during the manufacturing of the bezel, it creates a unique pattern that essentially makes each bezel slightly different.
This Solargraph movement means the wearer will not need to change the watch’s battery, which recharges in sunlight or even in artificial light. After two minutes in full sunlight the watch will operate for one full day, and when fully charged after about twenty hours under the sun, the watch can run for six months. If the timepiece stops working, the wearer need only expose it again to light for ten seconds to make it start once again.
Price: $2,950.
Specifications: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph
(Ref. WBP1112.FT6199)
Movement: TH50-00 by La Joux-Perret.
Dial: Black sunray brushed w/black applied indexes with Super-LumiNova black hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova Polar blue color central hand with SuperLumiNova angled date.
Case: 40mm Black DLC steel, sandblasted. Carbon with SuperLuminova unidirectional turning bezel with 60-minute scale, sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment, black DLC steel screw-down crown at 3 o’clock, black DLC steel screwed case back. Water resistance: 200 meters.
Bracelet: Black rubber strap, black DLC steel folding clasp with double safety push buttons with adjustment link extension.
Price: $2,950.
Availability: October 2022.