In our continued effort to find thin and versatile sport watches we were quite happy to see that the recently refreshed Tag Heuer Aquaracer line up still had a 300m model that retained the classic good looks and modest sizing seen on Tag Heuer’s of the past. With much of the spotlight going to the flashy new 500m Aquaracer models, the WAN2110 300m models seem to be blending into the background given their more reserved and dressy styling. After spending the better part of a month with the WAN2110, I can say that while this watch is understated, it should not be ignored.
- 41.5 x 12 mm case
- 48mm Lug to lug
- Tag Heuer Calibre 5 (ETA-2824-2 or Sellita SW200)
- 20mm Lugs
- Flat sapphire crystal with AR
- Aluminum unidirectional bezel
- Tapered steel bracelet with SEL
- 300m WT
- MSRP $1700
Tag Heuer is likely best known for their chronographs and their involvement with motor sports throughout much of their history (much of this is pre “Tag” when the company was just “Heuer”). Iconic models like the Monaco, Silverstone, and the Autavia range of chronographs have lined their past with a strong presence in watchmaking and time keeping. In the modern perspective Tag Heuer has given us its F1 range, as well as watches made in cooperation with McLaren Automotive, and this year at Basel, Tag Heuer unveiled the Mikrotimer Flying 1000 a concept watch that houses a mechanical chronograph capable of measuring to a resolution of 1/1000th of a second. Tag Heuer is at the top of their game, once a brand known more for its celebrity endorsements they are making considerable strides towards restoring their position as one of the main players in quality Swiss sport watches. Recently, Tag Heuer introduced a re-styled Aquaracer line which we previewed here. This new range features many models that carry the last generations styling as well as the new 500m models with their large cases, rubber-clad bezels and beautifully textured dials (and unfortunate date magnifiers). The WAN2110 that we are reviewing here is part of the new line as a refresh of the previous WAB model. If you wanted to find the WAN2110 on Tag Heuer’s website you would need to go to the Aquaracer section and then scroll past some fourteen other models to get to its listing on their site. Its almost as though they don’t want you to find the WAN2110 and we cannot figure out why as the 2110 (and its blue sibling the 2111) may be the most appealing dive watch Tag Heuer makes.
The dress diver is a style that has, for the most part, been mastered. Omega makes the Seamaster and Rolex makes its iconic Submariner and James Bond has worn both. The dress diver appeals to the buyer who wants something tough but aesthetically versatile, a watch for jeans and a suit. A dress diver must be thin enough to fit under a shirt cuff, feature a small enough case to not be ostentatious and exhibit simple but luxurious styling elements. The 2110 is a definitely a dive watch featuring 300m water resistance, a screw down crown and a bracelet with a wetsuit extension. The case is 41.5 mm with polished sides and 20mm lug spacing. Even better, the case, bezel and sapphire crystal stack up at only 12mm thick which is very thin for a sport watch that features 300m water resistance. The overall effect when on wrist is perfect, the case is just the right size for a modern dress diver and the slightly curved lugs ensure an excellent fit. The unidirectional 120 click bezel is light and sturdy but sounds somewhat cheap, which could simply be the number of clicks needed to make one full rotation. A 60 click design would be much better as half minute timing is likely best left to the second hand. The grip on the bezel is excellent as there are six evenly spaced grip tabs built into the edge of the bezel beyond the scale. These function like the rider tabs on Breitling bezels but thankfully do not extend onto the face of the bezel. The 12 o’clock setting on the bezel has a completely inlaid luminous pip, so unlike other watches that have a stick-on dot the Aquaracer’s pip cannot be knocked off or come loose. The dial is beautiful and likely my favourite part of this Aquaracer, it is a high polish glass-like black with printed text, inlaid markers and a classy inner circle design element that really pops when light hits the dial (see photos and video). The markers have beautiful chrome borders that match the long elegant hands perfectly. The date window has a thin white border and the date wheel uses black text on a white background so the date feature as a whole blends into the balance of the dial. The dial and its anti-reflective sapphire crystal are visually stunning and I actually caught myself staring at the dial and not even noticing the time. The finish and attention to detail is excellent and surprised me given the price of the WAN2110 as one of Tag Heuer’s entry level automatic divers.
You likely wont worry about the time, or at least the Aquaracer’s ability to accurately measure it. The WAN2110, like most of Tag Heuer’s 3 hand models, is powered by the Tag Heuer Calibre 5 automatic movement. The Calibre 5 is essentially an ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200 but Tag has apparently dressed it up in some way. As the WAN2110 is not equipped with a display back I am not sure how much this example is really improved upon. That said, this movement keeps excellent time. If averaged out over a week of use (worn during the day left crown down or up at night) this example ran between 0 and +2 seconds a day, making this Tag Heuer one of the most accurate automatics I have ever reviewed. Whatever Tag Heuer does/doesn’t do to the movement is not of any real concern as they certainly have not made it worse. The screw down crown is a problem as there is almost nothing for your finger tips to grip on the edges of the crown so its something of a slippery affair getting the crown to and from its setting positions. Once unscrewed there is very little play or wobble in the stem so time setting and winding are simple enough. We hope that Tag Heuer can fit a new, preferably grippier, crown to this model at some point in its future.
The bracelet is very nice and look amazing as it tapers from 20 to 18mm at the clasp. Solid links with polished sides feed into a simple fold-over safety clasp with four micro adjustments and a hidden wetsuit extension. The finish on the links is excellent and they ever so slightly bevel inwards at any point where they might lock up against another link. The bracelet does not display any considerable rattle and has not pulled any hairs. Sizing the bracelet, on the other hand, is a hair-pulling experience. Unless you have experience sizing all sorts of bracelets and have the tools needed this is a process best done where ever Tag Heuer watches are sold. The links are held in place by a pin and collar style design that makes removing links difficult and somewhat tricky. If you do size the bracelet on your own, be very careful not to misplace any of the collars as I assume they would need to be sourced directly from Tag (use an upside down piece of tape to keep them in place on your work bench). Once sized for my 7.5 inch wrist I began to notice that, while not being the most high quality bracelet I have ever seen, it is one of the best looking bracelets I have ever worn. The simple downward slant of the outer links, the excellent all-brushed finish and the perfect fit of the sold end links against the case of the Aquaracer really complete the look.
The WAN series is available in the reviewed black or blue and retails for $1700 but can likely be had for less than $1300 after authorized dealer discounts. Tag Heuer is a well known and respected brand in Swiss watchmaking and I believe this new Aquaracer should get far more attention as it features the same movement as the 500m but its classic styling and more reserved dimensions may very well stand the test of time better than the more brash WAJ series. While we think this smaller, more refined and simple Aquaracer is the one to have, you do not have to take our word for it, with Tag Heuer’s extensive dealer network you can try one on for yourself.
Dan
Wonderful review James. It looks like a fantastic knife, and the price is quite reasonable considering the quality. I love the low profile, as there is no way a chunky diver can fit under my shirt cuffs.
James Stacey
@615841c2d742000d8be68d9b8eca6e1d:disqus Hi Dan, Im glad you liked the review. As much as big divers are all the rage now, its nice to find pieces like this Tag that can be worn like a regular watch.
watchscience
Great review. This watch is so understated and clean. Awesome!
Paryniatao5
Hi, is it possible to put a rubber bracelet on this watch? I think it would look really good with one of the original tag heuer black rubber bracelets (with deployant buckle)…. Is it possible?
James Stacey
If the rubber option has a 20mm straight end then sure. If it features curved or specially fitted end pieces for a specific Tag, then likely not. I wore mine on a Marathon rubber dive strap for a while and it was a good fit and pretty comfy.
nic
Hi:
Great review, thanks. Is the anti-reflective coating on the exterior of the crysta or interior on
PeTer
I have seen it retail for $2100; can you let us know where one can get it for less than $1300???
James Stacey
As referenced in the post, you would need to inquire about authorized dealer discounts. The model I used in this review had be bought from a Tag dealer in Toronto with a list price of $1700 but a final paid price of $1280 before taxes. If you’re serious about buying one visit a few dealers and inquire about a cash price for the watch. It’s uncommon for a watch to sell for its list price unless the watch/model is very popular and in high demand.
MSRP and list pricing changes on a year to year basis, especially with the larger brands and new or refreshed models. Your best bet would be to visit your local retailers and see what the actually “out the door” pricing would be. We can only quote prices as of the date of the review and they are subject to change with little to no warning from the brand.
PeTer
Thank you so much!
PeTer
This will be my first purchase for a watch of this nature. I didn’t know buying a watch was like buying a car without dealer discounts and such. I figured if the price says $2100 that was the price you were going to pay. Thank you for the advice!
Pjcontos
James,
Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. Do you have any future plans to review any Longines watches? Have you reviewed any in the past?
James Stacey
Thanks for reading the review, Im glad you like them. If we get the chance to review anything from Longines I will certainly do so. Any specific model you’d like to see?
Pjcontos
They have a lot of very nice watches. I would really like to see the Longines Master Collection L2.739.4.71.3.
Pjcontos
http://www.longines.com/watches/the-longines-master-collection/L2.739.4.71.3
Pjcontos
James,
I am torn between the Tag AquaRacer WAN 2110 and the Longines HydroConquest L3.642.4.56.6, so hurry up and review the HydroContquest so I can make up my mind
L3.642.4.56.6
Adil Rizvi.
Hey James,
Great review. Thanks.
I’m slated to buy a CAF101E( or F).BA 0821 soon.
Any thoughts on the watch. It would be nice to have a professional opinion.
Cheers.
Adil Rizvi.
Rigo Cano S
Hi, exelent review
I’m looking for a divers watch and this looks like a nice option, I live in Costa Rica but I will be traveling to L.A. Next week, I could use some advice on where to get it, and how to get a good price, thanks!
Gabypanama
I have this watch, and is everything I wanted and more. I find this review very accurate and true. As it says, it fits perfectly for fancy dinners, suit at the office, or at a barbecue with friends. Very versatile, elegant yet sporty. Fashionable but never ostentacious.
Ive seen it ranging in price from 1400 to 2200 US$.I got a great deal in Amazon for 1400. I get the impression thatthis model is disappearing fast from stores and webstores, so if interest I suggest to buy it fast. IMO it would become a unique timepeace looked for by watch aficionados in the future. I highly recommend is model.
guest
Great review. I’ve been looking at swiss watches for sometime though not a Tag and discovered this model one afternoon at an AD. After seeing your review I went back later that day and bought it. I did get a discounted price from the list of $2200 but not as much as you’ve said. I paid $1900 total including the 13% tax.
Frogman
Great Review.
I own this watch. It is everything that he says in the review. It is very comfortable and I wear it everywhere. I’ve owned it since May 2011 and I’ve had it in the ocean and swiming pools. It keeps really good time and I never have to worry about batteries or winding it. I’ve been very happy with this watch. It is a timeless classic design and every diver should have one.
Donae Weston
Picking mine up this weekend James after seeing it live at my local AD. Fantastic review without missing any minor details. As most of us collectors really do appreciate! Thank you again!
ChrisC
This watch is overpriced and poor value. The clasp is very cheap and nasty, out of place on a watch this expensive – what other corners have been cut?
Micheal Andrews
I have an aquaracer CAF2110 and all I can say is don’t buy this watch, so far after 2 years the rotational bezel has broken 3 months in, the stopwatch failed 5 month in and stopped working, then after the repair the stopwatch would not keep time 12 months in. Had a good run for most of the second year until I noticed the stopwatch again totally failed. So now watch is 2 years old and 4 warranty repairs later. And this watch cost me 3k yea really top quality watch.
Ailsa Lu
The watch looks good, I like it.
watch repair
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Vikrama
Two months ago, I have purchased this model WAN 2110. I really liked all the features, the outlook and presence of this watch. The only hitch is the accuracy of the time! It kept on gaining time 10 ~12 seconds a day.
I took the watch to the Dealer & after regulation, the same problem has appeared again within a day!
I do not want to have the hassle of adjusting time every week because it might damage the inside mechanism. I am really not sure, how many times more I have to visit the dealer for regulation!!
But it is a lovely watch with one hitch!
Mitch Rapp
I purchased a WAN2111 (Blue dial version) about a year and a half ago. The watch is running +1 second a day with the Selita movement, so I have absolutely no issues with this watch at all.
Looks nicer then a SMP or a Sub and I I own a Sub.
Dan Ryan
Great review James. I would love to know the AD you scored such a
Great deal for this Tag. I was at Yorkdale mall in Toronto and the list
Was 2600.00 ouch!! No way. Gotta keep looking….Help!
Dan
Hi all, I have one of these watches in black….definitely looks the part and is very comfortable at the size it is.
Had a few issues at the start but these were fixed under warranty, so no dramas there.(issue with time keeping…something broke apparently!!??)
Very happy otherwise, I just hope it lasts me as long as my previous TAG.(20+ years)
old watch is in storage for if I have any kids to hand down to.
oh, I wind once a month at date changes if they are needed.
Tom Saward
I have had this model since September 2014 and am very attached to it; the watch keeps superb time and I only feel the need to adjust it every 10 days or so. I know a lot of WIS types enjoy beating up on TAG’s but I would choose this over most other watches of its type as it is so understated, I find the Longines and Omega’s a little too ornamental. The only thing I would change on this is the clasp but it’s a minor point.
Mr J S Findlay
Great review thanks. I was just interested to know if you’ve had any crown problems since reviewing this watch 5 years ago?
charles caswell
Thanks for the great info. I have a WAB2010 and am curious to know if you conisider this older Aquaracer superior to the new Calibre 5 based WAN2110?
Many thanks. Charles
Anil
I bought this watch in end 2009 and I’m still happy with my purchase. Looks sporty and fairly dressy and it is still in great shape!!
Alonso Sotomayor
Got my WAN2110 on December 2011 and it is still my regular watch as it fits right under my shirt’s cuff no problem. It has also aged quite well and it still has one of the cleanest dials. I use my WAN2110 more often with business casual attire but isn’t out of place with a suit, it fits much better and is more low profile than the diver monstrosities of these days. And the dial diameter at 39mm is perfect!