Nice looking quality watch

For the past few years my "everyday" watch was a Seiko chronograph. While there is nothing wrong with it I decided I wanted something with a little more style. Initially I bought a Seiko Coutura but returned it disappointed. I decided to spend a little more but since I'm not a watch collector I think $1000 was about as much as I wanted to spend for a utility watch (or a quartz) though $500 would have probably been more practical (I guess it depends on where one draws the line between utility and luxury).



I looked at Tissot which was probably the best choice for its price also Movado Bulova and a few others but really liked the style of the Tag Aquaracer. I chose this model because it's simple yet stylish. A chronograph would have been okay too but all the ones I looked at were just too large for my taste. While this model is average in size it's not too large or heavy.



I trust that Amazon Direct sells authentic non-refurbished watches while offering a good warranty (not sure about the third party sellers) but I decided to purchase from a local authorized dealer. They gave me a discount so I only ended up paying about $100 more and I have the manufacturer's warranty. (Had they not given me the discount I would have had no problem buying from Amazon Direct)



I give this watch a 5 star overall but for those interested in buying this watch I'll point out a couple of things.



If you're farsighted or often in dimly lit areas the watch can be a little hard to see. The dial and date are a little small and the hands can blend into the background. I knew this before I bought it but just mentioning it for those considering buying online. The same version of this watch with black or blue faces are much easier to read but I really liked the look of the silver face (there is also a WAF1111 that is silver with different finish). I just think if Tag had put a black trim around the hands it would have been a little better design but perhaps that would make it look tacky who knows. That said you should have absolutely no problem reading it in the office outside or pretty much 90% of the time and I you're like me and don't want a huge watch the trade-off may have to be a slightly smaller face.



The other issue is the value of Tag's brand recognition versus other "luxury" brands. I looked at the Tissot very closely as well as Bulova and some others and overall the quality seemed to be on par. Albeit I'm not a watchmaker and I did not look inside. However quartz movements are pretty consistent (versus some of the more expensive mechanical watches) so candidly speaking I think it's pretty obvious there is a fairly steep premium one pays for brand recognition when buying a Tag Heuer though obviously this is subjective.



Nevertheless without question this is a quality watch and it looks great. Since I have only owned it for a few days I cannot comment on its longevity how it stands up to nicks and scratches or its accuracy but I'm pleased with my purchase and would recommend this watch to others.



----Update October 31 2009----



Set to the U. S. Naval Observatory clock the watch gained just 3 seconds in 4 months - about 9 seconds per year.

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Can't pass this up

This watch is beautiful. I bought it to replace my old Tag which was more than twice the price and not near as timeless with a stunning deep blue background and large face. You will not be disappointed and of course it comes has all of the classic Tag features with a great link band and waterproof up to 300M.More detail ...

Amazon had originally advertised this as 'Swiss-automatic'

I was a little upset to receive the watch which was a regular Quartz but quickly fell in love with it. Since then Amazon has corrected the description. You will have to take the watch to your local watch shop to get the links removed - I got it done for $10. Its so worth not buying at department stores you save on taxes. The caveat on the 5 year guarantee is that it replaces the standard 2 year Tag Heuer international guarantee i.e. if you are outside the US and your watch dies on you - you have no recourse. The white face is unique and everyone who has seen it has commented on it. I work in corporate America so its truly great for wear at work or casually. I havent tried any under water stunts yet so cant testify to the water levels. If you are trying to stay under a $1000 this is a great 'first nice watch' purchase. I ideally would have gotten a Breitling or an Omega but am happy with this one - as its less common amongst the NYC yuppies.More detail ...

Exactly as I wanted

I bought this watch trough AMAZON from Jomashop. It is exactly as I was expecting it to be. Very well packaged and delivered on time.More detail ...

Flawless Purchase from Amazon

I bought the Tag Formula 1 from Amazon has serial numbers and came with a 2 year warranty from Amazon. the price was 540 and i paid $8 for two day shipping. WatchMaxx and Jomastore had the same watch for about $100 more. the watch came on time with all correct box and materials from TAG.



I love the watch. has good weight to it. I coach so it is fine for hitting baseballs or to wear while coaching football. I was going to get an Omega Speedmaster but have decided to wait and purchased the Tag as an everyday watch. If you need something for everyday and are very active i would say grab this watch even at $650 it is totally worth it. When i had a link taken out from my local jewelry store I got several comments on it and noticed they had the same watch for $1100.More detail ...

Excellent Orginal Tag Heuer from Amazon

I order this model from Amazon for US$1299.00 the only difference was that it was in white. I was unsure because the price was too low but decided to go ahead the watch is original & Brand New and in perfect conditions LOVE IT!!! Specially the price. Of course from Amazon you do not get an international warranty just the Amazon one which I think is enough I think in this issue consists the price reduction becuase Amazon is not an authorized retailer from TAG but in this kind of watches rarely you'll need to repair them ans you have a warranty for it... The delivery was amazing right on the spot.



The Watch:

At first I was not too keen on the shinny markers of the rotating crown until I gave it a very strong hit against a pool bottom while diving this markers are an excellent protection against this kind of accidents. Sapphire crystal has already been given various tests and pass with flying colors. Of course this is an automatic do not expect the accuracy of a quartz but if you know about watches you'll get an automatic well worth timepiece. What I liked most about this watch is the disposition of the chronometer very similar to the Link (200m Water Resistance) and Carrera models(50m Water Resistance) but with 300 meters resistance to water and with lower price.



On the down sides the crown rotates to easy for my taste the bracelet polished parts will get scratched as well as the shiny markers on the rotating crown and the security clasp will wear down over time but still FIVE STARS for the watch TAG HEUER and AMAZON are my personal favorites...



Be sure to check all offers this watches become available from time to time in the great deals around $1300.00 from AMAZON... I surely will buy another one for my collection.

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