When confronted with the challenge of choosing a new watch, it is common for us to narrow down our options to two final choices. At The Watch Resource, we understand this predicament all too well, which is why we have compared two potential final contenders, namely the Tag Heuer Aquaracer and the Oris Aquis. Our aim is to present a comprehensive analysis of their shared attributes and unique characteristics, in order to offer valuable insights that will aid you in making a well-informed decision.
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Tag Heuer Aquaracer vs Oris Aquis Comparison
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
Specs:
- Ref # WBP2111.BA0627
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Calibre 5
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Retail Price: Under $3,000
Oris Aquis
Specs:
- Ref # 01 400 7769 4135-07 8 22 09PEB
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Oris 400
- Power Reserve: 120 hours
- Case Width: 41.5 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Retail Price: Under $4,000
Dial
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
Starting off strong, we have a very distinctive and unique dial design on the Tag Heuer Aquaracer. It has become an iconic, well-recognizable feature loved by many. The watch showcases a fumée effect dial, where the light blue center gradually darkens towards the edges, creating a moody, almost black hue. Furthermore, the horizontally ribbed design element adds a visually captivating and rugged touch. Overall, the design maintains a clean and masculine aesthetic, with straight lines and angles used for the hour and minute indices, devoid of any curves or round shapes. The pencil hour and minute hands further enhance the straightforward and serious appearance. To provide excellent visual balance and high visibility, a date window is positioned at the 6 o’clock location.
Oris Aquis
The Oris Aquis date also features a stunning dial design. The rich blue color of the sunburst dial is definitely the visual focus, as there are no Roman or Arabic numerals to compete. The center of the dial doesn’t have any decorative elements, and to maintain visual balance, the obelisk (or obelisque) minute and hour hands take up a good portion of the empty space thanks to the thick base of the hands. The second hand is a lollipop hand that combines the angles of the dial with the curves of the case. The date window is tastefully placed at the 6 o’clock position to maintain visual symmetry.
Our favorite part (which could be looked at as a rightful flex from Oris), is above the date window: we see the name of the watch (Aquis), its water resistance (300 meters), and the power reserve: 5 DAYS. Usually, we’re used to seeing hours (as in 41 hours of power reserve, 70 hours of power reserve, etc.). Oris is obviously proud of their newest in-house caliber, the Calibre 400, that provides 120 hours of power reserve.
Bezel
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
The bezel of the Tag Heuer Aquaracer serves as a beautiful visual solution that harmonizes the straight and angular shapes found on the dial with the round shape that frames the dial itself. This is accomplished through a slightly serrated bezel design, divided into 12 angles, resulting in an overall round shape with discernible straight lines. It presents a splendid and highly cohesive solution.
Oris Aquis
The bezel on the Oris Aquis is the traditional count-up bezel, using the same color as the dial, visually extending the watch, as the dial and bezel work together as a unit. The Arabic numerals on the bezel are using a tasteful design, not hijacking the visual focus from the dial, but rather complementing it.
Case
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
The Tag Heuer Aquaracer boasts a case width of 40 mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 47 mm, and a thickness of 12 mm. This size is ideal for smaller wrists, but it can also be comfortably worn on larger wrists due to the substantial case thickness and visually prominent angles of the bezel. The Aquaracer is water resistant up to 200 meters.
Oris Aquis
There are different case widths available of the Oris Aquis, but if you’re deciding between this watch the Tag Heuer Aquaracer, the closer comparison will be the 41.5 mm case width variation. The 41.5 mm width is slightly bigger than the Aquaracer, but it’s still a comfortable size for most wrists. The lug width is 22 mm, the lug-to-lug distance is 48.1 mm, and the overall thickness is 13.4 mm, so slightly thicker than the Aquaracer. The sapphire crystal is slightly domed on both sides, and has anti-reflective coating on the inside.
The crown guards are naturally following the dial’s curve, creating a visually strong protection for the screw-down crown, while not taking away the spotlight.
Movement
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
Powering the Aquaracer is the Calibre 5, an automatic movement based on either the ETA caliber 2824-2 or the Sellita caliber SW200-1. This movement delivers an impressive 38-hour power reserve.
Oris Aquis
The Oris Aquis is equipped with their own in-house movement, the Calibre 400. It provides 120 hours (or 5 days) of power reserve, and comes with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Additionally, this movement is highly accurate, the accuracy rate is -3/+5 seconds a day.
Stainless Steel Bracelet
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
Accompanied by a stainless steel oyster bracelet featuring a combination of brushed and satin finishes, the Tag Heuer Aquaracer presents a perfect blend of sportiness and elegance. This amalgamation of styles ensures the highest level of versatility, which we consider to be of great importance.
Oris Aquis
The Oris Aquis stainless steel oyster bracelet also comes with a combination of brushed and satin finishes. This provides a good combination of sporty and elegant motives, making it easier to dress the watch up or down.
Summary
While similar in size, and sharing some basic design elements, the Tag Heuer Aquaracer and the Oris Aquis have different appearances. The Tag Heuer Aquaracer is slightly smaller, but still has a more rugged, masculine look due to its design focusing on angles. The Oris Aquis is slightly bigger, and since the bezel has the dial’s color, it is somewhat of a more conspicuous statement piece.
Verdict: Tag Heuer Aquaracer vs Oris Aquis
Based on our honest opinion, you can weigh the two options this way:
Choose the Tag Heuer Aquaracer if:
- If you’re going for the more rugged, robust look. The Aquaracer’s angular design, and the lack of curves creates an absolute badass of a watch, but depending on your personal preference, that may be an advantage or a drawback.
- If you have a smaller wrist, or thinner arm. The Tag has a 40 mm case width, which is absolutely perfect for smaller wrists.
Choose the Oris Aquist if:
- If you’re looking for a bigger watch, as the Aquis is slightly bigger, and visually prominent due to the colorful bezel.
- If the new in-house movement, the Calibre 400 is intriguing for you, we don’t blame you, it is an exciting new movement by Oris.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
Specs:
- Ref # WBP2111.BA0627
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Calibre 5
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Retail Price: Around $2,000
Oris Aquis
Specs:
- Ref # 01 400 7769 4135-07 8 22 09PEB
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Oris 400
- Power Reserve: 120 hours
- Case Width: 41.5 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Retail Price: Under $4,000
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