Editor’s Choice | TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph

“Time is an illusion.” — Albert Einstein

The Aquaracer Solargraph is for those who want a no-compromise tool watch that’s also eco-forward and reliable. Whether you’re a hiker, diver, skier, or just love watches that "just work," this is TAG Heuer’s most accessible, sustainable sports watch—without sacrificing style.

The Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is made for outdoor exploration, from mountain trails to coastal dives. It’s rugged, ultra-lightweight (especially in Grade 2 titanium models), and incredibly low-maintenance thanks to the solar movement—no battery changes required.

The Solargraph is TAG Heuer’s proprietary solar-powered movement, based on a collaboration with La Joux-Perret (Caliber TH50-00). It charges via any light source—sunlight or artificial light—and stores energy in a rechargeable battery. Just 2 minutes of sunlight provides enough power for a full day, and a full charge lasts about 6 months. With a power-saving mode, it can last up to 3.5 years without further exposure to light.

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Key Specs (Typical Model Specs, May Vary Slightly)

• Case size: 40mm or 34mm (depending on version)

• Case material: Titanium or stainless steel

• Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel (ceramic or steel)

• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating

• Movement: TH50-00 Solargraph quartz (solar-powered)

• Water resistance: 200 meters (660 ft)

• Dial: Luminous indexes and hands, often with glacier or sunray patterns

• Strap: Rubber or steel bracelet

• Special edition features: Some models include icy blue accents or Super-LumiNova® elements for extreme visibility in the dark

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Notable Model: Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph Titanium (Ref. WBP1180.BF0000)

• Case: 40mm sandblasted titanium

• Dial: Textured black with icy blue accents and luminous markers

• Movement: TH50-00 solar quartz

• Bracelet: Titanium with folding clasp

• MSRP (as of 2025): ~$3,100 USD

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The History of TAG Heuer: A Legacy of Swiss Precision and Innovation

Founding Years (1860–1887)
TAG Heuer began in 1860 when Edouard Heuer, a 20-year-old watchmaker, opened a small workshop in St-Imier, Switzerland, under the name Uhrenmanufaktur Heuer AG. Just nine years later, in 1869, Heuer patented his first chronograph mechanism, laying the foundation for a company that would become synonymous with timekeeping precision.

Innovations in Timekeeping (1887–1933)
In 1887, Heuer patented the oscillating pinion, a major breakthrough that simplified the chronograph mechanism and is still used in modern mechanical chronographs today. Throughout the early 20th century, Heuer built its reputation in sports timekeeping, supplying precision stopwatches for ski, track, and motor racing events. In 1911, the company introduced the Time of Trip, the first dashboard chronograph designed for cars and aircraft.

Olympic Games and Dash Timers (1933–1958)
Heuer introduced the Autavia in 1933, a dashboard timer for aviation and automotive use, combining "AUTomobile" and "AVIAtion." The brand also gained exposure through its timekeeping roles in global sporting events, including the Olympic Games and Formula 1 racing.

The Rise of the Chronograph (1958–1969)
Under the leadership of Jack Heuer, the founder’s great-grandson, the brand entered its golden era. In 1962, Heuer became the first Swiss watchmaker in space when astronaut John Glenn wore a Heuer stopwatch on his Mercury capsule. In 1963, the brand launched the Carrera chronograph, named after the dangerous Carrera Panamericana road race in Mexico—now one of TAG Heuer’s flagship models.

The First Automatic Chronograph (1969)
One of Heuer’s most historic achievements came in 1969 with the release of the Chronomatic Caliber 11, one of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements, developed in partnership with Breitling, Hamilton-Buren, and Dubois Dépraz. The Heuer Monaco, famously worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans, debuted the same year. Its bold square case and left-side crown became icons of avant-garde watch design.

Quartz Revolution and TAG Merger (1970s–1985)
As the watch industry faced the Quartz Crisis, Heuer embraced battery-powered technology with the Chronosplit and other digital models. In 1985, the company was purchased by TAG Group (Techniques d’Avant Garde), an industrial firm known for sponsoring Formula 1 engines. The newly formed TAG Heuer brought a renewed focus on motorsport-inspired luxury timepieces.

Return to Mechanical Mastery (1990s–2000s)
The 1990s saw TAG Heuer reemerge as a luxury brand, blending sporty aesthetics with refined craftsmanship. The reissue of vintage models like the Carrera and Monaco catered to collectors, while modern pieces like the Kirium and Link brought innovation in design and materials.

LVMH Acquisition and Haute Horlogerie (1999–Present)
In 1999, luxury conglomerate LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) acquired TAG Heuer, giving the brand global prestige and financial backing. The 2000s and 2010s saw TAG Heuer push into high-end mechanical innovation with pieces like the Monaco V4, the Mikrograph, and the Carrera Heuer-02 Tourbillon.

Modern Era and Smartwatches
Embracing both tradition and technology, TAG Heuer launched the Connected Watch in 2015, one of the first Swiss luxury smartwatches, blending Silicon Valley tech with Swiss craftsmanship. At the same time, it continues to expand its mechanical collections with ever more precise and complex movements.