TAG Heuer WAB1120 compared to Aquaracer 500m AutomaticTAG Heuer WAB1120 compared to Aquaracer 500m Automatic
TAG Heuer WAB1120
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TAG Heuer has a bit of a bad reputation amongst watch collectors. While they produce some classics (the Aquaracer series, Monaco and the Carrera chronograph) they also produce some horrible fashion watches (pretty much everything else). A lot of the hate is derived from their use of cheap quartz movements in watches price upwards of £1000. It is true that new TAGs are on the expensive side for what they are, but the used market is full of bargains. The TAG Heuer WAB1120 is the two-tone version of the 1990s quartz Aquaracer, and I bought this one for less than £500 about two years ago in very “well-loved” condition.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Review

This Aquaracer is a diver’s watch with 300m water resistance, a date display and a reliable and accurate quartz movement. It is sturdily built and comes with an attractive two-tone gold plated bracelet. It’s not as big or chunky as the newer 500m Aquaracers, but it makes a nice dress watch.

TAG Heuer WAB1120 compared to Aquaracer 500m Automatic
TAG Heuer WAB1120 compared to Aquaracer 500m Automatic

 

Tag Heuer WAB1220 Pros

  • Used, they can be had for a relatively low price for a Swiss watch
  • The styling is great, and at 38mm it is the perfect size for a dressy diver
  • The dial changes between blue and purple in the light
  • A real head-turner – it Looks far more expensive than it actually is!

TAG Heuer WAB1120 Cons

  • The gold plating is only done on the outside of the links
  • Battery replacement – even at independents – is expensive as water resistance must be maintained
  • The date is small and, without a Rolex-style magnifier, quite hard to read
  • The crown is now becoming hard to screw down and simply not worth the cost of repair or replacement

TAG Heuer WAB1120 Review – Conclusion

Overall, I love this watch. I have its big brother, the automatic Aquaracer 500m and though that gets most of the wrist time, this one looks great with a shirt and tie. I plan on keeping this one in my collection for many more years to come.

Buy a second-hand TAG Heuer Aquaracer

For second-hand TAG Heuer watches, eBay is the place to go – make sure to get the papers so you don’t buy a fake TAG Heuer watch. The box is less important. Quartz movements are reliable and relatively inexpensive to replace so service history is not so important. Extra bracelet links can be expensive so make sure the bracelet is long enough for your wrist.

By Mike Richmond

Mike spends what little spare time he has writing for WRUK; and what little money he makes building up his collection of timepieces.