Tag Heuer Aquaracer vs Rolex Submariner Comparison

Comprehensive comparative analysis of Tag Heuer Aquaracer and Rolex Submariner models: Case finishes, movement precision, dial details and production tolerances are examined in detail with Saat Detective expertise standards.

Today we will compare two of the most popular dive watches; TAG Heuer Aquaracer and Rolex Submariner. So why did we choose these two? Frankly, we spend a lot of time on the phone trying to answer spontaneous questions. Questions like:

"Is Aquaracer better than Submariner?"

This question can be asked from many angles and may have different meanings depending on the context of the question. So we thought it would save everyone a lot of time if we put together a comprehensive and enlightening article comparing the Rolex Submariner and the TAG Aquaracer on all these levels and in all these different contexts.

Waterproof | Sensitivity | Durability | Variety of Options | Warranty | Brand Awareness | Price

There is no shortage of dive watches on the market. In fact, almost every brand has its own version. Rolex also has several dive watches other than the Submariner. Like Rolex Deepsea, Rolex Sea-Dweller; each offering different levels of waterproofing and durability to suit different needs, from the most amateur diver to the most passionate.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer VS Rolex Submariner

Let's start with this: not all dive watches are created equal. In a perfect world that would be the case, but that's not the case. Just like not all divers are created equal. Most people looking for a dive watch are not Jacques Cousteau, so they don't need a watch that can keep perfect time at the bottom of the deepest sea.

Aquaracer

PROS

CONS

Check out Aquaracer Watches

ROLEX

PROS

CONS

Check out Submariner Watches

WHICH IS BETTER WATERPROOF: TAG HEUER OR ROLEX?

Many divers look at diving as a fun activity on vacation or as a hobby that allows them to explore the hidden universe of ocean life. The vast majority do not go too deep underwater and prefer to keep things safe. This type of divers can use a Rolex Submariner or a TAG Heuer Aquaracer.

Why? Because most TAG Heuer Aquaracer watches and all Rolex Submariner watches are water resistant to at least 300 meters (about 1000 feet). Rolex owes the superior water resistance of its diving watch cases to its patented Oyster Perpetual cases, which secure the bezel, case back and screw-down crown by screwing them together. Just because the dial says 1000 feet of water resistance doesn't mean you can dive that deep without worrying about wearing the watch. Real waterproofness is always lower than what is written. For more information on what exactly this rating system means in practice, please read our article on watch waterproofing.

Those who want to explore never-before-seen ocean life at the bottom of the deep blue of the sea require a highly waterproof model better suited to the needs of professional divers, and Rolex has several of these high-quality, high-end Swiss-made dive watches in its arsenal. For everyone else, the Aquaracer or Submariner may very well be an excellent option for both daily use and a little scuba diving.

However, not all TAG Heuer Aquaracer watches are equal. In fact, there are several models that offer higher water resistance than the Rolex Submariner. There are even a few models that might be suitable for a little more than surface diving, like scuba diving.

An excellent example of the latter is the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic 500m model #wak2180.ft6027 and the Aquaracer 500m Caliber 72 model #cak211a.ft8019.

What makes these two models different from others? A feature that is not found in most Aquaracer watches stands out. You'll find this on the left side of the case, at 10 o'clock, and it's a helium release valve.

The helium release valve is activated when a diving bell is used, which creates a lot of pressure and causes tiny helium molecules underwater to accumulate in the casing. The valve allows the diver to release the helium inside the watch by using this release valve when he/she surfaces.

WHICH IS MORE SENSITIVE: ROLEX OR TAG HEUER?

Let's get this out of the way before we start this answer. Quartz watches have a battery that powers them by sending an electric current to the quartz crystal, causing the crystal to vibrate at a very high frequency. If you want to get into the technical details, read this article on watch precision, but to put it simply, a quartz movement will always outperform even the most expensive mechanical watch.

A mechanical watch is powered by a tightly wound mainspring, whose tension is gradually released and regulated through a series of gears and other mechanical components.

Today, while Rolex does not produce any quartz watches, TAG Heuer does. So you can actually find quite a few TAG Heuer Aquaracers that are more accurate than Rolex Submariners. To be more precise, Aquaracer's quartz models.

On the other hand, Rolex has mechanical dive watches, such as the Submariner, that offer much higher precision than a TAG Heuer. In fact, every Rolex dive watch is a mechanical watch, and in terms of precision, it can outperform any mechanical TAG Aquaracer, such as the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic.

WHICH IS MORE DURABLE: TAG HEUER OR ROLEX?

Many users say that their Rolex 'Sub' is very durable and can withstand almost anything that comes its way. However, it is not recommended to abuse any mechanical watch by subjecting it to shock and unnecessary pressure; because the caliber (i.e. mechanism) that runs a mechanical watch like a Rolex consists of many tiny and often fragile parts.

Rolex states in many of their advertisements that no human being could survive the kind of tests their watches must undergo… but they do it yet.

TAG Heuer also has a version of the above: "Don't Crack Under Pressure".

So, is this all marketing and puffery? No, they are actually produced very robustly. So is a Hummer. No matter how hard they are, a head-on collision can still hurt someone. It is best to always be careful with your watch; because repairing a damaged mechanism can be much more work and possibly much more costly than fixing a fender accident.

WHICH ONE HAS MORE OPTIONS: ROLEX OR TAG HEUER?

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer has over 80 watches in total, with approximately 40 watches for each gender; That's ten times the choice offered by current Rolex Submariner watches.

But if you're looking for a dive watch made of solid 18k gold, get a Submariner. You won't find precious metal options on TAG. Another issue is that there is no women's model of the Rolex Submariner, but there are plenty women's TAG Heuer Aquaracer models.

WHICH HAS BETTER WARRANTY: TAG or ROLEX?

Rolex's. And significantly better. TAG Heuer's warranty period is two years, and Rolex's is five years.

WHICH DIVE WATCH IS MORE EXPENSIVE?: AQUARACER OR SUBMARINER?

In case it wasn't that obvious, a Rolex Submariner costs more than a TAG Heuer Aquaracer. The Rolex brand is in a completely different price segment than TAG. It is considered a higher-end brand and hence comes with a higher price tag.

Which Brand is More Prestigious?

Rolex is a more well-known and prestigious brand than TAG Heuer. For more information on how these two brands compare at a corporate and brand level, please read our brand comparison post on these two brands.

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