STORIES Time Out: The new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Tribute to Ref. 844 viewed by Estelle Lagarde

5 mins

In our landmark Time Out series The Edge asks emerging artists, designers and photographers to showcase a TAG Heuer watch through their chosen artform, using their unique expertise to illuminate the intricate details of the watch and the atmosphere it evokes.

This time we asked Estelle Lagarde to get closely acquainted with our new TAG Heuer Aquaracer – specifically the vintage-inspired and extremely limited edition tribute to Ref.844, which pays homage to the first diver’s watch released by TAG Heuer in 1978, the Reference 844. 

There are clear links between the original 844 and this modern-day descendant, but it also has its own unique qualities. The hour and minute hands are lined with Super-LumiNova®, and the black opaline dial is smooth. The trapezoidal indexes at 3, 9 and 12 have a more straightforward design which attracts light, and the others are now octagonal – apart from the one at 6, which is a small rectangular baton featuring the date. 

Estelle Lagarde is a jewelry designer and gouache artist based in France. Her work takes an incredible amount of patience and skill, and the result is astoundingly detailed and alluring – much like the design of the watch we’ve asked her to capture. Allow her meticulous work to introduce you to the Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844.

The black perforated rubber strap of the original 844 has returned, but this time the openings are octagonal, echoing the modern-day Aquaracer’s use of six, eight and 12-sided forms.

WBP208C.FT6201

The hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova®. The red 24-hour scale was a feature found on the original watch. The scale was originally intended as a conversation chart for professionals using a 24-hour clock.

The case of the Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844 is made of high-end Grade 5 titanium. The material is incredibly strong, light, and corrosion-resistant.

The trapezoidal indexes at 3, 9 and 12 have been redesigned to attract more light, and the others are now octagonal. The outer edge of each index follows the trajectory of the bezel.

Redesigned, more refined, slimmer, equipped with new dials, a new bracelet, and a new bezel.