Dive watches are integral timepieces for those who enjoy exploring the ocean’s depths. Two models stand out as persistent absolute favorites among the many options available, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer and the Rolex Submariner.
Both watches have impressive features and design elements that make them reliable diving and everyday wear timepieces.
This article will compare these two models and look at their parallels and contrasts in terms of water resistance, case size, movement, and other important factors.
Note The TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m Automatic WAJ2180 and the Rolex Submariner 116610LN are being compared here.
Table of Contents
Key Points
Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500m Automatic Calibre 5 WAJ2180
- Water-resistant up to 500 meters
- Features a 43mm stainless-steel case, with a unidirectional rotating bezel
- Equipped with a Calibre 5 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve
- Comes with a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and a safety push-button system
Rolex Submariner 116610LN
- Water-resistant up to 300 meters
- Features a 40mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel
- Equipped with a Calibre 5 automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve
- Comes with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock clasp and a Glidelock extension system
Lets jump into the specs of both watches.
| Name | TAG Heuer Aquaracer | Rolex Submariner |
| Model | WAJ2180 | 116610LN |
| Size (mm) | 43mm | 41 mm |
| Thickness(mm) | 14mm | 11.9mm |
| Lug Width | 21mm | 21.5mm |
| Case Material | Titanium | Oyster Steel, 18k gold markers |
| Movement Type | Calibre 5 Automatic [38h power reserve] | Calibre3135 Automatic [48h power reserve] |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date | Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date |
| Strap Type | Rubber strap | Oysterlock Clasp |
| Water Resistance | 300m/1000m | 300m/1000m |
| Bezel | rubber-ridged bezel | Cerachrom bezel insert in black ceramic |
| Helium valve | on 10 o’clock position | not available |
Dial
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m Automatic WAJ2180 boasts a black dial with horizontal streaks and applied metal hour numerals that are coated with luminescent material for visibility in dim light.
The hour markers and hands have polished steel edges, which contrast nicely with the black dial. The date window is located at 9 o’clock and features a magnifying lens to improve visibility.
The TAG Heuer logo and the words “Aquaracer”appears below the 12 o’clock position, and “500M” appear at the 9 o’clock position.A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the dial. It has a Colossal crown with TAG Heuer logo.
It has a Helium escape valve at 10 o’clock position. A helium escape valve is a feature available on some water sport watches that enables helium molecules to escape during decompression to avoid the watch crystal from popping off due to pressure accumulation.
This helps to ensure the safety of divers by maintaining the integrity of the watch and preventing any potential accidents. Overall, the dial is sporty and functional, fitting the watch’s purpose as a professional diving timepiece.
The Submariner’s black dial has luminescent hour markers and hands, making it easy to read in any lighting condition. The Cyclops lens magnifies the date window at 3 o’clock for better visibility.
The unidirectional rotatable black and white Cerachrom bezel inserted in black ceramic, which features a 60-minute scale to help divers accurately time their dives.
A luminous crystal on the zero marker guarantees visibility in low-light conditions. The knurled edge of the bezel is carefully designed to provide good grip under water, even with gloves. The bezel also has platinum-coated numerals and graduations for improved legibility.
The 116610LN’s case is made of corrosion-resistant 904L oyster stainless steel, which is known for its extreme durability and resistance to wear and tear.
The 40mm case is water-resistant to 300 metres (1,000 feet), making it suitable for deep-sea diving. The Triplock winding crown has a triple waterproof mechanism that guarantees its durability and secure water-resistant seal.
Although reduced in size, the crown still has Rolex’s Triplock triple waterproofness technology to provide further shield against water. The dial of the Rolex Submariner 116610LN is aesthetically pleasing and functional overall.
Unlike Aquaracer, the Submariner lacks either metal numerals or a helium escape valve.
Strap/Bracelet
The black rubber strap for the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m Automatic WAJ2180 has a deployant clasp for enhanced security. Even when diving or taking part in other water sports, the strap is made to fit comfortably.
On underside, there is a textured pattern helps with grip and keeps the watch from slipping off the wrist. The watch can be worn over a wetsuit thanks to the diver’s extension on the strap.
The Rolex Submariner 116610LN comes with a solid-link Oyster bracelet made of 904L steel, which provides a stylish and durable look.
The bracelet has an additional Glidelock extension mechanism in addition to an Oysterlock safety clasp, which enables the bracelet to be modified up to 20mm without the use of any tools.
Divers who wear their watch over a wetsuit, or those who want to change the fit of their watch during the day, will find this function beneficial. A diver’s extension link on the bracelet allows it to be worn over a wetsuit.
Movement
The Swiss-made Calibre 5 automatic movement, which has a power reserve of about 38 hours, powers the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m Automatic WAJ2180. This movement is reliable and accurate.
The watch’s glass caseback allows you to view the movement and admire its detailed internal workings. The screw-in crown can be used to simply modify the date function, which is also present and located at the 9 o’clock position.
The watch’s sturdy shell shields the mechanism, which is made to withstand the stresses of deep-sea diving.
The Rolex Submariner is powered by the in-house Rolex Caliber 3135 automatic movement. It has a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, a high-precision oscillator, and a power reserve of about 48 hours.
The perpetual rotor in the movement uses the wearer’s wrist’s natural motion to automatically wind the mainspring. Moreover, the Caliber 3135 has a stop-seconds feature that enables accurate time-setting.
A traversing balance bridge is also included in the action, which aids in maintaining a steady and accurate performance over time.
Here, Aquaracer trails since its power reserve is only 38 hours while Submariner’s is approximately 48 hours.
Price Comparison
The Rolex Submariner 116610LN is considerably more expensive than the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m Automatic WAJ2180. The Submariner costs between $17200 and $25000, the Aquaracer is priced between $1300 and $2500.
The Submariner is a highly coveted luxury timepiece with a long history and strong brand reputation, which may explain its higher price point. The cost comparison will ultimately depend on personal choices and spending capacity.
Warranty
The Rolex Submariner 116610LN emerges with a 5-year warranty, which is prolonged than the 2-year warranty provided by TAG Heuer for the Aquaracer 500m Automatic WAJ2180.
As a result, Rolex offers greater insurance against flaws or issues that can appear in the first few years of ownership. The Rolex guarantee is also renowned for being fairly thorough, covering not only manufacturing flaws but also accidental damage and other potential problems.
The guarantee from TAG Heuer is equally thorough but only covers manufacturing flaws. Nonetheless, given the pricey nature of the watch and the lengthier, more thorough warranty offered by Rolex, consumers may feel more at ease.
Conclusion
In terms of comparison, TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m Automatic WAJ2180 and the Rolex Submariner 116610LN are splendid watches that provide exceptional performance and style.
Although Rolex Submariner is more expensive and has a longer warranty, it is also known for its high calibre and dependability.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer, on the other hand, is more reasonably priced and has some distinctive features like the helium escape valve. The decision between the two watches will eventually come down to choice and budget.
