THE unloved Rolex in its 116 900 version, the very one that broke the aesthetic and visual codes of all previous Air Kings when it was released in 2016
The Air King is both an incarnation and a paradox. The first because it is part of one of the oldest ranges of the brand with the crown. As far back as those who read me can remember, the vast majority of them will have always heard of the "Air" collection of which the "King" is the only survivor on the eve of its 80th spring.
The second because it is a professional that in THIS version does not follow any of its codes; because it deviates from the sacrosanct principle of respect for elders, as it has been the unloved of aficionados since practically its birth, because it is often criticized, scolded without anyone being able to really say why and unfortunately, often wrongly...

The height of precision according to Rolex standards, Oysclaps and Easy Link for practicality, total anamagnetism due to the soft iron cage that contains the 3131 manufacture caliber shared with the Millgauss, Rolex logo signed in its historic color and yellow crown enthroned on the dial, 3 6 9 hour markers applied and in 18k white gold, Mercedes hands and green lollipop second hand...
From a technical point of view, everything is present, in compliance with the standards of the watchmaking locomotive.
Some will say that the case is too thick and that the watch is very heavy. Let's not exaggerate. Others will say that the dial is too busy. I've seen worse. Finally, we will say that this watch does not deserve its status as "professional"? And if that was not its singularity?

It is also regrettable in my humble opinion that THIS Air King was remodeled in 2023 to make it more conform to a mold that leaves no room for nonconformity at Rolex and which is the charm of watchmaking...

Ultimately, a beautiful watch, ideal for starting out at Rolex as long as we keep in mind that we will always pay in the purchase price from them a part of history, a part of prestige...



The ugly duckling :/

Having truly fallen under the spell of time in 2021, I was looking to acquire my second timepiece from a major watch manufacturer 1 and a half years later. However, after watching many videos of Xavier, after reading an infinite number of articles and specialist magazines, I still couldn't make up my mind... 
One fine day (or was it a night?), I went to a shop well known to the people of Lyon for its second-hand watches to just "look and try" without any definite intention to buy and luck would have it that I found myself next to this beauty in the same place, at the same time. 
From the window, my attention was caught. It must be said that it is imposing with its 41mm case that the 2 push buttons and the imposing flat crown with a rose logo make even more imposing. The watch is "heavy" which goes hand in hand with the impression of solidity that it gives off. Comfortable to wear on the wrist, mesmerizing visual: The black-opal mix is really successful and the absence of a third under-counter alongside the small seconds and the timer avoids weighing down the dial too much. "Oyster" bracelet with classic folding clasp and closure forming the "Tudor Shield". Nice.
The aluminum tachymeter bezel and silver indications are outdated but undeniably make the charm of the watch. The stopwatch is, in 2023, a gadget but remains an essential watchmaking complication! Be careful to screw the buttons back in after use otherwise bye-bye to the water resistance (200 meters)! (We learn this with experience -_-)
COSC certification for remarkable and noted precision as much as the domed sapphire crystal.
The watch is difficult to find in AD which confirms that Tudor has been moving upmarket for a few years and is now only the "little sister of Rolex". #waitinglist. It can therefore be an interesting investment (its value on the grey market tends to be higher than in stores)
On the downsides, the case back is solid and poorly worked. No aesthetic interest. The luminova is not the brightest and fades quickly and the chronograph second hand is not coated with it so that the functionality is of no use at night or in the dark. Noted. Date window at 6 o'clock without a magnifying glass. Too bad.
The whole thing is still very good, however; try it and you'll love it! Nb: its sporty look suits all types of styles or outfits but its size requires a certain wrist size.



Big P.A.N.D.A

A diver's watch "special edition 50 years of the model" among aviation watch specialists is unusual! A watch of this size is even less so! 46mm on the wrist... Some will see it as a watch for ostentation, that we wear only to be seen and recognized... I see here a sublime timekeeper in a hypnotic sunray blue, 3-hand dial and Breitling logo in 18k gold nicely decorated with baton indexes with a "railroad" outline that seems to be one with the ceramic bezel of the same tone. The rendering is simple, effective and gives a watch that gives the time COSC precision with a beautiful 70-hour power reserve. What more could you ask for?

Ab initio, this type of model didn't interest me much until I came across one in a window and after trying it on, its imposing diameter no longer seemed so disturbing to me.

The Milanese mesh bracelet is light and pleasant to wear, contrasting subtly with the heaviness of the case and ultimately forming a homogeneous whole. This time, it's a real plus and a real change from the classics. Folding clasp closure mechanism with a reminder of the old Breitling "winged B" logo crossed by an anchor. Nice detail.

The watch is reassuring and objectively successful in terms of visuals, in a sporty-chic design that allows it to be worn with any outfit.

On the downside, a unidirectional bezel without numerical indications that "noises" in a rather banal way. The 120 teeth that compose it are not the most pleasant to the touch and the calligraphy of "SuperOcean" is not the most beautiful thing that exists in this world. The date indication with a magnifying glass would not have been a luxury for a (small) diving watch (200m) ... In short, so many details that make us feel that Breitling prefers to fly rather than swim. But not going any further from where I stand, these defects are forgiven. 

Very recent purchase, to replace a professional Aquaracer that I really liked, wore a lot but which no longer brought me any emotion. Weariness, desire to move upmarket 

I lack the experience of happy days to see how it evolves with the passing of time. Maybe I will change my opinion in a while (if the platform allows me haha) 



A very rare steak for the 50th...!

Having been a watch enthusiast for over 2 years, I have gradually built up a collection (only composed of manufacture/COSC movements) in stages and by theme (diver, chronograph); gradually increasing my investments. Tag Heuer, Tudor, Breitling... The next step could only be - within my means - the famous brand with the crown. Without being a primary Rolex aficionado, I ended up measuring all the majesty of the brand by dint of researching it and gradually fell in love with the model that I own today.
Far from being a confidential model, the "Wimbledon" in my eyes is the most beautiful version of the datejust, combining both elegance and sportiness.

This version, purchased in an official store (the first, preferring to bet on financial considerations and customer service on the second hand) has the new Rolex caliber 3235 (RDM 70h), antimagnetic and shock-resistant as well as the Easylink comfort extension. All the latest Rolex innovations within reach of the wrist in short.
The black Roman numerals circled in green appear to me as a true marvel whose color variances I never tire of contemplating according to the light projected on the slate-finish dial and sumptuously brushed in a circular manner. A real visual success.

The choice of an Oyster configuration and a smooth bezel is motivated by personal aesthetic considerations, preferring the Jubilee on a GMT and not necessarily liking the mixture of metals for a fluted bezel.

The watch is comfortable to wear, adaptable to all outfits. I regret however that the oysterlock clasp is a scratch magnet (but what clasp is not really?) and that visibility in the dark is average.

Great buying experience. Deposit of 3 wishes in March 2k23 (The Wimbledon, the datejust with a mint green dial and a classic black OP). Waiting period announced as 10 to 12 months. Reminder in June 2K23 to offer me another alternative (DJ green sunray dial). I finally manage to get my first choice after discussion. Payment of a 30% deposit and delivery time announced as 3 to 6 months. 20 days later/early July 2K23, announcement that my watch is available and acquisition in the process. Lucky. My collection is growing in the most beautiful way! Next goal, a Japanese movement!

The fact that I know the person who accompanied me throughout the process probably helped me (he was one of my former work-study students at Rolex, me who until very recently taught at the university).

Looking forward to discussing this model at the watch event organized by "A la bon'heure du tic-tac" on 10/21/2023 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lyon!



A dream come true

The ideal watch to get started in luxury watchmaking. For lovers of style, this watch goes with all types of styles, from formal suits to casual Sunday wear
A "suitable" retail price for a quality watch that carries the legacy of an iconic watch brand; without falling into the excessive price of watches without any particular complication from other brands.
This diver (300m) will suit those looking for a discreet timepiece that, although imposing with its 43mm, is unknown to neophytes and will ultimately only be recognized by a handful of connoisseurs.
A subtle blend of brushed stainless steel and ceramic, the unidirectional case-bezel assembly is aesthetically very beautiful due to its unusual geometry (and reinforced by the crown protectors). The case back is solid with a diving suit-shaped engraving that in no way alters the wearing of a very pleasant watch on the wrist.
The blue sunray and ribbed dial gives the impression of looking at a different watch each time, depending on the viewing angle. The logo (like the hands) is rhodium-plated, which gives the watch some substance.
Bracelet with a branded folding clasp with adjustment over 15mm (especially for diving). Downside: this buckle is a magnet for micro scratches if used regularly (and yes, a watch is worn!) but which easily disappears when polished.
Easy maintenance, simple handling for a truly successful set of a Tag Heuer classic that I can only recommend due to its excellent value for money.
Perhaps a power reserve greater than 38 hours and availability for steel models other than the classic black/white/blue would have been necessary.


A plebiscite

The Swiss watch brand Tag Heuer is the result of the merger in 1985 between the company Heuer, founded in 1860, and the group TAG (Avant Garde Techniques). This union marked the beginning of a new era for the brand, characterized by a combination of technological innovations and a rich watchmaking heritage.
<h2 dir="ltr">Background of the Merger in 1985</h2>
In the 1970s, the Swiss watch industry went through a tumultuous period, known as the "quartz crisis". The mass introduction of cheap quartz watches, mainly from Asia, threatens the survival of traditional mechanical watch manufacturers. Heuer, despite its established reputation in the field of chronographs, did not escape this crisis and encountered financial difficulties.
In 1985, the group TAG, specialized in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in aeronautics and Formula 1, acquires Heuer. This merger gives rise to Tag Heuer, combining Heuer's watchmaking heritage with TAG's technological expertise.
<h2 dir="ltr">Renaissance and Modernization (1985-1999)</h2>
Under new leadership, TAG Heuer is undertaking a strategy to revitalize the brand by building on its heritage while incorporating modern innovations. The brand is reintroducing flagship models such as the TAG Heuer Carrera and the TAG Heuer Monaco, adapting them to contemporary tastes while retaining their iconic design. These reissues are a success with watch enthusiasts.
TAG Heuer is also introducing new product lines, including the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer/2000_series"> TAG Heuer Series 2000</a>, a collection of waterproof sports watches, and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer/6000_series"> TAG Heuer Series 6000</a>, which combines elegance and performance. The brand strengthens its association with the world of sport, in particular Formula 1, by becoming the official timekeeper of several teams and events. These partnerships reinforce the dynamic and innovative image of TAG Heuer.
<h2 dir="ltr">Acquisition par LVMH et Expansion (1999-2010)</h2>
In 1999, the French luxury group LVMH (Mo&euml;t Hennessy Louis Vuitton) acquires TAG Heuer, thus integrating the brand into its prestigious portfolio. Under the aegis of LVMH, TAG Heuer invests in research and development to design its own movements. In 2004, the brand unveiled the Calibre 360, a mechanical chronograph capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, a world first.
TAG Heuer continues to innovate with models such as the TAG Heuer Monaco V4 in 2009, the first watch in the world equipped with a movement driven by belts, and the TAG Heuer Microtimer Flying 1000 in 2011, capable of measuring 1/1000th of a second.
The brand is expanding its global presence by opening flagship stores in key cities and strengthening its distribution network.
<h2 dir="ltr">Diversification and Connected Watches (2010-2020)</h2>
Faced with the emergence of connected watches, TAG Heuer decides to adapt to new technological trends.
In 2015, the brand launched the TAG Heuer Connected, its first smartwatch, in collaboration with Google and Intel. This model combines the traditional design of TAG Heuer with the functionality of a modern smartwatch. TAG Heuer is expanding its historic strategy of partnerships, particularly with automotive brands such as Porsche, and offers limited editions celebrating iconic events or personalities.
<h2 dir="ltr">Recent Commitments and Future Outlook (2020 - present)</h2>
TAG Heuer continues to strengthen its position in the luxury watch market by focusing on innovation and respect for its heritage. The brand offers reissues of historic models, such as the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer/carrera_chronograph"> TAG Heuer Carrera</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer/monaco"> TAG Heuer Monaco</a>, incorporating modern technical improvements while retaining the original design. Many limited series will be released to the delight of collectors.
TAG Heuer is committed to green initiatives, including reducing its carbon footprint and using sustainable materials in its products and packaging. In 2024, LVMH, parent company of TAG Heuer, enters into a 10-year partnership with Formula 1, strengthening the brand's association with motorsport.
In conclusion, since its merger with TAG in 1985, TAG Heuer has navigated between tradition and innovation, consolidating its strong position in luxury watchmaking. By combining its rich heritage with technological advancements and strategic partnerships, the brand continues to appeal to watch enthusiasts around the world.
Check out th&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> or the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_brands_of_motor_sports_watches">Ranking of the best watch brands inspired by motorsports</a>, including TAG Heuer.
(Updated November 2024)

What would a collection be without a diver? What would a collection be without a toolwatch? What would a collection be without a robust watch, that can be worn every day, that can be discreet when necessary but can also be flashy? If I had to look for a watch for each category, I would be ruined and I would not know where to start… while my Tag Heuer Aquaracer succeeds in the challenge of ticking all these boxes! And much more! I am not afraid to wear it every day, I spend a certain amount of time at the sea and it accompanies me there, and, big positive point, it can change its look completely by alternating the different bracelets! The nato suits it perfectly, the tropic makes it vintage, a leather gives it an adventurer look, and on the original steel bracelet it is beautiful and simple. In short, an all-in-one watch, surely the one I wear most often, at a reasonable price, and which has more than one string to its bow!

Tag Heuer Aquaracer 300m, all in one!

I always wanted to buy a TAG Heuer and my passion for divers pushed me towards the Aquaracer.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300M embodies sporty elegance. Its notched bezel and sleek dial evoke both robustness and precision. A watch that breathes the sea and adventure, while remaining refined on the wrist. A timeless classic.
Acquired at auction in England, this Tag symbolizes much more than a purchase: it embodies the emotion of a successful quest. Sobriety and refinement are the key words for this diver. A unique piece, full of history and timeless charm.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer 300M

As a young customs officer at the French-Swiss border for a few years, I gradually learned to love watches.

Although I wear a Garmin every day for work and for sport, a few months later, I push open the doors of a jewelry store for the first time. Once, then twice.

Finally, at the end of 2021, in line with the brand's values, my use and especially my budget, my choice will fall on the Tag Heuer Aquaracer caliber 5. I am delighted and very happy to present it to you.

My first watch: Tag Heuer Aquaracer caliber 5

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer is a special watch for me because it was with an old version of this model that I began to take an interest in watchmaking. This evolution of the model is, I find, very successful with its characteristically shaped case, Tag having even pushed the detail to the point of working on the shape of the indexes. The watch is thin despite its 43mm diameter and this contributes greatly to making it well proportioned. The dial is well worked with its horizontal lines and the same patterns continue on the bracelet in the rubber version. The circular magnifying glass is original even if it does not add much in my opinion, the difference with other watches is that this magnifying glass is located under the glass. The rubber strap with folding clasp is rather qualitative and offers a very appreciable micro adjustment. An endearing and unique watch.

A diver with her own identity

My first watch from a major watch brand purchased over 25 years ago now and still functional
Equipped with a quartz movement and yes it happens to me with formidable precision
Screwed crown of rigor absorbs shocks without problem
Old-fashioned clasp with double security and a contained diameter no longer available currently
Very good luminescence despite the years😁
5-position micro adjustment system allows a perfect fit not necessarily the case on more expensive watches including the new aquaracer only three adjustments
One criticism is the tube pin system not always easy to adjust to size in the summer without fear because fragile

Diving with complete peace of mind

I had two versions, the one with the date at 3 o'clock (older) and the one with the date at 6 o'clock. The latest version I have (professional 300 42mm) is better finished and has a bracelet with a beat that is easy to adjust without removing the watch. This makes it easy to play with the size of the bracelet. This watch is worn every day, it doesn't make me jump to the ceiling but it does perfectly what I ask of it.

Good watch that does the job.

Having bought my first beautiful watch, an Aquaracer 300m of a more modest size, I wanted to continue in continuity with a contained price
I naturally turned to Tag Heuer and their Aquaracer range equipped with a quartz movement
Very readable watch with steel bezel that can move easily for a good dive
Screwed crown required, very easy to access and protected
Three downsides:
Adding links requires handling with tube pins, not easy
Micro adjustment only three notches and Tag does not provide half links
It is heavy all the same

Solid and readable Aquaracer

La marque Ollech &amp; Wajs a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 1956 par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.
La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.
Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions. Comptez CHF 1,456 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de CHF 2,300 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.
Ollech &amp; Wajs est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)

The brand Ollech &amp; Wajs was created in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.
The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.
After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104"> Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000"> Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay CHF 1,456 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to CHF 2,300 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.
Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Consult the<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated October 2024)

TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300M Owner Review : Seductive, geometric and robust

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TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300M Owner Review : Seductive, geometric and robust

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