The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

This watch has a history going back 20 years now.
Returning to my working life, while traveling in Paris, I strolled along the grand boulevards, curious about watches.

While passing by the Tag Heuer stand, I came across this one and it was love at first sight! That seconds hand ticking non-stop... I was mesmerized. My love for mechanical watches was born!

I came home that evening, but it was still on my mind, and so I went back the next day, even though it was a huge budget for me at the time. The dial, which plays beautifully with the light, had caught my eye. It also came in white, but the black one seemed more discreet.

A 300m diver's watch with a compact 38mm diameter (relatively standard for the time) equipped with the famous ETA 2824-2 tractor, it was my only watch for 15 years. It's been with me everywhere (in a T-shirt or a suit) without fail, creating many memories.

Since then, the collection has grown, and I rarely wear it, but it will forever remain my first mechanical watch!

Forever the first

I've been eyeing Atelier Wen for some time. The brand, created by two Frenchmen, aims to promote the often-maligned Chinese watchmaking. Entirely made in China, it succeeds perfectly by combining quality and affordable prices. This entirely handcrafted guilloché dial (a rare find) on an integrated wristwatch less than 10mm thick...
I finally succumbed and I don't regret it. I opted for the salmon dial to add a little pop of color to my collection. A perfect summer companion when the sun shines on it.
The strap is very comfortable and well-designed with a micro-extension mechanism. I added a white rubber strap offered by the brand, which gives it a sportier look. A watch that makes you smile just by looking at it!

A sparkling watch!

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)

—> For this watch purchase I had a simple specification:
-A second-hand watch a little vintage but not too much! :-)
-A watch that can be worn every day without fear of water resistance, or other...
-A pleasant watch in all circumstances!
So I started looking for a watch but with a contained diameter, sapphire crystal, Swiss quartz movement, thin and robust enough at the same time and with significant water resistance to go in the water in summer 😁
And by dint of prospecting I came across this magnificent Tag Heuer:
-Hell of a look!
-Super thin case 10.5mm and 38mm in diameter
-300 m water resistance
-sapphire crystal
-greyed silver and sunray dial of all beauty
-incredible finishes!
-advantage of a "modern vintage" of the luminova which makes its effect in the dark 🤩
Icing on the cake the price which is the price of the second hand and watches a little put aside.

An everyday tool in all circumstances

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

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

Atelier Jalaper est une marque horlog&egrave;re franco-belge fond&eacute;e en 2019 par Louis Jalaber et Simon Szleper. Elle se distingue par une approche unique qui fusionne l'horlogerie traditionnelle avec l'h&eacute;ritage automobile en int&eacute;grant des &eacute;l&eacute;ments authentiques de voitures l&eacute;gendaires dans ses montres.
<h3>Origines et Fondation</h3>
Louis Jalaber et Simon Szleper se sont rencontr&eacute;s lors de leurs &eacute;tudes &agrave; l'ESCP Europe, partageant une passion commune pour l'horlogerie et l'automobile. Leur ambition &eacute;tait de cr&eacute;er une montre qui ne se contenterait pas de s'inspirer du design automobile, mais qui int&eacute;grerait v&eacute;ritablement une partie de l'histoire automobile. Cette vision les a conduits &agrave; fonder Atelier Jalaper en 2019.
<h3>Concept et Philosophie</h3>
La philosophie d'Atelier Jalaper repose sur l'id&eacute;e de donner une nouvelle vie &agrave; des voitures embl&eacute;matiques en les int&eacute;grant dans des montres de haute qualit&eacute;. Chaque garde-temps est con&ccedil;u avec des cadrans fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques de voitures l&eacute;gendaires, offrant ainsi aux passionn&eacute;s une connexion tangible avec l'histoire automobile.
<h3>Collections et Mod&egrave;les</h3>
Collection DB5
La premi&egrave;re collection d'Atelier Jalaper rend hommage &agrave; l'Aston Martin DB5, une ic&ocirc;ne des ann&eacute;es 1960. Les cadrans de ces montres sont d&eacute;coup&eacute;s dans le capot en aluminium d'une v&eacute;ritable DB5, conf&eacute;rant &agrave; chaque pi&egrave;ce une patine unique. La collection comprend quatre mod&egrave;les :
<ul>
<li>AJ001-S : Mod&egrave;le avec affichage de la date, bo&icirc;tier en acier inoxydable</li>
<li>AJ001-B : Version avec bo&icirc;tier en PVD noir</li>
<li>AJ002-S : Mod&egrave;le avec affichage du jour et de la date, bo&icirc;tier en acier inoxydable</li>
<li>AJ002-B : Version avec bo&icirc;tier en PVD noir</li>
</ul>
Ces montres sont &eacute;quip&eacute;es de mouvements automatiques Miyota, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche de 42 heures.
Collection Miura
La deuxi&egrave;me collection s'inspire de la Lamborghini Miura, souvent consid&eacute;r&eacute;e comme la premi&egrave;re supercar au monde. Les cadrans sont fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques de la Miura, et la collection propose plusieurs variantes :
<ul>
<li>AJ-P400-V : Version avec r&eacute;haut vert</li>
<li>AJ-P400-N : Version avec r&eacute;haut noir</li>
<li>AJ-P400-O : Version avec r&eacute;haut orange</li>
<li>AJ-P400-B : Version avec r&eacute;haut bleu</li>
</ul>
Ces mod&egrave;les sont anim&eacute;s par des mouvements &agrave; remontage manuel Sellita SW270-1 M, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche d'environ 45 heures.
Collection Jaguar Type E
La troisi&egrave;me collection s'inspire de la Jaguar Type E, l'une des autos les plus reconnaissables entre toutes. Les cadrans sont fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques d'une Jaguar Type E semi-lightweight de 1962, et la collection propose deux variantes :
<ul>
<li>AJ-003-B : Version au cadran stri&eacute;</li>
<li>AJ-003-W : Version au cadran noir anodis&eacute;</li>
</ul>
Ces mod&egrave;les sont anim&eacute;s par des mouvements &agrave; remontage automatique Sellita SW300-1, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche d'environ 42 heures.
<h3>Processus de Fabrication et Savoir-Faire</h3>
Atelier Jalaper collabore avec des artisans et des experts horlogers bas&eacute;s &agrave; La Chaux-de-Fonds, en Suisse, pour assurer une qualit&eacute; exceptionnelle. Le processus de fabrication implique une d&eacute;coupe pr&eacute;cise des pi&egrave;ces automobiles pour cr&eacute;er des cadrans uniques, suivie d'un assemblage minutieux pour garantir la fiabilit&eacute; et l'esth&eacute;tique de chaque montre.
<h3>Engagement envers l'Authenticit&eacute; et l'Innovation</h3>
La marque s'engage &agrave; pr&eacute;server l'authenticit&eacute; des mat&eacute;riaux utilis&eacute;s tout en innovant dans le design et la fonctionnalit&eacute;. Chaque montre est num&eacute;rot&eacute;e et porte en elle l'&acirc;me de la voiture dont elle est issue, offrant aux collectionneurs et aux passionn&eacute;s une pi&egrave;ce de l'histoire automobile &agrave; leur poignet.
<h3>R&eacute;ception et Perspectives d'Avenir</h3>
Depuis son lancement, Atelier Jalaper a re&ccedil;u des retours positifs pour son concept novateur et la qualit&eacute; de ses montres. La marque continue d'explorer de nouvelles collaborations avec des voitures l&eacute;gendaires, &eacute;largissant ainsi sa collection et renfor&ccedil;ant sa position unique &agrave; l'intersection de l'horlogerie et de l'automobile.
En conclusion, Atelier Jalaper se distingue par sa capacit&eacute; &agrave; fusionner l'art horloger avec l'h&eacute;ritage automobile, cr&eacute;ant des montres qui racontent une histoire unique et offrent une exp&eacute;rience &eacute;motionnelle aux passionn&eacute;s des deux univers.
Inspirez-vous des avis clients Dialicious pour choisir la montre Atelier Jalaper qui vous convient le mieux. D&eacute;couvrez &eacute;galement le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_de_sports_mecaniques">classement des marques de montres inspir&eacute;es du sport automobile</a>.
(Mise &agrave; jour Mars 2025)

Atelier Jalaper is a Franco-Belgian watch brand founded in 2019 by Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper. It is distinguished by a unique approach that merges traditional watchmaking with automotive heritage by integrating authentic elements of legendary cars into its watches.
<h3 dir="ltr">Origins and Foundation</h3>
Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper met during their studies at ESCP Europe, sharing a common passion for watchmaking and automobiles. Their ambition was to create a watch that would not only be inspired by automotive design, but would truly incorporate a part of automotive history. This vision led them to found Atelier Jalaper in 2019.
<h3 dir="ltr">Concept and Philosophy</h3>
Atelier Jalaper's philosophy is based on the idea of ​​giving new life to iconic cars by integrating them into high-quality watches. Each timepiece is designed with dials made from authentic parts from legendary cars, providing enthusiasts with a tangible connection to automotive history.
<h3 dir="ltr">Collections and Models</h3>
Collection DB5
Atelier Jalaper's first collection pays homage to the Aston Martin DB5, an icon of the 1960s. The dials of these watches are cut from the aluminum cover of a real DB5, giving each piece a unique patina. The collection includes four models:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ001-S: Model with date display, stainless steel case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ001-B:&nbsp;Version with black PVD case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ002-S: Model with day and date display, stainless steel case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ002-B: Version with black PVD case
</li>
</ul>
These watches are equipped with Miyota automatic movements, offering a power reserve of 42 hours.
Collection Miura
The second collection is inspired by the Lamborghini Miura, often considered the world's first supercar. The dials are made from authentic Miura parts, and the collection offers several variations:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-V: Version with green flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-N: Version with black flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-O: Version with orange flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-B: Version with blue flange
</li>
</ul>
These models are powered by Sellita SW270-1 M hand-wound movements, offering a power reserve of approximately 45 hours.
Jaguar E-Type Collection
The third collection is inspired by the Jaguar E-Type, one of the most recognizable cars of all. The dials are made from genuine parts from a 1962&nbsp;Jaguar E-Type semi-lightweight, and the collection offers two variants:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-003-B: Version with vertically brushed dial
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-003-W: Version with black anodized dial
</li>
</ul>
These models are driven by Sellita SW300-1 self-winding movements, offering a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
<h3 dir="ltr">Manufacturing Process and Know-How</h3>
Atelier Jalaper collaborates with artisans and watchmaking experts based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, to ensure exceptional quality. The manufacturing process involves precise cutting of automotive parts to create unique dials, followed by careful assembly to ensure the reliability and aesthetics of each watch.
<h3 dir="ltr">Commitment to Authenticity and Innovation</h3>
The brand is committed to preserving the authenticity of the materials used while innovating in design and functionality. Each watch is numbered and carries within it the soul of the car from which it comes, offering collectors and enthusiasts a piece of automotive history on their wrist.
<h3 dir="ltr">Reception and Future Prospects</h3>
Since its launch, Atelier Jalaper has received positive feedback for its innovative concept and the quality of its watches. The brand continues to explore new collaborations with legendary cars, expanding its collection and strengthening its unique position at the intersection of watchmaking and automobiles.&nbsp;In conclusion, Atelier Jalaper stands out for its ability to merge the art of watchmaking with automotive heritage, creating watches that tell a unique story and offer an emotional experience to enthusiasts of both worlds.
Take inspiration from Dialicious customer reviews to choose the Atelier Jalaper watch that suits you best. Also discover the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_brands_of_motor_sports_watches">ranking of watch brands inspired by motorsport</a>.
(Updated March 2025)

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