The case

TAG Heuer does not subscribe to a one-size-fits-all design philosophy. The Swiss brand offers the Aquaracer in both 41mm and 43mm case sizes. This particular variant is delivered in the latter size, with a steel bezel.

The Swiss watch company does offer alternative variants of the Aquaracer equipped with a costlier ceramic bezel. While the steel bezel is less expensive than its ceramic siblings, in my opinion, it is no less attractive and wearers shouldn't feel shortchanged with the full metal jacket version.

The bezel is brushed, unidirectional and marked with blue Arabic numerals. The 43mm diameter of the case felt optimally sized for my own wrist. Indeed, the scale provides sufficient dial space to be easily read without feeling ungainly when worn. The Aquaracer evinces a masculine air and looks robust, while tastefully sidestepping gauche excess.

I have always found the bracelets on TAG Heuer watches to be of high quality, free of sharp edges and solidly constructed. The bracelet attached to the Aquaracer 300M Calibre 5 Steel Bezel 43mm reinforces this opinion. The TAG Heuer branded folding clasp includes safety push-buttons and when fixed in position feels steadfastly secure.

The screw-in caseback is solid and features a 'diving bell' engraving. While this timepiece may be classified as a diver's watch by many, I think an engraving of a lithe freestyle swimmer would better suit the Aquaracer nomen.