I used to own one. It is a very good watch. I still think it was my mistake to let it go.

Anyway please do try one yourself at the boutique before you decide. That is my only advice. Do try between this black DLC and Steel version, because some might prefer the weight of the steel one nevertheless.

I still remember i was blown away the first time i tried it on my wrist that i made instant purchase that day.

Hope this help. Cheers

 

Thanks Otto for replying. I have not been able to find one at an AD as they have been discontinued for a while, so will probably have to buy one used and without seeing it on person. (If tou know where to find a new one let me know!)

I do own a 41mm GMT (below) so know the size will fit me just fine. When you say comparing between the Ti and steel, do you mean it’s too light on wrist vesus the steel version (WAY0211)? I love Ti watches and think will like the lightness of the WAY218A. My only concern would be how fragile is the carbide coating over Ti and if would deteriorate quickly (what was your experience in that?)

Regards,

Francisco

 

Yes, some people prefer the substantial weight presence on the wrist, some prefer practicality of the light weight. Just to be clear about that. That could be one of the point for consideration that often overlooked but making the purchasing experience slightly imperfect. The steel case one offer cheaper price though if we put price factor into consideration. So for me it might be a better bargain. But hey, no substitute if you want all black coating. This is the AR to get.

41mm sits nicely on most wrist i think. It does look good on your wrist definitely. From my own experience, the coating is somewhat durable perhaps more than i expected. I remember i was picking up thing from under the desk and banged the watch on my way back up, i was shocked but i checked it, and it was all good. No dent, no scratch. That aquaracer was sold 9.9/10 condition which is almost closed to new. I am sure it can be a 10/10 if i put it back on sticker :bleh:: and not confessing here about the story of that watch and desk) since i am OCD when i am wearing watch. The seller just need to lower it down a bit to haggle with me about the price .

If i am not mistaken @Aquagraph also have one coated AR. Maybe he can give testimony too.

 

@fskywalker if you buy a coated watch, do so being prepared that eventually the coating will start to get some damage. Look at ads of used coated watches like Aquaracers or the 2016 Monza and you will see that they dont stay perfect forever.

This one available from est1897 is a good example https://est1897.co.uk/products/tag-heuer-aquaracer-way218a-0-titanium-41mm-mens-watch

 

I've been wearing a pvd aquaracer on and off since about 2015, not exactly daily wear but it has had a lot of wear including a lot of travel. I have been fairly careful with it, taking it off if I am doing any manual tasks like working on an engine or construction work, but otherwise it just gets worn. So far I have not scratched it, but some corners of the case have some polishing.

At a distance:


Close up of the polishing on the corner:



It you want something you can wear doing whatever you want and not show any wear apart from some scratches on the stainless, buy the stainless version, this is mine after a lot of wear:

 

It's cool, but it's the smallest 41mm watch I've ever tried on. I think it's the PVD coating that makes it look 'small'. No happy medium between the 41 and 43mm really.

 

Indeed. I feel the same way too.

 

Thanks @OttoWilliam , @Jim Dollares , @dtf and @Aquagraph for the comments! I love titanium watches due to lightness and the typical smoke shade metal color and was thinking the Ti / PVD coated version might be one to look for but taking into consideration the fact will likely be used and future wear then will better to look for one of the SS versions instead. Since want another 41 MM sized AR (43 MM would be too big for my taste) thinking it may be either the WAY211A:



The WAY211B:



or the WAY211F (Jeremy Lin edition):



The WAY211B shade of blue on the ceramic looks dark in some pictures have seen, which like if that is the case on the real world (had years back a Omega SM coaxial ceramic with blue dial / bezel but disliked the lighter shade of blue they used, so didn’t lasted long) so that might be my first choice to have some variety in terms of bezel colors (since the bezel on my GMT is black). I also like the yellow ascents of the Jeremy Lin edition but think prefer the horizontal teak pattern of the regular AR models. Any of you own the Jeremy Lin version? The dial seems to be somewhat matte, wonder how it looks on the real world.

By the way, how easy is to find OEM parts for these watches? A WAY201A with the yellow minute and second sweep hand of the Jeremy Lin model think would look cool (am mod friendly )

 

A proper Tool Watch - love it

 

211B (blue bezel) for the win

 

I'm seriously thinking about an Aquaracer too. To date I've only ever bought motorsport inspired TAGs. Not had a calibre 5 before either, are there any drawbacks?

 

The movement.

 

Agree. The calibre 5 is the biggest drawback - it annoys me they charge so much and don't even bother to fit a cosc version of the calibre 5. And I worry about the rotor spinning issue that stops you winding it.

That said, mine has not had a gentle life and this movement has lasted 2.5years with no issues. The first one died in less than 6 months.

 

I certainly would be nice if limited editions like the 844 tribute had a COSC certified movement.

 

At that price, hell yes!!

 

I sold mine due to the movement gaining +11 s/d. I should have been more patience and just took it to watch repairer to set it out. I am a little bit disappointed because i brought it to the official service center and they told me it is within spec so they don't want to regulate it. LOL

lesson learned. the watch itself is super fantastic and any third party watch repairer can easily repair and adjust it.

 

The closest one to your initial pick would be WAY211A. It is basically the same dial i think only different is the case and the bracelet. But if you want to go adventurous then go for limited edition one. I don't think i will get the JL limited edition, But i always consider The One Piece limited edition to be one of desirable.

Almost never heard of OEM parts for these watches. I mean Seiko mods managed to achieve the impossible by offering mods with price that is cheaper than fancy gastronomy meal. I don't know if there will someday be a Tag Heuer mods though it will be interesting.

 

Yes, One Piece is very cool. Also comes in treasure chest with 9 alternative backplates or something...

 

Found this WAY218B for sale on the web; know the 218B dial is really dark, but not sure if it is a genuine one or not? Think the deployant should be Ti and this one says SS

 

Yes the buckle should be grade 2 titanium.