Aquaracer Calibre 16 chrono (CAP2112) -- the pretty blue one. Thoughts?

[Likestheshiny]

So, I've recently been idly eying the CAP2112 blue Aquaracer 42mm chrono:

I'm kind of a sucker for a blue dial, and I find this one especially pretty. It's "only" $1900 on Amazon (MSRP $2800), which doesn't seem enormously unreasonable to me for an automatic Chrono from Tag. That's actually about the same as Tag's low-end non-chrono automatics.

I tried it on today for the first time, and the dial is just absurdly nice. Pics don't do it justice -- it's a really beautiful metallic blue, and the striping of the dial adds really nice texture. I'm not normally a fan of divers, but the overall shape of the case is reasonably pleasing to me, and the bezel is about as understated as a diver gets. The watch is a monster on my girly little wrist, but I think I could probably pull it off as a "casual wear" large watch. I still do need to consider the size of the watch, but that aside I definitely liked what I saw.

However, I'm no expert on Tags, so I thought I'd come here and see if there's anything I should know about this watch. First off, do I understand correctly that this is NOT one of the Aquaracer models with crown issues? I don't generally put watches on winders, and this wouldn't be something I wore every day, so the crown is going to get unscrewed to set the time most likely every time I wear it. But, I think I'm okay with this model, right? Or, is it acceptable with a diver to just leave the crown unscrewed all the time, anyway?

Tag's Calibre 16 movement seems to be a Valjoux 7750, which as far as I know is perfectly fine (if unexciting).

I guess this is a new-ish model, since there don't seem to be many videos or reviews online, and used ones are rather rare. I'm not seeing complaints about it, but I'm also not seeing much about it in general. To me, it seems like a pretty, not-too-overpriced watch, and I'm seriously considering biting. Basically, is there anything I should know?

[Wisconsin Proud]

I agree with your assessment of the blue dial. The color can be a bright metallic or deep navy blue depending on the lighting. I believe this is the least expensive cal 16 that TAG makes and possibly the best looking as well. Crown issues generally involve the 500M series, not the model shown above.

This watch actually measures about 46mm from 9-3 due to the case shape. The updated dial and bezel really open up the dial area compared to the previous model.

BTW - never leave the crown unscrewed!

[Likestheshiny]

I went and looked at it again today, and this time I brought a 41mm Victorinox Classic Chrono -- another blue-dial chronograph and the watch the Tag would nominally be replacing in my collection. It's also the largest watch I currently have, and what I'd usually consider the upper size for my 6.5" wrists. WP, good call on the width of the case. I don't know where Tag is getting only 42mm from, because I couldn't find any angle that put the two watches within 2mm of each other, even choosing the slimmest point measuring 10 to 4 and ignoring the pusher. That said, the Tag lugs are actually shorter than on the Victorinox, which helps offset the larger case.

Still deciding. I really like that dial though. If the watch were just a hair less chunky, I'd already be sold.

[BHL]

I love the blue dial of this watch too. Great watch for less than $2000 at Amazon.

[drunken monkey]

I don't know where Tag is getting only 42mm from, because I couldn't find any angle that put the two watches within 2mm of each other, even choosing the slimmest point measuring 10 to 4 and ignoring the pusher

not sure if it applies here but some makers measure the watch from top to bottom in between the lugs to get the theoretical diameter of the "round" watch shape/size.

Also, let's be fair here, it is supposed to be a chunky watch.
It is after all, based on the pure diving cronograph monster that is/was the Aquagraph.
Embrace the chunky!

[dhl1010]

Just wonder what is the accuracy of the TAG Calibre 16 movement? Is there a break-in period?

[Wisconsin Proud]

Just wonder what is the accuracy of the TAG Calibre 16 movement? Is there a break-in period?

Its a valjoux 7750. Well known to be accurate and dependable. Ive owned several from many brands including TAG and all were within cosc specs.

[dhl1010]

Its a valjoux 7750. Well known to be accurate and dependable. Ive owned several from many brands including TAG and all were within cosc specs.

Is it a +/- 10 sec per day for cosc spec?

[Wisconsin Proud]

Is it a +/- 10 sec per day for cosc spec?

+6 to -4

[dhl1010]

+6 to -4

Thank you.