Last Updated on June 22, 2019 by Calibre 11

The final piece of the new Aquaracer range has now fallen into place with these photos of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m Calibre 16 (Ref. CAK2110). Like the Calibre 5 watch and the Calibre 72 Countdown Chronograph, the new Calibre 16 model features a re-designed case (the same as the Cal. 72 Chrono.), a helium-escape valve, re-designed dial and a ceramic bezel.

Design- TAG Heuer CAK2110

The Calibre 16 Aquaracer 500m carries over the design principles set by the other watches in the 2013 Aquaracer range- a more elegant and classical diver watch, but one that is closer to the Aquaracer 300m models than was previously the case.

You can also see in these photos the combination of highly polished, scalloped sides and the brushed finish used on the lugs. This detailing is carried over to the grips on the bezel, which are also polished to a high shine.

One of the best design features of the new model is the contrast between the horizontal streaks on the dial and the circular pattern on each of the three sub-dials- it makes the three registers stand out from the rest of the dial, giving them a three-dimensional quality.

The hands are carried over from the current Aquaracer 500m Chronograph, as is the large-arrow tip on the 9 o’clock register.

Like the Calibre 72 model, the new Calibre 16 ceramic Chronograph is available with either a bracelet or the fantastic Isofrane-inspired rubber strap.

Changes from Previous Model

The changes from the 2010 model (left) are quite stark and obvious when the two watches are placed next to each other:

Redesigned case- softer design consistent with the original Heuer 2000 and the Aquaracer 300m

43mm (new) vs. 44mm diameter

Ceramic bezel vs. Hard rubber bezel

No cyclops

Smaller TAG Heuer logo; printed “Aquaracer” text

Larger 9 o’clock sub-dial

Rubber- ringed crown and Chronograph pushers

Horizontal vs. vertical streaks on the dial

Smaller helium-escape valve

Overall, I think that the new design is superior to the 2010 model, even though it is less distinctive- a similar view to one held on the changes to the Calibre 5 model.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m Range

Here for the first time are the three models that make up the 2013 TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m ceramic range- the Calibre 5 watch (left), Calibre 16 Chronograph (centre) and Calibre 72 Chronograph (right).

During the review of the previous model, the Calibre 11 view was that dive watches should be watches, rather than Chronographs..but that has changed with these new models, where the Calibre 16 model looks to be the pick of the range.

Hopefully we’ll be able to get the two Aquaracer 500m Chronographs together over the next few weeks to see how the thickness and weight of the new model compares both to the 2010 model and the Calibre 5 Aquaracer.

***

Photos courtesy of TAG Heuer