You asked for it, you got it: C&C’s first head-to-head watch comparison. Here is the criteria by which these two watches will be judged:
- Price Point
- Functionality
- Movement
- Materials/Composition (i.e. stainless steel, sapphire crystal)
Criteria is subject to change based on your feedback, so please let us know what you think and what you’d like to see next!
Obviously, this Seamaster model is a higher-end time piece than the Aquaracer. Both are automatic dive watches with similar functions, though, so how do they compare?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two watches’ specs:
OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean (232.30.46.21.01.003)… | TAG Heuer Aquaracer (WAJ2114.BA0871) | |
Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
Bracelet | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire |
Water Resistance | 600m | 500m |
Clasp | Fold Clasp | Fold Clasp |
Movement | Automatic | Automatic |
Movement/Caliber… | OMEGA 8500 | Caliber 5 |
Bezel Function | Unidirectional | Unidirectional |
Clasp | Fold Clasp | Fold Clasp |
Dial Color | Black | Black |
Calendar | Date | Date |
Case Diameter | 45.5mm | 43mm |
Case Thickness | 17mm | 13.3mm |
Weight | 1 lbs | 1 lb |
MSRP | $6,200 | $2,850 |
From an aesthetics perspective, the two watches are extremely similar. The Seamaster is a bit beefier than the Aquaracer and weighs more as a result. The two big discrepancies are price and movement/caliber.
There’s certainly a correlation between the different movements and price. The OMEGA calibre 8500 movement is heralded for its accuracy. It’s a new movement, designed from the ground-up by OMEGA just years ago. Its Hour Vision Co-Axial escapement minimizes friction between parts, creating a more efficient timekeeping piece. The escapement is capable of oscillating 220,752,000 times annually, and the 8500 also features a twin barrel for added power. The movement features a 60-hour power reserve and 39 jewels.
TAG Heuer’s Caliber 5 movement is a Swiss ETA 2824 movement. The larger-scale production of the ETA movement makes it less expensive than OMEGA’s 8500 movement. Many watch enthusiasts harp on ETA movements for being less complex and mass-produced. The ETA movement, nonetheless, has proven itself to be a competent one, which is why so many watch manufacturers chose to use it.
Conclusion: All snobbery and preferences aside, here’s an objective look at the two watches:
- They’re both automatic watches, but their movements are apples to oranges. If you want to buy a watch because you appreciate automatic movements in general, both are fine choices. If you want to be part of a more exclusive club and wear a watch with an in-house movement, of the two, the OMEGA is up your alley.
- Both watches use a stainless steel casing and bracelet and have a sapphire crystal.
- If you want to buy a watch with a special automatic movement, the OMEGA is the obvious choice. It’s a “performance” movement, and is more expensive to service than a standard ETA movement.
- The TAG Heuer Aquaracer does the same thing as the OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean for less. Both have respectable automatic movements – ETA has proven itself to be more than competent, which is why so many watch brands elect to use it as their movement. OMEGA should be applauded for having a go at an in-house movement and doing an extraordinary job.
The winner is your decision. It’s a matter of why you want an automatic dive watch. (Personally, if you choose TAG, I’d recommend a new Aquaracer – I think they look much better.)
Let us know what you think, and what you’d like to see in a future watch comparison!
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Steven senior | January 19, 2019
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I have omega, breitling, taG heuer and a number of cheaper automatic watches plus numerous quartz watches collected over the years. I wear them all from time to time and for various occasions but to my surpise the tag aquaracer has become my daily wearer. It has good accuracy but if Accuracy is that important to you then wear a quartz watch.
Hubie martello | August 4, 2018
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Not everything is written in stone.
You buy what you can afford, hopefu lly.
But if you can save the money, get the Omega.
I gave my wife the option of an omega now or whatever she wanted when we could save the
Money. She chose a rolex. In a few years she had one. That was 1995. In 2001 she surprised me with a Rolex Sub. Ss/Gold. For my 50th birthday. Thats how i got them. Here are some facts. My sub and my wife’s date just looses approx 10 sec/day more than my Tag heuer. Which keeps right at -1 sec/day. Of course the TAG. Isnt as old as the two rolexes. I guess stranger things have happened in the world of horology I love both watches. I also have a vintage circa 1961 benrus auto that keeps great tIme also.
Lastly, whatever you choose, congrAtulations. On your new watch. Wear it proudly.
Richard Shanley | September 30, 2017
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The TAG is an inferior watch. It can’t compare to the OMEGA. I own both and the OmEGA is a great watch superior in every way. Don’t waste your money on a TAG HAUER.
Ed | September 8, 2017
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Both are wonderful, just depends on your budget
Brett | March 29, 2017
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+1 for the Planet ocean, my daily over the last year. Excellent watch
Mark Ransom | January 28, 2014
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Without a doubt the Omega. It is bigger, more stylish and has an incredibly accurate in-house movement with 60 hrs power reserve, as apposed to the TAG off-the-shelf movement with 38 hrs power reserve. You get what you pay for.
Darrell | December 23, 2014
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Correct
D. Blake | September 30, 2013
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Tag Heuer!
ryan lee | September 8, 2013
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Great comparison… you need to do this more often…
James A | July 13, 2013
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OMEGA BY A MILE in this battle. Also I don’t really agree at all with this statement “From an aesthetics perspective, the two watches are extremely similar.” These watches are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT in my humble opinion in just about every way.
Mark | December 29, 2012
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The Tag Calibre 5 is not based on the ETA 2892, but rather an ETA 2824. The most telling difference is the rotor’s bearing.
Rubeen | December 28, 2012
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TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m automatic!
Howard Cook | December 16, 2012
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Omega!