Introducing: The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 × Time+Tide Sundowner II
Two years ago, Time+Tide released the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph “Sundowner,” a Grade 2 titanium watch on a green NATO strap, inspired by the Australian outback and powered by the sun. Apparently, that tagline resonated well with the audience, as the 250 pieces sold out in a flash. Now, the two parties are back with the Sundowner II. This time, though, it’s powered not by the sun but by a mechanical movement. Let’s take a quick look at the new Aquaracer Professional 300 × Time+Tide Sundowner II.
The first Sundowner Solargraph next to the new automatic Sundowner II
We were big fans of the first Solargraph Sundowner at Fratello. The titanium case, rose-tone details, and green NATO strap were right up our alley. We even liked the solar-powered movement. Apparently, though, many people liked the watch but preferred a mechanical movement. Well, that’s exactly what TAG Heuer and Time+Tide have been working on.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 × Time+Tide Sundowner II
The new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 × Time+Tide Sundowner II maintains the same theme. So you still get a sandblasted Grade 2 titanium case with rose-tone details, but this one measures 42mm wide (instead of 40), 12mm thick, and 48mm long. While the first Sundowner’s dodecagonal bezel was all titanium, the new Sundowner II features a gray ceramic insert.
The Sundowner II’s black dial is also slightly different. First, the horizontal teak-deck lines have made way for a wave-cut pattern. In addition, the hour markers now have the typical octagonal shape, almost matching the bezel design, just with four fewer angles. Finally, there’s no date window this time, keeping the dial nicely balanced with the TAG Heuer logo below 12 o’clock and the Time+Tide logo marking 6 o’clock.
Powered by the movement of your wrist
As mentioned, many people wanted a mechanical Sundowner. That’s why the Sundowner II houses TAG Heuer’s chronometer-certified automatic TH31-01 caliber. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, features 30 jewels, and has a comfortable 80-hour power reserve. The movement hides behind an all-titanium case back engraved with the Time+Tide logo in relief. This case back also notes the watch’s limited-edition status, individual number, and 300m depth rating.
You can choose between two versions of the Sundowner II. The first is limited to 450 pieces and comes on a curved-end, cut-to-size black rubber strap. The other comes equipped with a matching sandblasted titanium three-row bracelet. This latter option is limited to only 50 pieces. Both versions feature a titanium folding clasp with toolless micro-adjustment.
A great second chapter
I was a big fan of the first TAG Heuer Sundowner with its convenient Solargraph movement. I also enjoyed its mix of dark gray titanium, rose-tone accents, and a green NATO strap. However, if you prefer a bigger watch, want a mechanical movement, and fancy a bracelet, the new Sundowner II is a great second chapter. The new wave dial is more on-theme, and the absence of a date window makes it look even better.
I don’t see why the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 × Time+Tide Sundowner II won’t be just as successful as the first edition. The only issue might be the bracelet version’s 50-piece limitation. That seems awfully low.
The new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 × Time+Tide Sundowner II costs US$5,100 on the rubber strap and US$5,750 on the titanium bracelet. For more information, visit the Time+Tide webshop.
Let us know what you think of the new Sundowner II in the comments below.
