The latest co-creation between TAG Heuer and Bamford Watch Department, the world’s ultimate hub for personalised luxury, is an exclusive Aquaracer timepiece equipped with the Calibre 5 Automatic movement and limited to 1,500 pieces.
Press release information with editorial commentary in italics.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Bamford Limited Edition Reference WAY208F.BF0638 is available now. Retail S$5,500 with GST / USD 3,900 before taxes.
Commentary and additional information
This is the second collaboration between TAG Heuer and Bamford. The first being on a Monaco in 2018. The Monaco was George Bamford’s first choice as he began customizing watches with the Monaco. The first was a Monaco which he created a blackened Dark Lord, which is how the business started way back in 2001. And this second is to make a watch which is the ultimate tool watch.
Given the design intent of the watch is to create a wear anywhere tough tool watch, the selection of the Aquaracer is a natural choice. A dive watch is a shoe in fit, but this is also important that it is one which is steeped in the TAG Heuer history. During the design stages of the Aquaracer Bamford, the team discovered a watch dating back to 1895, where Heuer had hermatically sealed a movement and dial to make it usable under water. This was a pocket watch designed for sailing. The Aquaracer series was first presented in 2003 and since then has been maintained as a professional diving watch.
The Bamford touches in the customization of this new piece is primarily in two main areas. The selection of a titanium case finished in a “rough” matte finish in the Aquaracer case. The case does evoke a rough and tough image, as it looks like it is hewn from a solid piece of rock, or in this case titanium. And this is magnificently contrasted with the high gloss dial. The dial bears details of being scored with concentric circular lines, a huge white crosshair, and the bright orange touches on the hands and markers.
The watch looks very beefy and the rough finish on the case and bracelet works quite well with the shiny dial. We particularly like nice design touch given by the striped orange and white finish on the tip of the central seconds hand.
Overall, TAG Heuer and Bamford did not go to town with the orange. And we are glad as the orange accents remain very restrained. But it is still quite striking, as the orange chosen is rather a bold, bright hue. We were told by George Bamford that he chose the orange highlights as it was his favourite colour and his nickname in some circles is Orange Boy.
The movement is the TAG Caliber 5 which is based on the ubiquitious ETA 2824-2, which is well known for its reliability and robustness.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Bamford Limited Edition
This is the second collaboration between TAG Heuer and Bamford Watch Department to create a special limited edition watch. The Aquaracer Bamford Limited Edition is a professional tool watch in a titanium case with bold orange details.
In 2018, TAG Heuer and George Bamford came together to create a special version of the Monaco timepiece, which was met with international acclaim. This highly anticipated second collaboration blends Bamford Watch Department’s talent for twisting design codes with the spirit of reimagination and TAG Heuer’s bold heritage. Together, they have created an exclusive wristwatch that is sure to appeal to watch aficionados looking for a statement timepiece.
“When designing this limited-edition Aquaracer, we looked to models from TAG Heuer’s past for creative inspiration. The orange design elements and sporty bezel are reminiscent of the impactful TAG Heuer pieces that were launched between 1979 and 1994 and paved the way for the Aquaracer collection, which made its official debut in 2004,” comments George Bamford, Founder, Bamford Watch Department.
Bamford Watch Department’s instantly recognisable style is evident in the piece’s elegant black dial, which bears the Bamford name at 6 o’clock.
Precise orange dashes are found on the hands, bezel and around the flange. The 43 mm case, 60-minute scale, unidirectional rotating bezel and three-row sandblasted bracelet are made from resilient grade 2 titanium.
The lightweight, ultra-robust titanium metal is hypoallergenic and resistant to corrosion, which explains why it is also often used in aeronautics and the manufacturing of sports equipment. It is fitting that this stylish and versatile material was chosen for the new Aquaracer, a timepiece known for being tough enough to face any challenge.
The black-gold-plated hands with orange lacquer are treated with white Super-LumiNova® and the applied Super-LumiNova® indexes allow effortless reading in all lighting conditions and at every depth.
As a utility watch, this timepiece’s professional-level functionality is guaranteed to a depth of 300 m. The caseback is also fashioned from grade 2 titanium and is engraved with “LIMITED ONE OF 1,500”. Ticking at the heart of this timepiece is the automatic-winding Calibre 5.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Bamford Limited Edition specifications
Case Size: 43 mm
Water resistance: 300 m
Case: Titanium
Bezel: Turning Bezel Titanium
Caseback: Titanium grade 2
Caliber: Calibre 5 Automatic
Movement: Automatic Watch
Power reserve: 38 H
Balance Frequency: 28’800 (4 Hz)
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
