TAG Heuer’s new Aquaracer Solargraph line-up is the high-tech upgrade I’ve been waiting for

TAG Heuer has just announced the Aquaracer Professional Solargraph Outdoor collection – an updated line-up of solar-powered Aquaracer watches complete with new, adventure-ready designs.

The headline feature is Solargraph technology, though, which converts natural and artificial light into energy, meaning you’ll almost never need to think about changing a battery again. That’s a very compelling pitch for a rugged, outdoorsy, tool watch.

There are two collections. The Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph, which arrives in a 40mm case and is a more refined evolution of the existing model, and the Aquaracer Professional 100 Solargraph, which reintroduces a 28mm case size and is slightly more elegant, aimed at smaller wrists.

The 40mm is the more interesting of the two from a design standpoint. TAG Heuer has reworked the bezel with reintroduced rider elements, redesigned the hands, and sharpened the case geometry.

There’s also a new interchangeable bracelet system and a distinctive fluted case shape at 9 o’clock. It’s a lot more assertive and purposeful.

The steel references come in deep blue and green dials (both strong choices), but for those who want something more serious, there are two titanium variants. One pairs a sandblasted Grade 2 titanium case with polar blue accents (my personal favourite), while the other uses Grade 5 titanium throughout, with rose gold detailing against a grey dial.

The 28mm collection comes in four references. Two feature sunray dials (one black, one blue) with diamond hour markers, while the other two use mother-of-pearl dials, with the most luxurious option adding a diamond-set bezel and yellow gold accents.

It’s a very elegant, yet sporty package, which TAG Heuer has always done very well, and the Solargraph movement makes it genuinely practical alongside its good looks.

On the inside, the two models use different calibres. The 40mm runs the TH50-00, which needs just 10 minutes of light to deliver 40 hours of power and offers up to 10 months of autonomy when fully charged.

The 28mm uses the TH51-00, which charges fully in 14 hours and runs for up to 8 months.

Both figures are impressive, especially when you can’t physically see the solar panels under the dial.

All references are available now from TAG Heuer’s website and boutiques.

The 40mm steel models start at $3100 in the US and £2600 in the UK, with the titanium variants priced from US$3600 / £3050. The 28mm collection opens at US$3050 / £2550, rising to US$5350 / £4500 for the diamond-set gold-accented reference.

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