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Ladies, if you are after a great-looking summer watch, then the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 in the 36mm size or as we have dubbed, the “Summer Diamonds”, is a classy and sporty choice!

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer has always occupied an important space in modern watchmaking. It’s the collection that quietly does the heavy lifting for the brand — a true sports watch that balances durability, design, and everyday practicality. In recent years, however, TAG Heuer has become far more deliberate in how it approaches case sizing, wearability, and who these watches are really for. We saw this with the release of the new Aquareacer Professional models in 2024 with redesigned case proportions, new three-dimensional dials, and a new movement that was developed by AMT for TAG Heuer – the TH31-00.

But the brand has been pushing into the ladies’ territory of late, with new models that are shrunk down for smaller wrist sizes and some more feminine touches, such as the Aquaracer Professional Solargraph in a pink dial, diamonds and a 34mm case size. This was one watch that I was able to give my wife for a review towards the middle of 2025 and she really liked the watch.

For this review, we’ve gone up a size to the 36mm version. However, rather than being the more elegant smaller Aquaracer, this model is one for those who want a watch that is less subtle, more sporty and in my eyes, perfect for the girls who want a no-fuss summer watch that looks fresh, but still feminine. This is a watch I’ve dubbed “Summer Diamonds” which I felt summed up the watch in a nutshell.

First Impressions

As this isn’t my review per se, I wanted to weave in Dominique’s point of view. But first, here is mine:

When I first saw the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional in this variation, I thought it was a very cool-looking watch that is perfect for those who just want something great to wear over the summer and has a fresh vibe to it. TAG Heuer has done a great job taking the dial design from the 2024 release, and giving it an ocean-inspired blue gradient from top to bottom.

The addition of the diamonds for the hour markers adds a bit more of a classic touch to it, while the white rubber strap complements the watch perfectly and really gives it that summer vibe. This is one that I would seriously consider buying for my wife, should she want me to actually buy her a watch for once. Probably not anytime soon as I feel I love watches enough for the both of us!

However, I won’t steal her thunder, so in Dominique’s words:

“It’s one of those watches that just feels good on my wrist,” she says. “I’m more of a classic watch type of girl, less so sporty, but in this case, the sporty case but doesn’t feel too big or clunky. The blue dial is beautiful; it changes with the light, but I would like to see it be a little more sublte. The diamonds do add just a subtle touch of elegance, however, without being over the top. The strap is soft and comfortable, so I barely notice I’m wearing it. Honestly, it’s easy to wear from a casual day out to something more dressed up, which for me is important as I don’t have watches for every occasion.”

For her, this watch is about balance. It is everything you want in a high-end sports watch – practical, reliable, and stylish without ever feeling forced. The combination of the 36mm case, the supple rubber strap, and the brilliant blue dial means it transitions seamlessly between different moments in her day — from errands to meetings, to evenings out — without ever feeling out of place.

The Design

At 36mm, and 11.4mm thick, the Aquaracer Professional “Summer Diamonds” proportions are spot on, particularly for smaller wrists, but importantly, the watch never feels diminutive or underpowered. From Dominique’s perspective, this is probably as large as she would go based on her preferences. The 34mm pink dial Aquaracer Solargraph was probably better proportioned for her smaller wrists, but the rubber strap on this watch does take some of the extra 2mm out of the look and feel.

TAG Heuer’s familiar case architecture remains, however: brushing, polished chamfers, and a solid, reassuring build quality throughout. The 300-metre water resistance, screw-down crown, and robust construction reinforce that this is still a professional-grade dive watch — just one that’s been refined for those with smaller wrists.

The gradient blue dial is where this Aquaracer really separates itself from many competitors in the segment. In person, the dial has genuine depth, transitioning subtly from lighter tones at the top to deeper blue at the bottom – mimicking the way the ocean transitions from light to dark as you dive deeper. For me, this is one of the standout features of the new Aquaracer Professional collection.

The decision to incorporate diamond-set hour markers could have easily tipped the balance too far, but TAG Heuer has shown restraint here. The diamonds are small, well integrated, and add just enough refinement to elevate the watch without compromising legibility or its tool-watch roots. Although you won’t be able to see the markers, should you take this diving, so I’d recommend that this not track your dive times!

Paired with a white rubber strap, the Aquaracer takes on a fresh, modern character. Dominique repeatedly noted how comfortable the strap is — soft to the touch, flexible, and quick to settle on the wrist. It’s the kind of strap that encourages all-day wear without irritation or adjustment. But should you need to adjust it, then the Aquaracer Professional comes with a quick-adjust slider in the clasp.

How It Wears

I tested the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional out on my wrist, as well as having Dominique do the same. From my own observation, it wears as I would expect it to, and that is well. However, I have 17.5cm wrists, and this is a 36mm watch on a rubber strap, so for me, the size is on the small side. But I can imagine what it would be like if my wrists were smaller, and feel that it would mimic that of the 42mm Aquaracer I reviewed in 2024.

The better proportions, refined case and lugs really help the new generation of Aquaracer come into its own. The ergonomic design means that it does hug the wrist, and with the raised caseback, the case itself sits into the wrist and does slim the thickness down by about a millimetre or so – as it did with the full-sized 42mm variant.

But, this isn’t about my experience; it is about Dominique’s. She explains: “You know I don’t like big watches. For me, as I have a very small wrist (14.1cm), it needs to not look like I’m wearing something massive and chunky. I’m used to my Rado and Longines, which are thinner and smaller, so this is what I would classify as a larger watch for me. I think it still suits my wrist, especially when I see it in photos, though, and it is probably just a case of getting used to how it looks through my eyes.”

When I ask her how it feels on her wrist, she gives me a similar response to the Aquaracer Solargraph that she reviewed last year. That being: she feels the size of it as per her explanation above; however, this is just something that Dominique would probably get used to.

“I’ve spent the better part of a decade wearing smaller, slimmer watches, and for me a sports watch is something a little bit different that I think would take time to get used to, however, I can see myself wearing something like this in a more casual setting, and having something a little more refined for when I’m out and about. I like the addition of the white strap as there’s something a little different and pops, but again, I think I would probably need to wear it for a little longer to really start to enjoy it. I do get its appeal.”

When I ask her about the dial, this is where Dom and I differ slightly. For me, I feel the dial is a stunning display that mimics the ocean, the waves and the sand at the bottom being stirred by the currents. The top-down grading effect, I think, is a little bit different, although it has been done now a few times on dive watches where the respective brand wants to give the illusion of descending from the surface down well below the waves.

Dominique likes her more classic style of watch and felt the blue may not be exactly right for her and her current tastes. But as I have said previously, it is a very different watch that she would not normally wear, and I have said to her that it would just take a little bit of time to get used to a dial like this as opposed to a plain, white, silver, or black dial. For those who like some colour and some texture on the dial, then this will be right up your alley – TAG Heuer has done a great job here.

The Movement

Inside is the Calibre 5 automatic movement, a familiar and well-proven choice within the TAG Heuer range. From a purist’s perspective, this is not a movement designed to win specification battles, but that’s not its purpose here. In real-world use, the Calibre 5 delivers exactly what this watch demands: consistency, reliability, and minimal fuss. For a watch intended to be worn frequently — not rotated occasionally — this kind of dependable performance arguably matters more than technical specs.

The Calibre 5 is based on an ETA movement, and this is a movement that TAG Heuer has been using for many, many years now. These are the types of moments that I would normally call a workhorse movement, as while it is not an in-house movement, it is a very common and reliable movement, and one that is easily serviceable and also easy to get parts for. So in this instance, I feel that for a watch such as this, it makes a whole lot of sense, rather than the new TH31-00 used in the new 42mm Aquaracer, or the in-house TH20–00 that is used in the Carrera chronographs.

Final Thoughts

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 36mm is a standout example of how thoughtful downsizing can enhance, rather than dilute, a watch’s identity. It retains all the robustness and credibility of the Aquaracer line while introducing a level of refinement and wearability that broadens its appeal significantly. Through Dominique’s experience, this watch proved itself to be a great everyday companion — elegant without being delicate, sporty without being (too) bulky, and just versatile enough to move seamlessly between environments.

For those seeking a luxury dive watch that prioritises comfort, balance, and real-world wearability, this Aquaracer makes a strong case, especially for those who want that summer vibe combined with reliability and a touch of luxury, thanks to the diamonds.

But, the big question is: Would I buy something like this for my significant other? The short answer is yes if her style was inclined to be complemented by the blue dial and white strap. In Dominique’s case, I’m not sure she was fully sold, but this is a personal taste thing. If this were a 42mm version, without diamonds on a white strap? Yes, I can see myself wearing it. TAG Heuer – please, if you can, look to add the gradient dial and white strap to the existing blue 42mm model?

Reference: WBP231N.FT6234

Specification:

• Dimensions: 36mm x 11.4 mm thick x 42.8mm lug-to-lug
• Case Material: Steel brushed and polished case
• Case back: Steel screw-down
• Dial: Gradient and textured blue dial with 11 diamond-set indexes (VS+) and rhodium-plated hands filled with Super-LumiNova
• Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
• Water resistance: 300m / 30ATM
• Movement: Calibre 5 automatic, beating at 4Hz / 28,800 VpH.
• Power reserve: 38 hours
• Strap: White rubber strap with sandblasted steel folding clasp with push-buttons.

Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$6,050

Availability: Available via TAG Heuer boutiques, Authorised Retailers and at TAGHeuer.com

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