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Old 2 December 2021, 02:54 AM   #1
JohnGingerwood
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Ball Hyrdrocarbon or Tag Heuer Aquaracer

So looking at a 2kish dive watch. These are my options.

Ball Hydrocarbon Original.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer.

What is everyone's opinion that has owned both? How do these compare?

Am I missing something else in the price range?

Thank you!
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Old 2 December 2021, 05:09 AM   #2
stockae92
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I like Ball. I had a Madcow Hydrocarbon chrono before. The build quality is right there with Omega (back then, I think Omega stepped up their game since then).

And Ball is more like a niche brand as well. You know if when you know it. :)
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Old 2 December 2021, 06:15 AM   #3
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I do like the Tag Aquaracer but don't like the crown restraint mechanism on the Ball. Here's another option in the range, I must say I do like this one too. Seiko Marine Master Limited edition SLA047 300M $2249 on sale! https://www.watchoutz.com/products/s...dx043-sla047j1
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Old 2 December 2021, 07:37 AM   #4
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I like the Seiko best. I don’t like the crown area of that Ball, but I generally like Ball watches. I had a Tag Heuer many years ago. No disrespect to their many fans, but not my fave.

Have you taken a look at the Oris Aquis line?
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Old 2 December 2021, 07:50 AM   #5
GolfJunkie
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Those crown guards on that Ball are awful. So on looks alone the Tag wins for me.

Agree with the poster above though, check out Oris. Maybe stretch that budget a little and get a new Oris Aquis Cal. 400. I think it might be the best dive watch available in that price range.
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Old 2 December 2021, 07:55 AM   #6
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Longines Hydro Conquest is a great watch for the money and on some sizes you have the choice of old school aluminium bezel or ceramic for a slight premium.
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Old 2 December 2021, 08:17 AM   #7
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I like Ball, but I will go with Aquaracer anytime!

So far I have read only good stuff on the new Aquaracer line. I already own 2 from the previous 2 generations plus the 500m so I am quite contented. At least for now.


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Old 2 December 2021, 08:49 AM   #8
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Our nephew had an Oris Aquis in Green.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GolfJunkie View Post
Those crown guards on that Ball are awful. So on looks alone the Tag wins for me.

Agree with the poster above though, check out Oris. Maybe stretch that budget a little and get a new Oris Aquis Cal. 400. I think it might be the best dive watch available in that price range.
Very impressive! The Cal. 400 has a newer, thinner, longer lasting movement, but costs a bit more.
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Old 2 December 2021, 08:49 AM   #9
GolfJunkie
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Quote:
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Longings Hydro Conquest is a great watch for the money and on some sizes you have the choice of old school aluminium bezel or ceramic for a slight premium.
This is also a great suggestion
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Old 2 December 2021, 10:12 AM   #10
enjoythemusic
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Quote:
Originally Posted by winst View Post
Longines Hydro Conquest is a great watch for the money and on some sizes you have the choice of old school aluminium bezel or ceramic for a slight premium.
^^^ this
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Old 2 December 2021, 10:13 AM   #11
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If you want something different check out Doxa. Lots of fans and a nice diver.

I’m considering the new (reintro) 600t on rubber.

https://doxawatches.com/collections/...41137802936498
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Old 2 December 2021, 10:39 AM   #12
GolfJunkie
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If you want something different check out Doxa. Lots of fans and a nice diver.

I’m considering the new (reintro) 600t on rubber.

https://doxawatches.com/collections/...41137802936498
That’s a killer looking watch but 14mm height kills it for me.
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Old 2 December 2021, 11:04 AM   #13
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Add me to the list that holds the MarineMaster 300m in a very very high regard. My favorite watch.

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Old 2 December 2021, 11:51 AM   #14
JohnGingerwood
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Thank you all for the input and great suggestions. The seiko is intriguing. I agree on the Crown latch on the Ball. Kind of strange.
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Old 2 December 2021, 11:56 AM   #15
JohnGingerwood
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I forget about Doxa. Hmmmmm interesting,
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Old 2 December 2021, 03:27 PM   #16
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First swiss watch i purchased on my 18th birthday was a TH Aquaracer and man was it a workhouse for the next 10 odd years as a daily.
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Old 2 December 2021, 03:47 PM   #17
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I got an aquaracer nightdiver. I like it, if anything is a bit unique. Would also look at Seiko marinemasters though they are a bit chunky.
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Old 3 December 2021, 01:13 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dchang81 View Post
I got an aquaracer nightdiver. I like it, if anything is a bit unique. Would also look at Seiko marinemasters though they are a bit chunky.
Yeah I just saw they are 44mm. I usually stay in the 40-42mm range.
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Old 3 December 2021, 03:58 AM   #19
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Let's add some pics for fun. I think both of these (already mentioned above) are great options to consider in your price range.



Also something a little different. I ordered one last week and it should be here any day. Really excited to get it in hand. Will post my review once I receive it.
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Old 3 December 2021, 04:35 AM   #20
rlj676
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Quote:
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Add me to the list that holds the MarineMaster 300m in a very very high regard. My favorite watch.

That is cool. Added to my list lol.
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Old 3 December 2021, 04:36 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GolfJunkie View Post
That’s a killer looking watch but 14mm height kills it for me.
I’ve had an Omega PO xl so I’m looking for chunky in this watch. Plenty of svelte options in collection for when I’m not wanting loud/ 600m haha.
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Old 3 December 2021, 06:14 AM   #22
GolfJunkie
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I’ve had an Omega PO xl so I’m looking for chunky in this watch. Plenty of svelte options in collection for when I’m not wanting loud/ 600m haha.
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Old 3 December 2021, 06:29 AM   #23
JohnGingerwood
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Heres a ball minus the crown latch thing. Looks better.
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Old 3 December 2021, 11:20 AM   #24
danwang0520
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Out of the two, I'd go with the Tag........however, there are other great choices - Longines Hydroconquest and Seiko diving watches(Turtle/Tuna Can)
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Old 4 December 2021, 02:02 PM   #25
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A colleague has a Hydroconquest with a blue dial. It’s a beautiful watch.
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Old 5 December 2021, 01:03 PM   #26
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Out or the two, I would choose the Ball. But do look at the Longines Hydro Conquest, it's a great watch.
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Old 18 March 2022, 01:01 PM   #27
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I think I would probably go with the aquaracer. As one of my friends own it. They are very easy to get into especially for beginners like me.
However, I am looking forward to buy one of these ASAP.
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Old 19 March 2022, 04:10 PM   #28
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I don't like either... But the Ball does look better than the Tag to me
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Old 20 March 2022, 01:53 AM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GolfJunkie View Post
Let's add some pics for fun. I think both of these (already mentioned above) are great options to consider in your price range.



Also something a little different. I ordered one last week and it should be here any day. Really excited to get it in hand. Will post my review once I receive it.
Can't wait to see the review of the Formex. I checked out their site, and the REEF looks amazing in blue.
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