The Aquaracer ref. CAF2111 is a key example of TAG Heuer's professional dive chronograph from the mid-2000s. This model helped establish the Aquaracer as the successor to the brand's long-running 2000 series, specified with a 300-meter water resistance and unidirectional bezel. It is powered by the workhorse Calibre 16, the brand's designation for the robust and ubiquitous Valjoux 7750 automatic movement, identifiable by the 6-9-12 subdial layout, seen here on a silver dial.
From its founding in 1860, Heuer established a reputation for precision built on foundational innovations. Edouard Heuer's 1887 patent for the oscillating pinion remains a critical component in modern chronographs, while the 1916 "Mikrograph," the first stopwatch capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, secured the brand's role as an official Olympic timekeeper. This early focus on accuracy naturally led to a deep-seated connection with motorsports, where the brand's dashboard timers became essential equipment for rally drivers, laying the groundwork for an identity forged on the racetrack.
The brand's ties with racing was immortalized in the 1960s with a trio of legendary chronographs: the Carrera, Autavia, and the avant-garde Monaco. The Monaco, with its distinctive square case, became an icon on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans and was one of the first watches to house the groundbreaking Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement. After its acquisition by Techniques d'Avant Garde (TAG) in 1985, the brand solidified its legendary status through a decades-long partnership with Formula 1.
Overall Grade: 8 / 10 | Great Condition, Visible Wear Production: 2006 Contents: Box and Paper Genre: Dive Chronograph
Size: 41mm Thickness: approx. 15mm Lug Width: approx. 20mm
Case: Stainless steel, mirrored and satin finish, light visible wear Bezel: Stainless steel, unidirectional bezel, 60-minute scale, light visible wear Dial: Silver sunburst dial, 6-9-12 sub-dials, date window, applied markers Hands: Steel baton hands, lumed
Crown: Stainless steel, screw-down crown and pushers, light visible wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, light visible wear Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet, light visible wear Caseback: Solid stainless steel, screw caseback, light visible wear Movement: Automatic Chronograph Caliber: Calibre 16