By Jovan Krstevski
As we all know, the Link collection is by far one of the most popular collection in TAG Heuer line and since 2017 marks the brand’s 30th anniversary, fans and onlookers alike will be greeted with plenty of surprises this year. For a grain of history, the Link’s origins started in 1987 as the S/el referring to the signature double S links on its bracelet. This collection caters to all genders but this year somehow only refreshes the men’s watches given that the women’s watches were updated just last year. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the new TAG Heuer Link models equipped with the Calibre 5 automatic movement.
There’s always a first for anything so for these TAG Heuer Link models, they’re slowly seeing various upgrades. The Calibre 5 out-fittings are the most basic three-handed Link models to date but soon we’ll be seeing more complicated models with features like GMT, chronograph, and even retrograde display complications added. So for now let’s be happy with three references which technically only variates in dial color.
The new TAG Heuer Link Calibre 5 models come with an updated 41 mm stainless steel case. What changed is the size by a mere 1 mm but this makes it possible to change the shape of the case to a seemingly rounded case or a cushion case or better a hybrid of sorts. Personally this gives the watch a more dressy appeal since we all know that smooth lines always translate to elegance. I like the subtle crown protector given that this watch has a water resistance of 100 meters. Saying that it’s a basic sports watch is too misleading because by design it’s a mean watch from the get go complete with alternating polished and brushed finishes on the lugs (integrated in the case) and bezel going all the way to the double S links bracelet. The downside to this kind of bracelet is that you’ll be stuck with it as you won’t be able to snap in a leather strap of your choice but of course that’s another story. People buy this for its iconic S-shaped links bracelet – that’s a simple answer.
As for the dial, it comes in three iterations, silver, black, and blue. Silver and black dials look more elegant than the blue dial which of course equates to being more traditional. As for me, I like the blue dial because its sunray finish simply adds bigger sporty attitude. We get the same hands and the baton indices are made of steel filled with white Super-LumiNova. Visibility is absolutely brilliant specially on the blue dial. The TAG Heuer logo remains at the 12 o’clock while the model name and movement is at 6. The subtle date window at 3 o’clock is very functional and unobtrusive for the blue dial although on the silver and black, the date window completely blends in the background because of their date wheel color. I like the traditional approach present on the blue dial, I just got used to it.
Powering the new TAG Heuer Link models is the automatic TAG Heuer Calibre 5, an ETA–2824 movement. It beats at 4Hz and cranks out 40 hours of power reserve. This movement is touted for its reliability and at this grade, it’s very convincing.
At €2,700 price point, the new TAG Heuer Link models seem very reasonable specially that this is basically both a sportswatch and a dressy watch. For more info, please visit tagheuer.com
