TAG Heuer Mother of Pearl Watches

The Red Dot Award is of the more desirable "good design" awards out there. Emphasis is always on form and function. You'll find that most award recipients are often excellent selling products. The award is given by the Design Zentrum Nordheim Westfalen in Germany. This year two Tag Heuer watches received Red Dot Awards, and this is the fifth time in seven years that Tag Heuer watches received such Red Dot Awards for good product designs. The two watches that received the award are the new Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 36 and the new Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M with the Calibre 5 movement. The Grand Carrera Calibre 36 is an odd watch with a sound design concept for measuring 1/10 of a second accuracy in its chronograph complication - in a unique manner. The best way to appreciate it is to view the video here. It is a cool concept, but isn't going to be a high volume seller like the Aquaracer 500M. The new Aquaracer model is very well done - really advancing the concept of a "professional diver watch" for Tag Heuer. You can read more on what I think about the Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M here. It has an automatic movement, 500 meters of water resistance, and comes in various colors and materials that each have an strong industrial feel to them that is still inline with being a tasteful timepiece. Fair award recipients if you ask me. Via Europa Star.Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.Gallery: Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 36 Watch

This watch may have been more fitting a couple of years ago when the '70s revival trend was in full swing. Still, the '70s never looked so good, and this Tag Heuer 40th anniversary tribute to the iconic Monaco watch is better late than never. This reissue is based on what was often known as the “Steve McQueen Monaco,” as it appeared on his wrist in the classic 1971 racing film Le Mans. The design epitomized the flamboyant progression of Bauhaus design into pop culture futurism that was common in the era. The classic cushion-shaped chronograph reissue is lovely and exclusive -- its availability is limited to 1,000 units. 87 Uniqueness While this specific model is limited to just 1,000 watches, the Monaco line is purely iconic; this version encompasses everything that is integral to the Monaco heritage. Blue and red colors characterize the watch which can be seen as either garish or hip, depending on your perspective. The classic perforated blue leather strap is notable; it also comes with an additional blue alligator strap, which is another key selling point. The original Heuer logo is marked inside while the square face of the case benefits from the round dial of the watch for legibility. The Tag Heuer Calibre 11 automatic mechanical movement powers the watch and its 30-minute chronograph. With its unique lefty crown, righty pusher orientation and horizontally oriented applied hour markers, the limited edition Monaco watch is a standout re-release worth lusting after. The case-back is engraved “In tribute to Steve McQueen. - Jack Heuer” reminding you of the era which gave birth to this classic. Read more 91 Durability Tag Heuer watches are never glam and no glory: This 38mm high-grade steel cased watch is still 100m water resistant with a sapphire crystal, and is solid enough for the harshness of track racing or desk duty. Never intended to be merely a fashion watch, the Monaco is about being a function-first timepiece, having an extremely legible dial and clear contrasting subsidiary dials that look like little TV screens. Forty years of wrist relevance defines a true classic that every watch lover appreciates and knows will look good in another 40 years. While the design scheme, especially the colors, clearly references the 1970s, it is general enough to complement any modern day look. Additionally, the uniqueness of this anniversary edition makes it a worthwhile investment above and beyond the standard Tag Heuer Monaco model. Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.