Wow. If you are really into vintage-inspired watches, this is the time for you. Specifically, if you are in the original MilSubs (you know, just like that famous Rolex Submariner and the like), then this really is the time for you. Janis Trading recently made a huge splash with their NTH Subs (full review forthcoming), and now Hager comes along with their interpretation of things, with the Hager Aquamariner.
Even though I know they did not do this, it was almost as if the email announcing the new Hager Aquamariner was targeted right at me. Rather than starting with the virtues of the watch, they instead targeted the price that it will come in at, and hitting back at the idea of “more expense = more better”. Which, frankly, makes sense. While they will admit that they are mixing together two classic designs, it’s an interpretation that we are all very familiar with (especially this summer). So, what is making the Hager Aquamariner that catches my attention?
Well, yeah, it’s that price (more on that in a bit). Past that, you might argue that a sapphire crystal, Miyota 8215, and a stainless steel case (and bracelet) are all but to-be-expected for this category of watch. And, sure, you are not completely incorrect. For me, the Hager Aquamariner corrects the one thing (at least in the photos that I have seen) that really gets to me with the classic Mercedes-style handset. Here, the hands are actually a bit enlarged. When I have had others in, I can understand why people like the classically-smaller version of the handset, but for me, it just ends up feeling overwhelmed by the dial. So, for the Hager Aquamariner to hit the hands with the embiggenator ray, that’s a solid plus in my book.
It also does not hurt that the brand ties things back to the success of their Commando, which we have covered in various ways in the past. This has been a very popular model for the brand, and it sounds like they have built on what made that watch so popular with our watch-collecting brethren, and wanted to ensure that the new Hager Aquamariner follows that same path. Of course, time will tell how that goes (especially with all the milsub competition this summer). As it stands right now, there are three different variants of the Hager Aquamariner – all with date display and a black dial; the major variation being the color of the bezel insert (for my money, the greyish blue takes the cake). Speaking of money, let’s talk price. In the pre-order period (which is currently running through August 5th), you can pick one of these up for only $330. That’s really a quite nice price for what we have here; after August 5th, the price goes up another $50; the full MSRP of the Hager Aquamariner is expected to be $450.
I do like what I see in the photos of the Hager Aquamariner, and we will be working to get a sample in for a hands-on review. In the meantime, sound off below and let us know what you think about the watch, the flood of watches like it hitting this summer, or whatever else might be stuck on your mind. And, if you do order one, sound off below on your preferred configuration! hagerwatches.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Hager Aquamarine
- Price: $330 (pre-order), $450 (MSRP)
- Who we think it might be for: You like classic subs with Mercedes hands, but have always wanted them to be a touch larger
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: It’s not out of the question
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Offer a no-date option for the purists, and explore some alternative dial colors
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The larger handset
Tech Specs from Hager
- Caliber: Miyota 8215 automatic
- Self-winding mechanical movement with metal movement holder
- Functions: Quick correction of day and date, hours, minutes and seconds date display at 3 o’Clock
- Total Diameter: 11.5 linge (25.6mm)
- Height: 5.67mm
- Jewels: 21 Jewels
- Power Reserve: 42 Hours
- Beat Rate: 3Hz/21’600 vibrations per hour/ Novodiac Shock Absorber
- Accuracy: -20/+40 seconds per day
- Material: 316L Marine grade stainless steel, polished and satin finished
- Diameter: 41mm without crown
- Height: 12.75 with solid back
- Length: 50mm lug to lug
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Finish: Brushed with polished sides and beveled edges and satin finish
- Water Resistance: Waterproof to 300 m (1000 ft)
- Case Back: Solid steel screwed
- Crystal: Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside
- Dial: Applied luminous indexes
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with disc in matte midnight blue, matte black or matte burgundy anodized aluminum with engraved makers
- Hands: Mercedes hands lumed with blue Superluminova
- Crown: Screw-down winding crown, with HAGER logo and midnight blue, black or burgundy anodized aluminum winding crown tube
- Bracelet: Stainless Steel with brushed screw links (instead of pins) and two button clasp and two button slidelock extension system (no need for half links)
- Travel Case: Delivered with a special customized scuba tank watch box
