Built for adventure: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Bamford Limited Edition
George Bamford explains his second collaboration with Swiss watch brand
“It symbolises energy and adventure,” says George Bamford, describing the bright, flame-like orange tone that has become a signature flourish of the Bamford Watch Department, his London-based personalisation business. It was when working on his second team-up with Swiss heritage make TAG Heuer that Bamford singled out the colour as a symbol of energetic exploration and a certain “go forth” spirit.
Issued this winter as a limited edition of just 1,500 models, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Bamford Limited Edition with 43mm case is crafted from matt-finish grade 2 titanium. Favoured for its lightweight and robust, corrosion-resistant properties, grade 2 titanium is a hard wearing metal; in addition to watchmaking, it’s use can be traced in aeronautics and the production of sports equipment. A jet-black dial – emblazoned with both brand's insignias – is matched with orange lacquered, black-gold-plated hands; both hands and indexes are treated with white Super-LumiNova®, a practical finish that allows for optimum legibility.
“[This] is the ultimate tool watch and from diving equipment to climbing carabiners and rope, the colour orange always pops up so it seemed the perfect choice for this go-anywhere, do-anything watch.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
There are nods to TAG Heuer’s heritage too: Bamford researched the brand’s biography in its company archives and his modern take on one of its emblematic creations borrows choice details from historic models. There’s the shape of the indexes, which nod to a 1979 TAG Heuer stopwatch and the orange tone, too has TAG Heuer lineage: it can be spotted in museum pieces such as the Heuer calculator.
“The orange design elements and sporty bezel are reminiscent of TAG Heuer pieces that were launched between 1979 and 1994 such as the first racing stopwatch which has orange minute markers and the calculator which has orange elements,” he explains. “All paved the way for the Aquaracer collection and it is this history which inspired me.”
£3,250; bamfordwatchdepartment.com
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Saint Paul de Vence: a paradise for art lovers
The Week Recommends The hilltop gem in the French Riviera where 20th century modernism flourished
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
'People in general want workers to earn a decent living'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What might a Trump victory mean for the global economy?
Today's Big Question A second term in office for the 'America First' administration would send shockwaves far beyond the United States' shores
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
In the mix: James de Givenchy
The Blend Teaming ceramic with precious stones, a New York jeweller is finding fresh ways to shine
By Jessica Diamond Published
-
Five top new women's watches
The Week Recommends From dancing diamonds to reconfigured classics, these models were recently revealed at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
Five high-end watches that tell a story: from Cartier to Bulgari
The Week Recommends These limited-edition watches from top watchmakers imbue classic designs with a fresh sense of creativity
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
Wandering star: Audemars Piguet’s new Code 11.59 Starwheel watch
feature Engmatic and alluring, this timepiece has a suitably spiritual backstory
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
Sport on TV guide: Christmas 2022 and New Year listings
Speed Read Enjoy a feast of sporting action with football, darts, rugby union, racing, NFL and NBA
By Mike Starling Published
-
House of the Dragon: what to expect from the Game of Thrones prequel
Speed Read Ten-part series, set 200 years before GoT, will show the incestuous decline of Targaryen
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
One in 20 young Americans identify as trans or non-binary
Speed Read New research suggests that 44% of US adults know someone who is transgender
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Turner Prize 2022: a ‘vintage’ shortlist?
Speed Read All four artists look towards ‘growth, revival and reinvention’ in their work
By The Week Staff Last updated