Fergus Nash
Naomi Osaka is undeniably one of the modern tennis greats, but where she really stands out is in the press conferences. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a tennis fan, but her dry humour and earnest attitude makes her seem like one of the most approachable and down-to-earth athletes of this generation. Following in the footsteps of her idol Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka has become an inspiration to a legion of young women tennis players, but how does that translate into a watch from TAG Heuer? The answer: the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Naomi Osaka Limited Edition.Thankfully, it translates wonderfully. Blending masculinity and femininity in a typically-Naomi carefree way, the Aquaracer is a bold and sporty choice to choose as a platform, presented here in a 36mm form. The human eye can see more shades of green than any other colour, so it's refreshing to see a new take on the green dial that isn't yet another drab olive or racing green. The wave dial is bright yet soft, with a jade-like tone that has the pearlescent air of a previous stone, and it lends an overall levity to the watch that could otherwise take itself too seriously.The non-quarter hour markers are replaced with diamonds, and although diamonds are a fairly controversial feature on sports watches, the sport of tennis definitely carries a spirit of glitz and glamour that paves the way for watches like these. It's hard to see unless from up close, but there are also a few neon-green details on the five minute intervals of the minute markers and on the tip of the seconds hand, which call back to the vibrant colour of a tennis ball. The third shade of green is that darker shade of a tropical palm leaf on the integrated rubber strap, with so many different variations of the colour helping to represent Naomi Osaka's love of nature.The other features worth mentioning are all standard along with the TAG Heuer Aquaracer line, with a ceramic dive-timing bezel, screw-down crown with 300m of water resistance, and the Calibre 5 movement. The Calibre 5 is included in a vast range of TAG Heuer watches, with 38 hours of power reserve and beating at 28,800vph. This time, it's not visible through a display caseback, because instead we've got an engraved caseback featuring Naomi's logo of a bear holding a giant flower, along with the number out of 250 units.Naomi Osaka is no stranger to fashion, pushing forward her own lines of clothing and using plenty of occasions to showcase her self-admitted fashion nerdiness. It's not clear which particular aspects of the watch she decided on, but the collaboration is definitely a successful one. Regardless of the tennis connection, I think this watch works well as a standalone piece, and hopefully it can inspire more variation in tones among future green dials.TAG Heuer Aquaracer Naomi Osaka Limited Edition pricing and availability:The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Naomi Osaka Limited Edition is a limited edition of 250 pieces, available now for inquiry exclusively in the United States, Australia, and Japan. Price: $3,650 USD
Specifications
Brand
TAG Heuer
Model
Aquaracer Professional 300
Reference No
Naomi Osaka Limited Edition
Case Size
36mm
Case Material
Stainless Steel
Dial
Light green lacquered dial
Strap
Dark green rubber strap + additional strap in 100% recycled and recyclable fishing net fabric
Movement
Calibre 5 Automatic
Functions
Hours Minutes Seconds Date 300m WR
Bezel
Ceramic black 60 minute scale unidirectional turning bezel
Price
$3,650 USD
Availability
Limited Edition of 250 pcs., available exclusively in the United States, Australia, and Japan
13.01.22