TAG Heuer Collection Baselworld 2014: The Good Mix

TAG Heuer Collection Baselworld 2014: The Good Mix


by Olivier Müller
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Baselworld, TAG Heuer

The good mix: that could sum up TAG Heuer’s approach of Baselworld this year. The good mix between refreshes and facelifts, consumer novelties and avant-garde timepieces, the « A » and « G » of TAG.

TAG Heuer Collection Baselworld 2014 – Birth of the CH 80

What was the most anticipated was the CH 80. Launched in November 2013 under the code name 1969, the new TAG Heuer chronograph was named CH 80 in reference to its production site (Chevenez) and its 80-hour power reserve. Extremely slim (6.5 mm), this 233-part new movement is equipped with a vertical clutch system and offers a daily variation in rate between -4/+6 seconds.

TAG Heuer CH 80 - Second Version

TAG Heuer CH 80 – 41mm – Baselworld 2014

Inspired by the first generation of Carrera watches, the Carrera Calibre CH 80 Chronograph reinterprets the aesthetic codes established by its illustrious forebears, giving them a modern and sporty twist. The overall look is based on black and white contrasts, a tribute to the first Carrera “Panda” chronograph that became an iconic watch of racing drivers.

The slim movement and sleek design gives it a vintage touch that has been enhanced by a few sporty references, including red accents on the central seconds hands and the tips of the small hands, as well as on the inner bezel ring, the crown and the first quarter of the minute track. This sporting heritage demonstrates the ties the brand has cultivated throughout its history with the world of motor racing. The red-lined strap in perforated calfskin is a stylish nod to the racing gloves worn by drivers in the 1960s.

TAG Heuer Collection Baselworld 2014 – The Monaco V4 10th anniversary

In 2004, TAG Heuer launched a radical evolution of the Monaco, the V4, with a revolutionary patented belt technology, replacing the traditional gear train transmission. Building on its top-secret development of transmission belts no thicker than a single hair, TAG Heuer takes its avant-garde creation to the next level—juxtaposing its patented belt technology with one of the most emblematic complication of watchmaking—the tourbillon.

Prototype of the TAG Heuer Monaco v4  Tourbillon - Baselworld 2014

Prototype of the TAG Heuer Monaco v4 Tourbillon – Baselworld 2014

The Monaco V4 Tourbillon complicates this complication further, by using, in a world first, a micro-belt to drive the tourbillon. Thanks to the belt driving the tourbillon, there is no backlash on the tourbillon. The major advantage is the absolute fluidity of its rotation. The avant-garde timepiece is equipped with an automatic linear rewinding system, and the mass is guided by a linear railroad instead of a traditional rotating system. The four notched micro-thin (0.07mm) transmission belts, the design and engineering of which remain one of the best-kept secrets in watchmaking, create a very efficient shock absorbing system. In another first, the barrels are held and rotated on ball bearings.

Prototype of the TAG Heuer Monaco v4  Tourbillon - Caseback

Prototype of the TAG Heuer Monaco v4 Tourbillon – Caseback

This piece is not just an adaptation of the old V4. The Tourbillon caliber has been redesigned at 90%. For now, it’s of course not designed to be part of the current collections. However, some first units should be delivered in June for around 150,000 Euros.

TAG Heuer Collection Baselworld 2014 – Facelift of current collections

Apart from these two highlights, TAG Heuer unveiled a few facelifts, that is to say no real novelties as such, but refresh of existing ranges. The Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic – steel & rose gold or steel and yellow gold, in 39mm ; a new 41 mm of the Carrera Calibre 7 Twin-Time Automatic ; and on the entry level, the Formula 1 family, usually 100% quartz, now welcomes some automatic references, based upon ETA 2895 calibers, for around 1,500 Euros.

    Author Bio

    Articles by Olivier Müller

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Olivier Müller is a professional journalist specialising in horology. He divides his time between Geneva and Paris, covering horology-related topics for a dozen or so magazines and specialist websites in Europe. He is also a regular speaker at various events. In 2008, Olivier Müller set up Delos Communications to manage the writing side of his business, spanning five European countries. Delos Communications also provides consultancy services for horological communication, helping brands as they define and implement their strategy in terms of positioning, messages and audience. In addition to the world’s two largest watchmaking groups, Delos Communications’ clients include a broad range of emerging independent brands, as well as public-sector bodies keen to promote their local watchmaking heritage. Five people work for the agency, including a journalist, a photographer, a community manager and a translator, all with expertise in the world of watchmaking.