Perhaps more so than any other brand name, TAG Heuer prides themselves on their avant-garde horological procedures, and so they were always
likely to push the established boundaries at the Baselworld 2014 watch and jewellery fair. True to this expectation, TAG Heuer certainly delivered, unveiling a brand new pioneering tourbillon, a number of new developments to the Carrera family (including a new in-house calibre), and also a plethora of further innovations that have already piqued a considerable amount of interest.
The Monaco V4 Tourbillon
At Banks Lyon, we possess a wide selection of TAG Heuer Monaco watches, and the flagship release for TAG Heuer at Baselworld belongs to this esteemed collection. However, this particular watch plays host to a tourbillon, and conforms to a landmark design that has never been seen before. The tourbillon is driven by miniscule transmission belts that are no thicker than a hair (0.07 mm), and this uniquely removes the need for a rotating cage; a feature that has previously been ubiquitous to all tourbillon timepieces. The resulting system is exceptionally shock absorbent, and it utilises an automatic linear rewinding system to great effect. Each one of these revolutionary examples of Haute Horlogerie is entirely crafted and assembled by hand, and the materials used within the V4 – such as the space-grade black titanium – have had equal pains taken over them. The V4 has not been entirely unprecedented, having been finely honed in many respects over a series of previous watches, but the new Baselworld timepiece truly shows that even the most insurmountable of challenges can be overcome if one is prepared to take risks.
The Carrera Calibre CH 80 Chronograph
The Carrera range is very possibly the most recognised assemblage of timepieces to be created by TAG Heuer, and we stock a large collection of established TAG Heuer Carrera watches at Banks Lyon as a result of this demand. However, it appears that TAG Heuer still have considerable plans for the future of this long-standing family of watches, and the result of this is a selection of Carrera watches with a brand new in-house movement. Dubbed the Calibre CH 80, this movement is excessively thin to the point of disbelief, and more than 200 individual parts have been secreted within its 6.5 mm wide form. A vertical clutch system has been used to give these breathtakingly slight movements an impressive standard of precision, as well as a colossal power reserve of 80 hours, and the slim nature of the CH 80 allows the entire polished steel case to be similarly sleek as well. The watches themselves are also markedly special, as they follow the venerated designs that were first laid down by Jack Heuer in 1963, and also exhibit subtle nods to the racing drivers of the same decade.
Novelty Meets Innovation
To round off their Baselworld releases, TAG Heuer has unveiled a plethora of additional innovations and novelties to delight their already substantial – and no doubt expanding – following. Not least among these is a stunning development in the mobile industry; namely the world’s first perpetual power reserve. This limited edition technological marvel can maintain steady charge levels even when the device is in standby, and it enables a phone to charge itself when lying under specific light sources. TAG Heuer’s forte will undoubtedly remain anchored within the world of watchmaking though, and so they have brought out a generous selection of Carrera novelties that take into account features like Twin-Time functions, a simultaneous Day-Date display and a new re-interpretation of an easy-to-read Carrera classic. These timepieces are sure to receive much acclaim from both lovers’ of contemporary and traditional trends alike. TAG Heuer’s latest Art of Manufacturing project pays strong homage to their omnipresent twin priorities of master-craftsmanship and imaginative invention, and so it comes as no surprise to see them refining not only their own collections at Baselworld, but also the wider landscapes that they frequent in general.
We’ll undoubtedly be bringing you more details about the aftermath of TAG Heuer’s Baselworld 2014 presentation in the future, and in the meantime we’re pleased to be able to present a considerable assortment of luxury TAG Heuer watches for you to peruse at your leisure. We’re a registered stockist for TAG Heuer, so our collection really is second to none. If you would like any further information, please don’t delay in calling us on 01524 38 48 58.
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