Watch & Jewelry
March 18, 2015
TAG Heuer | Grand Carrera Chronograph RS2 Limited Edition
TAG Heuer
Grand Carrera Chronograph RS2 Limited Edition
Text by OPENERS
Launched in 2007, the Grand Carrera is a luxury sports watch for the upper class, inheriting the tradition and DNA of the Carrera. Its innovative Rotating Indicator System (RS), which displays time and measurements using rotating discs, and its unique appearance, featuring a Côtes de Genève finished metal plate around the display window, offered a fresh perspective to all who saw it.
The Grand Carrera Chronograph RS2 Limited Edition is a new model in the Grand Carrera collection, unveiled prior to Baselworld in April 2008. While predominantly black, it incorporates striking red accents throughout, creating a design that evokes a sense of speed.
The rubber-coated alligator strap also features red stitching, ensuring a cohesive design. Furthermore, the case is crafted from Grade 2 titanium, known for its lightness and durability. The combination of this material and the RS system gives the model its name, "RS2."
The "Calibre 17RS" movement is a completely separate module, with the gear train on the caseback side and the chronograph mechanism on the dial side. While this mechanism is commonly found in reliable mechanical chronographs, the 17RS requires more power to rotate the disc for the 30-minute counter due to the RS system.
Additionally, the reset function, which returns the disc to zero with a significant impact, necessitates various fine adjustments, such as reinforcing the strength of the core components.
The RS system is not merely a novel aesthetic feature; it embodies TAG Heuer's advanced technical expertise.
TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Chronograph RS2 Limited Edition
Automatic Chronometer
42-hour power reserve
Case diameter x thickness | 43 x 14.85mm
Case x strap | Titanium case x rubber-coated alligator strap
Water resistance | 100m
Price | ¥871,500 (estimated)
BRAND HISTORY
TAG Heuer is a brand that has actively engaged with sports since its inception, particularly supporting the evolution of motorization, earning respect from many athletes, including racers.
Its predecessor, Heuer, was founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, then just 20 years old, in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. The company quickly distinguished itself, obtaining a patent for a winding stem pocket watch in 1868 and winning a silver medal for its split-seconds chronograph at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle.
In 1916, they introduced the "Micrograph," a masterpiece stopwatch still celebrated today. This groundbreaking timing instrument, capable of measuring to 1/100th of a second, propelled Heuer to global recognition as an indispensable brand in the world of sports.
Indeed, this achievement led to their appointment as the official timekeeper for three Olympic Games, starting with the 1920 Antwerp Games.
While the company had already introduced the "Time of Trip" dashboard clock for automobiles in 1911, its deep connection with motorsports continued unabated.
In 1964, they launched a chronograph named after the legendary road race "Carrera," which was favored by many racers at the time.
Then, in 1969, they introduced the "Monaco," equipped with the world's first automatic chronograph movement. Famously loved by Hollywood star Steve McQueen both on and off-screen, its image was seared into the minds of race fans worldwide through the iconic film "Le Mans."
Like many other brands, Heuer faced a business crisis during the quartz shock of the 1970s. However, in 1985, the company was revitalized through investment from the TAG Group, owners of the F1 McLaren team, and was renamed TAG Heuer.
The brand deepened its involvement in motorsports and expanded its promotional activities by appointing ambassadors such as Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova, Brad Pitt, and Uma Thurman. Mechanically, it continued to attract attention with the 2004 prototype "V4," featuring timing belts and ingots, and the 2005 "Calibre 360," an automatic chronograph capable of measuring to 1/100th of a second, a first for a wristwatch.
【Year Founded】1860
【Place of Founding】Saint-Imier, Switzerland
【Main Series Names】Grand Carrera, Carrera, Link, Monaco, New Aquaracer, Formula 1
【Inquiries】LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan TAG Heuer Division 03-3613-3951
Official Website: http://www.tagheuer.com/