Watch & Jewelry
April 1, 2015
TAG Heuer | Link Automatic
TAG Heuer
Link Automatic
Text by OPENERS
When it comes to watches, originally, those with leather straps attached to the watch case itself were the mainstream. It hasn't been that long since watches with metal bands (bracelets) like those common today began to appear.
The "S/el" series, the predecessor to TAG Heuer's representative "Link" series, was already a pioneering full-metal watch with an SS bracelet in 1987.
Moreover, the S/el series, with its curved form inspired by ergonomics, placed maximum emphasis on a comfortable fit. The photo on the right shows the first model of the S/el. Isn't the unique metal bracelet design, intended to evoke the human spine, familiar even to those who aren't watch enthusiasts?
The S/el series achieved a major breakthrough in the 1990s as a model also favored by the late Ayrton Senna. Its concept was "sporty & elegance," perfectly matching the image of Senna, who was known as the "Prince of Speed."
First model of the S/el
Later, in 1999, when it underwent a major renewal, the S/el series was renamed "Link." The series name "Link" (meaning "to connect"), announced at the turn of the millennium, also carried the meaning of "connecting" TAG Heuer's philosophy of "tradition and innovation" from the old century to the new, from the past to the future. A minor change was made in 2003, and the Link gradually evolved from its previous glamorous design emphasizing curves to a more modern, contemporary look.
The current Link series, re-released in 2007, retains the sporty & elegance image of its predecessors, but now features a contemporary large 42mm diameter and is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel for the first time in the Link Automatic.
In addition to significant functional improvements, the case back features a sapphire crystal see-through case back, allowing a view of the Calibre 5 movement. The collection has also been expanded, with the three-hand models offering four dial variations, and further models with a wide range of functions such as "Day-Date," "Chronograph Tachymeter," and "Calibre S" are available in the lineup.
TAG Heuer LINK
Automatic winding
42-hour power reserve
Case diameter x thickness | 42 x 13.05mm
Case | SS case
Water resistance | 200m water resistance
Price | ¥294,000
BRAND HISTORY
TAG Heuer is a brand that has been actively involved in sports since its founding, and is respected by many athletes, including racers, as a brand that has supported the evolution of motorization.
Its predecessor, Heuer, was founded in 1860 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, by Edouard Heuer, who was only 20 years old at the time. The company showed early promise, obtaining a patent for a key-wound pocket watch in 1868 and exhibiting a split-seconds chronograph at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1889, where it won a silver medal.
In 1916, it unveiled the "Micrograph," a masterpiece stopwatch still talked about today. With this groundbreaking measuring instrument capable of measuring to 1/100th of a second, Heuer rapidly gained global recognition as an indispensable brand in the world of sports.
Indeed, in recognition of this achievement, the company was appointed as the official timekeeper for three Olympic Games, starting with the Antwerp Games in 1920.
Although the company had already introduced the "Time of Trip," a dashboard clock for automobiles, in 1911, its deep involvement with motorsports continued.
In 1964, it launched a chronograph named after the legendary road race "Carrera," which was favored by many racers at the time.
Then, in 1969, it introduced the "Monaco," equipped with the world's first automatic chronograph movement. It is also well-known for being favored by Hollywood star Steve McQueen in both his professional and private life, and its appearance was etched into the minds of racing fans worldwide through the masterpiece film "Le Mans."
Like many other brands, Heuer faced a temporary business crisis due to the quartz shock of the 1970s. However, in 1985, it made a remarkable comeback with investment from TAG Group, the owner of the F1 McLaren team, and was renamed the current TAG Heuer.
The brand deepened its ties with motorsports even further and actively promoted itself by enlisting ambassadors such as Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova, Brad Pitt, and Uma Thurman. It has also garnered significant attention for its mechanical innovations, unveiling the prototype "V4" with timing belts and ingots in 2004, and in 2005, the "Calibre 360," an automatic chronograph capable of measuring to 1/100th of a second, the first such watch in the world.
Year of Establishment | 1860
Place of Establishment | 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/