Watch & Jewelry
March 30, 2015
TAG Heuer | Silverstone Limited Edition
TAG Heuer
A Gentle, Warm Design Unique to the 1970s
The Charm of Vintage Feel
Text by Yasuto Shibuya
Silverstone Limited Edition
Silverstone, a British Grand Prix circuit that has been the stage for F1 Grand Prix races and countless legendary battles since 1950. In 1974, in honor of this circuit, TAG Heuer launched a connoisseur's chronograph with a two-dial design and a case featuring softly rounded corners on its square shape.chronographThis legendary, little-known chronograph, the "Silverstone," has returned after 36 years as one of the items commemorating TAG Heuer's 150th anniversary, a limited edition of 3,000 pieces worldwide, while largely retaining its original design.
Perhaps it's the design from an era when F1 was a gentleman's sport, full of human touch unlike today. The gentle curve of the case, the elegant and subdued color palette of the deep blue or brown dial – this watch soothes the soul with its vintage sensibility.
For those who appreciate the designs of 1970s chronographs over the sharp, powerful aesthetics of modern ones, and are searching for a model they can wear daily, this is a highly recommended piece.
TAG Heuer Monaco Vintage Chronograph Gulf Limited Edition
Automatic winding
Case diameter x thickness | 42 x 42mm
Case x Strap | See-through back x Alligator strap
Water resistance | 100m water resistance
Price | ¥735,000
BRAND HISTORY
TAG Heuer is a brand that has been actively involved in sports since its founding, particularly supporting the evolution of motorization, earning respect from many athletes, including racers.
Its predecessor, Heuer & Co., was founded in 1860 by Edward Heuer, then only 20 years old, in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. The company obtained a patent for a key-wound pocket watch in 1868 and exhibited a split-seconds chronograph at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1889, winning a silver medal, demonstrating its early prowess.
In 1916, it unveiled the "Micrograph," a masterpiece stopwatch still talked about today. With its groundbreaking capability to measure to 1/100th of a second, Heuer became globally recognized 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," an onboard 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 personally favored by Hollywood star Steve McQueen, and its image was seared into the minds of race fans worldwide through the masterpiece film "Le Mans."
Subsequently, 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.
In addition to deepening its involvement with motorsports more than ever, the brand has actively promoted itself by welcoming ambassadors such as Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova, Brad Pitt, and Uma Thurman. It has also garnered significant attention for its mechanical innovations, such as the "V4" prototype in 2004, which adopted timing belts and ingots, and the "Calibre 360" in 2005, an automatic chronograph capable of measuring to 1/100th of a second, a first for a wristwatch.
Founding Year | 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/