TAG Heuer | A Passion for Mechanical Chronographs

TAG HEUER

Following last year's announcement, a prototype of an ultra-fast chronograph is unveiled!

During the SIHH, Geneva becomes a hub for watch buyers, journalists, and other industry professionals from around the world. Alongside the main exhibition, various other watch showcases take place. This year, particular attention was drawn to three brands from the LVMH Group, which held their own events: TAG Heuer,Louis VuittonMoët Hennessy), Zenith, and Hublot. Here, we introduce a selection of their newly unveiled timepieces.

Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito

In January 2011, prior to the Baselworld fair, TAG Heuer astonished the watchmaking world by unveiling the "Microtimer Flying 1000" concept model at Geneva's Exhibition Hall – a mechanicalchronographcapable of measuring time down to 1/1000th of a second. The passion for technological innovation in mechanical chronographs manifested itself once again in Geneva in 2012, this time as an even more revolutionary concept model.

This is the "TAG Heuer Microgard," an ultra-fast mechanical chronograph capable of measuring time in increments of 5/10000th of a second (1/2000th of a second), featuring a groundbreaking new regulating system that utilizes a linear oscillator vibrating at 20,000 oscillations per second – 250 times faster than the balance wheel of a conventional mechanical watch. Concurrently, a new collection of the updated "Formula 1" line was also announced and exhibited.

TAG Heuer Microgard
Features an ultra-fast regulating mechanism using a linear oscillator!
Instead of the spiral hairspring used in regulating mechanisms for over 300 years, this concept model employs a special escapement for the chronograph that vibrates linearly at 2,000 times per second (1000Hz). The central chronograph hand, rotating 20 times per second, enables measurement in 5/10000th-second increments. This unique escapement mechanism can be viewed through a window opened on the dial.

Self-winding, stainless steel case with black titanium carbide coating, rubber strap. Case diameter: 45mm. Price to be determined.

LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan TAG Heuer Division
Tel. 03-3613-3951
http://www.tagheuer.com/jp