Aquaracer Lady 300M Quartz Full Ceramic 35mm
TAG Heuer: the best of its ever-evolving collections
With varied collections that consist mostly of technical, accessible products, TAG Heuer has everything it needs to meet the year head-on. Here’s a review of the best of its recently revealed collections.
By Vincent Daveau
Contributor
TAG Heuer has a stand in Baselworld's most enviable Hall 1. Founded by Edouard Heuer in Saint–Imier in 1860, the brand will introduce watches in all the sectors it masters again in 2016. The aim is to continue to address a vast public through both affordable pieces and references to its glorious history.
Focus on the Carrera
Experts knew already that there would be a new addition to the Carrera collection – the new chronograph Tourbillon Carrera Heuer 02T Black Phantom. During the piece’s pre-Baselworld introduction, we learned that it is equipped with a 45-mm, grade 5 titanium case with a racy and modern design.
The large watch houses an in-house automatic COSC-certified caliber. It also features two favorite complications of experts – a tourbillon for accurate settings and a chronograph that allows the measurement of time lapses at any time. The 250 pieces of this limited edition are very comfortable to wear and the taut lines together with the deep black treatment give the model a very powerful design. All in all, it is to time reading what sports driving is to cars. A more traditional, “non-furtive” version of this reserved and numbered special range will be produced in mass, all in titanium but for the black bezel.
Carrera Heuer 01: focusing on accessibility
Pure technique is inspiring, which is why pros will not have missed this year’s three new additions to the range launched in 2015. The titanium piece is undoubtedly the most appealing among them. Two times lighter than the steel and ultra-resistant versions, it will seduce purists who seek contemporary timepieces. The Carrera Heuer-01 Grey Phantom is the most accessible chronograph in its category. It is equipped with the in-house automatic mechanical caliber (ref. Heuer-01) and has an open worked mass and a red anodized column wheel.
It must be noted that the modular 45-mm case, made of 12 elements, is available in different combinations – a steel and titanium version and an interesting range with ceramic bezels. All these editions are water resistant to 100 meters and feature an openwork dial with three counters and the date at 3 o'clock. They come with rubber, steel or titanium straps.
Monza Chronograph: in a title race
2016 marks also the 40th anniversary of the Monza Chronograph that was designed by Jack Heuer on the occasion of Niki Lauda winning his first World Championship with Ferrari. To celebrate the anniversary, TAG Heuer has reinterpreted the piece in a cushion-shaped 42-mm titanium case blackened with titanium carbide. Inspired from a model from 1925, it is driven by a self-winding mechanical caliber that allows us to measure short time lapses as well as speed to our heart’s content thanks to the mechanism of the tachometer scale on the dial. To top it off, the piece can read one’s pulse thanks to its integrated pulsimetric scale.
Combined with a perforated calf strap, the anniversary piece will no doubt appeal to (lucky) collectors, as it is very faithful to the original design. The case back is engraved with "Monza Heuer" and an edition number. Water resistant to 100 meters, it is closed with a deployment buckle.
The hydrophilic Aquaracer
Whilst the Aquaracer needs no introduction it is worth mentioning that this year the brand has introduced a masculine Aquaracer with a 43-mm rather than 41-mm case. The increase in size is accompanied by the bezel's "lifting" with ceramic, which contributes to dynamize the watch’s overall design. The eyeglass that reappeared in 2015 and the caliber 5, which proved reliable in solidity and precision, have both been kept in this version. Available in black or blue, the piece (water resistant to 300 meters) is equipped with a covered back engraved with a lively representation of a diving helmet. The new 2016 version is effective and made for every type of adventure. It comes with a steel strap and a deployment buckle with a combination extension.
Women were not forgotten this year. For the first time ever, the collection also comprises a watch for women, which is entirely in ceramic. Available in black or white, the piece is driven by a quartz caliber and every one of them is a little marvel that combines sport and style perfectly. Solid with a 35-mm case, they are dynamic, almost imperishable and very casual, except for the version with the diamond-set turning bezel that will obviously attract attention wherever it goes. To be discovered, it is most definitely worth it!
Front picture: Carrera Heuer-01 Rose Gold/ Black Bezel CAR2A5A
