Black titanium case + dive watch credentials…

TAG Heuer is set to introduce a cool new model in its Aquaracer dive watch line – the Aquaracer 500m “All Black”.  It is a full-featured dive watch, starting with a lighweight, brushed-finish case made of titanium and coated in black-titanium carbide.  The screw-down crown is rubber coated as is the unidirectional bezel.  There is also a helium escape to accommodate the 500 meter water resistance rating.  The dial and hands also keep with the black theme – the hands are luminescent and the dial also has a verticial-striping effect to it that looks great.  There is a date window as well.  The case back is “smoked sapphire crystal” which I would guess looks pretty cool.  Rounding out the watch is a black rubber strap with a matching titanium clasp.  No word yet on price, but I expect this to be a popular watch given its full lineup of dive watch credentials paired with the titanium metal case and the “all black” color theme.  Coming September 2010.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m All Black

Ref. WAJ2180.FT6015

55 Pieces for 55 Years…

TAG Heuer is set to manufacture a limited edition watch for the Porsche Club of America (PCA), the largest single-brand car club in the world (100,000+ members).  The watch keeps the essential elements of the TAG Heuer Monaco watch, but with a sporty,  special dial designed in red and black rally stripes and the racing number “55″, a nod to Porsche Club of America’s years since — and year of — its founding (1955).  As you can also see, the watch comes on a black leather strap with racing holes and red stitching that is exclusive to this model:

The backstory on this watch is that Vu T.H. Nguyen, executive director of the Porsche Club of America, and Georg Bartkowiak, member of the Porsche Club of Germany, decided to create a limited collector’s watch for the PCA.  Of course it only made sense to tap Bartkowiak for the prestigious project — readers of this blog will likely recognize Bartkowiak as CEO of high-end luxury watch brand GRIEB & BENZINGER (check out his handiwork here!).

The official limited edition TAG Heuer Monaco manufactured for the Porsche Club of America is available for order now, with delivery set for September.  The official retail price at launch is $5,500.  When you compare this to the nice-but-not-that-nice TAG Heuer Silverstone re-issue which was priced at $6,500, I’d have to say this is an absolute steal!

Get your order in today at www.PCA-TAG.com!

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Did You Know?

It is no coincidence that the PCA has chosen TAG Heuer as its partner for the limited edition watch, which is based on famous racing heritage. In preparing to shoot Le Mans, US actor Steve McQueen’s main source of inspiration was his friend Jo Siffert, the Swiss racecar legend who in 1969 became the first driver ever sponsored by a watch brand: Heuer (TAG, standing for Techniques d’Avantgarde, was added in 1985 as the result of a takeover). McQueen insisted on wearing Heuer’s Monaco in the film, which had just been launched. Perhaps it was McQueen’s influence, or perhaps it was Porsche driver Siffert’s, but the Monaco seemed to become the preferred chronograph of the racing and fashion worlds in the 1970s. This watch, whose unique and uncompromising geometry helped achieve its almost legendary status, is one of the most recognizable timepieces in the world.

Unique piece, “Jack Heuer” signed dial…

In 2010, TAG Heuer reissued limited edition versions of its 1974 Heuer Silverstone watch — 1,500 pieces in each blue and brown (see live pics here).  The original Silverstone was originally introduced in 1974 with its signature “cushion” shaped case, and is named for the famous racing circuit in England.   You can read more about the new Heuer Silverstone here and here (my exclusive live pics).

Now we learn that TAG Heuer has also produced a one-of-a-kind Silverstone, this one in a striking red color and with a “Jack Heuer” signature on the dial (Jack Heuer is the modern day patriarch of the TAG Heuer brand).  The piece is to be auctioned by Bonhams, with proceeds going to Green Cross International, a charitable organization closely supported by TAG Heuer through their brand ambassador Leonardo di Caprio.

Bonhams estimates the piece will fetch £6,000-£8,000 when it is offered on December 15, 2010.  Great color!

Similar to the original Silverstone, the reissue uses a Chronomatic Caliber 11

“the first self-winding automatic chronograph with micro-rotor”

Pinel & Pinel craftsmanship…

In celebration of its 150 anniversary year, TAG Heuer has launched an exclusive boxed edition of its Grand Carrera Calibre 17 RS2 Chronograph.  The specially boxed set, limited to 150 units, also comes with TAG Heuer’s Meridiist phone which, although I am most definitely not a fan of, I can look past in the context of it being a part of this unique collector’s set.

Yes the watch looks great, but what’s equally as special here is the Pinel & Pinel custom box.  Crafted by bespoke French artisan and designer Fred Pinel, this multi-function watch box is a reinterpretation of the 1930s steamer trunk on the outside and the secret drawers of a Louis XVI armoire on the inside.  The premium watch box, hand crafted in black and orange leather with accented stitching, houses a watch winder for the Grand Carrera Calibre 17 RS2 Chronograph, and a mini USB connect for charging the Meridiist:

TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 17 RS2 Chronograph

I like the philosophy of presenting the watch in a nice watch box — sell “the whole package” — not just the watch.  Well done, TAG Heuer.

p.s. – Fred Pinel, your work is amazing!

A standout watch…

This past weekend at a special event hosted by TAG Heuer, I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the new TAG Heuer Silverstone “reissue” .  I first wrote about this watch in Dec’09, and it was great to finally see the watch in the metal.  When it was handed to me, my first impressions of the new TAG Heuer Silverstone were in general positive.  In short, the watch has a great “retro” look all its own, it comes in 2 great colors, and it wears very comfortably on the perforated leather strap with a cool “Heuer” logo buckle.  My main only quibble is the price — a bit high for me at $6,500.  That and the case height (more on this below).  But overall, it’s a pretty cool watch.  Here’s a few looks (and please pardon my unfortunate camera work, which leaves a little bit to be desired):

Unlike many watches, the Silverstone looks virtually identical to the previously released press photos, although one thing that immediately struck me was how “thick” the case is.   This is one aspect of the watch that can only be understood appreciated in person.  While I do not know the exact case dimensions, I do know that the thick, square case sits…shall we say very “proudly” on the wrist.  Weight-wise, the watch is also quite substantial, and I say this in a good way.

As for the colors, I find both color variations to be very attractive and very well executed by TAG Heuer.  I’d probably select the blue version if I had to choose just one.  The strap is also quite comfortable and with a very cool “Heuer” buckle (not pictured).  Finally, the left-sided crown is also decorated with the “Heuer” logo and is a very nice touch, too.

As I noted in my Dec’09 post, the watch was originally introduced in 1974 and is named for the Silverstone racing track in England, famous home of the British Grand Prix. The original Silverstone housed the Chronomatic Caliber 11, the first self-winding automatic chronograph with micro-rotor, and the tribute pieces remain true to spirit with an updated version of the Caliber 11.

In closing, I’ll leave you with some words from TAG Heuer CEO Jean-Christophe Babin.  I think he perhaps summed up this watch best when he said:  “It’s just a standout, as audacious and unconventional as the person who dares wears it.”  I couldn’t agree more.

The first-ever mechanical movement without hairspring…

Overall, I would say that my taste in watches tends to run more towards the traditional.  But this new concept watch from TAG Heuer just unveiled at Baselworld 2010, – the Pendulum – seems to be a great technological innovation and thus worth a closer look.  Watch the video first and then I’ll “show and tell” you more about this new and exciting concept watch.

TAG Heuer Pendulum demonstration

The basic concept here is that the hairspring has inherent physical limitations (gravity and temperature are its primary ‘enemies’).  New materials such as silicon have made great improvements in overcoming these limitations, but still they exist.  So what did TAG Heuer do?  It got rid of the hairspring entirely and replaced it with an innovative pendulum “spring” that is regulated by magnets.  The pendulum beats at a very high frequency 43,200/hour (6 Hertz) and requires no additional components give its firm rooting in the physics of magnetism.  Pendulum gets its name from a creation of the original inventor of the hairspring, Christiaan Huygens in 1675— he actually invented the pendulum clock in 1657.

The first recipient of TAG Heuer’s New Caliber 1887

Well, barring the leaked photos a few weeks ago, here it is – the new TAG Heuer Carrera 1887.  This is the first announced watch to contain TAG Heuer’s new Caliber 1887 movement.  After the much debated, defended and discussed marketing flub over the announcement of its new 1887 movement, I’m sure TAG is more than eager to move on and shift the attention to the actual watches that will use its new movements.  I share their desire to “move on”.  The new Carrera 1887 is a pretty straightforward watch – what you see is what you get.  This new model has a 41mm case water resistant to 100 meters, a polished and satin-finished bezel with tachometer scale, and will be available in a silver or black dial with alligator strap or steel bracelet.  The early buzz/reaction to this watch was less than spectacular and to me it all comes down to price – it will be interesting to see the price premium TAG Heuer will put on its watches with the new Caliber 1887 in them.   Hopefully they do not overprice them as I hear Breilting did with its Chronomat B01 watches with in-house caliber (launched 2009).

The new TAG Heuer Carerra 1887

The new TAG Heuer Caliber 1887

You can see all the hot new watches for 2010 on Perpetuelle.com’s Official Baselworld 2010 Forum.  Just click here!

Ceramic is in in 2010…

This is a sneak peak at the new Perrelet Diamond Flower ceramic watch.  More info and a video, below.

I love the design of the original this collection – it is simply beautiful.  Not to mention its adaptation of Perrelet’s unique “double rotor” system (see the video below) in which the top-side rotor is in the shape of diamond-lined flower petals.  Now, with this year’s addition of a black and white ceramic bracelet/case with a black mother-of-pearl dial, Perrelet is stepping it up a notch in with an even more luxurious and mechanically sophisticated extension of the collection.

More broadly, I am sensing that ceramic watches will be a hot item this year, particularly in the ladies segment.  While of course there’s always been the Chanel J12 series setting the standard for the ladies ceramic watch, not to mention its one-off limited edition pieces such as the very beautiful and one-of-a-kind J12 Joaellerie as well as the new and engimatic “concept watch” known as the Chanel J12 Tourbillon Retrograde Mysterieuse Automatic (see the high res pics and video here), other brands are emerging with their own and equally impressive ceramic watches.  Perrelet being one good example.  Also, I think that the new TAG Heuer F1 ceramic ladies collection will be very well received – the watches look great – you should really take a look if you haven’t seen them yet.

And of course on the men’s side it is more about the ceramic bezel – most recently and notably the new OMEGA Seamaster Liquidmetal watch, sure to be one of the most popular watches seen in Basel this year (available first here on Perpetuelle since Oct’09).

Will we see more new and exciting ceramic watches this year at Baselworld?  You can count on it!

2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster to include new TAG Heuer concept watch…

This is the new TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster on dispaly at the Geneva Motor Show.  The design was reportedly inspired by the new TAG Heuer concept watch which is to be revealed at Baselworld 2010 on March 18.  The car will also feature a TAG Heuer Meridiist mobile phone as well as a one-fifth second Heuer Limited Edition Stopwatch.  As for the car, well the Tesla Roadster is one sweet ride – what I instantly noticed about the TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster is the use of a green rearview mirror + green accents on the passenger side, and red rearview mirror + red accents on the driver side.  Most curious!

Cabin / Interior:

“TAG Heuer has a rich history and expertise with the world’s most prestigious racing teams — but this is the first ever partnership we’ve forged with an electric sports car company,” said Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer. “We believe that high-performance drivers are increasingly searching for products that are efficient, socially responsible and stylish. TAG Heuer and Tesla are two of the few companies arleady achieving these ideals today.”

“Engineers at both TAG Heuer and Tesla understand intuitively that technology — whether worn on your wrist or driven on the road — can help us live better while we tread more lightly on this planet,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

TAG Heuer and Tesla plan to hold what will undoubtedly be a huge and celebrity filled launch part on March 18 during Baselworld 2010.

Special cradle/rest on the console for the TAG Heuer Meridiist phone

The special edition 1/5 second Heuer Stopwatch

An odd mix of modern and past day technology if there ever was one!

Even the speedometer is branded TAG Heuer!

Hat tip: Calibre11.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla is the world’s only automaker selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, Chicago and South Florida. Tesla has delivered more than 1,000 cars to customers in at least 21 countries worldwide.

The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any car in its price class and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. It is the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale in Europe or North America. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year – and Tesla can perform this service at customers’ homes or offices.

TAG Heuer Introduces Lady’s Ceramic Bezel, Bracelet….Men’s watches next?

Below is a first look at some pics of the new TAG Heuer F1 Lady series watches with ceramic bezel and bracelet components that will be officially unveiled at Baselworld 2010.  This is TAG Heuer’s first foray into the use of ceramic in its bezels and bracelets and I expect this to generate a lot of enthusiasm from TAG Heuer fans and watch fans in general.  More importantly, it is all but certain that TAG Heuer will also soon introduce ceramic into its men’s watches as well.  TAG Heuer follows other popular brands such as Rado, Chanel, Rolex, and most recently Omega (check out the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal here) to integrate ceramic bezel and bracelet components.

3/18 Update:   These timepieces will retail in the U.S. and Canada for approximately $1,200 for the non-diamond and $1,700 for the diamond models.

This is to me a positive move by TAG Heuer in what is shaping up to be a crazy year of “highs” and “lows” for the brand (a beautiful Silverstone reissue, the Caliber 1887 movement snafu, a leaked then retracted Carrerra 1887 model, dealing with a tainted Ambassador named Tiger Woods here, here and here….and oh I can’t miss mentioning the absurd $360 “luxury” 8Gb flash memory thumb drive).

As for the watch, the only downside for me – and this is purely a matter of preference if this sort of thing matters to you – is that the F1 lady ceramic the watches will have quartz movements in them.  A far cry from, for example, the Audemars Piguet-base mechanical automatic movements as used in the Chanel J12 Series.  On the plus side, the price will actually be affordable.  And I do think that the watches look nice – very clean and sharp looking.  So all in all, I’ll give TAG Heuer a “thumbs up” on this one.

BASELWORLD 2010 is coming soon. You can see all the hot new pre-releases on Perpetuelle.com’s Official Baselworld 2010 Forum right now! And many many more when the event starts on March 18th. Just click here!