TAG Heuer is set to launch a number of new models in 2013, mostly geared towards a milestone celebration of 50 years of Carrera.   For now, I wanted to highlight one piece that caught my eye — this new Carrera 1887 Racing watch, with a 43mm sand-blasted titanium case, black ceramic bezel, and gorgeous strap.
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Above left is the new TAG Heuer Carrera 1887 “SpaceX”, a limited edition chronograph.  This stellar looking timepiece marks the 50th anniversary of TAG Heuer (originally Heuer) being the first Swiss timepiece to be worn in space.  That being the above right, a modified Heuer 2915A stopwatch, worn by astronaut John Glenn in 1962.  Top to bottom, inside and out, this is one awesome TAG Heuer with a great story around it.  I’ve got lots of praise, more looks and more details, below.
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I say it again:  Steve McQueen Heuer Monaco Sells for $799,500.  Huh?!?  What the–what to say except “insane”!!!!!!! I didn’t see it coming!!!!  Here’s what I tweeted 5 days ago:

@markdchou @hodinkee would be very surprised it if fetched 200k

— Perpetuelle (@perpetuelle) July 27, 2012

Via Heuer expert OnTheDash, who have been all over this story, via HODINKEE.  OnTheDash (Part 1 (even though it says Part 3), Part 2, Part 3)

Heuer Monaco Worn by Steve McQueen

Hammered at $650,000, $799,500 with Buyer’s Premium

Here’s a look at the new TAG Heuer Racer, the Swiss brand’s latest “communication instrument” — some might call it a smartphone:

Is this the second coming of the Meridiist?  It appears so.  Unfortunately.  Though some early PR buzz went out this past March, it appears that TAG is now close to *officially* unveiling the RACER.  The RACER microsite is up (though just a coverpage), and TAG Heuer put out some news last week that its “luxury communication instrument” “steeped in motor racing lore” and “constructed from the most advanced materials in aeronautics” was presented for the first time to the public at the Moscow Raceway Grand Opening in Russia.  A fine bit of hyperbole, I hope can sell a $3,400 smartphone. More, after the jump…

The Monaco 24 by TAG Heuer, is a stunning limited edition timepiece that since its original concept presentation in Basel in 2009 (though not launched until late 2010), has been a watch that epitomises Swiss luxury.  The 24 series was named to honor one of the most iconic races in motor racing, the Le Mans 24 hour race, but it wasn’t just the name that was inspired by the racing, it was the design and engineering behind it.  Underneath the polished titanium square casing and the shock absorbing arms lies the precise Calibre 36 movement which was designed and built to reflect the spectacular performance of the racing cars which feature in the endurance race.  The racing striped chronograph function dial and the black reptile skin detailed strap complete what is one of the boldest designs yet for the iconic Monaco collection.

Editor’s Note:  Written by Guest Contributor Chris Derrer, Blogger for The Watch Hut

TAG Heuer Monaco 24 Watch (Ref CAL5110.FC6265)

40.5mm black titanium-carbide finished steel case, automatic mechanical Calibre 36 movement (El Primero),

Visible through the caseback, you can see that TAG Heuer replaced the standard oscillating weight with an innovative 3-spoke design:

TAG Heuer insider Calibre11 brings us the first comprehensive look at the new $230,000 (220,000 CHF) TAG Heuer MikrotourbillonS.  The watch features two tourbillons, and also as the name suggests is part of TAG’s “Mikro” platform featurng a double-barreled dual-frequency movement (one for the watch and one for the chronograph).   Cool looking watch — TAG Heuer’s R&D effort these past few years is generating some very interesting and impressive technology, good for them.

Get the full scoop on the TAG Heuer Mikrotoubillon — with lots of pics — over at Calibre11.

TAG Heuer MikrotourbillonS

45mm rose gold case, double tourbillon configuration

Based on the 1964 Jack Heuer tribute to the Carrera Panamericana Mexico road race of the 50’s, this TAG Heuer Carrera “Monaco Grand Prix” watches features red lettering on the bezel, tachymetre scale, a vintage F1 rubber tire strap (very cool strap…reminds me of Chopard Mille Miglia), and inspired by Carrera Panamericana car, red touch on the hands and pusher, and a Monaco Grand Prix logo on its scratch-resistant sapphire caseback (not pictured).    Sharp racing watch.

TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE 16 CHRONOGRAPH MONACO GRAND PRIX LIMITED EDITION

43mm case, automatic mechanical TAG Heuer caliber 16 movement, rubber tire tread style strap

TAG Heuer and its insider blog Calibre11 have unveiled the new Aquaracer line for 2012, and the new models are definitely worth a look.  I won’t get into all the details except to say that the Aquaracer line has undergone several significant changes, most notably the use of a ceramic bezel — an Aquaracer first.  This redesign is not surprising given similar redesigns in other TAG Heuer collections the past two years, but as always there will be those who ‘like’ and those who do not.  I tend to like the smoother lines and thinnber bezel on these new models.  As for the particulars — Calibre11 is a TAG Heuer expert and they give an excellent run down on all the details — and more pics — just click on through.  Price is in the $2,500 – $3,000 range.  Here are a few of my favorite looks:

TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500M Ceramic

43mm case

Blue Dial/ Blue Ceramic Bezel/ Steel

Full Black/ Ceramic Bezel/ Titanium Carbide Case

TAG Heuer has partnered Oracle Racing Team USA in the 34th America’s Cup, and here are the commemorative Aquaracer watches we knew were coming.  There are two “limited edition” chronographs here — one with “Team USA” logo and one with “Defender” logo.  Each model is available on a rubber strap or steel bracelet.   If you are not up on yacht racing (like me) you may be wondering what “Defender” is all about.  In short, it means that Oracle Racing Team USA won the last America’s Cup (in 2010, it was then ‘BMW Oracle USA’ beating Hublot sponsored Team Alinghi) and thus they are defending, rather than challenging for, the cup this time around.   Back to the watches:  of note you will see the touches of red, the official “Team USA” color, and the superbly looking “Oracle Racing Team” boat stamped on the caseback (also pictured below).  In addition to the models shown here, there is also a non-chronograph “Team USA” version being produced as well, if you prefer a simpler look.  All in, this is a nicely styled and respectably spec’d watch that many watch enthusiasts will be clamoring for.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer “Team USA” / “Oracle Racing” Watches

Limited Edition ? pieces

44mm stainless steel case, 500 meter water resistant, black rubber bezel, automatic mechanical TH Calibre 16, rubber strap or steel bracelet

a beautifully stamped caseback — “Oracle Racing”

note the “Team USA” logo

 note here the “DEFENDER” logo rather than “Team USA”

the “GGYC” stands for Golden Gate Yacht Club

One last note:  I say “limited edition” in quotations because TAG Heuer conveniently has not stated how many will be produced, which probably means it is a fairly high number (i.e. thousands+) by my definition of “limited edition”.

A nice look at the Heuer Autavia Siffert over at Heuerville.  For more on legendary Swiss racer Jo Siffert, see here.  Click through to Heuerville for all the pics…

Heuer Autavia 1163T Siffert