TAG Heuer, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, unveils the Aquaracer Solargraph, Carrera Chronograph, and Carrera Date Plasma Diamant d’Avant-Garde with yellow diamonds in the LVMH Watch Week at Miami.
Aquaracer Solargraph
After carving its own path with the groundbreaking TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph two years ago, TAG Heuer proudly introduces an entirely fresh lineup of TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph watches – exceptional timepieces designed for long-lasting performance and effortless wear, set to become the perfect companion for the great outdoors.
This exceptional collection pays homage to the adventurous spirit of the Aquaracer series, now presented in a brand-new size of 34 mm.
Aquaracer Through the Ages
The rich history of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer dates back to 1978 when Jack Heuer introduced the Heuer Reference 844, a timepiece designed for adventure enthusiasts. This versatile watch, designed for both men and women who enjoy sports and challenges on land or in the water, paved the way for a new category of high- performance, all condition – even the most extreme – timepieces. In 2004, it was officially named the TAG Heuer Aquaracer.
Bold, active and in tune with nature, the philosophy of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer has always been based on a perfect fusion with the elements while maintaining an innate elegance. In 2022, TAG Heuer embarked on the Solargraph technology journey with a 40mm timepiece with a carbon bezel which took the watch industry by storm, as it is powered by a solar movement, a first for the brand. The year 2023 witnessed a titanium version, expanding the Solargraph family. Now, 2024 is set to redefine elegance and functionality with the introduction of the 34mm size, a perfect complement, and a fresh addition to the Aquaracer collection, stepping towards offering smaller and more versatile timepieces.
Like its predecessors, the new 34mm size models come with the key features of the Aquaracer collection: a unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, water resistance to 200 meters, luminous markings, sapphire crystal and a double safety clasp.
Snow And Starlight
The new line features a spectrum of five new dials, each imparting a distinctive character to the timepieces.
The everyday line offers two watches, the first adorned with TAG Heuer’s iconic Aquaracer Polar Blue dial and the second one in TAG Heuer’s signature blue dial. The latter option boasts the signature Solargraph elements, including the collection’s distinctive polar blue accents found on the second hand, dial markings, and minute track. These accents serve as a visual hallmark, distinguishing the references featuring the Solargraph technology and infusing it with a unique outdoors story. The dials themselves, emit an alluring charm, making them ideal for those seeking an everyday elegance in their sporting adventures.
Breaking new ground, TAG Heuer introduces mother-of-pearl dials, a first for the Solargraph series. This presented a unique challenge, as Solargraph technology demands semi-transparency to harness solar energy. TAG Heuer ingeniously adapted mother-of- pearl to meet these requirements, ensuring its visibility while allowing light to pass through.
The result is a dial that retains its elegance and exhibits an enchanting beauty, a testament to TAG Heuer’s avant-garde.
The latter reference comprises three exquisite timepieces that redefine luxury in sports, including a sleek version, one adorned with diamonds on the indexes, and a third with diamonds gracing both the indexes and bezel. Subtly diverging from the typical polar blue accents that define the Solargraph collection, the watches gracefully introduce an element of understated elegance in perfect harmony with their elevate luxury.
The captivating shimmer of the diamonds combined with the mother-of-pearl dial enhances the enchantment of the watch. The interplay of light and reflection mirrors the sparkle of the first snowfall, a visual spectacle brilliantly captured in the design of these timepieces.
An Elegant Transformation
While retaining the historic design code, including the ergonomic riders on the bezel – a feature born in 1982 – TAG Heuer’s designers dedicated substantial effort to modernizing the ergonomic riders for these new timepieces. This marks their first departure from rectangular or triangular forms. The new watches have been reimagined with trapezoidal shape riders, aligning with the trapezoidal indexes on the dial, providing a refined and feminine touch to the watch.
The mother-of-pearl dial watch with both diamonds on the indexes and on the bezel keeps the enduring 12 o’clock triangle – a powerful TAG Heuer aesthetic code – with a 1.8mm diamond, thoughtfully positioned to emphasize the triangle’s brilliance.
Sleek and Stylish
Intricately designed and meticulously crafted, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph series is equipped with a solar quartz movement, offering time, date, and second-hand functionalities. Completing the traditional Aquaracer quartz models, this series proudly features a date window at 3 o’clock.
The timepiece’s design journey has also led to a focus on ergonomics. TAG Heuer has modified the lug-to-lug distance to ensure a compact fit that accommodates a wide range of wrist sizes, particularly those of women. The watch’s proportions have been fine-tuned, resulting in a sleek profile with a case thickness of just 9.5mm, making it a comfortable and stylish choice for any occasion.
Sun-powered Precision
TAG Heuer’s Solargraph movement is known for harnessing the sun, an unlimited energy source and offers many guaranteed benefits. With the Solargraph movement, there is no need to change the watch’s battery: it is recharged by the sun or artificial light. A two- minute exposure to direct sunlight is enough to power the watch for an entire day. Once fully charged, after less than 40 hours in the sun, the watch can run for up to 10 months with no light exposure. If the timepiece stops ticking, it only needs exposure to any light source for ten seconds to get it started again, thanks to its ultra-efficient recharge time.
To develop this reliable and efficient movement, called Calibre TH50-01, TAG Heuer partnered with the Manufacture La Joux-Perret in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The Calibre TH50-01 is developed and manufactured exclusively for TAG Heuer and has a 5-year extended warranty.
Carrera Chronograph
From Date To Dato
To fully grasp the rich history of the iconic Carrera collection and its legendary timepieces, one must embark on a journey through time. The Carrera collection, making its debut
in 1963, was originally conceived without a date complication. However, the collection’s evolution took an interesting turn just three years later when a date function was introduced at the 12 o’clock position, giving birth to the first iteration of the Dato design.
But the evolution didn’t stop there. In 1968, a significant transformation occurred as the date window relocated to the nine o’clock position. This pivotal moment marked the emergence of the iconic Dato layout, which has since become synonymous with TAG Heuer’s commitment to precision and style.
The Carrera 45 Dato, a true masterpiece, quickly gained popularity among discerning individuals for its modern aesthetics and exceptional legibility. Its dial design, characterized by stark black and white contrasts, represented Jack Heuer’s philosophy of prioritizing readability. The watch boasted a 17-jeweled lever movement, a water-resistant case, a reinforced mainspring, and durable glass. With features like Incabloc shock absorbers, an all-steel case, a 1/5-second stopwatch, and the ability to stop and restart the recorder without resetting, it offered incomparable functionality without compromising its timeless design.
Over time, the distinctive mono subdial configuration of the Dato earned it the affectionate nickname “Cyclop” and solidified its status as a cherished collector’s piece. This enduring appreciation eventually led to a significant collaboration with Hodinkee, suggesting the Dato as an ideal candidate for a re-edition. The fruit of this partnership materialized in 2021, breathing new life into the Dato model with subtle refinements, such as transitioning from a 45-minute recorder to a 30-minute recorder and changing the flange color from white to black.
In 2023, TAG Heuer introduced three notable timepieces in the Carrera collection: the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph in blue, featuring a date at 6 o’clock, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph in black, with a date at 12 o’clock and the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon in blue. And now, in 2024, TAG Heuer proudly presents green monochrome variant, with a date at 9 o’clock, impeccably enhancing this series. Continuing the heritage of the Dato configuration, the latest addition is a testament to TAG Heuer’s commitment to preserving its rich legacy while embracing modernity.
A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph masterfully combines heritage and modernity. While retaining the iconic Dato vintage look, it has notable technical enhancements including improved ergonomics on the case, a gracefully curved flange, and a dial with circular brushed finishing.
The watch, crafted from steel, showcases rhodium- plated indexes and hands, complemented by a teal green azuré mono subdial at the three o’clock position.
The timepiece boasts a domed sapphire Glassbox crystal. It is called “Glassbox” for its domed, curved, crystal glass, paying homage to similarly domed hesalite crystal designs from the 1970s. Reengineered to have a curve that flows seamlessly over the flange, it runs along the edge of the dial, blending into the case. This innovative design offers an easy reading of the indications on the dial via the front glass.
The watch features an open caseback that showcases TAG Heuer’s in-house movement Heuer 02 listed as TH20-07, with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Additional refinements, like the bidirectional automatic winding mechanism, enrich this remarkable timepiece. Notable characteristics of the movement include a five- year extended warranty, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to durability and reliability. It also contains a distinctive shield-shaped rotor, a symbol synonymous with TAG Heuer.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph comes on high-end black alligator leather strap adding a touch of luxury, with a stainless-steel folding clasp.
A Tourbillon in Green
To complete the release, TAG Heuer unveils the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon — a captivating addition to the Carrera collection – in an elegant teal green circular brushed dial, creating a sophisticated statement piece.
At its heart, the watch features a tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock, encased within a glass frame. The dial of the 42mm watch testifies the intricate craftsmanship of TAG Heuer, showcasing a tourbillon. First perfected more than 200 years ago, a tourbillon is a continuously rotating cage that surrounds the escapement and is designed to counteract the influences of gravity on the accuracy of a mechanical movement. Even today, few watchmakers have mastered its complex form. TAG Heuer is among an elite group of manufacturers to have done so.
Remaining true to the Carrera’s heritage, the watch retains the iconic Glassbox design. The curved sapphire crystal provides a panoramic view of the tourbillon from various angles, enhancing the overall readability and aesthetic appeal. The teal green flange, rhodium-plated applied indexes, and deep azuré subdials, surrounded by green rings, further contribute to the watch’s readability and elegance.
Luxury is in the details, with powdered silver markings on the logo and the word “SWISS” and “CARRERA” elevating the watch’s appearance to a sophisticated level.
Powering this exceptional timepiece is the Heuer 02 – TH20-09 – crafted by TAG Heuer Movements Director Carole Forestier-Kasapi and the Swiss watchmaker’s technical teams. This movement
ensures bidirectional automatic winding mechanism, a significant efficiency and accuracy, and as well as a recognized level of finishing. The watch comes with a five-year warranty.
The attention to design extends to the black alligator leather strap, fastened by a finely brushed, polished steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons, adorned with the iconic TAG Heuer shield – a timepiece that perfectly blends tradition, innovation, and elegance.
A Tribute to Green
One of the most captivating highlights of these releases is the introduction of teal green as a defining color for the Carrera collection. This unique hue made its debut in the 2021 TAG Heuer Carrera limited edition, extending to the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph segment in 2023 and is now making a powerful return in 2024 with the new Dato inspired Glassbox model and the new Tourbillon model.
The choice of teal green is not arbitrary; it pays homage to motorsport history, particularly the vintage green shades of the racing cars during the thrilling era of national color racing from the 20’s to the 60’s. This color selection reflects TAG Heuer’s racing heritage, infusing the Carrera collection with the nostalgia of that golden age of motorsports.
Described as a harmonious blend of blue and green, teal green embodies TAG Heuer’s unique vision and historical resonance. This captivating shade enriches the Carrera portfolio with a fresh and dynamic dimension, appealing to enthusiasts of both classic timepieces and modern design, poised to become an enduring hallmark of the collection.
As one embarks on this journey through time, from the collection’s inception in 1963 to its latest evolution in 2024, it becomes evident that the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronographs are not just watches; they are a symbol of TAG Heuer’s heritage, capturing the hearts of watch aficionados worldwide.
Carrera Date Plasma Diamant d’Avant-Garde
Building on the success of its predecessor, the TAG Heuer Carrera Date Plasma Diamant d’Avant-Garde with pink diamonds, which captivated audiences at Watches and Wonders in 2023, this yellow-diamond variant marks a pioneering move. The introduction of yellow diamonds into the Diamant d’Avant-Garde lineup showcases TAG Heuer’s commitment to innovation, adding diversity and a burst of color to TAG Heuer timepieces.
At the heart of this avant-garde creation is the Maison’s revolutionary Plasma technology, which enables the delicate and sensitive growth of lab-grown diamonds. The mastery of this elaborate process is evident in the exquisite 4.8-carat total weight, demonstrating TAG Heuer’s ability to push creative boundaries and craft disruptive designs.
Diamonds exhibit an organized configuration of carbon atoms. The perfect diamond is a flawless, colorless specimen. This implies an absence of defects within the atomic arrangement. However, when the objective is to create a lab-grown diamond with color, a deliberate introduction of controlled disorder becomes imperative.
This intentional disruption can take the form of incorporating atoms from diverse elements or introducing unique features, such as the absence of certain carbon atoms. The Chemical Vapor Deposition process, called at TAG Heuer the Plasma technology, provides a unique opportunity to instigate these alterations during the diamond’s growth phase. What distinguishes this cutting-edge method is its capacity to execute this controlled disorder in a perfectly regulated environment, producing high-quality lab-grown diamonds.
Crucially, the Plasma technology ensures that the entire diamond is imbued with color uniformly, achieving homogeneity throughout its structure. To navigate this intricate process successfully and replicate specific colors consistently across multiple batches, a specialized expertise is indispensable.
The new yellow-diamond TAG Heuer Carrera Date Plasma Diamant d’Avant-Garde timepiece comes in white gold with a 36mm case. Its signature diamond crown is a single, 1.3-carat, yellow lab-grown diamond and represents a marvel of gem-cutting craftsmanship.
The watch also features a Diamant d’Avant-Garde shield elegantly adorning the polycrystalline dial. This groundbreaking dial is achieved by growing a vast number of diamond crystals as one, creating breathtaking reflections and light effects in a single diamond entity. Indeed, this is just one of the many creative applications of the Plasma technology and was also used on previous TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma Diamant d’Avant-Garde timepieces. The 2.9-carat polycrystalline dial is punctuated by 12 white gold indexes set with white baguette-cut lab-grown diamonds of 0.5 carats. The hours and minutes hands are skeletonized. At 12 o’clock, the Swiss luxury watchmaker has placed a yellow lab-grown diamond in its signature shield cut just below the Carrera logo.
This stunning timepiece features a total of 4.8 carats of lab-grown diamonds and comes on a white alligator strap with a white gold pin buckle. The TAG Heuer Calibre 7 Automatic is visible through the sapphire caseback.
In the world of luxury timepieces, TAG Heuer once again asserts its innovative prowess at the LVMH Watch Week, continuing to redefine the boundaries of sophistication and style. With every tick, it beckons enthusiasts to embrace the extraordinary, setting a new standard in the world of lab-grown diamonds.
Discover more exciting creations from TAG Heuer at our boutiques, or online.
