2013/02/20

TAG Heuer the Carrera CMC Concept Chronograph

 

Ultra light & super resistant

TAG Heuer unveils the first watch fully manufactured in Carbon Matrix Composite: 19g of Technology

The TAG Heuer CARRERA CMC CONCEPT CHRONOGRAPH is one of TAG Heuer’s most futuristic interpretation yet of the iconic Carrera, the motor-sports inspired watch designed by Jack Heuer in 1963. Made of the identical space-age carbon composite pioneered in Formula One and the aerospace industry, and powered by the brand’s in-house designed and manufactured chronograph movement, the TAG Heuer CARRERA CMC CONCEPT CHRONOGRAPH is super light and unbelievably resistant. With a case inspired by the award-winning CARRERA MIKROGIRDER, the TAG Heuer CARRERA CMC CONCEPT CHRONOGRAPH pushes watchmaking design and technology to a new extreme expression of the avant-garde.

The same hi-tech design as the CARRERA Mikrogirder, with case, back & bezel in lightweight, super-resistant carbon

The primary source of inspiration for the TAG Heuer CARRERA CMC CONCEPT CHRONOGRAPH is the original 1963 Carrera--the first sports chronograph designed specifically for professional drivers and sports-car enthusiasts. The case design, however, is based on 2012‘s breakthrough CARRERA MIKROGRIDER, which was named Swiss Watch of the Year at last November’s Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix, winning the prestigious Aiguille d’Or, watchmaking most coveted distinction.

The TAG Heuer CARRERA CMC CONCEPT CHRONOGRAPH shares the Mikrogirder’s distinctive asymmetrical “bullhead” case with base horns design. The crown and chronograph pushers are mounted at 12 o’clock, like a classic stopwatch. The fundamental difference, however, is the material used -- Carbon Matrix Composite -- and the extremely complicated miniaturized manufacturing process required to use it -- both world firsts in the watchmaking industry.

A new manufacturing method, a new level of precision, strength and lightness

The TAG Heuer CARRERA CMC CONCEPT CHRONOGRAPH’s case, back and bezel are made from thin carbon fibers organized as on a isotropic matrix. The reinforced fabric, which is only 0.007mm thick, is structured to build the components into 3D form, then heated and compacted to transform by a means of a chemical reaction the soft, flexible layers into a super rigid form.

The TAG Heuer manufacturing method, which until now was primarily used in F1 and aeronautics, facilitates watch production,  and allows for intricate detailing and machining with fewer geometrical constraints and an exceptionally high degree of precision. The edges of the case middle, for example, are astonishingly detailed. Having passed all of TAG Heuer’s rigorous quality controls, the timepiece will also age much better than a conventional watch, with fewer scratches and signs of wear. Its extreme lightness also translates into ultimate comfort.

Inside ticks the famous CALIBRE 1887, TAG Heuer’s first movement built in-house. Manufactured after 4 years of intensive R&D in 2011 to mark the brand’s 150th anniversary, the integrated column-wheel chronograph movement contains 320 parts. It is a radical re-engineering of one of Edouard Heuer’s greatest contributions to watchmaking: the oscillating pinion of 1887.

Individual weights of components

Case: 10.5 g
Caseback (without crystal): 4.35 g
2 Blade horns: 2.77 g
Bezel: 1.23 g
Total weight: 76.9 g

TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE 1887 Jack Heuer 50th Anniversary Edition – 45mm

The little brother of the TAG Heuer CARRERA CMC CONCEPT CHRONOGRAPH is this stunning tribute to the CARRERA’s creator, TAG Heuer Honorary Chairman Jack Heuer. Like the Carbon,  the asymmetrical case design comes from the Carrera Mikrogirder, and the technical details from Formula One and aeronautics: black titanium carbide steel in the 45mm case, hand-brushed and polished to a high sheen; polished, a fine brushed and sandblasted steel cage; tachymetre and pulsometre on the dial. Jack Heuer’s coat of arms and signature decorate the smoked sapphire caseback, through which can be seen the audacious 39-jewel Calibre 1887 movement. In every way, a stunning tribute to the singular vision of a pioneer in technology and design.