Presenting the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer "Il de pan" Diving Limited Japan 2009 (Gents)
Japanese Limited Edition of 800 pieces
Il de pan of New Caledonia, is about 7,000 km from Japan in the southern island floating in Melanesia, the French "Pine Island". Captain Cook was the first to visit here.
Blue New Caledonia Dial
Satin / polished finish Stainless Steel Bracelet
Diameter: 38.40mm without crown or 27.00mm without crown
Thickness: 11.00mm or 9.00mm
300 meters water resistant
It is the timepiece that you never thought Tag Heuer would make - but they did. As a limited edition of just 150 watches the Monaco V4 is a great looking watch that is as fun to watch in operation as it is to show off. Plus, it is the only Tag Heuer watch I know of made from platinum (170 grams of it). Aside from the unique look of the watch and the modern styling, there are two major points of interest in the watch.
First, the Tag Heuer watch movement uses a series of transmission belts instead of pinions. The belts are the smallest made anywhere and still have a thin steel wire in them for strength. Basically, instead of smaller gears connecting some of the larger gears, there are the belts that do it. Second is the use of a liner weight for the automatic movement. The idea is meant to resemble a piston in a engine. Instead of an oscillating weight moving around in a circle, the linear weight moves up and down to power the movement. Power is stored in four barrels that are seen in the rear of the watch (hence the V4 name). The power reserve is 52 hours, and the watch is actually very accurate at about plus or minus 4 seconds a day.
The watch also uses mini ball bearings instead of "rubies" that are commonly used in watches for low friction between gears and palettes. Tag Heuer says that the ball bearings provide even less friction than the commonly used synthetic rubies. The watch functions include the time and a power reserve indicator. It is a new style of skeletonized watch, and very Tag Heuer in character.
We love this watch! It add a very traditional spin to a masculine TAG Heuer watch. The TAG Heuer Link Calibre 5 Men’s Watch has some features that cannot be denied.
The first is the amazing day window at the 12 o’clock marker that fully spells out and displays the day of the week. Underneath the day window is a TAG Heuer luxury watch Link logo right above the watch hands. Lastly, a date window sits right above the 6 o’clock marker.
A little history also says a lot about this watch. The TAG Heuer Link was created in 1987 and re-launched in 1999 and was a favorite of Ayrton Senna (above) in 1990. Ayrton Senna da Silva was a Brazilian race car driver and Formula One champion who was killed while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
Other attributes of this TAG Heuer luxury watch include a stainless steel and 18k yellow gold case, transparent case back, screw down crown, polished stainless steel bezel, silver dial, gold tone luminous hand indicators and markers, scratch resistant sapphire crystal, two-tone brushed bracelet, automatic movement and 660 feet of water resistance.
A true hybrid, the electro-mechanical timepiece is an ingenious mix of mechanical watch-making expertise and extraordinary quartz precision. With its 230 mechanical components and five bi-directional micro-engines, the Calibre S is a mechanical movement with quartz precision.
Functions:
The TAG Heuer SLR Calibre S Laptimer is a 1/100th of a second “flyback” chronograph.
The Calibre S Laptimer has three modes: “HOUR”, “CHRONO” and “BEST”. A simple push on the crown is all it takes to go from one mode to the next. The three modes are displayed by the central hands (hour, minute, second), making legibility simple and intuitive.
The three hand-applied semi-circular counters are read as follows:
In HOUR mode: the two semi-circular counters at 4:30 and 7:30 indicate the date; the first digit of the date is indicated by the left counter and the second digit of the date is indicated by the right counter.
In CHRONO mode: On the upper counter, the hour hand indicates the number of the measured lap. At 4:30, the counter indicates the tenth-of-a-second precision and at 7:30 the counter indicates the hundredth-of-a-second precision.
In BEST mode: the hour hand indicates the number of the best lap on the upper counter while the minute, second, and sub counters hands indicate the corresponding time. You can also consult the other measured laps.
Glass: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective treatment
Case: fine-brushed with polished edges.
Dimension: 47mm
Dial:Black or silver dial with a vertical streak effect;Hand-applied curved indexes;Luminescent markers on hands and indexes for perfect legibility in darkness;Chronograph hands with red at the extremity
Bezel: Fine-brushed fixed bezel coated with titanium carbide with tachymeter scale
Bracelet:5-row fine-brushed steel bracelet with solid steel folding clasp with SLR lettering and safety push buttons or black natural rubber strap with textures inspired by the lateral air intake of the SLR 722 car, polished steel folding clasp with SLR lettering and safety push buttons.
The TAG-Heuer Link Quartz Chronograph watch for ladies is a stylish sports timepiece whose dashingly elegant exterior should not conceal the fact that inside lies a Swiss quartz chronograph movement of immense precision and sporting capability. A daring jewelry statement and a technical marvel at the same time, the Link Quartz Chronograph ladies watch is a timepiece that provokes excitement on many levels.
The exterior of the TAG-Heuer Link Quartz Chronograph ladies watch is crafted from stainless steel. The sculpted bracelet, which is made specifically for the Link collection---is immediately recognizable as a classic TAG-Heuer design. Solid and supple, this bracelet closes perfectly on a wrist, with a secure deployant clasp. The MOP dial offers a natural, soft visual contrast to the high-polish steel, and can be had with or without diamonds at the hour markers; for the woman who insists on the ultimate in feminine elegance, a version is available that is set with 68 diamonds (Top Wesselton, VVS clarity) on the dial and bezel, for a total diamond weight of 0.914 carats. Above all, the TAG-Heuer Link Quartz Chronograph ladies watch is a precision timepiece of the highest order. Powered by a battery, the Link’s quartz chronograph movement is capable of measuring time intervals of up to 12 hours in duration, as well as split times, all to within 1/10 of a second precision. A date display, visible on the dial at the 4:30 position, is easily adjusted to account for months that are shorter than 31 days.
The TAG-Heuer Link Quartz Chronograph watch is as rugged as it is fetching. Its 33-millimeter stainless steel case, complete with screwed-down caseback and crown has been pressure tested and is warranted water resistant to a depth of 200 meters, making the watch a perfect choice for the active woman who can't be bothered with pampering her accessories unnecessarily, yet requires elegance, modernity, and performance in equal measure.
The TAG-Heuer Link Quartz watch is an outstanding sports timepiece that is both stylish and extremely versatile. With a highly precise quartz movement, and a robust yet stylish exterior, the Link Quartz watch is an excellent daily companion for a person with an active lifestyle. Every detail of the Link Quartz watch is designed by TAG-Heuer to endure the elements and provide its wearer with excellent utility. The 39-millimeter diameter stainless steel case is exactingly machined from stainless steel, and in conjunction with the screwed-down crown and caseback, water-resistance is guaranteed to a dive-worthy depth of 200 meters.
A graduated bezel, which rotates in the counter-clockwise direction only, enables a diver to time off critical underwater movements, such as decompression stops; more commonly, it can be used equally well to facilitate timing parking meters, or the length of a long-distance telephone call. Encased within this protective housing, lies an extremely accurate battery-powered quartz movement, which assures utterly dependable timekeeping results. The date indication, which can be rapidly advanced via the crown, is an additional useful feature. The design of the TAG-Heuer Link Quartz watch is immediately recognizable.
The characteristic bracelet, with its familiar interlocking links and security folding clasp, is massively built and possessed of great substance; it mates perfectly with the smooth contours of the case, and joins securely to its wearers wrist. The dial of the TAG-Heuer Link Quartz watch is visually striking while remaining completely utilitarian; its clean and uncluttered surfaces epitomize sports elegance, and the diamond-polished hands and hour markers--complete with luminous material--are easy to read by day or night. The Link Quartz watch is available in several versions, in either stainless steel, or a combination of stainless steel and 20-micron gold electroplate. Silver, blue, black, or mother of pearl dials allow a broad range of choices, ensuring that this watch can be matched to a diverse array of tastes. No matter which combination is chosen, the TAG-Heuer Link Quartz watch will be appreciated as a reliable and eye catching timepiece.
Without a big announcement these new Aquaracer Calibre 5 watches started to appear in stores. Not sure if they are in US stores though. Sources indicate some availability in Europe and Asia. So what about the look of the new line? Tag Heuer has taken the term "Professional" off this line, but they look more professional than the last line.
The water resistance is up to an impressive 500 meters. I know there are a lot of 1000m dive watches out there, but really? Is that necessary. While there will inevitably be quartz versions of the new Aquaracer line, the first models all have automatic mechanical movements. Powering the watch is of course the Tag Heuer Calibre 5 movement. I don't know much about the movement actually, but as far as I know it is your standard Tag Heuer branded ETA movement. However, the Calibre 5 is NOT to be confused with the Tag Heuer Calibre S, which is something altogether different.
Size wise things have grow up a bit, but nothing massive. The steel case is 43mm wide being 48mm including the crown. Pretty wearable, even with the large aggressive looking crown. Retained from the old Aquaracer watches is a similar looking steel bracelet, but there is a newly styled rubber strap. Trying to be different ("Swiss Avant Garde" - Tag Heuer catch line), they have placed a rubber coated bezel with a circular patten that looks pretty neat. I'd have to live with it for a while, but I feel good about the design of the watch overall. The bezel number indicators and proprietary screws on the bezel look equally nice. Legibility has always been a strong point with Tag Heuer and this is no exception. The hands and hour markers do a great job at jumping out at you, making the watch easy to read. Tag Heuer goes back to its claymore sword styled hands for this one. It works relatively well, though I wonder about how it would look with an hour hand that looks a bit different than the minute hand. Speaking of which the seconds hand is really something and ought to look impressive sliding along the periphery of the based. You'll no doubt notice that the date window is placed opposite where it normally is. This is to help balance out the bulk of the crown and make the face and case design look "even." Still, I wonder if functionality suffers and the placement of the date window on the right side of the face is purposeful being the first out of your sleeve for easy reference. There is also a magnifier cyclops over the date Rolex Submariner style.
You'll notice that three dial colors are available. Rubber and steel straps are available, with the exception of the blue faced model that apparently only comes with the steel bracelet. The bracelet itself features a diver's extension in case you were wondering. Retail price of the new line is about $2,600. Expect a solid street price at just over $2,000. I'd say that is a reasonable prices given the design, Tag Heuer name, and solid reputation behind the brace.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph is an excellent sports watch. Featuring the robust construction that has long been a hallmark of TAG-Heuer watches, the Aquaracer collection in its entirety was created to be both rugged and highly water resistant, qualities particularly important for scuba divers and others in demanding situations.
The TAG-Heuer Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph watch utilizes the automatic-winding Calibre 16 movement, which has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Accurate and dependable, the chronograph mechanism allows the timing of intervals up to 12 hours in duration, with precision to 1/8 of a second. It also incorporates a date display, and this is easily adjusted via the crown when necessary.
The strong and finely made stainless steel case of the Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph watch is guaranteed to endure the pressures found 300 meters below the sea; its screw-down crown and caseback unite to ensure this level of water-resistance, making the Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph a worthy dive companion. Diamond-cut faceted hands with luminous applications ensure both an attractive appearance by day, as well as definitive legibility in low light situations; the precise unidirectional bezel with its polished tabs enables the calculation of diving times and decompression stops, as well as being useful for more mundane daily tasks such as measuring a parking meter, or perhaps even timing a sizzling steak on a barbecue grill.
The TAG-Heuer Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph watch is available exclusively in stainless steel, with a matching stainless steel bracelet showcasing brushed elements with a polished center link; an extension piece housed within the clasp allows the watch to be worn over a wet suit. A choice of several dial colors, including black, blue and silver ensure that a casual elegance always accompanies this sports-ready timepiece.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Glamour Diamonds ladies watch is an exceptional sports timepiece and at the same time, a bold jewelry statement. Constructed according to the rigorous principles of rugged durability and maximum precision that has always defined TAG-Heuer's philosophy, the Formula 1 Glamour Diamonds watch daringly joins the femininity of diamonds and pastel colors to a watch which is capable of cutting edge sports performance.
With its highly water resistant case and precision Swiss quartz movement, sporting performance is assured; with the sparkle of fine diamonds and highly polished stainless steel, this watch can deliver the elegant sophistication required to match a variety of lifestyles, from the strictly formal to the more casual. The heart of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Glamour Diamonds watch is an exacting battery-powered Swiss quartz movement, which can uphold the reputation of precision that has long characterized TAG Heuer. Extremely accurate in its timekeeping ability, this movement also incorporates a date display, that can be quickly and easily adjusted when months are less than 31 days in length. This precision would count for little if it were not protected by a worthy housing, and TAG Heuer delivers this element to perfection. Machined from stainless steel, and featuring a crown which screws tightly down, the 37-mm case is guaranteed to resist water intrusion to a depth of 200 meters, a level actually suitable for divers, but equally useful for ladies who find themselves shuttling back and forth between the office and the gym swimming pool, or whose leisure activities frequently find them in or around water.
True to its name, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Glamour Diamonds ladies watch is a stunning piece of jewelry. Its 37-mm casing is stylish and modern, an ideal size that emphasizes fashionable flair. Crowning this attractive form is a bezel that is set with 120 brilliant-cut diamonds, amounting to 0.75 carats total weight. Stunningly matched dials in an attractive array of shades--such as brown, slate grey, as well as classic white or black--ensure that the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Glamour Diamonds watch can match a variety of preferences. However, the glittering appeal of this watch never overshadows its pragmatic design; those who consider functionality to be of the utmost importance, will be equally delighted; clearly visible hands and hour markers, both with luminous applications, make telling time a simple matter all through the day and night. Sporty, refined, and practical at the same time, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Glamour Diamonds watch is available on a stainless steel bracelet with a security folding clasp, or a choice of straps in either woven fiber, or rubber that are coordinated with the dial color.
