Are you considering buying a luxury watch, and
you don’t know where to start? Well, you can never go wrong with TAG Heuer. Tag
Heuer is arguably one of the best luxury watch brands in the world today. Since
1860, when it was first introduced into the market, the brand continues to
boast of prestige, class, top-notch performance, absolute reliability, and
world-class technology.
Besides, this exceptional watch makes an
excellent choice because of its affordability when compared to other high-end
watches of the same category. Here are a few more exciting facts you need to
know about TAG Heuer
before you settle on one:
- Sporting background
Heuer Watch Company, which was founded in 1860
by Edouard Heuer, established a solid reputation for making quality watches
that featured precision, timekeeping and quality workmanship. Because of its
reliability, the watches soon became a favorite tool for sporting stakeholders
who were looking for a reliable tool for timing sporting events.
And in the 1880s, the company focused its
efforts on building brands that were dedicated to the sporting industry. In the
1920s Olympics, the Heuer watches were used to time sporting events. And in
1933, the company launched the first-ever dashboard stopwatch christened
Autavia, which was used by racecar drivers. Because of its precision in
timekeeping, this watch is now synonymous with sports.
- Simplifying of the chronograph
A long time ago, a watch brand was judged by
its exceptional engineering features that made a product user-friendly. As a
result, watchmakers were focused on making calibers that came with fewer parts
to make the product reliable and its service easier. Edouard Heuer, the founder
of Heuer watches, went a step further to develop and patent the oscillating
pinion. This was a significant development in the watch industry then.
The
oscillating pinion greatly simplified the watch chronograph. To date, the
pinion idea is still being used across the world by major watch
manufacturers. The pinion replaced a
more complex mechanism, and it has simplified the watchmaking process in a
significant way. It has also enhanced easy assembly, adjustment, and service of
a watch.
- First stopwatch
In 1916, Charles-Auguste Heuer launched the
first Mikrograph. This was the first Heuer stopwatch brand with capabilities of
measuring 1/100th of a second. He enabled the watch to move at a rate of
360,000 vph. This was ten times faster than the fastest chronographs at the
time. For its reliability, precision, and speed, the Mikrograph was used as the
official stopwatch for the 1920 Olympics.
- The first watch in space
TAG Heuer was the first Swiss watch in space.
It has explored the moon and came back safely to mother Earth thanks to John
Glenn. In 1961, through the initiatives of President John F. Kennedy, John
Glenn flew on a space mission to the moon while wearing a TAG Heuer watch. He
orbited the earth three times while wearing a Heuer 2915A stopwatch on his
wrist. The watch, which was firmly held onto his spacesuit by a custom-made
strap, served as the mission back up timer.
At the moment, this particular brand is kept at the National Air and
Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
- Automobile racing tag
Some of Heuer’s most famous brands are
associated with auto racing. Carrera watch brand has long been associated with
racing sports personalities. The founder christened this particular brand as
Carrera when he was looking to establish one specific brand for car race
drivers. The name Carrera originated from a dangerous car race runs in Mexico.
Edouard Heuer had a desire to create a watch
brand that was legible, sturdy, and reliable enough to withstand the ruggedness
that race drivers go through during a rough road race. And he not only
succeeded in creating a unique and robust product but also one who enjoys a
near cult status.
Another timepiece that is closely associated
with auto racing is Heuer Monaco. The watch, which celebrated its 50th
anniversary in 2019, gained much of its popularity when actor Steve McQueen
wore when he played the role of a racing diver in the 1971 blockbuster film Le
Mans. And McQueen’s role in popularizing
the brand was so significant that one of the latest brands, the 1133, carries
the collector’s nickname ”McQueen Monaco”.
What
to Look for When Buying TAG Heuer Luxury Watch
Choosing a suitable Heuer watch that meets your
needs can feel like a daunting task. However, your selection can be much easier
if you consider the following factors:
The
mechanics– most Heuer watches are mechanically operated.
They run on a complex system of cogs and springs that need to be adjusted and
serviced regularly. Maintaining the brands can be expensive. Before buying a
specific brand, ensure you are familiar with its care and maintenance
procedures.
The
materials– luxury watches are made from a wide range of
materials. It would help if you went for brands that are made of stainless
steel. They offer better value, versatility, and sturdiness. They also provide
better aesthetic value. If you prefer a lighter product, then you can buy one
which is made of titanium. Titanium made watches are suitable for people with
sensitive skin because of its hypoallergenic properties. You can also opt to
buy a ceramic made watch. These brands are becoming popular due to its
scratch-resistant properties.
The
features-Heuer watches come with several features. You
should go for a specific brand that has unique features that suit your tastes
and lifestyle. For example, if you are a frequent flier, then a watch that
displays multiple time zones will be the most appropriate one to buy. If you
are into motor racing, scuba diving, or running, then Heuer chronographs that
have stopwatches will be the most suitable watch for you.
Conclusion
You can tell a lot about a man by the watch
they wear. The right watch can elevate your status and help communicate your
passions, priorities, and aspirations to the rest of the world. In case you
want a unique watch that will make the world take note of your existence, then
go for TAG Heuer. Discover TAG Heuer models at
CHRONEXT.