BORN FOR ACTION
With this ultra-sporty, sophisticate piece imagined for highly-discerning collectors, the brand from Le Locle illustrates its ability to combine innovation and accuracy.
Following on from its Monaco in 2023, TAG Heuer integrates its split-seconds (rattrapante) chronograph complication into its Carrera collection. This mechanism springs to life inside a piece flaunting state-of-the-art design, made up of a 42 mm-diameter grade 5 titanium case and a translucent sapphire-crystal dial. The 1/10th of a second short-cycle time measurement is center staged through a savvy use of red lacquer that tops the 30-minute and 12-hour counter hands, as well as one of the two direct-drives. This choice brightens up the monochrome scenography featuring various shades of gray. In this resolutely mechanical environment, the hours and minutes can be read at a glance in the Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph thanks to the white Super-LumiNova® that sets them off; the same holds true for the small seconds ticking over at 6 o’clock.
The openworked bridges invite to discover some of the 350 components of Caliber TH81-01, an upgrade of the TH80-00, developed hand-in-hand with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. The transparent back offers a vista over this groundbreaking beating heart, in particular the stylized oscillating weight and other elements adorned with a checkered flag motif, a nod to the brand’s connection with Formula 1®. This high-frequency automatic movement, with its 36,000 vibrations an hour rhythm, combines accuracy and performance. It delivers the energy required for the chronograph to work properly over the course of 55 to 65 hours. Here, complexity is geared to efficiency and ease of use. A tap on the pusher in the case middle opposite the crown lets the wearer stop the split-seconds to measure two different events. A second tap brings it back under the main direct-drive which pursues its route.
