Tag Heuer - 150 Years of Success
The world known watch brand Tag Heuer every year presents revolutionary and sensational concept-watches. Those who say that they do this because of the TAG (Techniques d'Avant Garde) abbreviation in the company’s name are mistaken. Revolutionary technologies have been the essence of the company’s existence from the very beginning.
The company was founded by Jozeph Eduard Heuer who was known as a very talented watch maker. Two his inventions became ones of the greatest events in development of the art of watch making. The first invention is watch winding with a crown instead of traditional key. This system was patented in 1969. In 1887 he invented the most important detail that unites the watch mechanism with chronograph module – oscillating pinion that is still used in modern watches.
Edward Heuer was the first to launch serial production of chronographs. The outstanding watch maker and businessman died in 1892 and the business was continued by his sons. In 1902 the company got the new name – Heuer, without Compaigne. At that time the demand for chronographs increased dramatically so the brothers focused on their production. Chronographs by Heuer enjoyed fantastic popularity
In 1913 Heuer brothers together with other outstanding watch makers realized that wristwatches are going to have great future.
The first wristwatches by Heuer were women’s wristwatches. These were very elegant watches with gold bracelets and leather straps. Of course, the first men’s models were powerful chronographs.
1916 was marked by a great world record. Heuer created Microsplit – the first mechanical chronograph that could count time with very high accuracy up to 1/100 seconds. Is it worth to mention that the company became the official supplier of Olympic Games in 1920, 1924 and 1928?
Microsplits were so popular that the company could prosper even if produced only Microsplits – production of these split-stopwatches was stopped only in the end of 1970s! The other popular chronograph by Heuer was Autavia.
It is very good that the brothers did not forget to develop lineups of wristwatches. In 1930 they patented waterproof case. Then they got the patent for automatic watches.
Since the fame of sports stopwatches was really great, wristwatches by Heuer were in great demand. These watches were worn by such famous persons as Dwight David Eisenhower, Henry Ford, Prince William and many others.
Tag Heuer produced watches for people involved in all possible fields. Its Autograph model was designed for pilots, Mareograph – for fishermen, Seafarer – for yachtsmen
In the middle of 1950s the company was headed by Jack Heuer who was very much fond of auto racing, so the friendship of the company with the world of auto racing became even closer. Some time later the company became the sponsor of Formula 1 and invented the unique ACITS system that is still in use.
However, a real breakthrough of the company was the wrist chronograph Carrera, that was inspired by the legendary La Carrera Panamericana Rally Mexico. This watch can be called the first modern chronograph that determined design and functionality of a great part of other legendary models. The watch was equipped with Valjoux 72 caliber and featured a seconds dial, 12 and 30-minute counters. It became a true sensation in all over the world. The chronograph became incredibly popular due to its design, perfect functionality and accessible price.
In 1969 the company presented the world’s first automatic chronograph.
Later Jack Heuer presented many other revolutionary inventions – the first automobile chronograph, the first quartz chronograph with analog-to-digital display and many other inventions.
In 1985 the company was bought by scientific and research company Techniques d'Avant Garde (TAG) and the company’s name got the TAG abbreviation.
Together with Carrera the model range of the company includes many other collections – Formula 1, Link, Aquaracer, Professional Sport, Monaco, Monza, Mictorimer and others. All these collections enjoy fantastic success.
This year the company celebrates its 150 year anniversary. Congratulations!
