TAG Heuer Watches: The Ultimate Buying Guide

When you think of prestigious watch brands, a few names may come to mind.  TAG Heuer is likely one of them, with their innovative in-house movements, rule bending design, and non-stop production. Below, we have curated a quick buying guide that divulges all of the brand's secrets to make sure you know exactly what you are investing in. Discover everything you need to know about TAG Heuer watches below! 

History of TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer began its log journey into watchmaking way back in 1860. Founded by Edouard Heuer, he worked tirelessly with the master horologists in the village of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Soon, Heuer was born, that’s right, there was no TAG in the beginning.  

For over 20 years, Heuer delved into the world of horology and craftsmanship to acquire patents for the brand. A tradition long held by his sons and grandson.  

Patents Through the Ages

The first patent ever acquired by Edouard Heuer was in 1869 for a crown-operated winding system for pocket watches. This mechanism did not require a key, a unique concept in the late 1800’s.  

Less than a year later, Heuer patented the “oscillating pinion” for stop watches, allowing the chronograph to be engaged using the respective pushers. A prized creation that is still used in watch creation today.  

As time passed, Heuers sons, Jules-Edouard and Charles-Auguste, took over the brand, and within three years had followed in their father's footsteps in patenting the first water-resistant case for pocket watches.  

In 1914, the brand was soundly cemented into the world of sport watches and created the first wrist chronograph produced by Heuer. They were loved so thoroughly that they were named the official timekeepers for the Olympic Games in Antwerp 1920, Paris 1924, and Amsterdam 1928.  

Following this time, Heuer kept producing instruments for automobile, aeroplane, and boat dashboards. The "Auto-Graph," a wrist chronograph featuring a hand that could be programmed to point to a particular location on the tachymeter scale, was introduced in 1948. They debuted a series of dashboard timepieces in 1958, such as the Monte Carlo twelve-hour stopwatch, the Sebring split-second timer, and the Super Autavia chronograph. 

Becoming TAG Heuer

When the brand was first launched to the world, it was named Heuer after its founder, Edouard Heuer. And the brand operated under its title for many decades.  

However, in 1985, Heuer became under the ownership of Techniques d’Avant and so TAG Heuer was born with grandson Jack Heuer as Head of Design.  

Jack Heuer was renowned for his innovative creations, which are now considered the foundation of the timepiece brand. From the Carrera to the Monaco collections, the 3rd generation created spectacular luxury watches that pushed the boundaries of the imagination.  

Discover the Collections 

While TAG Heuer has a long history of innovation, the brand has worked to focus on building on what they have. Over the years there has been some incredible timepieces released and with that comes truly beautiful collections for you to explore: 

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Collection

Launched in 2004, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer collection is still new in its conception. With the brand's long history in diving watches, a diving watch collection seemed natural and is a long-standing success.  

Although they have been producing diver's watches since the 1980s, they didn't try out fashionable designs with Aquaracer until later. These designs included highly readable dials and colourful aluminium bezel inlays. 

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date 36mm Ladies Watch features a seafoam blue dial and matching rubber strap for a defined yet sporty look. The stainless steel case and bezel ensure it is hardwearing, while the diamond hour markers deem this TAG Heuer watch a beauty.  

TAG Heuer Carrera Collection

The TAG Heuer Carrera collection has a nostalgic feel as the original was designed in 1963 but Jack Heuer. Inspired by the infamous Carrera Panamericana race held in Mexico from 1950 to 1954, Heuer produced a watch with a clean chronograph and minimalistic design, it was hit from the moment it launched.  

The TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Automatic Chronograph 44mm Mens is a modern take on such a passionate watch. Powered by the excellent Heuer 02 automatic calibre, this watch has an exceptional 80-hour power reserve. The skeletonised dial reveals the powerful engine, much like lifting the hood of a racing car.  

TAG Heuer Connected Collection

 With the world moving and technology merging to the forefront, smartwatches became all the rage. And TAG was quick to become the face of luxury smartwatches. Introduced in 2015, the TAG Heuer Connected collection is in partnership with Google, using their Wear OS platform, allowing the wearer to utilise the power of Google while basking in the look and feel of a luxury racing watch.  
 
The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 42mm Smart Watch brings together high-end technology with classic TAG innovation. Powered by Google Wear OS, you can keep track of more than the time. The Trail and Hiking features means you can access the best trails and monitor your efforts with the Altitude Gained metric.  

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Collection

Introduced in 1986, TAG Heuer established their already blossoming relationship with the racing federation Formula 1 throughout the release of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection. The brand quickly developed sophisticated designs to match the precision underneath, and soon Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna was wearing a S/el as his everyday watch. 

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Automatic Chronograph 43mm Mens Watch is designed for life in the fast lane. Utilising advanced technology, cutting edge materials, and sleek aesthetics, this racing watch indulges in your deepest thrills. The powerful Calibre 16 automatic movement powers it. This watch is fashionable and useful, suitable for any event. It is displayed on a metal and ceramic band that has a driver extension that fits over the sleeve of a racing suit. 

TAG Heuer Monaco Collection

As the Quartz crisis in the `1960’s, watch making brands lurched to revive their livelihoods. And so, the automatic or self-winding movements were created. TAG Heuer knew that automatic movements would be the way forward, and so with a new movement, came a new collection; the TAG Heuer Monaco collection.

The TAG Heuer Monaco Automatic 39mm Men’s Watch is renowned for its shape and square dial design. The Monaco watch, originally spotted on the wrist of racing legend Steve McQueen, dubbed "The King of Cool," in the iconic 1969 movie Le Mans, continues to be a timeless symbol of avant-garde style. With its Swiss-made Calibre 11 movement, this automatic chronograph is THE original model and the world's first square and water-resistant chronograph watch.  

TAG Heuer Link Collection

The Tag Heuer Link collection is a variation of a watch that the company first manufactured in 1987. It is characterised by an extremely distinctive bracelet, the links of which create a sequence of "S" shapes, lending a striking appearance to the otherwise simple and minimalist watch. 

Over time, this collection has been deemed slightly more limited than others, but it is no less stunning. The TAG Heuer Link 32mm Ladies Watch is a vision of beauty. The Mother of Pearl dial reflects perfectly with the diamond hour markers, while the stainless-steel case ensures durability and longevity.  . 

TAG Heuer Pre-Owned Collection

At Chisholm Hunter, we love helping you find pieces you love, and we also love helping pre-owned pieces find a new home. Our selection of TAG Heuer watches isn't limited to brand new designs, we also have a wonderful collection of TAG Heuer Pre-owned watches.  

One of our most prized TAG timepieces is the TAG Heuer Pre-Owned Carrera Jack Heuer Calibre 1887. Inspired by the dual-component Heuer stopwatches he once raced on international professional circuits, this watch is a piece of history.  

All of our Pre-Owned and vintage timepieces undergo full inspection to ensure accuracy of timekeeping, quality of function, water resistance and condition. These tests are to ensure each watch meets the horological standards. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who Own's TAG Heuer?

The global company LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) is the owner of TAG Heuer. Jean-Claude Biver is the CEO of TAG Heuer and a master watchmaker. 

Are TAG Heuer Watches Worth It?

Compared to other watch brands, luxury timepieces like Tag Heuer are more likely to retain their value. Because of the watch's high-quality and priceless materials, as well as the brand name itself, they look good even after many years. 

How to Athenticate Your TAG Heuer Watch?

Each TAG Heuer watch is engraved with a unique identification number on the back of the case.  

Still not convinced? The exceptional build quality of Tag Heuer watches is what makes them popular, in addition to their accuracy and dependability. In the event that your Tag Heuer watch exhibits any imperfections, it is probably fake.  

Keep an eye out for telltale indications such as uneven and jagged edges, poor polish, typos in text and incomplete typefaces, and even incorrect markings and engravings. 

How Often Should A TAG Heuer Watch Be Serviced?

The frequency of servicing a watch is contingent upon its usage, exposure to various environments, and storage conditions. Tag Heuer typically advises having your watch's movement professionally serviced every five years in order to preserve its functionality, water resistance, and precise timekeeping. 

TAG Heuer have spent generations building a legacy of accurate and functional timepieces. From racing watches to dress watches, anyone can be proud to wear a TAG Heuer watch. Experimenting and exploration are a the heart of the Heuer ethos, so are you ready to go where no one has ever gone before?