TAG Heuer Shatters Timekeeping Conventions with Introduction of Carrera Mikrograph 1/100th Second Chronograph

SPRINGFIELD, N.J., Jan. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Paying tribute to its 150-year timekeeping heritage while pushing the envelope of traditional watchmaking, TAG Heuer today unveiled the Carrera Mikrograph 1/100th Second Chronograph, the world's first, fully integrated, COSC-certified mechanical chronograph with a column wheel system that displays 1/100th of a second by a sweeping central hand. This patented timepiece was entirely developed and manufactured at the brand's La Chaux-de-fonds, Switzerland-based factory.

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The design and name of the Carrera Mikrograph recalls the world's first sports stopwatch that displayed 1/50th and 1/100th of a second, patented by Heuer in 1916. Prior to this invention, timing instruments could measure only to the nearest 1/5th of a second. Heuer's technical feat changed the face of timekeeping, allowing wearers to accurately capture even smaller increments of time. This groundbreaking advancement also secured TAG Heuer's role as the official timekeeper of some of the most esteemed sporting events, including the Olympics.

The hallmark of the new Carrera Mikrograph is its two distinct balance wheels, one for the watch and the other for the chronograph. Unlike standard chronographs, which rely on the watch for the time base, the Mikrograph's dual-control system allows for the full engagement of the stopwatch without interfering with the watch function.  This core technology ensures less wear and tear of the mechanisms, and protects the longevity of the movement.

The Mikrograph offers optimal performance with a chronograph and watch balance wheel that oscillate at 360,000 beats and 28,800 beats per hour, respectively. Although the chronograph's central 1/100th of a second hand turns at an astounding one revolution per second – three times quicker than the original Mikrograph – the rotation is fluid and tremor-free, providing a comfortable wearing experience.

The power reserves also operate on two separate cylinders: The high-frequency stopwatch boasts a 90-minute power reserve, while the watch features a 42-hour power reserve.

The Carrera Mikrograph is as visually arresting as it is technologically stunning. The two balance wheels are visible through a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal caseback, enabling wearers to admire the exceptional intricacies and fluid movements of this piece.  The richly hued brown-and-cream dial hosts three counters: a chronograph minutes counter at 3 o'clock, a chronograph seconds counter at 6 o'clock and a permanent second hand at 9 o'clock, each of which offers at-a-glance access to precision timing. Additionally, a power reserve percentage indicator at 12 o'clock allows for an immediate reading of how much of the chronograph's reserve is available.

The oversized, 43 mm dial is further enhanced by a variety of intricate details including: rose gold hour, minute and second hands, a deep blue central 1/100th of a second chronograph hand, cream-colored chronograph and power reserve hands, a monochrome vintage Heuer logo and minuterie on the cream flange.  These artful touches are complemented by the Carrera Mikrograph's deep-red rose gold polished case, crown and push buttons, the latter of which is the same shape as the original Mikrograph, underscoring TAG Heuer's strong ties to its legacy. The piece is featured on a hand-sewn, chocolate brown alligator strap with rose gold pin buckle.

Available in a limited quantity of 150 pieces worldwide in October, the Carrera Mikrograph will retail for approximately $50,000 in the U.S.

About TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer celebrates "150 years of Motor Racing" in 2011. Founded in Saint-Imier in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, TAG Heuer has set many major milestones of high-end watchmaking, especially in the field of chronographs and ultimate precision. Today, one of the largest and most desired brands in the luxury watch industry, the Swiss legend draws upon its active engagement in the world of sports to create the most accurate timing instruments and watches in the world. TAG Heuer is the first watchmaker to master luxury chronographs with an unsurpassed precision of 1/10th, 1/100th, 1/1,000th and 1/10,000 of a second. From the Olympic Games in the 1920s to its role as official timekeeper for Formula One in the 90s and the legendary Indy 500 race today, TAG Heuer, in a constant quest for innovation, excellence, performance and prestige, continues to aim ever higher. This is reflected in its partnerships with F1 team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and its World Champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, Audi Sport in the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race, and the Automobile Club de Monaco and its full roster of prestigious racing events. Now actively engaged in the Monaco Grand Prix, the Le Mans 24 and the Indy 500, TAG Heuer is ''Mastering Speed'' on motorsport's 3 most iconic racetracks. More than ever, the brand epitomizes prestige and performance through active partnerships with Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, LPGA star Suzann Pettersen and WTA tennis champion Maria Sharapova. TAG Heuer is a privileged member of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), the most exclusive club in the Swiss watchmaking industry. The newest additions to the TAG Heuer legacy are: the Calibre 1887, an in-house, Swiss manufactured, integrated column-wheel chronograph movement that pays tribute to the original Heuer oscillating pinion of 1887, one of the brand's first patents and a major benchmark in modern watchmaking; and the Heuer Carrera Mikrograph 1/100th Second Chronograph, the first ever column wheel integrated mechanical chronograph with 1/100th of a second display by a central hand, which pays tribute to the legendary Heuer Mikrograph stopwatch of 1916.

The TAG HEUER CARRERA 1887 CHRONOGRAPH has been named the 2010 Swiss Watch of the Year in the Grand Prix de l'Horlogerie de Geneve's prestigious "La Petite Aiguille" ("Small Hand") category.

TAG Heuer's "150 Years of Mastering Speed" celebrations in 2011 commemorate the brand's unrivalled heritage in motor sports, which include such historic contributions as the 1911 patent for 'Time of Trip', the world's first dashboard chronograph. As part of the celebrations, a unique exhibition showcasing TAG Heuer's greatest racing partners and motorsport-inspired timepieces will tour major cities and racing capitals. Four-time F1 World Champion Alain Prost, a friend of the brand since the 1980s, is the "Mastering Speed" Special Ambassador.

SOURCE TAG Heuer