Watches
TAG Heuer Broadcasts Restricted Version TAG Heuer X Fragment Design Heuer 02 Chronograph Impressed By Basic ‘70s Autavia Fashions
The late ‘60s and early ‘70s have been a golden age for chronograph design from TAG Heuer (then recognized merely as Heuer). The appearance of the legendary Caliber 11 computerized chronograph motion led to the event of all kinds of distinctive kinds from the model, starting from the emblematic sq. Monaco to the tonneau cased Montreal, however none have been as broadly produced because the basic “Viceroy” Heuer Autavia. The “Viceroy” Autavia helped to avoid wasting the model from monetary break because of a promotional partnership with Viceroy cigarettes, and through the years the tonneau case, cumbersome bezel, and blazing purple highlights have made the watch a method icon in its personal proper. Whereas TAG Heuer has revived the Autavia nameplate previously few years, the model has steered away from reinterpreting its most well-known iteration till now – form of. This watch could not say Autavia on the dial, however the spirit of the “Viceroy” is a transparent inspiration right here. Launched because the second collaboration between TAG Heuer and streetwear icon Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design model, the restricted version TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 chronograph offers a trendy, punchy reinterpretation of one in all TAG Heuer’s most coveted classic references.
There’s greater than a contact of irony to the 44mm stainless-steel case of the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02. In some ways the beefy, rounded type of this case is a greater Autavia case than any of TAG Heuer’s present Autavia branded choices. Relatively than aiming to emulate the slim, considerably unusual (if admittedly extra elegant) case design of the primary era Autavia because the common manufacturing fashions have, this collaboration goes straight for the mom lode, offering a handsomely tweaked translation of the way more distinctive second era. Much more mockingly, this case was not made to fill that function in any respect. This can be a carryover from 44mm variants of the present TAG Heuer Method 1 line, not a ground-up new design. That stated, this case has not made the bounce to the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 with out a truthful quantity of revisions, primarily aimed toward bettering materials high quality. There’s a brand new polished bevel operating alongside the case sides that provides a good-looking visible spotlight whereas echoing the unique “Viceroy,” whereas the all new tachymeter bezel insert options classic styled textual content atop a mirror polished black ceramic base. The final massive change seems round again, the place the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 provides a show window manufactured from flaring purple sapphire. Even with the brand new show caseback, the watch nonetheless manages a good 100 meters of water resistance.
Just like the case, the dial of the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 takes benefit of present TAG Heuer components to create a becoming tribute to the “Viceroy” Autavia. On this case, the immediately recognizable hours, minutes, and chronograph seconds all come by means of the TAG Heuer Monaco. Curiously, nonetheless, the unique “Viceroy” Autavia additionally shared arms with the Monaco of the time, so this selection goes past intelligent resourcefulness to precise historic accuracy. The remainder of the black opaline dial design takes on a pared again, minimalist customized look, with undersized printed purple squares as an alternative of bigger utilized hour indices, together with conspicuous Fragment co-branding. This extra open and cleaner dial format helps to properly differentiate this from a straight Autavia clone at first look, providing the watch an injection of contemporary persona to go together with its ‘70s spirit.
Because the title may recommend, the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 is powered by TAG Heuer’s in home Heuer 02 computerized chronograph motion, modified for a bi-compax format. This comparatively current addition to TAG Heuer’s steady gives spectacular efficiency together with a 75 hour energy reserve and 28,800 bph beat fee. There’s additionally a good quantity of ornament seen by means of the distinctive purple caseback, together with Côtes de Genève alongside the motion plates and a particular wheel formed skeleton rotor.
Impressively, the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 gives an all new bracelet particular to this watch. The 5 hyperlink jubilee fashion design packs an array of high quality touches, from the brightly polished heart hyperlinks to the disappearing butterfly clasp. Whereas it might not be probably the most “classic Heuer” fashion bracelet, this distinctive piece contributes strongly to promoting the general ‘70s aptitude of the watch.
With the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02, the model has captured the spirit of the basic ‘70s “Viceroy” Autavia in additional methods than one. Not solely is it a good-looking visible tribute to the unique, this new restricted version timepiece additionally shares the identical ethos – utilizing present components to create a particular, daring, and thrilling new idea. Solely 500 examples of the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 will probably be made and will probably be obtainable from approved sellers beginning July 27, 2020 at an MSRP of $6,150. For extra data, go to TAG Heuer’s web site.