Tag Heuer Overview & History
Tag Heuer is one of the oldest watch brands still making watches. Founded in 1860 by Edward Heuer, the family business was started on the farm manufacturing simple silver pocket watches. 9 year laters Tag Heuer received their first patent that revolutionized pocket watches at the time. No longer did a pocket watch need a key, only the crown was needed to wind the watch. As simple as that may sound today, at the time this was revolutionary but Edward Heuer wasn’t done yet. In 1887 Tag Heuer received another patent for the oscillating pinion. This allowed chronographs to start and stop instantaneous. Both major patents elevated Tag Heuer as a legitimate and forward thinking watch manufacture.
Fast forward a century of watchmaking and instrument innovation, ownership changed hands for the 1st time. A lesser known fact about Tag Heuer is that they weren’t always called Tag Heuer. Even though we’ve referenced the company as Tag Heuer for this entire article, between the years of 1860 to 1885, the watchmaker just went by the name Heuer. Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG) purchased Heuer and combined both names to create the name we know today, Tag Heuer. In 1999 another ownership change happen with the purchase from the LVMH group out of France.
Even through all ownership changes, Tag Heuer as a company from its inception has focused on innovation accurate timekeeping specifically for chronograph watches. Racing is the core DNA for the Tag Heuer brand and have produced famous race watches along with notoriously complex watches like the Mikrograph.
What Is Tag Heuer Known For
Tag Heuer is most known for their chronograph watches. Racing is what the brand is known for and what it has excelled as. The flagship watches for Tag Heuer is the Carrera and the Monaco, both chronograph racing collections. We’ll go into more details on both these collections later in this article.
Who Wears Tag Heuer Watches
Tag Heuer Watch Collections
Tag Heuer Carrera
The flagship watch of Tag Heuer is doubtably the Carrera. This collection embodies what Tag heuer is all about, which is racing. Recently the Carrera was upgraded with the in-house Heuer 02 movement that boasts an 80hr power reserve.
MSRP: $4,200 – $24,650
Tag Heuer Monaco
The Monaco collection by Tag Heuer was famously developed for the Monaco Grand Prix. This collection is by far the most famous and is highly sought after by many of the brands enthusiasts. The most well known reference is the Steve McQueen Gulf.
MSRP: $6,350 – $6,750
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
Many of Tag Heuers first customers are Aquaracer owners. The Aquaracer collection is the best daily wear, comes in many different color combinations, and provides good value. Aquaracer owners can enjoy an accurate and tough dive watch at entry level Swiss watch prices.
MSRP: $1,600 – $4,350
Tag Heuer Autavia
Many watch brands are reigniting their history and for Tag Heuer that means bringing the Autavia collection back to life. This vintage release by Tag Heuer has impressed the brands following with both it’s build quality and simple design.
MSRP: $3,100 – $3,850
Tag Heuer Formula 1
The entry level collection for Tag Heuer is the Formula 1. Most watches within this collection are fitted with quartz movements and are meant for easy wearing in racing or rugged environments.
MSRP: $1,200 – $3,400
Tag Heuer Link
The dress watch or maybe simplified as the most sophisticated watch within the Tag Heuer collections is the Link. The bracelet on the Link collection stands out in a crowd and it’s what has earned the collections name.
MSRP: $2,950 – $4,500
Tag Heuer Pricing & Availability
Tag Heuer watches are mostly priced at the entry level price points for their respective collections. Most Tag Heuer watches can be purchased between $1,500 – 4,300 MSRP. The Formula 1 collection is the least expensive and the Carrera is overall the most expensive collection.
Availability isn’t a concern for Tag Heuer buyers. Most of Tag Heuer watches are readily available except for certain limited editions.
Tag Heuer Reviews
Does Tag Heuer Make Their Own Movements
Heuer 02 Specs
- Movement: Automatic
- Power Reserve: 80 Hrs
- Frequency: 4Hz
- Jewels: 33
- Certification: COSC
How To Pronounce Tag Heuer
Tag Heuer is pronounced as the following: TAG HOY UR.
Do Tag Heuer Watches Hold Their Value
Unfortunately Tag Heuer watches do not hold their value. In fact they are one of the worst luxury watch brands when it comes to retaining value.
This is bad for buyers who are getting these watches new but really well for enthusiasts who are willing to purchased used. If you buy pre-owned, you’ll be able to acquire Tag Heuer watches at a significant discount.
