TAG Heuer

Heuer Heritage Watches

The TAG Heuer Heritage collection offers a number of timepieces that honor the classic designs of the bygone era of vintage Heuer watches. It is not only a representation of the brand's history but also signifies the growth of Heuer into the watchmaking giant it is known as today. It has always been a favorite among watch aficionados, which is quite evident by the success the Heritage collection has seen since its release. 

Since the establishment of the Heuer Watch Company by Edouard Heuer in the 1860s, the Heuer timepieces have continued to set the benchmark for design and technological innovation in the industry. The Heritage collection takes inspiration from the legacy of the brand while also incorporating modern elements into the timepieces so that they are well-suited to the contemporary world. 

Each watch in the TAG Heuer Heritage collection has been designed to mimic the classic look while still meeting the high standards set by the brand in terms of performance. The hallmark of the Heritage collection is its timeless design, which imbues every model in the line with an heirloom quality. The collection evokes the sophistication and glamour that defined the 1960s. There is no dearth of variations in the TAG Heuer Heritage collection, with options available in the form of different case designs, dials, materials and also straps.

The origins of the brand TAG Heuer can be traced back to the 1860s, when the company was started by a genius watchmaker, Edouard Heuer. The Heuer Watch Company, which was established in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, specialized in the manufacture of precise stopwatches and chronographs. The company was a leader in chronometry technology for more than a hundred years and has since then made significant contributions to the watchmaking industry.

The greatest innovation came in the form of a new oscillating pinion movement which was developed for the Heuer stopwatches in 1887. It was this innovation that set a benchmark for the development of a mechanical chronograph. The first chronograph from Heuer was introduced to the world in 1889, which was successful in setting the standard of TAG Heuer movements. Since then, the brand became synonymous with high-quality movements, featuring the best in terms of watchmaking technology. 

Heuer was purchased by Techniques D'Avant Garde (TAG Group) in 1985, and was subsequently changed to 'TAG Heuer' from Heuer. The company has been run by the Heuer family for decades, with Jack Heuer at the helm of the operations. The Heritage collection was introduced with the specific intention of paying homage to the exquisite craftsmanship and proud innovation of the past. In the Heritage collection, many of the Heuer masterpieces from yesteryears were reintroduced to the current world. The most characteristic feature of these Heritage watches is the dial, which displays the 'Heuer' branding in beautiful lettering.

TAG Heuer Heritage Autavia Calibre Heuer 02

The Heritage collection's most prized model is the Heuer Autavia, which was the first watch designed by Jack Heuer in 1962. The name 'Autavia' was a portmanteau of the two words automobile and aviation, which is where most of the inspiration for the models came from. An evolution of the Heuer stopwatches, the Heuer Autavia was powered by the hand-winding Valjoux movement. A few years later, the revolutionary automatic movement called Heuer Chronomatic was introduced in the Autavia line, with the help of three other manufacturers. This resulted in the Autavia being the first automatic chronograph of that period.

The same Heuer Autavia was reissued in 2017 as a homage to Jack Heuer on his 85th anniversary. The particular model is a favorite in the vintage collections amongst all watch connoisseurs. It was tailored to fit perfectly in today's world and features many modern enhancements. The Heritage Autuavia features a case that measures 42mm, with recessed matter silver dials that have been contrasted with black markers and hands. It is water-resistant for up to 100m. It is powered by the famous Calibre Heuer 02 movement and features a screw-in sapphire crystal case back. The Calibre Heuer 02 movement has a vertical clutch which lends precision to the watch.

Being a part of the Heritage line, the 'TAG Heuer' has been removed from the dial logo, and in its place, it holds the 'Heuer' branding. The Heuer Heritage Autavia is a beautiful combination of classic design and modern construction, which has been neatly packed into the watch. It is a timepiece meant for today's world in all respects, except for its design, which is purely vintage. 

Heuer Heritage Carrera Calibre 18

Born in 1961, the TAG Heuer Carrera was specifically designed for the racing circuit. The inception of the Carrera can be traced back to the Sebring race, when Jack Heuer met the Rodriguez brothers in the racing circuit. The inspiration behind the name 'Carrera' was born out of Carrera Panamericana Mexico Road Race, which the Rodriguez brothers mentioned in their stories. The first timepiece to carry the Carrera logo was launched in 1964. Since then, it has become the most iconic and a favorite among collectors.

The Carrera Calibre 18, which drew its inspiration from the 1950s Heuer models designed by Jack Heuer, was reintroduced to the world at Baselworld in 2015. The vintage-style timepiece occupies an important space in the Heritage collection. It had a silver sunburst dial and a dual register layout. The chronograph counter and small seconds display have been decorated with an anthracite azurage finish, which gives a rich feel to the watch. Staying true to the original, it features a white dial and black counters.

The 39 mm stainless steel case is only slightly larger than the 1950s version, and every component of the case, including the lugs, caseback, fixed bezel, has been polished to perfection. The crown has a raised 'Heuer' shield emblem, which has been polished as well. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal, which is quite different from the plexiglass crystal of its predecessor, protects the dial against any kind of scratches. The watch is also water-resistant up to 100 meters. 

To Conclude

The timepieces in the TAG Heuer Heritage collection combine the flair of a bygone era with cutting-edge technological advancement, which is in keeping contemporary horology. Each piece carries a 'Heuer' logo on it, which pays homage to the roots of the brand. The Heritage collection provides options in both chronograph and automatic watches, besides a wide array of designs and colors. Many prominent names like Steve McQueen, Juan-Manuel Fangio and Ayrton Senna have been brand ambassadors of the vintage timepieces in the Heritage collection.