Making wavesWater - TAG Heuer`s deepest Design Source
TAG Heuer’s passion for the dreamworld of open seas and the demanding challenges of professional diving and sailing is as legendary as its love for the open road and the world of motor sports. The Swiss brand patented its first water-resistant case in 1895 and launched its first water-resistant wrist chronograph in 1939. In 1942, it presented its first regatta stopwatch, the YACHTING timer. The Heuer SOLUNAR (1949) was the world’s first watch with tide indicator, and the MAREOGRAPH-SEAFARER (1950) was the first chronograph with a tide level indicator and regatta dial counter on a sub-counter.
In 1968, it began outfitting boats with the NAVIA, a water-resistant instrument for boat dashboards. It also brought out the SKIPPER, a mechanical chronograph with regatta countdown, which was re-edited in 1972 as an automatic chronograph version. In 1982, the 2000 SERIES was launched. Designed by Jack Heuer, the 2000 was the first line of professional sports watches equipped with the now-famous “TAG HEUER 6 FEATURES”:
1) Scratch-resistant domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflection treated interior
2) Screw-in crown with double safety gaskets to prevent dust or water penetration
3) Water resistance guaranteed to 300 meters
4) Luminescent hands, hour markers and bezel scale for easy reading underwater
5) Unidirectional turning bezel to ensure error-free elapsed dive-time measurement
6) Double-safety, quick-action bracelet clasp to prevent accidental opening.
These technical specifications have since become the industry standard for authentic and highest quality dive and sports watches. In 2002, TAG Heuer went deeper still, strengthening its technical performance and reliability underwater with the AQUAGRAPH. A professional diving chronograph with patented auto-lock turning bezel and optimized underwater readability, it was rigorously tested — and fully approved and endorsed — by the Navy SEALs, the Special Operation Forces of the United States Navy. In 2003, TAG Heuer turned the 2000 Series into the AQUARACER, a versatile and sophisticated reinterpretation of the 2000 series, faithful to its technical and design codes, but with a higher-end finish and the luxury spirit of a stylish accessory. In 2007, TAG Heuer brought out the AQUARACER CALIBRE S CHRONOGRAPH, the world’s first electro-mechanical movement with regatta mode — a unique, backwards-turning hand for regatta countdown. In 2009, it launched its most charismatic collection of water sports-inspired watches yet: the AQUARACER 500M. Endorsed by TAG Heuer spokesperson and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio, it is one of the most successful lines in the brand’s history. This year, TAG Heuer celebrates five generations at the helm of Swiss avant-garde design with two prestigious additions to the AQUARACER 500M fleet.