TAG Heuer Marks 150th Anniversary with New Silverstone Chronograph

To mark the brand’s 150th anniversary in 2010, TAG Heuer will introduce the anniversary re-edition of its Silverstone Chronograph that highlights the list of the most coveted collector's TAG Heuer watches.

The initial Silverstone chronograph joined the world of watchmaking in 1974. The timepiece immediately caught attention by its cushion cut-shaped case. The shape of the case reflects a nice blend of square and round inspired by the curvature of the Silverstone Circuit, a renowned English racing track that suggested the name of the watch.

The design of the TAG Heuer chronograph watch was also based on the distinctive square case of the preceding model - the Monaco. Before the introduction of the Monaco, watchmakers could not develop perfectly water-resistant square or barrel-shaped cases and introduced only timepieces with round dials. TAG Heuer broke the ice, having elaborated a patented water-proofing system and the Monaco's clean, geometric shape.

The TAG Heuer design team made the angles of the Monaco watch softer to come up with the shape of the Silverstone. Both the initial Monaco and Silverstone were equipped with the Chronomatic Calibre 11, the revolutionary movement that represented the first-ever self-winding automatic chronograph with micro rotor. The movement guaranteed utmost precision corresponding to the strictest standards of professional chronometer instruments.

Before the development of the Calibre 11, chronograph watches featured the crown positioned at 3 o'clock for easy accessibility as it was necessary to constantly hand-wind them for accurate timekeeping. The Calibre 11 allowed TAG Heuer designers to position the crown of the Monaco and Silverstone watches at 9 o'clock.

The latest evolution of the TAG Heuer Silverstone watch accommodates an updated version of the Calibre 11, incorporating Dubois-Depraz module.

The TAG Heuer watch demonstrates the brand's original Heuer logo on the dial. The dial, created in a rich blue or brown, also features two silver counters at 3 and 9 o'clock, as well as a hand-applied date window at 6 o'clock. You will notice stainless steel pushbuttons at 2 and 4 o'clock. The dial is protected by a curved, sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment.

The TAG Heuer Silverstone watch is coupled with a perforated alligator leather strap in the dial-matching color. The timepiece will be available in a limited edition of 1,500 pieces per color. As Watches.InfoNIAC.com found out, it is expected to be offered for the retail price of about 6,500 dollars.

Discover a fine range of TAG Heuer watches: