TAG Heuer Rule-Breaking Monaco V4

TAG Heuer has developed a timepiece in a bold attempt to completely change the rules of watchmaking. The Monaco V4 watch is inspired by car engines.

Engines and mechanical watches are based on the same concepts: transmission, friction, torque and power. TAG Heuer managed to apply these concepts in a totally new way - a rotating oscillating weight for automatic winding has been substituted by a 4.25-gram platinum ingot used as a kind of cylinder, in a linear movement.

Then, the transmission of power from the conventional wheels has been changed to a drive-belt transmission. There are 13 notched belts with a gauge measuring 0.5 x 0.45mm.

Moreover, the Monaco V4 applies 2.2mm diameter bearings with 0.25mm balls that rotate inside, rather than synthetic rubies for reduced friction. At Baselworld 2007, watch aficionados were deeply impressed by the four barrels that serve as energy generators and feature transparent sapphire bridges.

As TAG Heuer has explained, the four barrels are aligned in a 2-by-2 series and linked by a differential with a V-shaped bridge. Each barrel produces energy of 375 grams resulting in a total strength of 1.5 kilos. The barrels are mounted in a V shape, and two constant velocity joints, also inspired by the world of cars, transmit their energy to the movement.

The TAG Heuer Monaco V4 concept was initially introduced at Baselworld in 2004. In 2007, the brand presented pre-series prototypes. As Watches.InfoNIAC.com found out, Tag Heuer aims at getting a COSC-chronometer certification for the V4. The is expected to be available for sale by the last quarter of this year.


Enjoy looking through a fine selection of TAG Heuer Monaco watches: