How Heuer Became TAG Heuer
At Harrington & Co, we often come across beautifully made TAG Heuer watches. These statement timepieces are world-renowned for their quality and lifelong reliability. The world of watchmaking has a long and rich history, so in this article, we’re exploring how TAG Heuer became the brand it is today.
Before TAG Heuer Existed, We Just Had Heuer
In 1860, the Heuer brand was created by Edouard Heuer. Edouard opened his workshop and filed a huge number of patents. In 1869, they patented the keyless, crown-operated winding system for pocket watches. In 1882, the company created its first chronograph, and in 1887, they reached notoriety with an oscillating pinion mechanism – this mechanism is still used in watchmaking to this day.
In 1889, Heuer won a silver medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, the World’s Fair, for a collection of pocket chronographs. The company’s awards would continue stacking up well into the 21 st century.
Jules-Edouard Heuer took over the family business in 1892 when his father died. Jules-Edouard carried on his father’s legacy with a series of impressive patents, including a waterproof care in 1895 and a dashboard chronograph in 1911. This growth meant Heuer had the opportunity to develop and research the Micrograph, the most accurate stopwatch ever invented.
How Heuer Became TAG Heuer
In the 1940s, Heuer focused on making chronographs for the German military and developed their first line of wristwatches. Their following watches featured a tachometer scale, a manual reference hand and a tide indicator. In 1955, Heuer introduced the Twin-Time, a self-winding wristwatch with a second time-zone indicator.
It was the 1980s that saw the transition into TAG Heuer. A group called Techniques d’Avant Garde bought the company and became the brand we all know and love today. By upholding the original values of innovation, TAG Heuer became the official timekeeper for Formula 1 racing.
A Secured Place in Watchmaking History
It’s clear that TAG Heuer shows no signs of slowing down. In recent years, they have unveiled the TAG Heuer Connected, their first smartwatch. This brand’s reputation for excellence, innovation and style has set them apart as a leader of the watchmaking industry.
Finding Your Own Vintage TAG Heuer Timepiece
We specialise in sourcing and selling luxury vintage watches, with TAG Heuer as a company favourite. If you’re interested in vintage and collectable items, look no further than Harrington & Co. Browse our online store or contact us online for more information.