Heuer Autavia 1163 V

TAG Heuer, one of the leading Swiss luxury watch brands, was founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Originally known as "Heuer", the company placed great emphasis on precision and innovation from the very beginning. As early as 1882, Heuer patented his first chronograph, laying the foundation for the brand's later specialization in high-precision timekeeping devices.

Heuer made a significant breakthrough in 1887 with the invention of the oscillating pinion, an important component of mechanical chronographs that significantly improved the precision and reliability of the watches. This invention is still used in watchmaking today and is a testament to Heuer's innovative strength.

In the decades that followed, Heuer established itself as a leading manufacturer of stopwatches and timing devices for the sports and automotive sectors. In 1911, the company introduced the "Time of Trip", the first 12-hour onboard chronograph for cars and aircraft. This move cemented Heuer's reputation as a pioneer in timekeeping.

In 1962, Heuer made history when astronaut John Glenn wore a Heuer stopwatch on the first manned American space flight as part of the Mercury-Atlas 6 project. This underlined the precision and reliability of Heuer watches even under extreme conditions.

In 1971, Heuer introduced the first self-winding chronograph, the Caliber 11, which was used in the famous Monaco and Autavia models. These watches remain iconic models of the brand and are highly sought after by collectors.

In 1985, Heuer merged with the TAG Group (Techniques d'Avant Garde), a high-tech company, to become TAG Heuer. This merger brought fresh air and new technologies to the company and strengthened its position as a leading innovator in the watch industry.

Today, TAG Heuer represents a perfect combination of tradition and innovation. The brand is known for its sporty and elegant watches, which are recognized in both the world of motorsport and the fashion world. Models such as the Carrera, the Aquaracer and the Monaco are synonymous with precision, performance and style. TAG Heuer remains true to the tradition of Edouard Heuer and continues to set standards in watchmaking.

Edouard Heuer, born on February 19, 1840 in Brügg, Switzerland, was a visionary watchmaker and the founder of TAG Heuer. From a young age, Heuer showed a great passion for mechanics and precision, which led him to begin an apprenticeship as a watchmaker. In 1860, at just 20 years old, he founded his first workshop in Saint-Imier, which soon became known for its high-quality watches.

Edouard Heuer was not only a talented craftsman, but also a brilliant innovator. In 1882, he patented his first chronograph, a milestone in the history of watchmaking. Five years later, he invented the oscillating pinion, which revolutionized the precision of mechanical chronographs and is still used today.

Heuer's innovative spirit led the company to international fame. Under his leadership, Heuer developed numerous groundbreaking timepieces that were particularly well-received in the sports and automotive sectors. His passion for precision and technical excellence laid the foundation for the brand's later success.

After Edouard Heuer's death in 1892, his sons Jules-Edouard and Charles-Auguste took over the company and built it into one of the leading manufacturers of chronographs and sports timepieces. The acquisition by the TAG Group in 1985 ushered in a new era of innovation and technology that continued Edouard Heuer's legacy.

Edouard Heuer's vision and commitment to the highest quality and precision left a lasting impact on watchmaking. His legacy lives on in every TAG Heuer watch, which is recognized worldwide for its innovative technology, precision and stylish design. Heuer remains a symbol of excellence and innovation in the world of luxury watches.

TAG Heuer has several iconic watch models that are closely linked to motorsport. The Carrera 2447 , introduced in 1963, is known for its clean design and chronograph function. The Monaco 1133B from 1969, made famous by Steve McQueen in the film "Le Mans", is characterized by its square case and blue dial. The Autavia 2446 was originally a dashboard clock and became popular as a robust wristwatch in the 1960s. The Formula 1 CAZ1010 from the 1980s is known for its sporty look and robustness.