Hold onto your watches, folks! We’re on the brink of something monumental in the world of horology. It’s 2025, and TAG Heuer is shaking things up in a way that could change the watch industry forever. Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of innovation that’s unfolding right now.
Back in 2001, Ulysse Nardin made waves with the launch of the Freak, the first watch ever to feature silicon components in its escapement. Fast forward 25 years, and silicon has become the go-to material for many high-end watch brands, including heavyweights like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe. These brands love silicon for its lightweight durability and impressive resistance to magnetic forces and temperature fluctuations. But it seems that the silicon era might be nearing its end—at least, that’s what TAG Heuer is hoping for.
After nine years of dedicated development and untold hours of rigorous testing, TAG Heuer has unleashed its revolutionary carbon fiber-based TH-Carbonspring hairspring. This pioneering technology is not just a concept; it’s ready for industrialization, and TAG Heuer is excited to share its achievements. The TH-Carbonspring has been designed entirely in-house by TAG Heuer Lab, and the brand has filed four patents related to this groundbreaking technology, one of which has already been approved.
So, what makes the TH-Carbonspring a game-changer? TAG Heuer claims it offers three major advantages over traditional metal hairsprings. While both materials are amagnetic, which is a plus for watchmakers, the specifics of the TH-Carbonspring’s superiority over silicon are still a bit vague. Silicon is known for being lightweight and shock-resistant, so it raises some eyebrows about how carbon could elevate performance even further. Perhaps the TH-Carbonspring is more shock-resistant or even lighter than silicon, but we’re left wanting a bit more clarity on its exclusive benefits.
Regardless, the introduction of this innovative hairspring material is thrilling news for TAG Heuer, signaling the brand’s serious commitment to its craft as a watchmaker. To showcase this cutting-edge technology, TAG Heuer has revamped its two quintessential models: the Monaco Flyback Chronograph and the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport. Both watches have undergone stunning transformations, drenching them in carbon fiber and giving them a sleek, modern edge.
The Monaco Flyback and Carrera Chronograph are now adorned with cases, pushers, and crowns made of forged carbon. The Carrera takes it a step further, featuring a tachymeter bezel crafted from the same lightweight composite. The dials of these timepieces are also made from carbon fiber, featuring a unique snailed pattern that mirrors the coil of their innovative hairsprings. Both watches embrace a stylish monochromatic theme, complete with black subdials, applied black carbon indices, and black gold hands. A striking touch comes from the white lacquered chronograph seconds hand, adding a pop of contrast.
Both timepieces boast sapphire crystals on the front and back, ensuring durability and a clear view of their intricate movements. They also feature Super-LumiNova luminescence on their hands—with the Carrera going a step further by including it on the indices, too. The Monaco and Carrera are presented on black rubber straps, with the Monaco opting for a stylish woven textile finish, while the Carrera sports a more traditional rubber look enhanced by a carbon fiber end link.
Let’s talk dimensions: the Monaco measures a compact 39mm across and stands 14.1mm thick, while the Carrera is more substantial at 44mm across and 15.4mm tall. Both models are water-resistant up to 100 meters, making them not just stylish, but practical for everyday wear.
What powers these stunning watches? Both are equipped with in-house, COSC-certified automatic chronograph movements, and yes, they both feature the groundbreaking TH-Carbonspring in their escapements. The Monaco runs on the Cal. TH20-60, which includes a flyback function, while the Carrera boasts the Cal. TH20-61, showcasing a flying tourbillon at 6:00 that’s cleverly visible through a cutout on the carbon dial.
The Monaco is set to hit the market first this December, with a starting retail price of $17,900. The Carrera will follow in Q1 of next year, priced at $42,100. Each watch is limited to just 50 individually numbered examples, making them a coveted addition for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In the world of watches, innovation is key, and TAG Heuer is certainly making its mark with the TH-Carbonspring. As we embrace 2025, it’s exciting to see how the brand is pushing boundaries and redefining what we can expect from luxury timepieces. Keep your eyes peeled, because this could be just the beginning of a new chapter in watchmaking that we never saw coming!
