By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe-
When TAG Heuer introduced its Monaco V4 concept watch at Baselworld 2004, fans of the brand and watch industry observers in general were alight with fascination. Here was the world's very first mechanical watch with a mechanism animated not by wheels and pinions, but by belt drives and ball bearings in the manner of a car engine. The many challenges represented by bringing such a revolutionary movement to production reality have occupied TAG Heuer engineers and watchmakers in the ensuing years. Despite some naysayers speculation the caliber might take years more to make it to fruition, TAG Heuer will introduce the very first Monaco V4 timepiece this year, as part of what will be a 150-piece limited edition. Monaco V4 No. 1 will be TAG Heuer's contribution to the 2009 Only Watch auction in Monaco, the full proceeds of which are to aid research efforts for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
TAG Heuer's Monaco V4 timepiece could be described as the ultimate expression of the square timepiece which burst upon the scene as Steve McQueen's companion in the 1970 racing film "Le Mans". Presenting a slightly cambered variation on the confident Monaco case form, the V4 places its remarkable movement at front and center stage. Pinions, an essential component in the gear train of all mechanical watches, are eliminated in the Monaco V4, replaced by a patented relay of five notched drive belts with tension adjusted through turnbuckles. The oscillating rotor associated with self-winding watches is also dispensed with. Instead, the Monaco V4 converts wrist motion into winding energy via a system of vertically oriented 12-gram tungsten weights mounted on tracks. These mounting systems are oriented between the V4's four spring barrels which--in another nod to automotive design--are oriented at a 15-degree angle to evoke the cylinders in a high performance engine. Protecting the unparalleled movement of the TAG Heuer Monaco V4 wristwatch is an intricately beveled sapphire crystal with a three-dimensional profile.
TAG Heuer sees the Monaco V4 watch as an ultimate expression of its 150-year company mission to offer revolutionary technology in the realm of sport timing. The groundbreaking watch, along with a number of other unique and remarkable models from other fine brands will be auctioned off without a reserve on September 24th, under the auspices of HSH Prince Albert II and the distinguished Monegasque Association.
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