For the 10th anniversary of the first watch with belt drives, a linear mass and ball bearings, TAG Heuer introduces a new world first : the first belt-driven tourbillon model. Its four patented microscopic (the smallest is just 0.07 mm wide) notched belts ensure both fluid rotation and natural shock absorption. Appearing through the back of its titanium case, the linear automatic winding system of the Monaco V4 Tourbillon features a linear mass guided along a straight rail. Brand CEO Stéphane Linder is “still very proud of the Monaco V4, since it symbolically marked the start of Haute Horlogerie innovation at TAG Heuer. At the time we had to create absolutely everything, since we did not have the current development resources. The concept was born in 2002, we presented the product in 2004, and it then took us four years to ensure its reliability by creating teams from scratch – notably including talents from outside the watchmaking domain such as Guy Semon, who currently heads the 40-strong R&D team. This accomplishment put us firmly on the path towards other Haute Horlogerie feats.” The total production of the different V4 versions will pass the 500-unit mark in 2014 and all are subjected to the same resistance tests as the brand’s less sensitive models. Who wants to have a chapter of horological history in their personal collection ?
