TAG Heuer is the guest of our Hands-On corner today with its Carrera Mikrograph 1/100th Of A Second Chronograph model, which is equipped with two escapements and a chronograph module that measures 1/100th of a second.
When choosing our next watch, I think there is no one among us watch enthusiasts looking for a high vph rating as a preference. Hi-Beat movements, which are developed in the early years of modern luxury watchmaking to achieve better precision and accuracy, are pretty less in number when compared to their low (or normal) vph cousins.
Mostly recognized with Zenith’s legendary self-winding chronograph movement El Primero and some model by Grand Seiko, which operated as the luxury division of Seiko Watches and recently went independent, the Hi-Beat watches offer enjoyable moments to their fellow owners with their characteristic, time-bomb like ticking sound.
The model we chose for the review today is one of the fastest movements in theory. However, the situation is not so simple in practice because it has two escapements and one of them beats at a frequency of 50Hz / 360.000vph!
TAG Heuer Carrera Micrograph 1/100th Of A Second Chronograph is not a new model that as the avid watch enthusiasts will remember. However, considering the possibility of seeing one in daily life, it is still worth to mention 8 years after its debut.
The model comes in an 18K pink gold case measuring 43mm in diameter. Designed on the modern Carrera platform, the case is equipped with scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides and is water resistant up to 100 meters / 10 bars, which is more than enough for a sports chronograph in daily use. The case is accompanied with piston type chronograph pushers and a classic Heuer logo winding crown.
The model’s dial is designed in a vintage style, reminiscent of classic car gauges. Thanks to the indicators placed in line with the characteristics of the model, the dial offers a sporty and professional look. Designed in sector style with cream outer scale and brown inner part, the dial boosts the retro character of the model with its color palette as well. Sub-dials are located in 3-6-9 formation while the date display is present at 6 o’clock.
The most interesting part of the model, though not the least, is the movement. The model is powered by a self-winding chronograph movement based on the manufacture Caliber 360. The movement is capable of measuring 1/100th of a second which is displayed by a center second hand finished in blue.
Considering that the movement has two barrels and even two escapements, it is more like two different movements are integrated. However, this integration has been made so successfully in both technical and aesthetic terms that it is very difficult to understand at the first glance. One of the escapements beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and controls the time function of the model. The other escapement is beating at 50Hz, i.e. 360.000vph frequency, giving life to the chronograph module capable of measuring 1 / 100th of a second. The time section provides 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound, while the ultra-precision chronograph module can only measure for 90 minutes. This limited time is followed by the 0-100 scale display at the 12 o’clock position. The COSC certified movement with gun-metal style dark-colored components can be enjoyed through the sapphire crystal display case back.
The model comes with a brown crocodile leather strap adorned with contrast white stitches. The strap is secured by a classic Heuer logo standard buckle made of 18K pink gold like the case.
TAG Heuer Carrera Micrograph 1/100th Of A Second Chronograph was introduced back in 2011. It may be surprising at first that it can still be found in NOS condition 8 years after its debut, but this makes sense given the characteristics of the model. How? Firstly, the model is powered by a pretty advanced movement in terms of modern watchmaking however, the complication itself is not an old school one like Minute Repeater or Perpetual Calendar. It is more like a contemporary upgrade. On the other hand, the model comes in a luxury 18K pink gold case making it a 58.200 CHF timepiece. Now let’s see what we have; An 18K pink gold TAG Heuer that is equipped with a chronograph module capable of measuring 1 / 100th of a second. And it retails for 58.200 CHF... Well, I guess we should not be surprised to see NOS samples nearly a decade after its release.
