TAG HEUER - MONACO Mikrograph 1/100th Of a Second Chronograph
TAG Heuer’s two most daring inventions in terms of movement and design will be auctioned on September 22, 2011 to benefit Duchenne muscular dystrophy research under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Watch collectors around the world will be captivated by this technical revolution of the Mikrograph movement, a masterpiece of Haute Horlogerie encased in the iconic square shape of the Monaco. The Monaco design remains, over four decades after its scene-stealing debut on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the movie Le Mans, as cool and cutting-edge as ever.
Unlike a conventional chronograph, the time base is not
dependent on the watch (hence the name “stopwatch”). Chronograph
functions can be started or stopped independently of watch functions.
The watch is automatically wound by means of a circular oscillating weight, and features a 42-hour power reserve.
As
for the stopwatch, the balance wheel oscillates at 50 hertz, 360,000
vibrations per hour, with a 90-minute power reserve, and displays the
1/100th of a second with the central chronograph hand. Entirely
designed, patented, developed and manufactured by TAG Heuer in La
Chaux-de-Fonds, this innovation re-writes history in the field of high
frequency movements.
The flying central hand indicates
the 100th of a second. The design is unexpected: the hand's round,
open tip allows precise reading of the graduations, which are printed
on a sapphire disc. The "/100" engraving is laser-cut by hand. The
counter at 3 o'clock indicates chronograph minutes on a rotating disc
with 3 hands, graduated 0 / 10 / 20. The counter at 9 o'clock features a
small second, also on a rotating disc with 3 hands, graduated 0 / 20 /
40 to facilitate reading. The third sub-counter at 6 o’clock indicates
chronograph seconds. Fire-red touches on the hands are reminiscent of
the original Monaco’s motor racing style. The power reserve is
indicated at 12 o'clock.
The dial is a highly sophisticated
multi-level design, alternating black lacquer and silver opaline
finishes. Oversized screws on the dial evoke the engine of a sports
car.
A refined touch of black lacquer has been added to
the oversized crown and chronograph push-buttons. The black strap is
in "Barenia", the highest quality of calfskin leather, and the red
color in the perforations echoes the fire-red hands of the dial.
For a very special watch, a very special watch box.
Internationally acclaimed South African artist Paul du Toit has personally committed to create a unique piece of art to host the Monaco Mikrograph. The watch box art will be conceptualized and painted by this celebrated artist.
Paul du Toit has gained stature in Europe following the award of a
medal from the city of Florence in the Biennale Internationale
Dell'arte Contemporanea. Renowned for using an impasto technique (thick
industrial paste into which he scratched lines and images), it is now
intrinsic to his style of automatic scribbling.
As a firmly entrenched artist, Paul du Toit is able to dedicate
attention to community project involvement. Philanthropy resonates
deeply with him. Paul was involved directly with Nelson Mandela in
fundraising efforts for his 46664 campaign for 3 successive years. Ink
handprints on canvas of Mr Mandela's boxing hand were auctioned in
Johannesburg and in London. In 2009, a mould of Mr Mandela's boxing
hand, which was cast in a one-off unique bronze, was auctioned in London
for $3.5m. In 2010, an imprint of both Mr. Mandela's hands were made
into a relief sculpture and auctioned in NYC. All the auctions were to
benefit Mr. Mandela's 46664 campaign.
Paul du Toit’s
superb watch box for the TAG Heuer Monaco Mikrograph is sure to add to
the unique timepiece’s sale price at Only Watch auction.
The
one-off Monaco Mikrograph and its special display box will tour the
world from August 30th to September 17th, with exhibitions in Singapore,
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Los Angeles, New York, Milan and
Geneva. It will then be auctioned at the Only Watch event in Monaco on
September 22, 2011. Proceeds of its sale will benefit Duchenne muscular
dystrophy research.
Movement:
•
TAG Heuer Mikrograph 1/100 sec. – Manufacture movement – Automatic
Chronograph (360,000 beats per hour) – COSC certified watch movement –
Power Reserve – Date
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