Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic Black Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch WAR211ABA0782

The latest addition to the line of MIkro chronographs, the MikroPendulum displays 1/100^th second precision thanks to a mechanical movement equipped with a magnetic regulator operating at 360,000 vibrations per hour (50 Hertz), the first of its kind. This creation is mainly based on two avenues of development being explored by TAG Heuer in recent years: the Mikro double-chain structure and the Pendulum concept.

It all began with a determination to achieve a substantial increase in the precision of mechanical chronographs, and with the observation that it was impossible to push the limits of the traditional sprung balance. TAG Heuer initially decided to abandon the conventional chronograph-watch pairing. In such a construction, the coupling clutch of the chronograph function leads to a considerable loss of energy and affects the rating precision. To solve this problem, TAG Heuer had the ingenious idea of disconnecting their respective operation. This made it possible to display previously unimaginable chronograph measurements, starting with 1/100^ths of a second. After the additional chronograph module solution contained in the Calibre 360 presented in 2005, the Mikrograph 100 introduced in January 2011 was the first model equipped with an integrated movement comprising two independent kinematic chains that in no way interfere with each other. In this case, while the balance wheel of the watch oscillates at a normal frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hertz), that of the chronograph reaches 360,000 vph (50 Hz). 

In parallel, TAG Heuer undertook to challenge the sprung balance invented by Christiaan Huygens in 1675 and almost universally adopted since. This led in March 2011 to the birth of the Mikrotimer accurate to the nearest 1/1000^th of a second; and in 2012 to the Mikrogirder with its stunning 5/10,000^th of a second accuracy. They are equipped with revolutionary systems oscillating at the respective rates of 3.6 million vibrations per hour (500 Hz) and 7.2 million vibrations per hour (1,000 Hz) - representing heights of accuracy that could never be scaled in the traditional manner. This decisive opening of the path towards ultra high frequency makes it possible to believe in the unbelievable.

Nonetheless, TAG Heuer's also aims to set a new benchmark liable to become as widespread as the sprung balance in its day. Such is the direction taken by the MikroPendulum based on a concept dating from 2010. The idea is to enhance precision while eliminating the major drawback of the sprung balance - namely the loss of amplitude due to the effect of gravity. This problem no longer applies with the Pendulum, a regulating organ in which the traditional balance-spring is replaced by a magnetic field. However, magnetic fields are sensitive to variations in temperature. Over the past three years, the TAG Heuer researchers and engineers have managed to resolve this problem by experimenting with new magnetic atoms, new alloys and carefully thought-out geometrical configurations. 

This work led to the development of an invisible magnetic balance-spring of which the performances are comparable to the finest traditional balance-springs, while offering additional advantages: easier production, greater resistance to shocks, to gravity and to geometric deformations. Nonetheless, commercially exploiting this technology requires a balance set to a high frequency of more than 10 Hz. This crucial component has been inaugurated in the MikroPendulum that thus becomes the first high-frequency magnetic chronograph. Like all models in the Mikro range, it comprises a double chain - with a balance wheel oscillating at 28,800 vph (4 Hertz) and a 42-hour power reserve for the watch; and a magnetic regulator set at 360,000 vibrations per hour (50 Hertz) and a 90-minute autonomy for the chronograph function. Housed within a 45 mm-diameter titanium case, it displays short times to within 1/100^th of a second.