TAG Heuer R&D Development Surges Forward With Eye To Bold Watchmaking Innovations

Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer is investing heavily in a large-scale expansion of its research and development capabilities.  As part of its efforts to stay at the forefront of prestigious sport-focused watchmaking, TAG Heuer has added 3,000 sq. meters of new space at its comprehensive 10,000 sq. meter manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds.  

Plans are also currently underway to expand the TAG Heuer's additional production site at Cornol.  Among the many professions gathered under the roofs of both facilities include design engineers, industrial process engineers, fabricators, and prototype makers. A particular point of pride for TAG Heuer is its R&D department, which allies itself with leading universities, as well as private and aerospace research institutes.  The fruit of these collaborations has been a substantial increase in TAG Heuer patents filed over the last five years; 12 patents will be filed by the end of 2009 alone.  As a matter of comparison, TAG Heuer filed for 16 patents over the past four years.  The next half-decade will see the introduction of 150 substantial innovations, according to a press statement from the company.

One such tour-de-force project is the creation of the TAG Heuer Calibre 18.  This manufacture column-wheel chronograph movement will elevate 2004's technically unique belt-driven V4 concept watch to a production reality.  TAG Heuer plans to manufacture the components of this new chronograph caliber at a workshop to be constructed near the Cornol facility; assembly will be carried out in La Chaux-de-Fonds.  The production of these and other components for mechanical watch movements will enable TAG Heuer to significantly expand its high luxury collections by 2010.