The Alter Ego series, launched in 1999 is a tribute to femininity. Its bracelets with straight pronounced lines contrast with its curved, sensual case. It has innovative architecture and a daring elegance: an extra-thin, high-precision quartz movement, a flexible bracelet with a butterfly folding clasp, a dial with rectangular markers and a crown positioned at 4 o'clock.

Indicates the time with hands moving round a dial.

A lever escapement used in mechanical watches, composed of the escape wheel, the pallets, and a plate fixed on the balance staff. (See functions at "escapement").

A thin transparent coating deposited on the crystal to improve the readability of the dial. This coating is delicate and can be affected by the way the watch is used.

Launched in 1933, the Autavia was the first timing instrument mounted on board aircraft and racing cars.

A mechanical movement incorporating an extra mechanism with an oscillating weight. This uses the movements of the wearer's arm to rewind the mainspring.

The balance spring is almost the "soul" of a mechanical watch. Wound into a spiral, its tension makes the balance oscillate regularly, which is critical to the proper running of the movement. If the balance spring stretches, the watch will slow down and if it shrinks it will speed up.

The device that regulates the movement of a mechanical watch. It is a statically balanced wheel which, by oscillating, regularizes the energy coming through the gear train. The precision of a watch depends on a properly functioning balance.

See EOL

A generator that transforms chemical energy into direct electrical current.

Part of the case(ring), adjusted to the middle, which generally hold the crystal. The name is often used to describe a turning ring on the case that is marked with a scale intended for various functions such as a minute indicator or a tachymetre. Other versions are an integral part of the case middle and may be set with jewels.

A device that joins the two ends of the strap or bracelet. There are two types of  buckle: a pin buckle which has a small metal tongue that engages with a hole in the strap; and the folding buckle, a hinged device that opens out to extend the bracelet and allow it to slip over the hand.

The Calculator series, launched in 1972, is a highly innovative timing instrument that allows complex mathematical operations to be performed, using its push buttons.

A description of a watch movement that defines its size, shape and the arrangement of its bridges.

The Camaro series, launched in 1968, takes it name from the famous Chevrolet sports car with an innovative design, introduced two years before. It was the official pace car of the famous Indianapolis 500 from 1967-69. With this link to a major sporting event, the Camaro marked TAG Heuer's arrival on the American market where it already had an excellent reputation for sports timing.

A measure of the weight of precious stones. One carat represents 0.205gr.

A measure of gold content that is divided into 24 parts. Fine gold, which is almost 100% pure gold, contains 24 carats. The case of an 18-carat gold watch contains 750/1000 (18/24) of fine gold and 250/1000 of alloy. The carat is indicated in a hallmark on each case.

The launch of the Carrera chronograph in 1964 was a tribute to the famous "Carrera Panamerica" car race of the 1950s.

Synthetic material that ensures water-resistance around the case back.

The part which closes the case. It can be fixed with screws, but it can also screw into the case, or simply be pressed into place.

The case is comprised of the bezel, the middle and the back. It protects the watch movement. Its most common shape is round but it can also be oval, barrel-shaped, square, rectangular or some other design.

A watch with hands showing the hours, minutes and seconds, but which also features a mechanism for measuring continuous or interrupted units of time, from a fraction of a second to twelve hours. This supplementary mechanism is operated manually by push-pieces that set in motion, stop and return the hands to zero. The chronograph hand or seconds-hand indicates seconds, fifths of seconds or tenths of seconds. Counter hands total minutes and hours. Thanks to digital display and quartz movements seconds can even be divided into hundredths and thousandths.

A watch with a movement that has demonstrated outstanding accuracy by passing the tests of the COSC (the official Swiss Chronometer Control Office). Each movement is individually checked in five positions: crown left, crown right, crown up and dial up. Its accuracy must remain between -4 and +6 seconds over 24 hours, and the deviation may not vary by more than 5 seconds during the 15-day test period. Testing is done at 8°C, 23°C and 38°C. Only watches with movements that have passed this testing process are officially certified as chronometers. In general, the word "Chronometer" appears on the dial.

Launched in 1977, the Chronosplit Manhattan GMT was the world's first quartz wrist chronograph with both an analog and a digital display, accurate to 1/100th second.

Launched in 1975, the Chronosplit was the world's first quartz wrist chronograph. It had an LCD/LED display accurate to 1/10th second.

Device fitted on a bracelet (see buckle)

In addition to the date, a complete calendar shows the month, the day and sometimes the phase of the moon. The date has to be manually adjusted in months that are shorter than 31 days.

A watch function, apart from the simple indication of time, that involves a supplementary mechanism. Examples of complications include: automatic windin, chronograph, phases of the moon, perpetual calendar, chiming minutes, and tourbillon. These last three functions are referred to as "Grands complications."

Launched in 1977, the Cortina chronographs took their name from the famous ski resort in Northern Italy that hosted the Winter Olympics of 1956. The series marked TAG Heuer's association with winter sports, where it already had an excellent reputation as the official timer for various World Championships.

The official Swiss office for chronometer control. The recognized independent body that issues official "Chronometer" certificates.

A small dial (square, round or rectangular) that is stamped on, or set into, the dial of a watch, indicating specific information. In a chronograph, counters display the hours, minutes, 1/10th second and 1/100th second of the measured timing.

Synthetic material that ensures water-resistance around the crown.

A small rotating button that it is found on the side of the case. In a mechanical watch it is used for windin the mechanism. In all watches (mechanical, automatic or quartz) it is used to set the time and adjust the date. In some water-resistant watches the crown is screwed down to protect the movement.

Also called the glass. (See "Sapphire crystal.")

Synthetic material that ensures water-resistance around the crystal.

Mechanism that trans¬mits power to the balance, in order to make it oscillate. The teeth of the escape-wheel mesh direct¬ly with the balance staff, which is in the form of a hollow cylinder. The cylinder escapement was invented by the watchmaker George Graham in 1726. Due to insufficient accuracy it is no longer used and is found only in early watches.

The date indicator. It can be analog, with a hand indicating a number on the dial, or digital with a printed disc, sometimes called a calendar disc, showing the date in a small window. The hand or the disc make one revolution every 31 days, advancing one position around midnight, activated by the dial-train.

Launched in 1976, Daytona watches were fitted with a tachymeter scale. They took their name from the Ferrari 365GTB/Daytona because Jack Heuer, the great grandson of the founder, was a great admirer of the car.

The dial displays a range of information; principally hours, minutes and seconds. The information is indicated by numbers, divisions or markers of different designs. Dials vary in shape, decoration and material, although most are metallic.

Precious stones that can be set on various elements of a watch (case, bezel, dial, bracelet.) A diamond is described by its weight (carat), its color, its clarity and its shape (how it is cut.)

Indicates the time with changing numbers. Sometimes called a "numerical time display."

"End Of Life": a security system fitted in TAG Heuer quartz watches. When the battery shows signs of running down the seconds hand starts to advance in jumps of four seconds.

A specially designed watch movement that can run for eight days without rewinding.

The escapement is the mechanism that receives the energy from the mainspring through the gear train and transmits it to the balance, causing it oscillate.

All the parts that are added to the movement and contribute to its final appearance, functionality and protection (e.g. case, dial, hands, crown, crystal.)

A fly-back hand considerably extends the functions of a chronograph, making it possible to read intermediate times, or make two separate timings even if they start together.

The number of times the balance oscillates per second. The frequency is indicated in hertz (Hz). Modern movements running at 28,800 vibrations per hour have a frequency of 4Hz .

Greenwich Mean Time (See "Time Zones" )

TAG Heuer creates a distinctive metal bracelet for each series of watches, designed specifically to harmonize with the case. TAG Heuer metal bracelets meet the standards of comfort, security and reliability required in a genuine sports watch. They are also fitted with a double security clasp, depending on the model.

An electrolytic process that deposits a fine layer of gold on watch cases and bracelets.

A mark that is stamped on the watch, generally on the inside or outside of the case back. It is a guarantee that indicates, among other things, the precious metal content (18 for gold, 850PT for platinum), its origin and even its production. Sometimes it also includes a series or reference number

Watches generally have three hands that indicate hours, minutes and seconds. Depending on the complications of the watch, other hands can indicate a second time zone (GMT) or chronograph functions showing the measured time in hours, minutes, seconds, 1/5th sec, 1/10th sec, and 1/100th sec.

A mechanical movement in which the mainspring has to be rewound every day using the crown.

The parts of the case that are used to attach the strap or bracelet.

Launched in 1997, the Kirium series was the result of TAG Heuer's close collaboration with the Formula 1 drivers Kimi Raïkkönen and David Coultard, together with the engineers of Team McLaren Mercedes. It perfectly demonstrates the fusion of design and technology, some models use advanced materials found on Formula 1 cars: carbon fiber for the dial and grade 5 Titanium for the case and bezel.

Liquid crystals are organic materials used in the display of quartz digital watches. They show the time in the form of numbers or hands.

TAG Heuer offers straps in calfskin, alligator and python. The alligator leather comes exclusively from regulated farms and python leather is certified W (wild) indicating that its use is entirely legal. The straps are assembled, sewn, cut and lined by highly trained specialists.

An early system of digital display used to indicate the time. Pressing a push button illuminates the numbers to make them readable.

A traditional system used for measuring the size of a watch movement. One line (indicated as 1''' ) equals 2.2558 mm. The name comes from the old French "King's foot".

The new Link series, introduced in 1999, evolved from the famous S/el design.

Links are the elements that make up a metal bracelet.

A substance that emits luminous energy. It is deposited on the display elements of a watch or clock to make them visible in the dark.

Launched in 1950, the Mareograph watch had a tide indicator linked to its chronograph functions.

A sign that is used instead of hour numbers on the dial. Markers vary widely in design.

A mechanical assembly that is added to the basic movement. Examples include a chronograph module, a date module and a moon-phase module.

Introduced in 2002, the Micrograph F1 is a true wrist timing instrument accurate to 1/100th second, with special functions for motor racing. It won the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in the design category.

Invented by the Büren Watch company in the 1950s, it reduces the size of the rotor which requires a certain amount of space to function correctly and often increases the size of the watch. (See "Rotor" or "Oscillating weight".) TAG Heuer used this principle in the Calibre 12 in 1969.

Launched in 1972, the Microsplit 800 was the world's first pocket-size sports timer with a quartz movement accurate to 1/100th second.

Introduced in 1966, the Microtimer was the world's first miniaturized electronic sports timer accurate to 1/1000th second. The series was relaunched in 2003.

With a hardness of 5 Mohs, mineral watch glass has much greater scratch-resistance than synthetic glass.

Refers to a watch that indicates hours and minutes with hands (analog display) while other optional functions, such as chronograph timing, are indicated by means of liquid crystals (digital display.)

The Monaco series, introduced in 1969, in honor of this unique Grand Prix whose original track is a very special experience for drivers.  Its water-resistant square case - the first in watchmaking history - houses the Chronomatic, the world’s first automatic chronograph movement with a microrotor. Steve McQueen had an empathy for this audacious, rebellious watch and in 1970 chose to wear it in the film “Le Mans”, dedicated to motor racing. The Monaco has lost none of its originality and still embodies the avant-garde spirit that inspires TAG Heuer.

The Montreal series, launched in 1972, has a very modern rectangular design. The name recalls TAG Heuer's association with the timing of major sports events; Montreal has hosted the Olympics in 1976 and Formula 1 races since 1978. It also underlines the brand's growing determination to be present in North America.

The Monza series, launched in 1975, was created in honor of Niki Lauda who became Formula 1 champion of that year at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, driving a Ferrari. It was inspired by the Carerra chronograph and its evocative name was used again in 2001 for a line of watches and chronographs with a distinctive cushion-style case.

A device that assists in the winding of the watch. The half-moon shaped weight swivels under the force of gravity as the wearer's arm moves and this action rewinds the mainspring.

The most complicated element in a mechanical movement, made of brass or steel. It is composed of several parts including the staff, the pins, the dart or guide-pin, and the pallet lever that gives it its name. Its function is to transmit the energy from the mainspring through the gear train to oscillate the balance.

This calendar automatically adjusts to the length of each month, even in a leap year. However it will have to be adjusted manually in 2100 which will not be a leap year in the Gregorian calendar.

A toothed part, generally with 6 -14 teeth. It is used in a drive train where it meshes with a gear wheel.

A  synthetic watch glass is easily scratched but can be polished

An indicator on the dial of an automatic watch showing how much longer it will run without being rewound, either manually or automatically.

A scale on the dial that is used for medical purposes. It indicates the heart rate based on the number of beats counted in a certain length of time.

Synthetic material that ensures water-resistance around the push buttons.

Push buttons are used to start, stop and reset chronograph functions.

An electronic unit composed of a printed circuit base (Print), an circuit board, and various elements such as contact plates.

An electronic movement in which an oscillating quartz crystal acts as the regulator. A miniature battery supplies the energy for the integrated circuit and the quartz resonator. There are several types of quartz watch: some have an analog display (hands), some have a digital display (numbers), and others combine the two.

The process of restoring a watch to proper working order.

A chiming watch. It can be set to strike a bell every hour, or at other intervals.

Part of an automatic rewinding mechanism, it is also called the oscillating weight. (See "Oscillating weight)

Our rubber straps are extremely comfortable to wear. They have a uniquely silky finish and special treatments (principally anti-UV) give them better wear-resistance than leather. The rubber is a high-tech, water-resistant material that can be precisely manufactured and perfectly integrated with the case, just like a FI tyre. This creates another link between the worlds of watchmaking and Formula 1.

"Rubies"A synthetic material made from carborundum is used to reduce the friction and reduce wear at key points in the movement such as  the pallets, the impulse pin and the balance staff. They are also used to counteract end play in the balance staff and gear wheels. Only diamonds have greater hardness than rubies. Traditionally, natural rubies were used but these have now been replaced by synthetic stones.

Launched in 1987, the Sport Elegance (S/el) is a unique sports watch that is both elegant and functional. It was renamed Link in 1999.

Its hardness of 9 Mohs makes it extremely scratch-resistant and strong: it requires special diamond-tipped tools to prepare it for use.

Indications marked on the dial, often on its outside rim or sometimes on the bezel. The scale is used in making calculations or in other functions.

The Silverstone series, introduced in 1974, took its name from the famous circuit not far from London where motor racing has been held since 1948. In particular, it honors the famous Ferrari victory in 1951.

The Skipper series, introduced in 1970, is associated with the world of sailing. It includes a countdown function that indicates the time remaining in the 15 minutes before the start of a sailing race.

Originally launched in the 1950s, the Solunar series was reintroduced in 1977. It was the first mechanical watch to indicate the tides and to display the date in English and French.

Components used to manufacture or repair a watch.

An instrument that only displays measured periods of time without indicating the time of day. It is generally limited to making timings of up to a few hours. The hands may be started, stopped and reset to zero.

Small metal pins that fix a strap or bracelet to the case or the clasp.

The stainless steel alloy (316L) used in TAG Heuer bracelets is one of the finest alloys currently available. It is extremely strong and has excellent anti-magnetic properties. Its low carbon content makes it particularly resistant to corrosion.

Material that absorbs light and re-emits it in darkness. It is deposited on the display elements of a watch to increase readability. The length of time it can produce this effect depends on how long it has been "charged ".

A scale on the dial or the bezel that is used to indicate the average speed of an object in Km/h. The scale can also be marked in terrestrial miles or nautical miles.

A scale marked on the dial or the bezel of a watch that is used to calculate speed from the time taken to cover a known distance.

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 was launched in 1986. These sports watches have been very successful thanks to their highly distinctive, dynamic design. This Serie has also been developed to create the Formula 1 Diamonds especially for women.

Launched in 2001, the Targa Florio watches takes their name from the race that was a pioneer in motor racing. Many famous drivers took part, including Jean-Miguel Fangio who drove a Mercedes in 1955. He wore an original Heuer chronograph produced in the 1950s which was the inspiration for this new series.

A scale on the dial that indicates distance based on the speed of sound. The distance is a function of the time that elapses between observing an event and hearing its sound. ( For example, between seeing a flash of lightning and hearing the thunder.)

It was Stanford Fleming, a Canadian railway engineer, who had the idea of dividing the Earth into 24 time zones. Based on the Greenwich meridian, time advances by one hour for every 15° of longitude. The system of worldwide time was first introduced by the USA and Canada in 1883. Watches that show the time around the world indicate one or more time zones on the dial.

The Titanium series was launched in 1983. It comprises sports watches and chronographs machined in titanium, which is lighter than steel and the ideal choice for many modern technologies.

A transition metal with a white metallic appearance. Titanium is lighter than steel, and is highly resistant to corrosion and expansion. These properties make it very suitable for the modern technologies needed in aerospace, automotive, surgical and electronic applications. TAG Heuer has often used this metal in watches, e.g. the Titanium and Kirium series.

A French term used for a chronograph hand that indicates 1/5th second or 1/10th second depending on the frequency of the balance. In a fly-back chronograph two trotteuses turn together to indicate the measured time. One of them is a fly-back hand which can be stopped independently to read an intermediate timing. When it is restarted, it flies back to join the other hand which has continued to turn.

See timezones.

The Verona series was launched in 1978, inspired by the romantic image of the Italian city. It was composed mainly of quartz watches.

The movement of a balance from one extreme to the other. In a classic watch movement the balance oscillates at a speed of 5 vibrations/second or 18,000 vibrations/hour. In modern watches the number of vibrations has been increased to 19,800, 21,600, 28,800 and 36,000. TAG Heuer holds the record for the highest frequency in a mechanical wrist watch with the Calibre 360, which makes 360,000 vibrations/hour.

Current norms state that a watch can only be called "Water-resistant" if it withstands perspiration, drops of water, rain, or immersion in one meter of water for 30 minutes. Superior levels of water-resistance are generally indicated on the dial or the case in the form of bars of pressure or a depth in meters. Diving watches are subjected to even more stringent tests. They must be capable of being used for at least one hour a day at a depth of 100 meters. It is important to remember that the water-resistance of a watch is tested at a particular point in time and is not guaranteed for life. Any work on the case, or strong changes of temperature (e.g. taking a cold shower after lying in the sun), as well as the ageing of materials can lead to moisture penetrating the most water-resistant watch.

A cylindrical shaft with a threaded end section on which the crown is fitted. It is used for setting the time and winding the watch.

The 1000 series, launched in 1983: a collection of quartz diving watches with top-of-the-range models water-resistant to 1000m.

The 1500 series, launched in 1990: robust sports watches with a contemporary look.

The 2000 series, launched in 1982, quickly became a reference in the watchmaking industry. The series embodies the sporting spirit of the brand and has the six characteristics of a real sports watch: water-resistance to 200m, unidirectional turning bezel, luminescent hands and markers, screw-down crown, double security clasp in solid steel, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.(for some models)

The 3000 series, launched in 1986, combines elegance with the functionality of a diver's watch that is water-resistant to 200m. High precision with 12-sided turning bezel designed for optimal readability and ease of use.

The 4000 series launched in 1990. Sports watches water-resistant to 200 meters with the distinctive red and green TAG Heuer logo at the top of the bezel, a symbol of precision, endurance and reliability.

The 6000 series launched in 1992. Professional sports watches combining sophisticated mechanics with superb finishing.