Thursday, November 30, 2006

Tag Heuer's Concept 'Monaco V4 ' Belt Drive Watch


The 'Monaco V4 '. Built by the renowned Swiss DMC Group for Tag Heuer. They have thrown out the traditional pinion based mechanics and invented a new method of automatic timekeeping, the first patented belt transmission wristwatch. Powered by an oscillating linear weight that falls back and forth within the central shaft - transmitting the energy to the four ball bearing barrels. All part of the mechanical revolution in watchmaking where everyone is trying to reinvent the wheel - but this time with belts.

Originally inspired by the 1969 Heuer (pre-Tag) Monaco made famous by Steve McQueen in his race car flick 'Le Mans'. They also reproduce the original Monaco more faithfully.


Original 1969 Heuer Monaco