As fans of cool classic watches are well aware the market for vintage Heuers is getting hotter than ever. While it doesn’t sell actual vintage pieces, TAG Heuer is getting in on the action with an impressive exhibition of classic watches from the Heuer era, dating from before the 1980s when TAG (Techniques d’Avant Garde), maker of turbochargers for Formula One cars and other high tech items, acquired Heuer in partnership with British businessman Ron Dennis of McLaren fame. A controlling interest was then sold to LVMH in 1999.
Heuer Globetrotter
The ambitious Heuer Globetrotter exhibition will launch on Sept. 15 at 10 TAG Heuer boutiques in 10 different countries around the world, each displaying vintage Heuer pieces based on themes related to the brand. The featured watches by Heuer will come from both private collections and TAG Heuer’s own watch archive at its manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
400 Around the World
There will be 400 pieces on display in total, and each exhibit will run for two weeks. TAG Heuer CEO and LVMH watch chief Jean-Claude Biver initially decided to focus more on the brand’s cool heritage in 2015. Most recently they have reissued classic Heuer era watches like the Monza and Autavia. Heuer’s 150-year history is impressive indeed and the smart new campaign should definitely help counteract some of the perception that TAG has increasingly become a fashion-oriented brand and return to its sporty roots. TAG is also taking the opportunity to remind us that Jack Heuer, who was in charge of the company from 1958 to 1982 and came up with many of the classic designs that are so in demand now is still the brand’s Honorary Chairman.
Wrist Watch, Pocket Watch, Clocks and More
In addition to iconic wrist watches on view, there will be a large collection from pocket watches and dashboard instruments to stop watches and clocks. TAG Heuer brand ambassador will be on hand to kick off the exhibition in Singapore on Sept. 13, where the theme will be Formula 1, right before the Singapore Grand Prix. The other locations and themes are as follows: Paris – the classic Heuers; Geneva – the major inventions; Munich – the military watches; Venice – cars and timekeeping; Dubai – sailing and diving; Hong Kong – cars and drivers; Sydney – multisports; Tokyo – design through history; Miami – design. “I am overwhelmed about what is happening to the old Heuer and TAG Heuer brand,” Jack Heuer said in a statement about the upcoming Exhibition. “I am truly very thankful to find the rich heritage of this brand so brilliantly and professionally translated to write a bright future!”