I've tested the Monaco V4 for you.
In 2004, Tag Heuer presented an original watch, the V4.
Since 2004, we were impatiently waiting to see the final version of this watch.
It is now done!
In November, and till the end of this year, Tag Heuer will deliver the first 100 pieces worldwide, while in 2010, the last fifty watches ( LE of 150 pieces ) will arrive.
The revolution? 5 Transmission belts are used instead of the conventional pignons, which complement 11 Micro Ball Bearings..
2 of them have an Internal Steel Structure.
They are 0, 07 mm large, which corresponds to the size of an Human Hair.
To give you an idea of the required work behind this watch, I've been told that 14 200 Days of Research and Developments were spent, and that TAG Heuer worked on this project in collaboration with the C.N.R.S ( the Centre National De Recherche Scientifique ), and that a Master Horologer needs 165 Hours to put the 259 pieces of the movement together.
That been said, let's have a look on this watch.
The Monaco looks like a Concept Watch .
And it is!
The look of the V4 makes echo with the original technology used in it.
Here, no dial, or better said, an open dial, with a technical look, a bit cold, but strong and original, with three blue hands, to give some contrast and to assure an easy reading of the hour.
You immediately know that you have somehting very different under the eyes!
Did you notice the 4 Vs?
There is a lot to see and to admire in this dial.
The geometry and the finish of the surface of the bridges, the different levels, the anglages, the polished screws, all these details are not only eye catchers, but also light catchers!
Let's " dive " into the dial to better see the finish, and to admire the play of the different geometrical shapes:
Do you see the transmission belts?
Here, a view on the anglage, and on the finish of the plates:
A closer look on the belts:
And here, on the belts used for the barrels:
A complete macro view of the movement:
Not bad, eeeeh?
About the case, I'd say that we have a modern re interpretation ( almost futuristic ) of the Monaco, as we know it.
I felt that the V4 is less square, more rectangular than a Classic Monaco.
The lugs are longer, more visible, more elegant than on the Vintage, IMO.
While the case is more angular, but also, in a certain way, sweater...
I like a lot the crown, too.
I much appreciate less the engraving " Tag Heuer " on the case, as, in my opinion, it was not necessary, as it is already written on the dial...
The volumes are reasonnable, and homogene, too.
The glass is bombed and bevelled, and it enhances the technical look of the watch, which is a good thing.
Indeed, I wouldn't see a common flat sapphire on such a watch, it would ruin the geometry of the case...
The case back is maybe less spectacular, but the originality is still here!
The belts are used to make the relation between the barrels, and instead of a conventiona rotor, Tag Heuer used an original rectangular mass, made in Tungstene, which weights 12 grams, which goes up and down, to " feed " the barrels.
Doesn't it look like the motor of a car?
As a coincidence, it makes me think a bit about the Freak...
The movement is exposed on the dial side, when the barrels are located on the case back side.
To wear it is a pleasant experience, indeed
While I always had problems with the " normal " Monaco ( I always wanted one, but when I put it on my wrist, I was always deceived ), in this case, with the V 4, things are much more different.
The general volumes of this watch, the fact that it is less squarred, more rectangular, the longer lugs maes it much more pleasant to wear.
Not too thick, nor too big, the presence on the wrist is undisputable as well as the comfort, without being too " show off ".
One thing I couldn't check is the weight, as the V4 I tested was the proto.
To be clear, the only thing which will change on the definitive watch will be the metal of the case.
Here, I tried the proto in SS, while the V4 will be only made in platinum.
The difference of weight will be very important, as the platinum watch will weight something like ...170 grams!
So, what to think?
You already got it, I'm convinced for its aesthetical qualities, and for its originality.
The finish, although correct, could have been even better for such a pricey watch, but it is more an interesting concept watch, to me, than a piece of High Horology.
I would have preferred no " Tag Heuer " engravings on the case, and a longer power reserve, which is 52 hours, and which seems a bit too conventional for such an unusual watch.
The bigger problem is the price, as the V4 will cost 70 000 Euros.
Of course, the development of this watch took a lot of time, as I've said at the beginning of this post, but it is an unusually high price for a Tag Heuer watch.
Despite all its qualities, it may be a problem for this very tempting watch...
Best to All,
Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-10-27 01:01:05 This message has been edited by MTF on 2009-10-28 20:30:05
Marvellous post!
Many have been asking for this V4, and this piece will be a testimony to TAG Heur, as many think it may not be able to realise for production.
I just hope TAG Heuer would pick up some pointers from Guy Ellia in the skilful usage of the monochromatic shades of grey.
Waiting to see one here too.
Kong
As you, I'm happy to finally see it arriving!
We waited for it for 5 long years!
I was really excited to see it, and satisfied to see the work done on this watch.
Best, and thanks for your input, my friend.
Nicolas
Great post !!!
Nicolas, your pictures really give a good "look" on the watch, i've seen many other pics but your first live pics really make me "understand" the watch (finally after all those years).
The case in platinum will be a good choice because you're going to pay a lot of ruble
anyway, even if the case would have been SS. The 70,000 for the watch in itself might not be overpriced and i for sure wouldn't mind the TAG-Heuer logo on it. What you get is still a very unique piece with a nice history (there has been a lot of talk about this watch if i'm not wrong?).Just my AMO (amateur opinion).
Filip
There was a lot of talks, and scepticism about this watch, Filip
And it is a damn nice watch, indeed, against Scepticism, Irony, and I don't know what else.
To me, the engraving Tag Heuer on the case was not necessary, as I see it as an excess of Pride, or an " Erreur de jeunesse " ( Youth Mistake ), but the watch is damn nice and hell, so tempting...
Best, my friend.
Nicolas
The looks were never its problem ....
It is no doubt that the V4 is a very attractive and well-finished watch, but that was never disputed. In the center of the various debates, though, we found concerns about its reliability, efficience, and useability. The concept of using teethed belts has yet to prove that it can achieve a similar performance as teethed wheels and pins. However, at this price tag, I assume that 99.9% of all V4s actually sold will disappear in safe storage, and will never - or barely - be in use.
Remember the issue of the original "Freak", where the problems appeared only many years after the watches were produced, because most of them were safe queens.
Regards,
Marcus
You're absolutely right, Marcus
Only Time will tell if this innovative system will be reliable.
IF they don't stay in the safe, indeed...
Which would be really sad, IMO.
Your comparison with the Freak is totally correct.
I was always amazed by the fact that so many years after, people discovered some issues on the first Freak.
Dpn't you think it is a bit stupid to " let fly " the warranty time by letting this marvel in the safe?
I would intensively use ( and abuse of ) it, to see if every thing is ok, and first of all, to enjoy it!
Premium for Passionate Lovers?
Best,
Nicolas
Great photos. Saw the watch in the flesh too and your photos
are great. Generally very impressed that TAG brought this to market and a great edition. Wish I had the spare cash.
Thanks for sharing
Andrew H
Impressed is the correct word, Andrew
I was speechless...
It is one thing to see press file pics, it is really different to be able to handle it and to make live pics.
Best,
Nicolas
Great review
I asked, Kevster
And it looks like it will be a " one shot " production.
It also seems that Tag will include some of the V4 solutions on their future watches, which looks logical to me, if you think how much work and time they spent on this " project watch ".
Best,
Nicolas
Thanks Nicolas!
Great to see some good live pics of the watch, it's certainly a fantastic concept piece. TAG and Mr Ruchonnet should be very proud of themselves. On reflection though I'm rather underwhelmed by the final product, I think the 'dial' and overall finish is lacking that little something that a piece this special requires in order to justify its price tag.
IMO,
Dan
I was told that TAG HEUER didn't want to
Do another Tourbillon, like all the other brands, but something very special, with this concept watch.
And they finally managed to do it !
So hats off to them.
I find that the dial and the finish is coherent with the spirit of this watch, which, once again, is a concept watch, not a piece of High Horology.
The price tag is another thing, which may be more problematic, indeed.
But I'm rather sure that they will sell out, and I hope that they will go to a good home, to an owner who will be albe to wear this watch rather than putting it in a safe!
Best,
Nicolas
Number of belts
Excellent post. Thank you.
Any one has any idea how many belts are there?
Intriguing, Nico . . .
. . . is TH claiming an empirical benefit to belt drive? Because if not, it's really more an exercise in fantasy than utility. I don't think I've ever commented on the scale of pricing before, but for this extraordinary watch, I'll make an exception. I think it's overpriced by a factor of ten if the cost of development is factored out, and if the cost of development is factored in without a commensurate technical advantage, then it's still horrendously overpriced. Not that I'm a candidate for a $100K+ watch, but as much as I find favor for this design on it's own merits, I can't see parting with the funds TH is asking for . . . cordially, Art
I'd see it as another option to the Silicium, Art....
If you add the RD and the difficulty due to the original techbnicirty, that may explain that...
BUT, I tend to agree with you.
At 30 000 Euros, or just a bit more, it xould have been terrific.
Now, I'm not in charge of T.H, and don't know how much costed the project...
Best, my friend.
Nicolas
Interesting piece, but.........
Can't say it any other way. This is an interesting design. How robust? No one knows. But nearly $100K price???????? Are you kidding me? Just react, don't think long about this one. Would you rather have two Philippe Dufour Simplicities or one of these? Or a Kari and Peter Speake-Marin or one of these? A Breguet Tourbillon or one of these? A Patek 5970 or one of these? Sorry not even close on any of those questions. And $100K and they still have a rackette for regulation?
Jeff
thanks for the review and pics Nico. i love it!
it really is my kind of watch so i wont waste superlatives trying to describe why i like it. its a shame i'll probably never even wear one let along own one.
best
Graham
Hey, Jeff ............
This is a dangerous playground, here, my friend.
Would you for the same price prefer to get a RM 004, or 20 FF...???
A classic piece or a concept watch?
If you go this way, so would you prefer a Dufour or for much less, a PP Calatrava?
All is very subjective, indeed, a it is a matter of personal sensibility.
Objectively, I agree that it is too expensive, and that it may be a risk for that watch.
But the correct price is the one Pepole is ready to pay to get it.
Time wil tell if the price is correct.
Do you remember People reaxction when they first knew that a Panerai Pre V costed around 1500 Euros?
Do you still see them laughting after you, or rather crying because they missed the train?
Best, my friend.
Nicolas
Of course you're right
Nicolas:
Certainly you are right. Whether the price is correct will be judged by the market. I was merely expressing my own view that it is too expensive for what it is. There are other prices I can imagine that would make this watch interesting to me, but they are so far from $100K I would make somebody mad if I revealed them.
Jeff
