VIDEO: TAG Heuer SLR Calibre S Laptimer by Luxury Works

 

BUYING EXPERIENCE: TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes Benz Calibre S Lap Timer Chronograph

 

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I don't know how many times I have seen a CAG7010 at TAG Heuer's Bicester Village store, but up to about 2019 it seemed like something of a constant fixture during my regular visits. I must have tried it on a few times too, and even a year or so ago (the last time I saw an SLR in store) it was the white dial version of this same watch, actually now I come to think of it I don't think I've ever seen an automatic version of the SLR for sale there, only ever the Calibre S version. 

Of course, being something of a contrarian I've long admired the watch, seduced by it's obnoxiously brutalist bracelet and complex quartz movement, but never quite enough to pull the trigger; especially since even at outlet discounted prices these watches were still pretty pricey (£2500-2800... IIRC).

HISTORY: The TAG Heuer SLR (2004-2012)

 

The TAG Heuer SLR started life in 2004 with the release of the CAD5110; probably the most curious looking watch the company have ever released. Following on from the McLaren F1 idea, this watch was only available to people looking to purchase the Mercedes Benz SLR super car and of course, at this particular moment in time TAG Heuer and Mercedes were still very much connected through their associations with the McLaren Formula 1 team and former TAG Heuer owners Ron Dennis and Mansour Ojjeh. 

The back of this first piece is numbered, but unfortunately it doesn't say of how many. A quick Google reveals that Mercedes made 2157 SLRs, so it must be less than that. The watch wasn't cheap by any means and given the scarcity of them on the pre-owned market perhaps we can assume that the take up rate wasn't too high? Or maybe the owners just aren't selling, or they sold them on with the car...

A notable feature of the watch is that it is a 'regulator' the only example that TAG Heuer have ever made, at least since the company was taken over in 1985.

ON THE WRIST: TAG Heuer SLR Calibre S Lap Timer Chronograph

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TAG Heuer Outlet / Bicester Village, 19th September 2019

When I bought my Calibre S Aquaracer, I thought it was pretty complicated... but now that I've had it a while, I've got used to its 'unique' approach and I can actually set it now without using the manual (although I still need to refer to the 'instructions' on the back of the case). So I picked this up fully aware that it was more complex than my version, but confident I had a grasp of the basics. Except, it doesn't really work the same at all, and I was no better off than the last time I looked at a Calibre S Lap Timer!

The confusion starts because unlike the standard Calibre S this one doesn't count 'hours' using the hour hand, the hour hand is solely to indicate which lap you are timing / looking at. It's far too complicated to go into here and to be honest I still don't really understand it. Apparently it's not too bad until you want to completely reset it, and then you have to do something akin to one of those eight fingered death moves you used to pull playing Tekken on PS2!

Okay, so in very simple terms the CAG7011 has the ability to measure, remember and recall 20 separate lap times, which is pretty impressive I'm sure you'll agree (even if the ability to remember how to work the watch is even more impressive still...).

At 47mm, this is not for the feint-hearted or the skinny of wrist...I don't think it wears that big though. I expected this to be a 44mm, in fact I checked more than one site to make sure that the 47mm measurement was accurate. Because of the case design you are essentially including the chornograph pushers in that measurement which you usually wouldn't, so probably 44/45mm would be a more representative size.

The second crown (which allows you to move the chapter ring underneath the crystal) is my least favourite part about the watch, this one feels smoother than some others I've tried before (some were very sharp) but I can't help but think it would have been better to move it up to the 10 position (about where you'd see a Helium release valve on a Seamaster). It's not actually that bothersome, but it looks like it is... and I can imagine it might put some people off the watch.

The bracelet is nice and features the expected deployment clasp. I haven't taken a photo but from memory it was not dissimilar to the Grand Carrera clasp so I don't think there is any micro adjustment possible. The vertical fluting on the dial looks good, and lends the watch a 'classy' and expensive appearance.

The SLRs all have some good details, but I'm yet to truly bond with any of them. This is probably one of the better ones and you could also fit the FT6009 rubber strap which would make it even better (as it would create a bit of a contrast with the dial), although you would also need the deployment clasp to suit.

List price on this one is £3600, but this one is currently available (on a bracelet) at the Bicester store for £2345.

ON THE WRIST: TAG Heuer SLR Calibre S Chronograph / Lap Timer

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TAG Heuer Boutique / Bicester Village, 27th July 2018

There I was thinking that I was one of the (comparatively) few people who knew how to operate a Calibre S watch... but it seems not all Calibre S watches are created equal! Ye gads, will the madness never end...? This one had me completely baffled, and seemingly only Store Manager Aneta could demonstrate the rather incredible functions of this Laptimer Calibre S (so thanks to her).

I'd love to be able to say I could explain it to you, but... honestly, while I got the general idea, the actual operation is still beyond my grasp. The watch seemed to be working perfectly until I pressed a button and then it seemed to baffle me all over again. In actual fact it was still working perfectly, but (as Aneta patiently explained) I had pressed the wrong button - silly me, because this one definitely doesn't work the same way as the Calibre S I have!

What this Calibre S can do that mine can't is not something I'd ever be likely to use, but it's quite remarkable all the same. As you may or may not have noticed, on the top portion of the dial there is a crescent shape with numbers 1-20 on it. This is where the SLR records the laps and indicates them with the hour hand (when in chrono mode). 

Amazingly, the watch remembers up to twenty different lap times and displays them on command, it can also show you the 'best' lap time on demand as well (I'm guessing the lap times can be up to one hour, since the minute hand forms part of the chrono function). Pretty impressive stuff, though obviously you will need to study the manual before use - and remember to reset the lap timer to zero if you are starting a new set of laps.

As I said, chances are it's not something I would ever use, but boy does this watch look cool. And not just the dial... that rubber strap is really something with the stylised gills, designed to mimic the vents in the Mercedes SLR wings. The rest of the strap is plain rubber, but it does culminate in a very nice deployment clasp with the SLR logo prominently featured. The clasp reminded me of the ones found on the Monaco 24s with the pointed shape and twin button release and looks and feels suitably luxurious.

Oddly, TAG have chosen to angle the right side of the case so that the pushers appear to be on the front of the watch rather than the side. I'm not really sure what the thinking was behind this, but one effect is to increase the diameter to a stonking 47mm. Strangely though it wears smaller, I certainly wouldn't say this feels as big as a 45mm Heuer 01.

The (slightly annoying) crown on the left hand side operates a turning inner rehaut, and provides the facility of a countdown timer. That's fine, but why does that crown have to stick out so damned far? It looks a bit silly and it's not the most comfortable thing in the world, although this one didn't feel as sharp as the last one I tried on.

But that really is my only quibble with this watch, well that and it's overly complicated functionality... but you can't really complain about that, can you? The TAG outlet at Bicester currently has this in stock for a very attractive £2345 (reduced from £3600) which looks like about 35% discount from where I'm standing. Worth a look if you are considering a pre-owned SLR for sure.

FEATURE: Carrera Turbina LSR Carbon Fibre Chronograph

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An eagle eyed Calibre 11 forum member spotted this one in a Bonhams auction which was due to take place yesterday. This very rare TAG Heuer Carrera Turbina LSR is number two of a limited edition of just ten pieces, made to celebrate the Mad Max Bike Racing team and their land speed records.

This watch actually belonged to the guy who actually rides the bike, a multi-millionaire called Zef Eisenberg (you may know him as the man who sold his 'Maximuscle' company to Glaxo for £162m), so it has great providence, and the estimate was set at £8,000 - £12,000.

Bearing in mind some of the ridiculous prices paid in recent times for things like 'one of' the Monaco's used by Steve McQueen for filming ($800,000) this seems like an absolute steal. If I had that kind of money I might be tempted myself, because I wouldn't be surprised if this sold for £8,000 or failed to sell, such is the apathy towards TAG Heuer models vs Heuer branded pieces. 

I'm unsure if this model was ever sold to anyone, but I'm willing to bet the price would have been in that range anyway, when you look at what you're actually getting. A carbon fibre watch with a Calibre 1887 movement, box and papers, a glass back and only ten pieces made, 

I will try and find out the result of the auction and update this post when I do.

UPDATE (3rd July 2017): It appears the watch failed to sell at auction.

UPDATE (2018): The watch was sold by Bonhams for 5000 Euros.