The 'Titanium' was a very short lived and very '1980s' watch (both literally and figuratively). It first appeared in the 1984 Heuer catalogue and had its last appearance in the 1987/88 TAG Heuer catalogue. As such it is another one of those odd watches that can be had with either a 'Heuer' or 'TAG Heuer' branded dial and there's a good chance that even if you get a TAG Heuer dial the backplate and clasp might well still be stamped with the old 'Heuer' logo... that's just how it was in the 1980s kids!
I find some of the 'Titanium' designs appealing, but others markedly less so. I actually remember looking longingly at a 220.206 on eBay for quite some time, to the point where I went to the trouble of enquiring if TAG Heuer had any spare links should I need to extend the bracelet. Unfortunately the response I got was that they wouldn't sell links for watches of that age and it would have to be returned to them to be 'worked on'. As you might imagine, hearing that I thought better of it and turned my attention to something else. A shame really as the 220.206 is a cool looking watch and would have been a nice addition to my collection... but no way was I putting myself in that position.
Okay, well clearly this isn't going to be another super-long 'History of' post because there are only eight models in total (and only eleven variants of those). Needless to say I'm still working on the rest of the Carrera posts and they will be along in good time.
ALL WATCHES ARE QUARTZ UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED!
1984 Heuer Catalogue
So the Titanium makes it's debut in 1984, just as 'Heuer' is coming to the end of its life. Six pieces are unveiled here, more than half the 'Titaniums' in total. Incredily, one of the watches featured here has carbon fibre inserts in its bracelet... in 1984!!!
223.206: 38mm, grey dial, titanium bezel, case and bracelet
225.206: 38mm, dark grey/gold dial, titanium/gold bezel, titanium case. titanium/gold bracelet
823.208: 28mm, dark grey dial, titanium bezel, case and bracelet
823.213: 34mm, dark grey dial, titanium bezel and case, titanium/carbon fibre bracelet
825.208: 28mm, dark grey dial, titanium/gold bezel, titanium case, titanium/gold bracelet
825.213: 34mm, dark grey dial, titanium/gold bezel, titanium case, titanium/gold bracelet
1985 Heuer Catalogue
In this their final catalogue Heuer added a few more pieces... unfortunately there was no full size Titanium 820 (three hander), the 220 was the chronograph version of this - for me definitely the coolest looking of the Titaniums and undoubtedly one of the most 1980 sci-fi looking watches imaginable.
220.206: 38mm, dark grey/gold dial, titanium bezel, titanium/gold case and bracelet*
820.208: 28mm, dark grey dial, titanium bezel, titanium/gold case and bracelet
820.213: 34mm, dark grey dial, titanium bezel, titanium/gold case and bracelet
*Obviously in the catalogue this watch was shown with a Heuer badge.
1987 Chronograph Catalogue
The Titanium's last dance was in the 1987 'Chronograph Catalogue' where the final two pieces were displayed. And here we see the only automatic Titaniums, all the previous models having been quartz powered...
120.206: 38mm, black/gold dial, titanium bezel, titanium/gold case and bracelet (Auto)
123.206: 38mm, dark grey dial, titanium bezel and case, titanium/carbon fibre bracelet (Auto)
I think it's just the Airline and the 1000 Series that I have left to do (and the balance of the Carreras obviously). I've been putting off the 1000 Series because it seems like it might be a little complicated. I will probably go back and tidy up some of the History posts too, where necessary.
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A short but interesting part of TAG Heuer's heritage. These are not to my taste but I would opt for a Heuer logo if I wanted one.
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