Above, TAG Heuer Carrera CH 80 as introduced at BaselWorld

TAG Heuer has announced today that it will “postpone” production of its latest chronograph movement, the caliber CH 80, in order to “focus on” production of its cal. 1887, which is now referred to as the CH1887.

“La Chaux-de-Fonds, June 5, 2014 – In order to respond more effectively to current market needs, TAG Heuer has decided to focus on the production of a single chronograph movement, the CH1887, launched in 2010.

As a result, TAG Heuer is postponing the launch of the Carrera CH80 chronograph, even though the company has completed the development of the movement that powers it. This optimization of production will of course allow for certain synergies, including the grouping of all movement manufacture activities in the brand’s plant in Chevenez, which opened in November 2013. Production staff will not be affected by this measure and will be redeployed to TAG heuer’s three other industrial sites in Switzerland.

The Calibre CH1887 will thus be able to power up and continue beating at the heart of the Carrera. Consisting of 320 components and equipped with 39 jewels, the integrated column-wheel movement, manufactured and assembled in the Swiss Jura, features a revamped version of the oscillating pinion that Edouard Heuer invented and patented in 1887, which is from where it gets its name. This component functions as a clutch and allows the starting of the chronograph function in 2/1000th of a second. Powerful, robust and easy to maintain, the Calibre CH1887 measures 29.3 mm x 7.13 mm. Its creation gained TAG Heuer entry into the elite ranks of Manufactures in 2010, and won it the coveted “Petite Aiguille” prize at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix.”