TAG Heuer Link Chronograph

Angus Davies gets hands-on with the new TAG Heuer Link Chronograph

This detailed review of the TAG Heuer Link Chronograph includes live images, specification and pricing.

TAG Heuer Link Chronograph featuring Calibre 17 movement

Last year, I waxed lyrical about a new TAG Heuer Link featuring three hands and a date. The dial was sublime, with its attractive appearance and matchless readability. Furthermore, the Link bracelet granted a cosseting embrace with the skin, conferring unsurpassed levels of wearer comfort.

This year, TAG Heuer has extended the Link range to include a chronograph featuring a tri-compax layout and, once again, a stunning stainless steel bracelet. I recently had the opportunity to get hands-on with the TAG Heuer Link Chronograph and appreciate its many attributes.

The dial

The Link Chronograph is available with either a black or a blue dial. Personally, I prefer the latter option. The sunray dial masterfully orchestrates light, exhibiting different shades of blue depending on the position the watch is held.

TAG Heuer Link Chronograph featuring Calibre 17 movement

The hands are baton-style and lined with luminescent fill. They announce the time with clear, unequivocal tone. Each hour marker is applied, highly polished and confers a wonderful sense of depth. A date display, positioned at 4:30, provides a refreshing soupçon of white, breaking up the large sea of blue.

Three subdials occupy the dial. A small seconds counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour chronograph register at 6 o’clock and a 30-minute chronograph register 9 o’clock. Each subdial features a recessed track framing its form. In addition, the subdials are snailed, heightening visual interest.

A minute track encircles the dial and is marked with ¼ second integers, facilitating the accurate measurement of elapsed seconds.

The case

The 41mm stainless steel case exhibits a gentle character. There are no sharp or straight edges, everything exudes an air of softness by employing gentle curves and subtle edges. TAG Heuer state, ‘the case shape lies between round and cushion’. The anatomy of the case includes a cushion base and an overlaid ring. This elaborate design provides an interesting alternative to the ubiquitous round-shaped case.

TAG Heuer Link Chronograph featuring Calibre 17 movement

TAG Heuer has cleverly augmented the appeal of this unusual case shape with the deft use of polishing. Some surfaces are highly polished while other surfaces are satin-brushed. This blend of surface treatments yields an alluring aesthetic.

TAG Heuer Link Chronograph featuring Calibre 17 movement

Few watch bracelets are deserving of column-inches, however, the bracelet fitted to the Link Chronograph is rather special. Each S-shaped link articulates splendidly, fusing effortlessly with its neighbour to provide a soothing embrace. When the watch is removed, the bracelet lies flat highlighting its notable flexibility. Indeed, it is the flexibility and the smoothness of each link which explains why this bracelet links delivers high levels of wearer comfort.

TAG Heuer Link Chronograph featuring Calibre 17 movement

An exhibition case-back permits sight of the self-winding movement within.

The movement

The Calibre 17 movement has been used in other TAG Heuer timepieces, including the legendary Carrera. Its robustness and ease of servicing are a given.

TAG Heuer Link Chronograph featuring Calibre 17 movement

The balance has a frequency of 28,800 VpH (4Hz) and the movement contains 37 jewels. The power reserve is 42 hours.

Côtes de Genève motif, perlage and snailing can be readily seen via the exhibition case-back. Everything is distilled to a pleasing standard, especially considering the modest asking price of £3900 (RRP as at 25.1.2018).

I found the faceted push-pieces provided a pleasing and positive action.

Closing remarks

The TAG Heuer Link Chronograph possesses a gorgeous dial which is enriched with enchanting details that augment its allure. Beyond its handsome mien, the Link Chronograph is highly practical, delivering a clean dial that proves effortless to read.

The interplay of highly polished and satin-brushed surfaces on the unusually shaped case enrich the aesthetic appearance of the watch.

Each bracelet link is joined to its neighbour in flexible union. Similar to the case, the links are satin brushed on their leading face, but also feature highly polished facets. This treatment exudes an air of luxury and perfectly illustrates the efforts TAG Heuer has gone to in order to deliver a sumptuous finish.

Despite the accessible pricing of the Link Chronograph, the movement is pleasantly appointed, featuring perlage, snailing and Côtes de Genève motif.

Ultimately, the Link Chronograph possesses three notable qualities namely its aesthetic prowess, ease of read-off and exalted levels of wearer comfort. Indeed, TAG Heuer has produced an interestingly shaped timepiece which delivers something new courtesy of its fascinating case shape and nuzzling bracelet. This is definitely a timepiece worthy of consideration.

Further information

https://www.tagheuer.com

Technical specification

• Model: TAG Heuer Link Chronograph

Case: Stainless steel; diameter 41mm; sapphire crystal to front and exhibition case-back; water resistant to 10 ATM (100 metres).

• Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date; chronograph

• Movement: Calibre 17 ; Self-winding movement; Frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz); 37 jewels; power reserve = 42 hours

• Strap: Stainless steel ‘Link’ bracelet featuring double folding clasp

• Price: £3900 (RRP as at 25.1.2018)

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