2012 - TAG Heuer launched the MIKROGIRDER concept in Geneva. A mechanical watch with a stopwatch measuring short periods of time and indicating them with an accuracy of 1/2000th of a second.
Manufactured at the La Chaux-de-Fonds plant, the MIKROGIRDER executes the function of timekeeping and measuring segments of time (stopwatch) through two, independent mechanisms, which is a complete departure from the conventional system of solutions used in mechanical watches.
In the stopwatch mechanism, instead of the classic balance, the MIKROGIRDER uses completely different elements. In typical watches, the balance wheel makes circular motions, while TAG Heuer focused on linear movement of the beams and vibrations of a transversely located, elastic blade - "girder".
In a conventional mechanical watch with a balance wheel, it is virtually impossible to achieve a frequency higher than 50 Hz. A separate balance wheel for the stopwatch oscillating at 50 Hz operates in the TAG Heuer CARRERA MIKROGRAPH 1/100th Second Chronograph.
MIKROGIRDER has no such limitations, as it uses two mechanisms, separate vibrating elements. "Girder" for higher frequencies (stopwatch) and traditional balance for lower frequencies (current time indication), which allows for classic current time measurement as well as measurement of short time intervals with indications with an accuracy of 1/2000 of a second.
The MIKROGIRDER has a completely new solution for regulating the stopwatch mechanism. It uses two griders: a coupling blade and excitating blade connected in series. They interact with a linear oscillator, vibrating at a very small angle, about 5 degrees.
As a result, the MIKROGIRDER oscillates at an ultra-high frequency of 1000 Hz (approx. 250 times faster than an average watch), which corresponds to 7.2 million vibrations per hour. For comparison, a standard mechanical watch oscillates at a frequency of around 4-5 Hz (typically 28,800 vibrations per hour). This speed allows for the indication of the measured time period with an accuracy of 1/2000 of a second.
The TAG Heuer MIKROGIRDER Concept, which is covered by 10 patents, demonstrates the possibilities of non-traditional watch movements.
TAG Heuer's obsession with mechanical timekeeping accuracy may seem irrational and of little use in today's digital world, but considering the company's history and brand development, it is fully justified. The placement of the crown at 12 o'clock of the MIKROGIRDER inspired by the Heuer 1/100th of a second stopwatches of the 1920s refers to the company's “Technology and Design” DNA. TAG Heuer has consistently followed the tradition of continuous development of mechanics for many years. It is involved in the timing of sporting events such as the Olympic Games and Formula 1, which determine the company's pursuit of avant-garde (in style) and precision (in construction and operation) of mechanical watches.
Technical specifications of the MIKROGIRDER movement:
339 components
46 jewels
Total diameter: 35.8 mm (15 3/4’’’)
Total height: 7.96mm
5/10’000th of a second chronograph function
1 balance wheel on the watch
1 linear oscillator on the chronograph
Automatic bi-directional rewinding movement
Frequency of the watch: 28’800 vibrations per hour/ 4 Hz
Frequency of the chronograph: 7’200’000 vibrations per hour/ 1000 Hz
Power reserve of the watch: 42 hours
Power reserve of the chronograph: 3 minutes
Notifier: Tomasz Jakubas
Other records: Timeline of Watchmaking Innovations