What is "Calibre S"? What does “hybrid electro-mechanical” mean? A true hybrid, the electro-mechanical timepiece is an ingenious mix of mechanical watchmaking expertise and extraordinary quartz precision. It is to chronographs what the "Hybrid" engines have been to cars with their unique combination of the advantages of both electricity and gasoline.
A proprietary movement developed and patented by TAG Heuer and first presented as a prototype in 2005, the Calibre S movement is a technological marvel requiring no fewer than 230 components and 5 high-performance bi-directional engines capable of twice the torque of conventional timepiece engines. The Calibre S has more components than most mechanical movements and has a built-in complexity close to a Manufacture-made movement.
The central hands’ extraordinary synchronization and reset to zero in chronograph mode functions demand the highest level of precision, while the multi-tasking of the central hour, minute, second hands doubles the workload on the main engines.
Tremendous effort was put into achieving this class-leading durability and precision, including: maximizing the power source and engine efficiency; optimizing hand shapes, weights and inertia; and reducing gear tolerance in the powertrain to optimize friction. The performance of the Calibre S speaks for itself. To pass the stringent quality test, each Calibre S has to undergo 12,000 hours of testing without losing 1 second.
