Tag Heuer Movement Guide: Calibers, Specifications & Compatibility
Tag Heuer has one of the most storied histories in Swiss watchmaking — from the revolutionary Calibre 11 automatic chronograph to the modern in-house Heuer 02 and tourbillon calibers. This guide covers the most significant Tag Heuer movements, including specifications, common issues, and parts compatibility.
🔧 Restoring a Tag Heuer? We specialize in authentic Tag Heuer parts — movements, crowns, stems, hands, and crystals. Contact us for hard-to-find calibers.
Introduction
Tag Heuer’s movement history spans over 160 years. This guide organizes calibers into four categories: In-House (Modern), Automatic (ETA/Sellita Based), Quartz & Special, and Historical/Vintage Heuer. Whether you’re servicing a modern Carrera or restoring a vintage Monaco, you’ll find the information you need here.
In-House Calibers — Developed and Produced by TAG Heuer
Heuer 01 (2009)
Based on the Calibre 1887 / Seiko 6S37 architecture. Used extensively in the Carrera line. A skeletonized automatic chronograph with visible column wheel.
- Type: Automatic chronograph (integrated, column wheel)
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Jewels: 39
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Heuer 02 (2017)
Modern automatic chronograph, formerly known as Calibre 1969 / CH80. Successor to the Heuer 01 with improved architecture.
- Type: Automatic chronograph (integrated, column wheel)
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Jewels: 33
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Heuer 02T
Tourbillon version of the Heuer 02. Features a flying tourbillon visible through the dial.
- Type: Automatic chronograph with flying tourbillon
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 65 hours
- Jewels: 33
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): Contact us for verification
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
TH20-00 (2023)
Evolution of the Heuer 02, featuring bi-directional winding and enhanced finishing. Current-generation in-house chronograph.
- Type: Automatic chronograph (integrated, column wheel)
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Jewels: 33
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Calibre 1887 (2009)
TAG Heuer’s first modern in-house automatic chronograph, based on Seiko 6S37 technology with Swiss modifications.
- Type: Automatic chronograph (integrated, column wheel)
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Jewels: 39
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Calibre CH80 (2013)
Formerly known as Calibre 1969. A slim, integrated automatic chronograph movement.
- Type: Automatic chronograph (integrated)
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Jewels: 33
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Monaco V4 (2010)
Belt-driven movement using transmission belts instead of traditional gears. A revolutionary concept brought to production.
- Type: Automatic with belt drive
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): Contact us for specifications
- Stem Tap: Contact us for specifications
Mikrograph / Mikropendulum / Mikrotimer
High-precision concept movements capable of measuring 1/100th, 1/1000th, and even 5/10,000th of a second. Limited production, extremely rare.
- Type: High-frequency mechanical chronographs
- Beat Rate: Up to 3,600,000 bph (500Hz) on Mikrotimer
- Power Reserve: Varies by caliber
- Parts availability: Extremely limited — contact us for assistance
Automatic Calibers — ETA / Sellita Based
These calibers utilize reliable third-party movements from ETA and Sellita, modified and finished by TAG Heuer.
Calibre 1
Hand-wound mechanical movement based on the legendary ETA Unitas 6498-1 — a large pocket watch caliber (36.6mm diameter) adapted for heritage-style wristwatches. Used in TAG Heuer re-editions where a vintage character and small seconds at 6 o’clock are desired. Slow beat (18,000 bph) provides authentic vintage feel.
- Base: ETA 6498-1 (Unitas)
- Type: Hand-wound mechanical
- Diameter: 36.60 mm (16.5”’)
- Jewels: 17
- Power Reserve: 46 hours
- Frequency: 18,000 bph (2.5Hz)
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 120 / 180 / n/a (based on 6498-1 standard)
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
- Used In: TAG Heuer heritage-style Carrera and Monaco re-editions with small seconds
Note: Due to its large diameter, Calibre 1 only fits watch cases specifically designed for pocket watch movements (typically 42mm+).
Calibre 5
Based on ETA 2824-2 (early) or Sellita SW200-1 (modern). Three-hand automatic with date. Found in Carrera, Aquaracer, Formula 1, and Link models.
- Type: Automatic, date
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Calibre 6
Based on ETA 2895-2 or Sellita SW260-1. Three-hand automatic with small seconds and date.
- Type: Automatic, small seconds, date
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 42 hours (approx.)
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Calibre 7
Based on ETA 2892 / Sellita SW300. Twin Time GMT complication.
- Type: Automatic, GMT, date
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Calibre 8
Dual-time (non-GMT) — based on ETA 2892 with additional module.
- Type: Automatic, dual-time, date
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Calibre 9
Three-hand quartz movement. See quartz section below.
Calibre 11 (Modern)
Modular automatic chronograph used in modern Monaco (crown left), Autavia re-editions, and Silverstone limited edition models. Features the crown on the left side — a design choice that pays homage to the original 1969 Chronomatic Calibre 11.
- Base: ETA 2892-A2 (early) or Sellita SW300-1 (later)
- Chronograph module: Dubois-Dépraz (models 2018, 2021, or 2022)
- Type: Modular automatic chronograph
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Jewels: 59
- Diameter: 30.00 mm
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
- Crown Position: Left (9 o’clock)
Calibre 12
Similar to Calibre 11 with variations in finishing and subdial layout. Based on same ETA/Sellita base with Dubois-Dépraz module.
- Base: ETA 2892-A2 / Sellita SW300-1
- Chronograph module: Dubois-Dépraz
- Type: Modular automatic chronograph
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Calibre 16
Based on Valjoux 7750 (ETA 7750). The most common TAG Heuer chronograph movement. Robust, reliable, and widely serviceable.
- Type: Automatic chronograph (cam-operated)
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 46 hours
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
- Common in: Carrera, Aquaracer, Formula 1 chronographs
Calibre 17
Based on ETA 2894-2 — an integrated movement where the chronograph mechanism is built into the base movement, not a separate module. Used in Monaco CAW2113 (2005), Carrera chronographs, and Aquaracer chronographs. Crown on right.
- Base: ETA 2894-2
- Type: Modular automatic chronograph (integrated design)
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Jewels: 37
- Diameter: 28.00 mm (12.5”’)
- Thickness: 6.10 mm
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
- Common issues: Chronograph module wear, reset problems
Calibre 18
Modular automatic chronograph based on the Sellita SW300-1 with a Dubois-Dépraz 2223 chronograph module. Used prominently in the Carrera Calibre 18 Chronograph Telemeter (2015, 39mm) and Link Calibre 18 (40mm). Features a vintage-inspired design with telemetric scale on the inner bezel.
- Base: Sellita SW300-1
- Chronograph Module: Dubois-Dépraz 2223
- Type: Automatic chronograph (modular)
- Diameter: 25.60 mm (base movement)
- Jewels: 25 (base) / 37 (with module)
- Power Reserve: 38–42 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25 (based on SW300-1 standard)
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
- Used In: Carrera Calibre 18 Chronograph Telemeter (CAR221A.FC6353), Link Calibre 18 (CAT2110.BA0959, CAT2111.BA0959)
Note: Calibre 18 is a modular chronograph — the chronograph mechanism is in a separate module on top of the base automatic movement. This is different from integrated chronographs like the Calibre 17 (ETA 2894-2) or in-house Heuer 02.
Calibre 36
Modified Zenith El Primero 400. High-beat automatic chronograph — 36,000 bph. Used in limited edition Carreras.
- Type: Automatic chronograph (integrated, column wheel)
- Beat Rate: 36,000 bph (5Hz)
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
- Stem Tap: 1.2mm
Calibre 45
Automatic chronograph — modern variation based on ETA/Sellita with module. Used in contemporary Carrera chronographs.
- Base: ETA/Sellita + Dubois-Dépraz module
- Type: Modular automatic chronograph
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): 90 / 150 / 25
Calibre 360
Mechanical 1/100th second chronograph. Uses a second balance wheel beating at 360,000 bph (50Hz) for the chronograph function.
- Type: Mechanical chronograph with dual balance wheels
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz) for timekeeping; 360,000 bph (50Hz) for chronograph
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Hand Sizes (h/m/s): Contact us for specifications
Quartz and Special Movements
Calibre S (2005)
Electro-mechanical chronograph with a unique display — hands jump to indicate chronograph functions rather than subdials.
- Type: Electro-mechanical (quartz base with mechanical hand control)
- Battery: Standard quartz battery
- Common issues: Hand alignment problems, complex servicing requirements
Connected Calibre E4 / E5
Digital smartwatch movements powering TAG Heuer’s luxury connected watches.
- Type: Digital / smartwatch
- Compatibility: Proprietary — parts only through TAG Heuer
Quartz (Standard)
TAG Heuer uses various ETA quartz movements across the Formula 1, Aquaracer, and Link lines. Common calibers include:
- ETA F06.111: 3 hands, date — used in entry-level Formula 1
- ETA 251.262: Chronograph quartz — used in Aquaracer and Formula 1 chronographs
- Other ETA quartz: Various calibers by model and year
Historical / Vintage Heuer Calibers
Chronomatic (1969) — Heuer 11, 12, 14, 15
One of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements. Developed jointly by Heuer, Breitling, and Hamilton with Dubois-Dépraz module and Buren base. Launched in the iconic Heuer Monaco 1133B — famously worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans.
The Chronomatic Family:
- Heuer 11: Buren 1281 base, 19,800 bph, 42h power reserve — original automatic chronograph
- Heuer 12: Buren 1281 base, 21,600 bph — higher frequency version
- Heuer 14: As Cal.12 with 24h GMT function
- Heuer 15: Manual wind version, sub seconds instead of 12h counter
Lemania 5100 (1980s)
Robust automatic chronograph used in military and racing models. Central minutes counter. Known for durability.
- Type: Automatic chronograph (cam-operated)
- Beat Rate: 28,800 bph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Hand Sizes: Contact us — vintage specific
LWO 283 (1980s–1990s)
Hybrid chronograph movement used in TAG Heuer watches during the transition period.
- Type: Automatic chronograph
- Base: Lemania 5100 variant
- Hand Sizes: Contact us for specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Calibre 11 (modern) and Calibre 17?
Calibre 11 (modern) uses ETA 2892-A2 / Sellita SW300-1 with a separate Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module, crown on left. Calibre 17 uses ETA 2894-2 — an integrated chronograph movement (no separate module), crown on right.
What is the difference between Heuer 02 and TH20-00?
TH20-00 is the evolution of Heuer 02, introduced in 2023. It features bi-directional winding (vs. unidirectional on Heuer 02) and enhanced finishing. Both have 80-hour power reserves and 28,800 bph beat rates.
Is Calibre 1887 a true in-house movement?
Calibre 1887 is based on Seiko 6S37 technology, licensed and modified by TAG Heuer. It is assembled in Switzerland and modified with Swiss components. Many consider it TAG Heuer’s first modern in-house chronograph.
What is the most reliable Tag Heuer movement?
Calibre 16 (Valjoux 7750) is widely considered the most reliable. It’s a robust, time-tested design with excellent parts availability. For three-hand models, Calibre 5 (ETA 2824/SW200) is very reliable.
Can I replace my Calibre 5 with a Sellita SW200?
Yes. Modern Calibre 5 is already based on Sellita SW200-1. For older Calibre 5 based on ETA 2824-2, the SW200-1 is a direct drop-in replacement — hand sizes, stem height, and dimensions are identical.
Where can I find parts for vintage Heuer movements (Calibre 11, 12, 15)?
Vintage Heuer parts are increasingly rare. We carry a selection of vintage Heuer parts and can source specific components. Contact us with your caliber number and part needs.
What is the service interval for a Tag Heuer movement?
Tag Heuer recommends service every 3–5 years. For Calibre 16 (7750) and Calibre 5 (2824/SW200), a service interval of 5–7 years is common with regular wear. In-house chronographs (Heuer 01, 02, TH20-00) should be serviced every 5 years.
Conclusion
Tag Heuer’s movement history is diverse, spanning vintage Heuer chronographs, modern in-house calibers, and reliable ETA/Sellita-based movements. Understanding which movement your watch uses is the key to successful repairs, upgrades, and parts sourcing.
Key takeaways:
- Identify your caliber — check the case back, rotor, or open the watch
- Know the base movement — in-house, ETA, Sellita, or vintage
- Match hand sizes and stem taps — critical for parts replacement
- For rare calibers, contact us — we specialize in hard-to-find Tag Heuer parts
We specialize in authentic Tag Heuer parts — in-house, ETA-based, vintage, and quartz. Based in Switzerland, we source from trusted suppliers.
