TAG Heuer has recently unveiled the X Fragment Design Heuer 02 Chronograph. This timepiece was created in collaboration for the second time alongside renowned legendary fashion designer and artist; Hiroshi Fujiwara. Continuing from the success of the first collaboration between TAG Heuer and Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design Label, the two once again got together to create what is a minimalistic limited-edition novelty.
Hiroshi Fujiwara founded the multidisciplinary label Fragment Design in 2003. Since it’s establishment, Hiroshi Fujiwara has collaborated with some high profile names in fashion, design and art. In his home country Japan, Hiroshi Fujiwara has a legendary like status and is celebrated throughout the world for his unique take on Hip-hop streetwear.
This latest collaboration between Fragment Design and TAG Heuer sees the return of TAG Heuer’s signature C-case models. These C-case models first appeared in TAG Heuer’s motor-racing inspired timepieces from the 1960’s to 1970’s, and has been used in some of TAG Heuer’s current watch collections. Hiroshi Fujiwara has a minimalistic approach to his designs, which he has once again used to create the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 chronograph. Hiroshi Fujiwara has stripped the watch down to only showcase what is the bare essentials of a chronograph timepiece.
The TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 chronograph comes in a 44mm polished and fine-brushed steel case. It features a fixed ceramic black polished tachymeter bezel. The watch comes standard with a matching polished, fine-brushed five-row steel bracelet, which integrates nicely with the case and gives this chronograph model an overall classy appearance.
The dial is where Hiroshi Fujiwara has worked his magic. The traditional hour indices are taken away and are now replaced by small dot red printed indexes. The black opaline dial features two black embossed sub counters; a 30 minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12hr counter at 9 o’clock position. Rhodium-plated hour and minute hands with Super-LuminNova are used along with a red central chronograph seconds hand. The hour and minute hands have red accents as well, which adds to liven up the black and white contrasting dial. The word “FRAGMENT” is a nod to the collaboration between Hiroshi Fujiwara and TAG Heuer and is shown in white lettering between 4 and 5 o’clock. To finish off the minimalistic touches, a simple date-window is added at the 6 o’clock position.
The movement used in the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 chronograph is the brands own in-house movement; the Calibre Heuer 02 automatic. The Calibre Heuer 02 automatic movement is a testament to the Swiss brand’s continued level of excellence for watchmaking design and engineering. The automatic column-wheel chronograph movement has a power reserve of approximately 80 hours! This watch also features an open-case back, which is also unique in itself. The case back features a circular red sapphire crystal window, which includes Fragment Design’s logo in the middle. The rotor on the Heuer 02 automatic movement has been skeletonised so that more of the movement underneath can actually be seen.
In regards to the design of the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 chronograph, Hiroshi Fujiwara states that “Redesigning this TAG Heuer chronograph timepiece gave me the opportunity to use an existing legacy to create a new one. I gave the design a modern and exceptional flair with the red case back, which reflects one of the brand’s logo colours and also gives it a completely new and evolved character”.
The TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 chronograph is now available for pre-order from the TAG Heuer’s website; www.tagheuer.com The timepiece will only be a limited run of 500 pieces.
This watch is sure to be a collector’s item, especially for fans of Hiroshi Fujiwara’s style and design. Franck Touzeau, TAG Heuer Vice President Creation & Product summed it up by stating: “Hiroshi Fujiwara’s reinterpretation of TAG Heuer’s C-case chronograph is an ideal mix of celebrated legacy and avant-garde design. The TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 chronograph is everything that today’s watch aficionado desires in a timepiece: pure and innovative technology, eye-catching and stylish appearance and remarkable heritage”.
