The Intricate Process of Colour Impartation
The process of infusing colour into these lab-grown diamonds involved introducing atoms from other elements, or the removal of specific carbon atoms. Tag Heuer employed the Chemical Vapor Deposition process, known as plasma technology, ensuring precise control over diamond growth, and a uniform structure. This meticulous process results in a consistent hue across the entire stone, creating a vivid and bold yellow, which is reminiscent of sunlight.
Beyond Traditional Jewel Setting
In crafting the new Carrera Date Plasma Diamant d'Avant-Garde watch, Tag Heuer took an innovative approach to design. Instead of adhering to conventional gem-setting methods, the watch features 12 white gold indexes, each adorned with half-carat white baguette-cut lab-grown diamonds. Notably, a shield-shaped yellow diamond, bearing Tag Heuer's logo takes centre stage at the 12 o'clock position. The real innovation lies in the crown, fashioned from a singular yellow lab-grown diamond intricately cut and faceted into the shape of a metal crown, weighing an impressive 1.3 carats.
Plasma Diamant Series and the Future of Tag Heuer
The Plasma Diamant series, featuring watches adorned with lab-grown diamonds, represents Tag Heuer's strategic shift towards the future. While deeply rooted in chronograph and car racing heritage, this collection broadens the brand's appeal without compromising its core identity as a maker of sports watches. Tag Heuer incorporates lab-grown diamonds into one of its sportiest collections, the Carrera, showcasing an innovative blend of tradition and forward-thinking.
Accessibility and Casual Aesthetic
Two key factors contribute to the success of this innovative approach. Firstly, the more accessible price point, compared to traditional jewelled watches, as lab-grown gems come at a fraction of the cost of natural diamonds. Secondly, Tag Heuer maintains a casual aesthetic, steering away from conventional gem-setting methods. Previous editions featured gems set in various sizes and shapes within blackened cases, even incorporating pink diamonds. In the latest model, the faceted gem treatment is applied to the crown logo and logo in a new yellow hue, and the dial itself employs a novel lab-grown diamond technique.
Carrera Date Plasma Diamant D'Avant-Garde
In total, the Carrera Date Plasma Diamant D'Avant-Garde boasts 4.8 carats of lab-grown diamonds, including 1.4 carats of yellow diamonds adorning the crown and logo, along with colourless baguette diamonds serving as hour markers. The dial features a polycrystalline diamond plate, created by growing a cluster of diamond crystals together to generate light reflections and sparkle effects within a single diamond entity, totalling 2.9 carats. Housed in an 18k white gold case of a gender-neutral 36mm size, the watch comes with a white alligator strap and is powered by the Tag Heuer Caliber 7 automatic movement, offering hours, minutes, seconds, and a date window. The price is yet to be determined.
Tag Heuer's strategic shift with the Plasma Diamant series signifies a bold leap into the future, while honouring its illustrious heritage. The incorporation of lab-grown diamonds in one of its sportiest collections, the Carrera, showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and avant-garde thinking, solidifying Tag Heuer's position as a pioneer in the industry. The success of this endeavour lies not only in the accessibility of lab-grown gems, but also in the brand's commitment to maintaining a casual aesthetic and breaking away from conventional gem-setting methods.
As aficionados from all over the world await the determination of its price, one thing is certain – Tag Heuer has crafted more than a watch; it has created a symbol of sophistication, technological prowess, and a testament to the future of horology.
