====== TAG Heuer SLR ======

{{wst>author|[[Foskett, Stephen|Stephen Foskett]] ([[https://grail-watch.com/|Grail Watch]])}}

[[TAG Heuer]] produced a line of [[co-branded]] watches from [[2004]] through [[2010]] for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren sports car.

===== Overview =====
TAG Heuer was a sponsor of the McLaren F1 team, which worked with automaker Mercedes-Benz to produce a sports car. The Mercedes SLR McLaren was branded by both companies and existed independently of Mercedes-Benz or its performance subsidiary, [[Mercedes-AMG]]. Although the official watch partner of Mercedes-Benz was [[IWC]] at that time, TAG Heuer was able to use the company name and logo through this association with the SLR McLaren.

The first product of this collaboration was introduced in [[2004]] along with the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren sports car. The [[TAG Heuer SLR Chronograph Calibre 36]] was a avant garde design, with a rounded cushion case with integrated lugs, a large crown with the Mercedes-Benz star, and an opening with strakes reminiscent of the car. An unusual element is perpendicular chronograph pushers next to the dial. The [[regulator]] dial featured five semi-circles for subdials at 3:00 (40 minute counter), 6:00 (chronograph hours), 9:00 (running seconds), 12:00 (time hours), and central minutes and chronograph seconds hands. The watch used the [[TAG Heuer Calibre 36]], a version of the [[El Primero]]. The watch was available for $14,000 only to owners of a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren car.

In [[2006]], a more conventional looking round watch was released, the [[TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz]]. Featuring the [[TAG Heuer Calibre 17]], a modified [[ETA 2894-2]], the dial layout was more conventional. The chronograph pushers remained on the side of the dial, now at about 45 degrees, and the crown (marked "SLR") is somewhat smaller. A second crown at 9:00 operates an internal bezel marked 15, 30, and 45. The date is shown in a window at 7:00. The dial features the "Mercedes-Benz" text logo along with the TAG Heuer shield, and SLR is marked on the bezel. 3,500 examples were produced, priced at $4,000.

{{wst>image_cr|TAG Heuer|SLR_for_Mercedes-Benz|TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz}}

The [[2007]] model [[TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz]] is made from brushed [[titanium]] and features a wide date window at 6:00 rather than chronograph hours. The initial limited edition of 3,500 featured "Mercedes-Benz" text on the dial, but a later unlimited version says "SLR" below the TAG Heuer shield, with no Mercedes-Benz branding anywhere.

{{wst>image_cr|TAG Heuer|SLR Calibre S Laptimer Chronograph}}

With the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren dissolving, the [[2008]] edition of the SLR watch loses all Mercedes-Benz branding. The [[TAG Heuer SLR Calibre S]] is larger but looks similar to previous models, complete with the 45-degree pushers and crowns at 3:00 and 9:00. [[TAG Heuer Calibre S|Cal. S]] is a [[quartz]] chronograph movement with accuracy to 1/100 of a second, displayed on two [[retrograde]] subdials at 4:30 (1/100) and 7:30 (1/10). The dial reads "SLR Calibre S" and the "SLR" branding is removed from the bezel.

===== References =====
  * [[TAG Heuer SLR Chronograph Calibre 36]] (2004), limited to owners of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
  * [[TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz]], Ref. CAG2110 in steel (2006), limited to 3,500 examples
  * [[TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz]], Ref. CAG2111 in titanium (2007), limited to 3,500 examples
  * [[TAG Heuer SLR Calibre 17]], Ref. CAG2010 in steel (2008)
  * [[TAG Heuer SLR Calibre S]], Ref. CAG7010 (2008)

===== See Also =====
  * [[Mercedes-AMG]]
  * [[Co-branded]]

===== External Links =====
  * [[https://www.calibre11.com/tag-heuer-slr-series/|Ultimate Guide to the TAG Heuer SLR]]


{{tag>TAG_Heuer_models TAG_Heuer_SLR_models Automotive_watch_brands}}