WatchesApr 06, 2022
See 5 New Tudor Watches for 2022WatchesApr 11, 2022
TAG Heuer Unveils Timepiece with Lab-Grown Diamonds
The Swiss watchmaker takes advantage of the technology’s unique capabilities in the Carrera Plasma.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma features lab-grown diamonds, including an entirely diamond crown at 3 o’clock.
Geneva—TAG Heuer has entered the lab-grown diamond game.
Capping off its 2022 Watches & Wonders Geneva debuts is the new Carrera Plasma timepiece, which utilizes diamonds grown via the chemical vapor deposition process, or what TAG is marketing to consumers as “Diamant d’Avant-Garde.”
“Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology, which we refer to as ‘Diamant d’Avant-Garde’ at TAG Heuer, enables us to explore the versatility of carbon in the form of lab-grown diamonds—to create a stunning timepiece where diamonds are used in very unique shapes and textures,” explained TAG Heuer and LVMH Watches and Jewelry Division Chief Innovation Officer Edouard Mignon.
“Lab-grown diamonds allow us to innovate and experiment with this exceptional material, and this opens up a new realm of possibilities for designers, watchmakers, and engineers.”
The Carrera Plasma features CVD-grown diamonds from manufacturers Lusix, Capsoul, and Diamaze.
The stones feature most creatively in two areas. The first is the polycrystalline diamond dial, in which diamond crystals are grown as one entity on a specially created plate, an effect that isn’t naturally occurring. The total plate diamond weight is about 3.9 carats.
It creates a sparkling visual effect across the entire dial.
There are also two black polycrystalline diamond plates at the 3 o’clock minute chronograph counter and the 9 o’clock chronograph hours counter.
Baguette-cut diamonds (also lab-grown) mark the hours.
Another unique lab-grown diamond aspect is the diamond crown at 3 o’clock. The entire element is a uniquely crown-shaped 2.5-carat diamond, made by the start-up Capsoul.
The 44 mm timepiece has a lightweight watchcase rendered in sandblasted anodized aluminum. It has a black ceramic polished bezel.
The Carrera Plasma is powered by the H02 Tourbillon Nanograph movement. The in-house automatic chronograph is Swiss-made with a 65-hour power reserve.
In total, the Carrera Plasma features 11.7 carats of lab-grown diamonds from the dial, hour markers, crown, and 48 baguette-cut diamonds set in the case.
This novelty is a showpiece for innovation, but don’t expect to see it in stores—there’s only one edition, and it’s priced at approximately $375,000.
Related stories will be right here …
Capping off its 2022 Watches & Wonders Geneva debuts is the new Carrera Plasma timepiece, which utilizes diamonds grown via the chemical vapor deposition process, or what TAG is marketing to consumers as “Diamant d’Avant-Garde.”
“Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology, which we refer to as ‘Diamant d’Avant-Garde’ at TAG Heuer, enables us to explore the versatility of carbon in the form of lab-grown diamonds—to create a stunning timepiece where diamonds are used in very unique shapes and textures,” explained TAG Heuer and LVMH Watches and Jewelry Division Chief Innovation Officer Edouard Mignon.
“Lab-grown diamonds allow us to innovate and experiment with this exceptional material, and this opens up a new realm of possibilities for designers, watchmakers, and engineers.”
The Carrera Plasma features CVD-grown diamonds from manufacturers Lusix, Capsoul, and Diamaze.
The stones feature most creatively in two areas. The first is the polycrystalline diamond dial, in which diamond crystals are grown as one entity on a specially created plate, an effect that isn’t naturally occurring. The total plate diamond weight is about 3.9 carats.
It creates a sparkling visual effect across the entire dial.
The Carrera Plasma
There are also two black polycrystalline diamond plates at the 3 o’clock minute chronograph counter and the 9 o’clock chronograph hours counter.
Baguette-cut diamonds (also lab-grown) mark the hours.
Another unique lab-grown diamond aspect is the diamond crown at 3 o’clock. The entire element is a uniquely crown-shaped 2.5-carat diamond, made by the start-up Capsoul.
The 44 mm timepiece has a lightweight watchcase rendered in sandblasted anodized aluminum. It has a black ceramic polished bezel.
The Carrera Plasma is powered by the H02 Tourbillon Nanograph movement. The in-house automatic chronograph is Swiss-made with a 65-hour power reserve.
In total, the Carrera Plasma features 11.7 carats of lab-grown diamonds from the dial, hour markers, crown, and 48 baguette-cut diamonds set in the case.
This novelty is a showpiece for innovation, but don’t expect to see it in stores—there’s only one edition, and it’s priced at approximately $375,000.
More on Watches
The Latest
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
