Tourbillons, minute repeaters and perpetual calendars come to mind when thinking of Haute Horlogerie, however, the present Tag Heuer Monaco V4 is a true testament to Haute Horlogerie not by the use of complications but by completely rethinking the movement structure.

Unveiled as a Concept Watch at BaselWorld 2004, the Monaco V4, is the first watch in the world to feature optimized mechanical transmission belts and a linear winding system with a movement to resemble an engine. A little known fact is that the great independent watchmaker Philippe Dufour participated in the creation of the original prototype.

Opening in on the dial side enable the viewer to admire the miniature belt transmissions, turn the case over and the engine inspiration becomes even more clear with a large tungsten ingot in the centre which is used to wind the watch and two pairs of barrels on each side and connected by belts.

Limited to 150 pieces in platinum, the present example bears a Bondian number 007.