Baselworld 2014 sees TAG Heuer unveil its first in-house chronograph movement, the CH 80. Named after the town of Chevenez in the Jura where it is made, with the 80 a reference to its power reserve, the CH 80 is a key step in TAG Heuer’s plan of complete vertical integration. The CH 80 makes it debut in the Carrera Calibre CH 80 Chronograph, a vintage style driver’s chronograph inspired by the original “panda” dial Carrera watches of the sixties.

The Carrera Calibre CH 80 Chronograph has three counters, with the constant seconds at six, plus a date window in between four and five. It has a 41 mm, polished steel case, with pump style pushers.

Dial choices are either black or white with contrasting sub-dials and red accents. It is available either on bracelet or with a perforated “rally” leather strap with red lining.

The display back reveals the CH 80 movement, which has all the features common in modern, higher end chronograph movements, namely the column wheel and vertical clutch. Notably it is also relatively slim at just 6.5 mm high (the Valjoux 7750 is just under 8 mm), with a long power reserve of 80 hours, or just over three days.

The CH 80 movement builds on the experience of the development of the Calibre 1887 chronograph movement, which TAG Heuer unveiled in 2009. Though initially claimed to be an in-house movement, after some controversy the 1887 turned out to be based on the Seiko 6S37 movement, though it was modified and made in Switzerland by TAG Heuer.

Most of the movement is made in-house, with the escapement parts made by Atokalpa, a sister company of Parmigiani. TAG Heuer notes that the CH 80 is capable of being produced in large volumes, bringing the brand a step closer to its target of making 100,000 chronograph annually by 2015. The Carrera Calibre CH 80 Chronograph will retail for 5200 Swiss francs before taxes, equivalent to about US$5860.