Tag Heuer welcomes another addition to their much loved Carrera collection as a way of continuing the celebration of the brand’s 160th anniversary this year. This new release comes after the brand recently also released the Tag Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic. Watchadvice had the chance to do a full in-depth review with the Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm, to really get to know the watch and feel what it would be like as a daily. You can find our in-depth review here.
Although the new Tag Heuer Carrera has seemingly similar resemblances to the Carrera Sport Chronograph, it still has its own identity and history behind it. This modern update was based on the 1963 Heuer Carrera, which features the same chronograph three sub-dial pattern and removes the tachymeter bezel to keep the watch simplistic and have a more dressy appearance.
Tag Heuer will release four models for the new Carrera, which includes a black opaline dial, blue sunray brushed dial, anthracite sunray brushed dial and a silver opaline dial. Besides the cosmetic changes on the dial, all four models feature the same specs and movement.
The Carrera line has been deeply inspired by the world of motor racing. In our in-depth review of the Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm, we touched on the history behind the Carrera and how Jack Heuer was inspired to design a watch for race car drivers, after attending one of the iconic Carrera Panamericana races.
This new Carrera model has the same DNA as the original Carrera’s that were released back in 1963. From the sleek stainless-steel bezel to the uncluttered dials and applied indexes that follow the angle of the flange, the new Carrera models are elegantly designed historical timepieces with a touch of modern flair.
All four variants of this new Carrera line come in a 42mm polished and fine-brushed stainless steel case. The case is rated to 100m (10 bar) water resistance. The chronograph pushers are elegantly designed with round stainless-steel push buttons. The stainless-steel bezel makes this watch look beautiful and more of a dress watch as it blends nicely with the case.
The Tag Heuer Carrera retains the three-counter layout from the original 1963 model. The three counters are made up of a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock and a simple constant seconds counter at 6 o’clock position. The 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock subdials have an “azurage” finish. Within the 6 o’clock subdial, a subtle date window is shown. Tag Heuer has used applied rectangular hour indexes which match very nicely with the hour and minute hands to create a sleek and sharp look.
As mentioned earlier, this new Carrera is released in four dial variants. The black opaline dial and blue sunray brushed dial comes with a stainless-steel H-shaped bracelet. The angles of the outer and inner links of the bracelet are rounded, for a more fluid appearance on this H-bracelet. The bracelet is also thinner, which provides more comfortability on the wrist.
On both these models, the hour indexes are rhodium-plated, along with hour, minute and chronograph seconds hand. The anthracite sunray brushed dial variant has similar finished for hour indexes and hands as the first two models, with the main difference being that it is offered in brown alligator strap as standard.
The fourth variant is the silver opaline dial. This model does certainly stand out from the other three but does also come at an increased price of $300 AUD. What makes this model stand out is undoubtedly the 5N-rose-gold that is used for the applied hour indexes, hour and minute hands as well as the constant chronograph seconds hand. The Tag Heuer applied logo at the 12 o’clock position has also been done in 5N-rose-gold. The combination of rose gold on a silver backdrop is quite stunning and does indeed give a more dress-watch/luxury appearance than the other three variants. This model, like the anthracite dial, also comes with a brown alligator strap.
The movement used in this new Tag Heuer Carrera line up is the brand’s own in-house calibre Heuer 02 automatic movement. The movement has a frequency of 4Hz (28, 800 vph) and can provide up to 80 hours of power reserve. Tag Heuer has given the new Carrera an open case-back, which showcases the intricate workings of the calibre Heuer 02 automatic movement. The stand-out detail from the case back is the rotor, which has been hollowed out and donned in 5N rose gold. With the rest of the watch being steel, it certainly does provide a nice contrasting effect.
Tag Heuer’s latest addition to the Carrera Collection is one that was born on the racetrack, yet can be worn as a dress piece for a formal evening event. Classy and refined in looks, the new Tag Heuer Carrera models exude elegance and a bold statement in any situation.
