The partnership between Porsche and (Tag) Heuer to me has always been one that made sense. Yes, Tag Heuer had strayed in the past to other automotive partners but they’ve ended up coming back to Porsche. I hope that this time, they’re staying for the long haul. Forget who’s cool and in right now. Porsche is the one you bring home to meet the parents.
There is a strong legitimate historical tie between Porsche and racing and Gulf Oil. These are all brands and identities that go together like barbies and shrimp. No. Not the pink barbies with blonde hair. You see the Tag Heuer logo on the bonnet of a 911 and it just looks right. Add in go-fast stripes and you have yourself a bedroom poster. Seriously. I cannot overstress how apt this is.
It was back in 1969 (like, what DIDN’T happen that year?? I think that was peak human beings. It’s all downhill from then on…) that Heuer signed Swiss Porsche driver Jo Siffert in the first lifestyle sponsorship deal for an F1 driver. His association with Porsche meant this was also the first time the Heuer and Porsche logos were seen together. Then in 1970 that was when Steve McQueen starred in the movie Le Mans, wearing a Heuer and driving a Porsche 917.
Anyway. To the watch itself. This is the second chapter of the most recent collab that began last year with a massive bang. Still using the Carrera as a base (see how fitting this is? Both brands have a model NAMED Carrera!) then add subtle and not-so-subtle design cues from the cars. Things like the yellow stripes, the straps inspired by the seats, the rotor designed to look like a vintage steering wheel, etc.
Watch is coated in DLC to give it that awesome matte blackness and powered by the in-house Heuer 02 calibre featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch, which are hallmarks of a high-end chronograph movement and comes with 80 hours of power reserve. A diameter of 44mm means it’s not a small watch but the approximate lug to lug of 48mm means it’s still quite wearable (depending on the size of your wrist.)
A limited edition of 1500 pieces will be available from April 2022 at your favourite local Tag Heuer boutique and selected ADs.
Reference: CBN2A1H.FC6512
Specification:
- Case: 44 mm
- Case Material: Black DLC steel case
- Dial: Black shimmery dial
- Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Movement: Calibre HEUER 02 Automatic
- Power reserve: 80 Hours
- Strap: Textile textured black calfskin strap with yellow stitchings and racing yellow lining and Black DLC steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons
