The iconic and ageless design of the original 1963 Heuer Carrera has inspired Tag Heuer’s latest creation; the Carrera Chronograph. Introduced for Watches & Wonders 2023, this latest Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph comes racing into the show with fresh dynamic styling and a newfound racing spirit.
The Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph will be released in two new collection pieces, both featuring a 42mm stainless steel case. Where the models are set apart is in the dial, with one being offered in blue or the other in black. Both dial choices showcase a vivid display of colours, referencing race cars and their interior.
Since the creation of the original Heuer Carrera in 1963, the instrument-like chronograph has had many different variations throughout its 60-year history, making it a certain icon in watchmaking. The historic design codes of the 1964 Heuer Carrera such as the fluid integrated lugs, chronograph pump pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, and the simple yet refined round case are carried through into this now chronograph model, now with a modern touch to fit the 21st century.
Now, the latest generation Carrera Chronograph comes with a 42mm stainless steel polished case, with a polished steel crown and pushers. Rated to a depth of 100m (10 bar) it also comes with a screw-down sapphire open case back. The polished steel gives the watch a beautiful shine, especially under light.
Both the signature blue and “brooding black” dial colour options come with a sunray-brushed finish, to give that elegant yet sophisticated look. As mentioned earlier, the dials are full of colour. There is a gradient orange ring around each dial, which runs around the edge of the dial and links to each of the applied baton-style hour markers.
This gradient orange ring is a reference to racecar speedometers, and in a way, mimics the visualisation of a speedo as the chronograph hand makes its way around the dial. The central chronograph hand, along with the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock subdial hands are done in red, inspired by sports car dashboards. Another fine detail is the 6 o’clock constant seconds sub-dial. Housing the date window as well, this sub-dial has alternating indexes done in fiery orange. All these colour details add to the visual display evoking feelings of a racecar.
Tag Heuer has given this Carrera Chronograph the calibre HEUER02 automatic movement. This self-winding movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28, 800VpH) and can put out a power reserve of 80 hours. The movement is also decorated beautifully, which can be seen from the open case back.
The watches are offered in dial colour matching calfskin leather strap (blue or black) and is fitted with stainless steel folding clasp. Both timepieces have their own character, but me being a sucker for blue dials, it would have to be the blue. The sunburst effect of the blue combined with the colour throughout the dial makes it stand out beautifully. Regardless, the story of the Carrera icon is being carried into the next generation with ageless styling and high-quality movements.
Reference: CBN201C.FC6542, CBN201D.FC6543
Specification:
- Case: 42mm
- Case Material: Polished steel case
- Dial: Blue or Black sunray-brushed dial with orange gradient track
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 100 m
- Movement: Calibre Heuer 02
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: Blue or Black calfskin leather strap
International Recommended Retail Price: TBA
Availability: April 2023
