The commemoration and celebration of milestones and accomplishments, is nothing new to the world of Luxury timepieces. Tag Heuer is marking its 160th year in operation in 2020, and with it they are set to release two compelling modern interpretations of their classic Carrera chronograph design.
The two models, set for release later in the year, will feature the modern Carrera 44mm chronograph case. Whilst the prospect of a 44mm chronograph may seem daunting to many wrists, the 48mm lug to lug size make the Carrera chronograph a surprisingly wearable offering, similar in wrist presence to the 42mm Speedmaster professional from Omega.
Dial variation comes in two forms with the new offering, white with black accenting sub-registers, or blue with white sub-registers.
On the white dial variant, the watch is fitted with a sharply contrasting black ceramic bezel complete with tachymeter scale. A design the brand is labelling, ‘Contemporary contrast’, the Lunar-white circular dial, jet-black minute and hour chronograph counters and bezel throw the spotlight on this Carrera’s stand-out red lacquered central hand. A second’s hand that is referenced in colour again in the 30-minute chronograph register.
The blue dial option is fitted with an all-blue ceramic bezel, cylindrically brushed dial, punctuated with red motion lines in counter at 3 o’clock projects subtle, head-turning appeal. At the top of each dial, Tag expertly cut out and step down to a date window, the numerals of which carry on the red accenting observed throughout the timepieces.
At the heart of the editions is the in house Heuer 02 automatic chronograph movement. First introduced in 2013, the vertical clutch, column wheel movement is an excellent example of mass production chronograph functionality. The movement itself beats at 4hz for an extra smooth sweep of the seconds and chronograph hand, as well as providing a whopping 80 hours of power reserve. Covering the movement is a special oscillating weight, designed to celebrate the 160-year anniversary, as well as a case back engraving “one of 1860”.
The new 160 year anniversary edition chronographs will be limited to a production run of 1860 pieces each, and come in a special anniversary presentation box set. Keep an eye out at your local authorised dealer come November 16th 2020, these watches will carry an RRP of $8,600AUD.
