Throughout its 160th anniversary year, the Swiss luxury watchmaking brand is introducing redesigned TAG Heuer Carrera models that are powered by the sophisticated in-house Calibre Heuer 02 movement. Following two limited edition anniversary pieces, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 160 Years Silver and Montreal Editions, it is time to reveal four new flagship models that will join the brand’s evergreen collection. They will be followed in September by four more core novelties as well as two special editions before the end of the year.
The TAG Heuer Carrera, original racing chronograph since 1963, elevated to the rank of horological icon through decades of striking renditions, is once again reimagined in a range of contemporary yet timeless models. The collection has played a central role in TAG Heuer’s noteworthy past. The TAG Heuer Carrera’s unique history and ties to the world of motor racing are subtly expressed in the statement designs of the new models introduced today.
In 1962, then-CEO Jack Heuer heard the story of the legendary Carrera Panamericana race. The word “carrera”, which in Spanish means road, race, career and course, caught his attention and he knew immediately that it would be a perfect name for a new timepiece. The following year, the first TAG Heuer Carrera chronographs left the factory. TAG Heuer Carrera is Jack Heuer’s proudest creation. The bold and confident design reflects Jack’s passion for action and his understanding that, in racing as elsewhere, legibility is crucial. Supremely reliable and exceptionally elegant, it became the instrument of choice of driving legends such as Jo Siffert and the entire Scuderia Ferrari.
As a lover of modern and clean design, Jack Heuer wanted the aesthetics of the TAG Heuer Carrera chronograph to be pure and well-proportioned – features that make the watch perfect for drivers who need to see the time at a glance during adrenaline-pumping races. Decades later, this new take on the Carrera takes the collection back to the roots of its unique history with a timeless design that is strengthened with extraordinary high performance. The new line will feature two styles of statement chronographs – the second will launch in September – with a distinctive design and unmistakeable identity.
The sporty chronographs presented today are refined and timeless, yet bold. They embody the spirit of endurance on the wrist. Featuring shorter lugs for enhanced wearing comfort, the 44mm stainless steel case alternates polished and fine-brushed finishings, which make the watch appear sleeker and thinner. The improved integration of the glass and slight bevel also enhance its aesthetics.
Available in deep blue with a matching ceramic bezel, muted olive green with a silver steel bezel or two black versions with a sleek black ceramic bezel, the dial of the new TAG Heuer Carrera has a circular brushed finish. The flange is bevelled and the indexes slant toward the centre of the dial, drawing the eye to the time and allowing for an undistracted reading at a glance. The three sub-dials are perfectly legible, as is the date window at 6 o’clock. The 9 o’clock hour counter now has the numerals 12, 4 and 8, offering a visual balance to the minute counter at 3 o’clock. The new “H-shaped” bracelet is thinner, so it is slightly lighter and more ergonomic. The TAG Heuer Carrera line has always featured the most advanced watchmaking technology that the brand has developed.
The stand-out piece from these sporty new models is the black and rose gold TAG Heuer Carrera. The black ceramic bezel is filled with rose-gold-coloured lacquer – a first for the luxury watchmaker – and the crown and pushers are made from solid 18K rose gold. The oscillating weight of the movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, is fashioned from black PVD coated brass with a rose gold printing. This timepiece wraps around the wrist with a classic black leather strap.
A pillar of the brand’s collections since its creation in 1963, the original TAG Heuer Carrera was a high-precision “racecar dashboard for the wrist” designed to meet the unique technical demands and elegant style of the world’s top drivers. Today, the new TAG Heuer Carrera collection is an authentic and contemporary tribute to this timeless icon, featuring an unprecedented level of luxury at the cutting-edge of watchmaking innovation. Simple, refined and legible: rarely do aesthetics and functionality so flawlessly intermesh as with the new TAG Heuer Carrera chronographs.
