Return of an Icon
TAG Heuer unveils a new creation inspired by the brand’s rich automotive heritage: the Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph
Founded in the remote mountain village of Saint Imier back in 1860, TAG Heuer has been recognized as Swiss’ foremost avant garde watchmaker for more than 150 years. Since its inception, the brand’s unique heritage has been built on pushing boundaries to overcome technological restraints and create watches with a real racing spirit.
Furthermore, TAG Heuer has truly distinguished itself in the history of watchmaking, especially in the field of mechanical chronographs with unparalleled accuracy Speaking about the brand’s technical know-how, one of the most iconic collections from TAG Heuer is none other than the Carrera. More importantly, the Carrera from TAG Heuer will always be synonymous with Jack Heuer himself—the great grandson of the brand’s founder and the man who guided the company as CEO many years ago. It was under his leadership that the Carrera was developed and launched back in 1963.
Jack Heuer created the Carrera line of watches as a tribute to the famous Carrera Panamericana auto race which is widely considered the most dangerous in the world. Just as exciting as the race that inspired it, the watch itself broke traditional watchmaking rules and was the first chronograph specifically designed for professional drivers. Of course, it’s also perfect for speeding down an open road or cruising through daily life thanks to its simple, more elegant and more readable design. TAG Heuer has been blending fashion and function ever since.
THE CLASSICS REVISITED
Fast forward to this year, 2018, which marks the 55th anniversary of the iconic TAG Heuer Carrera collection. For this momentous milestone, the brand has revisited
its best-selling model to produce a stylish, vintageinspired chronograph version that harks back to the brand’s rich automotive heritage. Enter the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph.
The brand has unveiled two new stylish, vintageinspired timepieces featuring the Calibre 16 chronograph movement fitted into a 41mm diameter case. As another new addition, the bezel of these watches comes in either polished black or blue ceramic and is completed with a crucial component for any automotive chronograph, namely a tachometer scale, which gives the case extra character.
Up front, the vintage feel is further reinforced by three white counters, which also stand out starkly against the dark hues of the dial. Circling the dial’s circumference is a white flange with a 60-second scale, while the seconds counter is located at 9 o’clock, the minute counter at 12 o’clock and the hour counter at 6 o’clock. This blend of trendy design and traditional precision is the perfect choice for revving things up by day or going full speed ahead at night.
SPORTY AT ITS BEST
TAG Heuer’s unique heritage was built on pushing boundaries and breaking rules. Some would also note that the brand has a penchant for harnessing mental fortitude to overcome technology restraints and create daring luxury watches with real racing spirit and a performance touch. To complete the Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph’s identity as a racer’s timekeeper, it comes with a selection of suitably sporty straps.
While the black version is adorned with a magnificent perforated black leather strap and red stitching, the blue version features a steel bracelet for maximum comfort. Both options, if fact, feature touches of red—in the contrasts and position of the counters—as clear references to the world of motorsport.
In closing, TAG Heuer made quite a name for itself through timepieces for those who love to defy convention. And these two seriously sporty models are beautiful additions to the TAG Heuer Carrera collection which certainly carries on that tradition to its utmost. Needless to say, as the Carrera celebrates the speed, the risk-takers and the dreamers who race against time and never slow down, it’s definitely a must have for racing enthusiasts and gentlemen who appreciate quality.
“This blend of trendy design and traditional precision is the perfect choice for revving things up by day or going full speed ahead at night”