SHIFTING INTO GEAR
TO MARK THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CARRERA LINE, TAG HEUER INTRODUCES THREE INGENIOUS MODELS THAT EMBODY THE COLLECTION’S RICH HISTORY
Back in 1963, TaG heuer—at the time still just heuer—introduced one of its most iconic lines: the Carrera. named after the grueling Carrera Panamericana race and designed by Jack heuer himself, the Carrera watches have become synonymous with motor sports. Quite a few legendary drivers are also known to have favored the Carrera.
for the 55th anniversary of the Carrera, TaG heuer has unveiled a number of new timepieces to continue this exciting chapter of timekeeping.
The Classic Carrera
Compared to the other Carrera models released this year, the TaG heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph offers the most classical look. To be exact, the brand has released two 41mm vintage-inspired watches powered by the Calibre 16 automatic movement. one comes in black, the other with a stylish blue opaline dial, blue bezel and a matching steel bracelet.
The bezel is, of course, adorned with a tachymeter scale with clear white markings as a testament to the watch’s legacy as an automotive chronograph. longtime Carrera fans might also notice the interior bevel which displays the 60-second scale, which is a feature designed by Jack heuer back in the ’60s.
and speaking of legacies, the aforementioned Calibre 16 movement featured in the watch is often cited as one of the most successful chronograph movements ever produced.
The Travelling Carrera
if the TaG heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph is a tribute to the past, then the TaG heuer Carrera Chronograph GmT is a clear indication of how the brand tackles perennial favorites. in this case, it’s by taking its state-of-the-art chronograph movement and enhancing it with a GmT complication.
To that end, the TaG heuer Carrera Chronograph GmT is easily recognizable by its two-tone ceramic bezel. The adjustable blue and black bezel is engraved with a 24-hour scale, which allows the wearer to tell the time in a second time zone (usually home time while the watch is set to local time in another zone) simply by looking at the red lacquered hand.
at first glance, though, the dial of the TaG heuer Carrera Chronograph GmT might appear very “busy,” particularly with the inner workings of the heuer 02 manufacture movement clearly visible through the skeletonized dial. That being said, the overall effect of this design, which was first introduced back in 2015, was that of a dynamic and contemporary timepiece. and, most importantly, the watch is unmistakably a Carrera, as evident by the 3-6-9 layout of the sub-dials.
The Prestigious Carrera
finally, we come to the third commemorative Carrera model, which is also arguably one of the most exciting releases from the brand for 2018. for sure, it packs three incredible features inside the classic Carrera design: Two of the most famous complications in the world of watchmaking, the chronograph and the tourbillon, as well as a chronometer certification from the observatory of besançon. The name says it all: the TaG heuer Carrera “Tête de vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer.
“Tête de vipère” or literally “viper’s head” refers to the standard used by the aforementioned observatory of besançon, which is a public and independent body with the authority to award chronometer certification. since 2006, only 500 watches has born their stamp of approval. on this Carrera, the “Tête de vipère” stamp can be seen on the bridge through the sapphire crystal of the caseback.
design-wise, the watch features a magnificent midnight blue ceramic case, as well as ceramic bezel and lugs. Touches of blue are also applied to the weight and movement barrel. a black alligator strap sewn onto rubber with blue stitching completes the TaG heuer Carrera “Tête de vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer’s aesthetic package and gives it an unmistakably sporty look.
unsurprisingly, the TaG heuer Carrera “Tête de vipère” Chronograph Tourbillon Chronometer is released as a limited edition timepiece of only 155 pieces.
“The Calibre 16 is often cited as one of the most successful chronograph movements ever produced”