TAG Heuer’s Carrera may well be one of the most iconic watches of all time, but like every classic it’s seen a fair few changes over the years. Jack Heuer’s original 1962 has adapted, moved with the times and now is set to do so once again in four new reinterpretations of the original racing watch.
Don’t expect anything revolutionary here; like I said, it’s a slight shift in design rather than a complete overhaul and the specific changes echo that.
Case-wise that means shorter lugs attached to the 44mm models, which makes them a tad more wearable and comfortable on the wrist. That’s helped along by a thinner bracelet than previous versions. Otherwise, the stainless steel cases are alternately brushed and polished, a bit sleeker and more stylish, but are otherwise the same as ever.
Dial-wise there are four new variations: the standard deep blue, two black versions and a lovely olive green. The olive, despite being the best colour, is the only one with a steel bezel; all three other variations use dial-matched ceramic.
The chronograph layout hasn’t been changed, but it has been improved a little with the inclusion of 12, 4 and 8 on the chronograph hours subdial at 9 o’clock. It’s a subtle change but one that balances out the minute counter.
The most interesting (other than the olive; I love olive green) is the two-tone black and rose gold version. Not only are the crown and chronograph pushers rose gold, but so are the numerals on the ceramic bezel. They’ve been engraved and filled with gold lacquer, like a less technologically advanced version of Omega’s Ceragold.
It’s matched by a PVD-coated, rose gold printed rotor on the back of the movement – which in all the new models is TAG Heuer’s flagship Heuer 02 manufacture movement. At this rate they won’t have any other chronographs, which is not a bad thing. It’s impressive 80-hour power reserve and vertical clutch-equipped column wheel chronograph are pretty great.
These new models are a refinement of the Carrera formula, one that’s been happening since 1962 and will keep going as long as the original racing watch continues to exist. Here’s hoping it’ll be many, many years before it stops.
Price & Specs:
Model Name: TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44mm Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic
Ref: CBN2A1A.BA0643 (blue); CBN2A1B.BA0643 (black); CBN2A10.BA0643 (green); CBN2A5A.FC6481 (black and rose gold)
Case/Dial: 44mm diameter, stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Calibre HEUER 02, automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 80h
Functions: Hours, minutes, small running seconds, date, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizer
Strap: Steel H-shape bracelet or black alligator leather (black and rose gold)
Price: £4,695 and £5,395 (black and rose gold model)
More details at Tag Heuer.
