INTRODUCING: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph in yellow gold
Ahead of its 60th anniversary, TAG Heuer refreshes a 1970s hit from the Carrera collection.
TAG Heuer has been busy of late. In the last few months, it’s released a number of Aquaracer Professional models, the Mario Kart limited edition watches, and the cool Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Polychrome. And now, it’s presenting a refreshed model from the 1970s in the run-up to the brand’s 60th anniversary of the Carrera.
Quick summary of the Carrera’s backstory: In 1963, the late Jack Heuer was inspired by the Carrera Panamericana auto race to create a motorsport chronograph. This would be his first watch after taking over the Heuer family brand in 1962. Influenced by the clean lines of modern furniture and industrial design, he presented the Ref. 2447. The focus of the watch was on legibility and function – leading to the stepped sub-dials, faceted lugs, and bar indexes. It was named after the now-defunct car race.
The Carrera was discontinued during the 1980s, after Heuer was sold to Techniques d’Avant Garde (hence the name TAG Heuer) but relaunched in 1996. It has since gotten many facelifts and new material changes while retaining the clean aesthetics of the original Ref. 2447. Between 1963 and 1985, the Carrera had many variations, including one of Jack Heuer’s personal favourites, the Ref. 1158 CHN housed in yellow gold with gold dial and black stepped sub-dials.
The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph
On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Carrera, TAG Heuer is releasing a new model of the Carrera Chronograph in 18K 3N yellow gold, with a reversed dial of the Ref. 1158 CHN. The black dial with gold counters is reminiscent of the John Player Special – the Formula 1 Lotuses in black with gold striping and details driven by Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell, among others. The case, crown, and pushers are in 18K yellow gold, while the indexes and hands are gold-plated with gilt counters.
Like the vintage Heuer Carreras, the dual chronograph counters are at 3 and 9 o’clock with a small date window at 6. But TAG Heuer has added a discreet ‘invisible’ seconds display at 6 o’clock as well, with quarter indexes printed on the dial and a small seconds hand to show the running seconds. The 42mm watch is powered by the Heuer 02 automatic calibre, with a vertical clutch, column wheel control, and a power reserve of 80 hours.
The watch is not a limited edition but will be retailed at TAG Heuer boutiques and select retail partners, or available online. It’s a great start to the coming anniversary celebrations – watch out for more releases.
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