A horological homage to the 50th anniversary of the first Porsche 911 Carrera.

Given that both companies’ most iconic creations share the same moniker in the Carrera, it seems destined that TAG Heuer and Porsche would eventually pair up in some capacity. In 2021, the two luxury titans inked a much-anticipated ‘holistic’ partnership, bringing with it the promise of many coveted and exclusive co-branded timepieces to come.

True to form, in just over a year, the collaboration has yielded three exclusive watches: the Carrera Porsche Chronograph Special Edition with ceramic bezel and grained asphalt dial, the Carrera x Porsche Limited Edition in black DLC-steel with yellow accents; and the Connected x Porsche Edition Calibre E4 smartwatch in titanium. Having said that, the latest roll-outs, the Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 Limited Editions, feel markedly different. The new additions to the family eschew their predecessors’ enigmatic, testosterone-charge leanings, opting instead for bright, retro-licious expressions that are pure eye candy.

The new watches pay tribute to the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. One of Porsche’s most iconic models, it was the first 911 to bear the Carrera name. The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 holds a special place in automotive history as the fastest German production automobile of its day – and the most powerful 911 that one could drive on the streets back then.

Throughout the 1970s, Porsche released a run of 911 Carrera RS 2.7 in 27 colours, two of which inspired these eye-snapping Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 Limited Editions. There is a 42mm stainless steel version with white dial and ice-blue accents and another in 42mm red gold with white dial and the fiery signature Porsche colour. The steel model is limited to 500 pieces, while the red gold model is capped at 250.

Besides conjuring up the spirit of the vintage racers through striking hues, the watches evoke the iconic 911 Carreras through a variety of design features. The blue edition’s rhodium-plated hour and minute hands recall the car’s chrome door handles, and the Carrera logo is emblazoned on the dial, case flange, and fabric strap. Flip the watches over, and one gets more of that TAG Heuer-meets-Porsche juice. This is courtesy of an open sapphire caseback that shows off the in-house Heuer 02 automatic chronograph movement with column wheel control and 80-hour power reserve, affixed with a rotor fashioned to resemble Porsche’s three-spoke steering wheel.

Exuding strong throwback vibes with a classic tri-compax layout, classic round case with pump pushers and, of course, the evocative colourways, the watches are arresting and dynamic. While the red gold model, paired with a glossy red alligator strap, is evidently more regal and exclusive compared to the stainless steel option, there really isn’t a ‘better’ version. Team red or blue, like the iconic 911 Carreras of yore, it’s all about connecting with the machine that best gets your adrenaline pumping.

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