The birthday celebrations continue. Just months after Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer blew out 60 candles for its iconic Carrera lineup, the La Chaux-de-Fonds favourite has kept the party going. A fitting tribute to the podium-topping watch, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph arrives in an 18K 3N yellow gold case that oozes vintage charm, and what’s more TAG Heuer has listened to the people. Forget big and bulky, this heritage-inspired edition lands perfectly in the 39mm sweet spot. Hallelujah.
Like the stunning Panamericana-inspired 60th Anniversary Edition that dropped earlier this year, the latest Carrera Chronograph pushes the maison’s racing heritage to the forefront. Aside from sharing a name (and collaboration) with automotive marque Porsche, the Carrera boasts a unique history of its own on the tarmac.
When visionary Jack Heuer was at the helm, the watchmaker made the ambitious, if not a little indulgent, decision to fully immerse itself in the world of motor racing. The connection spurred a number of instant classics, from the Steve McQueen square-body special Monaco to the original Autavia, but perhaps Heuer’s greatest gift to the sport was that of…gifts.
In a genius marketing move, the TAG Heuer chief took to handing out gold watches to those drivers who snagged Grand Prix victories, showcasing a new form of guerilla advertising. Iconic drivers like Ronnie Peterson and Niki Lauda were frequently spotted wearing shimmering gold pieces on their wrists, a token of their success on the track and popularity off of it. According to the brand, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 39mm pays tribute to this vintage era, “exuding retro charm” in an attempt to embody the brand’s unwavering legacy, and it’s hard to argue the point.
Despite its refined size, the rich yellow of the 18K gold case is an immediate eye-catcher. Masculine yet luxurious, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 39mm speaks to an era of horological design that embued the wearer with a sense of accomplishment.
A fitting conclusion to the 60th anniversary saga of the Carrera collection, it features a familiar round case, integrated lugs, and vintage-inspired chronograph pushers positioned at 2 and 4 o’clock. Even the dial has copped a luxury overhaul, now sporting a matching 18K 3N yellow gold-plated dial, albeit with a few purpose-driven updates.
In order to improve legibility, TAG Heuer has adorned the dial with contrasting black “azuré” subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock, which don’t look too dissimilar to the much-loved reverse panda configuration. Throw in the black lacquered central hand for contrast and the vertical brushed finish that TAG Heuer says is reminiscent of the racetrack markings, and you’ve got an impressive take on a heritage classic. Inside, however, modernity rules.
The latest TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 39mm is powered by the maison’s in-house chronograph movement Heuer 02, listed as TH20-00. A bi-directional winding movement, the TH20-00 comes complete with a solid 80-hour power reserve, which isn’t going to set the world ablaze, but will more than do the trick.
For those willing to shell out the $30,000+ needed to score this new timepiece, it will arrive on a black perforated calfskin leather strap, secured with an 18K 3N yellow gold pin buckle, completing the ‘all-gold, all-the-time’ theme. The 18K gold TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 39mm is available at TAG Heuer boutiques and online from October and will be priced at AUD$31,150.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 39mm
- Brand: TAG Heuer
- Model: Carrera Chronograph 39mm
- Movement: TH20-00
- Diameter: 39mm
- Case Material: 18K 3N Yellow Gold
- Price: AUD$31,150
