TAG Heuer releases new Carrera Chronograph

Text: Mia Litström

The watch is created to be worn by racing lovers. And why this? It is cockily clean-lined, it has a fantastic heritage but above all it is the fun detail that concerns why the original model was developed. That speaks for this being a racing watch. Eqotime takes a look at the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph. 

A tribute to Jack Heuer

The Carrera Chronograph came as early as 1963, but the new model is not based on the very first watch, instead the inspiration comes from a later variant of the model, the Heuer 1158 CHN. It came in 1970 and the gorgeous thing about it is that the case is in gold. The model was developed exclusively for F1 drivers and then above all Ferrari drivers. The man behind the idea was TAG Heuer's CEO at the time, Jack Heuer, who made sure that this watch was developed and which, quite naturally, also became his personal favourite. So the new one being launched is a tribute to him. 

The original model from the 1970s is still a real favourite with fans and collectors. And for us Swedes who like F1 racing it is extra fun. The watches that the drivers were given were engraved on the back with a greeting from Jack. And now to the fun part: he made sure they developed an extra one for our Swedish driver Ronnie Peterson even though he did not belong to the Ferrari team, and Jack handed the watch over personally to Ronnie since they were very good friends. The watch became immensely sought-after by collectors precisely because the within racing legendary driver Ronnie Peterson has worn it, and today it is back at TAG Heuer's museum, they managed to buy the watch back when it was sold at auction. That is why it is extra fun that they are doing a continuation with this new variant that has its heritage within racing with a Swedish connection. Besides, the combination of black and gold is incredibly lovely. It conveys a gorgeous 1970s feeling that is super trendy right now.

The different and cool look of the watch also means that it demands its wearer. It is no discreet chronograph, instead this one asserts itself in a sophisticated but also very cocky way. Gold in combination with black is fantastic and daring, speaks a lot for the customer being a self-confident wearer. And if you also have a good-looking car to match, for example a classic Porsche 911, the whole becomes magical. 

The watch is in a size of 42 mm where the case, crown and chronograph pushers are in gold. What distinguishes it from the earlier variant is that back then it had a dial in gold with black chronograph sub-dials. On the new model it is the opposite, the two chronograph sub-dials are instead in gold and the large dial in black. That combination is really good-looking, the watch is actually more elegant in this execution. At 6 o'clock sits the date display as well as a discreet seconds display. The case also has longer lugs than the original model had and that is positive, because the older one has a tendency to look a bit clumsily compact, but that was trendy back then. The longer ones fit in better with modern style and the whole of the watch becomes more pleasantly clean-lined. Besides, it sits more stably on the wrist. 

It is water resistant to 100 m and has an open back where you can see the movement, and the good-looking thing is also that the rotor is in black with a design that is reminiscent of a pair of wheel rims. The rotor is also marked with the watch's movement, which is the caliber Heuer 02. That it has an open back also distinguishes it from the original model, because that one had a closed back. The watches did not have an open back back then and it therefore suited to engrave them but something personal. 

A good-looking and above all gorgeous watch that is for the wearer who loves the model's story and heritage as well as for the person who wants to spend more money to get a watch in gold. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is available to buy at their own shops and their website, the price is 237,900 kronor. You will find more info here.

Technical specifications

Brand: TAG Heuer
Model: Carrera Chronograph
Reference number: CBN2044.FC8313

Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: –
Case material: 18k 3N yellow gold
Water resistance: 100m

Dial: Black sunray
Strap: Black alligator leather strap
Buckle: Pin buckle in yellow gold

Movement: Calibre Heuer 02 (in-house)
Complications: Chronograph, date
Power reserve: 80h
Winding: Automatic

Price: 237,900 kr