For TAG Heuer, the year 2023 marked a significant milestone— the 60th anniversary of the Carrera Chronograph. The story began in 1963 when Jack Heuer, the forward-thinking CEO of the La Chaux-de-Fonds based Swiss tradition brand, unveiled a timepiece that was custom-made for the world of motorsports. Named after the treacherous Carrera Panamericana road race, the Carrera Chronograph embodied the spirit of speed, adrenaline, and a relentless pursuit of precision. Little did they know that this creation would become a symbol of TAG Heuer’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
As was to be expected, TAG Heuer celebrated this charismatic chronograph with many new introductions throughout the year. Among them the Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing in February 2023, the Carrera Skipper in July 2023, and the Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche in September 2023.
Probably the most significant debut took place during Watches and Wonders 2023 in March with the unveiling of the Carrera Chronograph Glassbox. It earns its name from its sapphire crystal, which is shaped like the domed hesalite crystals found on some vintage Heuer Carrera models from the 1970s. Only now it has been redeveloped with modern technologies so that the curve flows seamlessly over the tachymeter scale that runs around the dial edge and into the case. In the same way, the flange and indexes have been curved, too, further contributing to the watch’s seamless aesthetic, coherence, and legibility.
TAG Heuer offers two color options, one with a signature blue dial on a blue calfskin leather strap, and a second with a black-and-silver “reverse panda” dial. On both, the deep azuré subdials are surrounded by high-contrast silver rings, making the totalizers stand out. In addition, the minutes scale running around the outer edge of the dial is highlighted by an orange dot over each hour marker.
The latest Carrera coup comes in form of a beautiful panda-style chronograph housed in a 18k 3N yellow gold case in the line’s signature 39-mm diameter and furnished with a gold dial. Like every Carrera, it has an interesting story to tell. Back in the 1960’s and 70’s, Jack Heuer would reward some of the great race champions of all times, among them Nikki Lauda and Ronnie Peterson, with gold executions of the Carrera, with their closed case adorned with a personal inscription.
It seems fitting that the last chapter of the anniversary year is concluded by a yellow gold edition, featuring the beloved Glassbox design which encompasses the watch’s overall aesthetics. When viewed in cross-section, the watch’s silhouette is fluid thanks to the seamlessly curved edges of the domes sapphire crystal, yet also angular due to the case’s taut flanks and lugs. The gracefully curved flange not only amplifies visibility but also simplifies the reading of the 60-second / minute scale that encircles the edge of the dial.
Under the hood ticks TAG Heuer’s in-house chronograph movement Heuer 02, listed as TH20-00 and introduced at Watches and Wonders 2023. It features a bi-directional winding system and has an 80-hour power reserve.
The watch is accompanied by a black perforated calfskin leather strap, secured with a 18K 3N yellow gold pin buckle.
Pricing is marked at $21,500. It will be available from November 2023.
To learn more, visit TAG Heuer, here.