Pre-Baselworld 2018: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02

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The year 2018 marks the 55th anniversary of one of TAG Heuer’s most iconic models – the Carrera. To celebrate this important milestone, the Swiss brand is proud to announce a new edition – the Carrera Heuer 02. In addition to this new generation Carrera, TAG Heuer is also releasing a special edition book called Ahead of its time. In it, one can read about various historic models and how the watch, which is now synonymous with the brand, became recognized worldwide as an icon. Issued as a limited edition of 4,500 pieces, the book is now available at the brand’s boutiques.

 

The now legendary Carrera was introduced in 1963. The watch takes its name from the historic Carrera Panamericana – an open road race held in Mexico between from 1950 to 1954. Designed for drivers, the original Carrera was an instant success thanks to its innovative dial. The ring securing the dial on the case featured a seconds scale – a world’s first! This ingenious design resulted in larger display and improved legibility. Other signature features of the watch included a ridged crown and easy-to-move chronograph pushers. The 1960’s were the time when the company really took off. Under the leadership of great Jack Heuer, the Swiss brand became the first watchmaker to sponsor Formula 1. Many legendary F1 drivers of the era wore a Heuer Carrera chronograph.

 

In the last 55 years, the Carrera has been produced in different versions, from the minimalist versions of the 1960s to the more recent mechanical and connected models. For the new Carrera Heuer 02, TAG Heuer decided to go with a more contemporary approach. Instead of a vintage-inspired piece, the company wanted to make a modern watch that will reflect the desires of not just today’s but also tomorrow’s consumers. The Carrera of the 21st century is a very important model for TAG Heuer. The fact that the highly praised Connected Modular is inspired by its aesthetics further confirms the company’s desire to make it a flagship piece.

 

The new TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 is available in steel, carbon, ceramic or gold, and with a range of bracelets and straps in leather, rubber, ceramic or metal. In total there are 13 different versions – twelve 43mm models, and one 45mm model with a GMT function. Water resistant to 100 meters, the cases are all modular and have bezels with tachymeter scales. Each watch features a skeleton dial with a classic 3-6-9 chronograph layout. The small seconds are at 6, 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters are at 3 and 9 respectively, while the date window is located between 4 and 5 o’clock.

 

Powering the latest Carrera watch is the in-house made calibre Heuer 02. Visible through the transparent caseback, this self-winding chronograph features a column wheel and a vertical clutch. The movement itself beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 80 hours. According to TAG Heuer’s CEO Jean-Claude Biver, the calibre Heuer 02 has been designed with the aim of simplifying the assembly and after-sales service operations.