The TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon H02T Dubai Skyline watch marks the latest limited-edition variation of one of the cooler and more affordable big-brand Swiss luxury tourbillon watches, the Heuer Carrera Tourbillon H02T. Following a handful of ultra-high-end creations, TAG Heuer introduced its first more competitively priced tourbillon, the H02T, in 2016, some seven years ago.

During that time, the H02T saw a great many limited editions (such as this Mario Kart version we certainly did not see coming) and, most importantly, is at long last available in a slimmer, more agile, and arguably classier format with the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon 42mm (seems like the brand is randomizing product names at this point). That said, this Dubai Skyline edition watch does work rather well in this older, larger format that is 45mm wide — and then some, thanks to the extended curvature of the straps and the wide, angular, robust lug structure.

Debuted at the 2023 Dubai Watch Week, this TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon H02T Dubai Skyline watch is characterized by a black PVD-coated grade 2 titanium case, a carbon tachymeter bezel, and blue elements scattered across an anthracite dial — and there will be only 12 pieces made. The caseback is bespoke, too, with a gray-blue sapphire crystal depicting the Dubai Skyline and the Dubai logo, accompanied by the “DUBAI LIMITED EDITION” text and “XX/12” individualized numbering. It appears that the days of brash co-branding and huge logos on the dial side are gone, even though they used to be the go-to solution for brands at the dawn of the new millennium. Relegating these to the caseback is certainly a less offensive way to feature a name, place, logo, or brand, and so it is welcome here.

The movement remains unchanged; the TAG Heuer Calibre Heuer 02T Tourbillon operates at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour, made possible by a tourbillon cage that is crafted from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and titanium. The power reserve is around 65 hours, replenished by a large, openworked self-winding rotor. The movement deserves praise as it is a COSC-certified chronometer, a feat that is surprisingly rare among tourbillon brands used to claiming they are all about improved accuracy. This means that TAG Heuer went the extra mile not only to design an accurate movement but also to regulate this tourbillon to those strict standards — and regulating a tourbillon is a process considerably more arduous and challenging than it is on a standard mechanical movement.

Bulky and, hence, perhaps a little dated, the H02T is nevertheless a cool tourbillon that still is among the most affordable from any of the big Swiss luxury houses. For our full impressions on the Heuer 02T tourbillon, read this review by Ariel from 2016. The TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon H02T Dubai Skyline watch will be priced at around $22,000. You can learn more at the brand’s website.