In 1963, Jack Heuer created the Heuer Carrera to revitalize Heuer’s range of chronograph watches. Now, to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Carrera, TAG Heuer has just introduced the new Carrera Chronograph GMT watch, whose highlights include chronograph and GMT complications, a black and blue GMT bezel, and TAG Heuer’s new Heuer 02 manufacture movement.
Specifications
Brand: TAG Heuer
Model: Carrera Chronograph GMT watch / CBG2A1Z.BA0658 (steel bracelet), CBG2A1Z.FT6157 (rubber strap)
Dimensions: 45mm diameter
Case Material: Stainless steel
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: TAG Heuer in-house Heuer 02 self-winding chronograph with GMT complication
Frequency: 4Hz
Power Reserve: 75 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet or black leather strap
Price & Availability: $6,150 with bracelet, $5,950 with leather strap
Analysis
With Jean-Claude Biver at the helm, TAG Heuer’s recent moves have been bold. The Carrera Heuer 01 was, in my mind, a fantastic watch in that it a) introduces a new in-house movement and b) introduces a new design language for TAG Heuer that is clearly inspired by or at least related to the Hublot Big Bang Unico. Doesn’t the skeletonized dial of the Carrera Heuer 01 at least remind you of the pricier Big Bang Unico? The Heuer 02 manufacture movement is, therefore, the logical next step for TAG Heuer. Combining a GMT complication with an existing chronograph movement isn’t the hardest thing in the world, but it adds a whole lot of functionality and allows TAG Heuer to easily introduce a new range of watches.
Personally, I find the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph GMT to be far too busy for my liking, but that doesn’t mean somebody else won’t like it. While I might not be completely sold on its aesthetic, it does have features that are quite appealing. For frequent travelers, the GMT complication is invaluable and I like that the Carrera Chronograph GMT has a bi-color black and blue GMT bezel that lets owners quickly see if it’s day or night in their home timezone. Some might balk at its inclusion and say that it is too similar to the “Batman” GMT-Master II from Rolex, but I think it’s just a pragmatic inclusion since blue and black are aesthetically pleasing and very logical denominations for day and night.
Summary
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph GMT is a worthy addition to the Carrera family and a fitting tribute to the 55th anniversary of what is arguably TAG Heuer’s most iconic collection. While its styling is not quite to my tastes, it is hard to argue against its technical features. The bi-color ceramic bezel is durable and functional, the skeletonized dial makes it look more pricey than it actually is, and I’m sure there will be some who will pick the Carrera Chronograph GMT just because it has an in-house movement. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph GMT is priced at $6,150 with a stainless steel bracelet and $5,950 with a rubber strap. tagheuer.com
