When it debuted at Baselworld last year, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 was deemed TAG Heuer’s most important release under the new creative direction of Jean-Claude Biver. It’s hard to argue with the significance of a product which has the brand’s own name twice in its title, but that’s probably beside the point. What is the point, however, is that the 21st-century genesis of the Carrera was deemed successful enough to be carried forward with three new and decidedly modern variations of the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Chronograph just announced for Baselworld 2016.
For 2016, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 will be available in three new flavors, utilizing the same 45mm modular case as the 2015 edition – and, if you’ll remember, the very same used by the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon. The case construction of this modern Carrera uses 12 different modular elements which opens up a wealth of creative possibility, enabling designers to swap out parts, materials, and color variations with relative ease – so consider these new options to be the first iterations of an inevitable many.
First up is the metal bracelet version, a relatively tame, sporty offering fitted with a nicely finished brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet that uses the Carrara’s signature H-shaped links. Contrasting all of that steel is the Carrera Heuer 01 “Grey Phantom” – a menacing, yet ultralight option rendered in aerospace-grade titanium. I think the bold, masculine styling of these two will prove to be quite popular for those who much prefer a bracelet to a rubber strap but have been craving that TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 look. Interestingly, TAG Heuer is successfully beefing up their collection of more contemporary styles like this watch, while reviving the retro look of pieces like their Heuer Autavia. It’ll be an impressive feat if JCB successfully caters to two vastly different buyers and fans of the brand. Then again, if anyone can do it, it would be him. Anyway, back to the new watches…
The third version of the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 uses select black ceramic elements to not only change things up visually and texturally, but to mitigate wear in high-friction areas – pieces which include the outer case, bezel, and lugs. Right now, we can see rubber strap options in blue, black, red, and white, but we’re sure more are to come.
The watch’s skeletonized in-house Heuer 01 Chronograph movement is based on TAG’s 1887 chronograph movement, albeit with a few modifications. It packs in a slew of details, like an open date disc, a contrasting red column wheel, and a black rotor resembling a steering wheel on a high performance race car – all of which leave little doubt you’re looking at a TAG Heuer. The movement provides 50 hours of power reserve, to boot.
Pricing for the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Steel Bracelet Ref. CAR2A1W.BA0703 is 5,100 CHF, Grey Phantom Titanium Ref. CAR2A8A.BF0707 is 5,900 CHF, the Black Ceramic Ref. CAR2A90.FT6071 is 6,300 CHF , and the rubber strap versions in Blue Touch Edition Ref. CAR2A1T.FT6052 / White Ref. CAR2A1Z.FT6051 / Red Ref. CAR2A1Z.FT6050 are 4,950 CHF. tagheuer.com
