The entire history of Heuer - the abbreviation TAG (Techniques d'Avant-Garde) was added only in 1985 - is inextricably linked to the development of ever more accurate measuring instruments that can detect the shortest possible time intervals. Already in 1916, the Mikrograph appeared, measuring hundredths of a second. And the first flagship wrist chronograph by Heuer was the Carrera model, invented back in 1963 by Jack Hoer. The founder's great-grandson was at that time the CEO of the company, and now holds the post of its honorary president.
The watch got its name from the famous and most dangerous Carrera Panamericana race, held in Mexico in the 1950s. The model was equipped with a high-precision movement, and was distinguished by a dynamic case design, avant-garde for its time, and a well-readable dial. The first dials were monochromatic, for example, silver, then the counters got a contrasting color (Panda design). Until the late 1960s, Heuer Carrera chronographs were equipped with manual Valjoux calibers, and in the 1970s they were equipped with self-winding movements.
Despite its sporty spirit, the 1960s Heuer Carrera racing watch looked elegant. This is the style of modern chronographs released for the 160th anniversary of TAG Heuer. The first, presented in January in Dubai, was the TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition, in which 1960s design was combined with the modern high-precision caliber Heuer 02. Only 160 pieces of silver chronographs in a 39 mm steel case were produced.
1 of 2 Heuer Carrera Chronograph, 1960s © Press Service TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition © Press Service
Another collector's item is the TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition (1000 pieces), created in honor of the historic 1972 White Heuer Montreal chronograph. Its colored counters and bright markings are today reminiscent of blue drives and neon yellow accents on the dial. The Carrera 160 Years Montreal chronograph in a 39 mm steel case is also driven by the in-house caliber Heuer 02. Its advantages include an 80-hour power reserve, a relatively thin 6.95 mm thickness, a column wheel and vertical engagement that increase the accuracy and reliability of the caliber.
1 of 4 Chronograph Heuer Montreal, 1972 © Press Office TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition © Press Office
The same movement is also used in the new series of four sports chronographs Carrera Sport Chronograph (the word Sport appears in the title for the first time). Until now, such chronographs with three counters had skeletonized dials - now the bezel with a tachymeter scale made of black ceramic or steel frames a solid dial lacquered in black, blue and olive green. The 44mm monolithic steel case looks pretty neat thanks to the combination of polished and satin finish elements. The cost of the TG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph is 382 thousand rubles.
1 of 5 Carrera Heuer Chronograph, 1970s © Press Service Carrera Sport Chronograph, TAG Heuer © Press Service Carrera Sport Chronograph, TAG Heuer © Press Service Carrera Sport Chronograph, TAG Heuer © Press Service Carrera Sport Chronograph Chronograph, TAG Heuer © press service
“The Carrera is a true symbol of TAG Heuer,” says newly appointed CEO Frederic Arnault. “Including from a financial point of view, because it is the sales of Carrera watches that bring the company the main income”.
Four more chronographs will be added to the collection this fall and two more special limited editions by the end of the year.>