2023 was the year of the Carrera for TAG Heuer and the brand is continuing the Carrera’s evolution with a new Carrera Tourbillon in Teal Green
The re-invigrated Carrera line was a hit for TAG Heuer when released at Watches & Wonders 2023, and the Glassbox kicked off a year of celebrations for it’s 60th Birthday with several other models being released across the year culminating in the 18k yellow gold model later last year. This year, TAG Heuer has built upon this with the release of a new Glasdsbox Carrera, this time in a wonderful teal green and complete with a tourbillon.
With this release, TAG Heuer has chosen the 42mm case size, similar to that of the Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche released in September last year. This allows ample room to view the tourbillon from the panoramic glassbox that encases the dial and the curved sapphire crystal gives the view optimal legibility from any angle. This is something that TAG Heuer spent quite sometime perfecting on the original glassbox, and have continued the aesthetic through subsequent releases.
At 3 and 9 o’clock you have the minute and hour chronograph counters in a deep azure with circular patterned rings, slightly sunken to add to the depth of the monochromatic dial. At 6 o’clock the tourbilon encased in a glass frame spins, defying the effects of gravity – a complication developed over 200 years ago to assist with the fluctuations gravity causes on the balance spring when the watch is at different positions, thus affecting the accuracy of the watch.
Adding to the dial’s good looks are the rhodium-coated applied indices and powdered silver markings on the logo and the words “SWISS” and “CARRERA” give the dial an additional air of luxury. What you can’t miss however is the use of the teal green on the dial.
This unique hue made its debut in the 2021 TAG Heuer Carrera limited edition, extending to the TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper Chronograph segment in 2023. The teal is also historical in nature, this being a throwback to the time of national colour racing from the 20’s to the 60’s. This colour selection reflects TAG Heuer’s racing heritage, with the brand being synonymous with motorsport and the love of cars that Jack Heuer had when the original Carrera was created in 1963.
The engine powering the machine is the Heuer 02 Calibre TH20-09; crafted by TAG Heuer Movements Director Carole Forestier-Kasapi and her team. The bi-directional winding rotor powers the barrel, providing the movement with 80 hours of power reserve with a high level of finishing across movement components. Whilst not hand-finished, it is a good looking movement that fits the piece nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
TAG Heuer are on a good run with the Carrera. The vintage styling has won many people over and the direction that TAG Heuer is moving indicates a resurgence in the brand in collectors eyes. The new Carrera Tourbillon in teal green builds on the momentum from 2023 and indicates what is to come this year in 2024.
The use of the green dial combined with the silver gives this piece a striking look and will definitely stand out on any wrist. With a 42mm size and 14.33mm thick, which is slightly thinner than the Chronosprint, should suit anyone with a wrist size over 16cm or so. Personally, this is one good looking watch, and if this is an indication of what is to come from TAG Heuer, then 2024 is shaping up to be an interesting year.
Reference: CBS5011.FC6566
Specification:
- Case: 42mm / 48.6 mm lug to lug
- Thickness: 14.33mm thick (including crystal front and back)
- Case Material: Steel brushed and polished case
- Case back: Steel screw-down with sapphire display back
- Dial: Teal green circular brushed dial, rhodium plated indices with tourbillon at 6 o’clock
- Crystal: Glassbox domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
- Water resistance: 100m / 10bar
- Movement: Heuer 02 Calibre TH20-09 Automatic movement with a tourbillon.
- Power reserve: 80 Hours
- Strap: Black alligator leather strap. Fine brushed, polished folding clasp with double safety push-buttons and TAG Heuer Shield logo
