Where speed meets precision, TAG Heuer marks time at one of motorsport’s greatest stages. A special edition Carrera celebrates the brand’s return to Goodwood with a tribute that’s bold, refined, and built for the fast lane.
One of the most celebrated global motorsport events is the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with hundreds of thousands of people attending the event in person and millions more tuning into live streams and watching through social media. Established in 1993 by Charles Richmond, then Lord March, who is now the 11th Duke of Richmond, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is centered around the hillclimb, a timed competition covering 1.86 kilometers over an elevation of 100 meters. The world record for this hillclimb is a time of 39.08 seconds, currently held by the McMurty Speirling, piloted by Max Chilton during the 2022 event.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is, however, much more than just the timed competition. Alongside the hillclimb, there is a Forest Rally Stage, as well as multiple cars on display that are curated around different themes, which include competition cars, supercars, and historic vehicles. The event is also seen as the world stage by car manufacturers to reveal their latest special creations, like the unveiling of the new generation Porsche 911 Carrera GTS in 2024.
This year, TAG Heuer takes on the prestigious role of being the official Timing Partner of the Festival of Speed. While this isn’t TAG Heuer’s first stint as a timing partner for the event, there could not have been a better time to return as the theme for Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 will be “The Winning Formula- Champions and Challengers”. This theme aims to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, which makes it the perfect setting for TAG Heuer, as they have also made a comeback into being the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 this year as well.
“From pioneering the first dashboard-mounted chronograph in 1911, to unveiling the first 1/100th of a second chronograph in 1916, and launching the first commercially available automatic chronograph in 1969, the brand’s milestones are etched into racing history. Coupled with long-standing relationships with legendary teams, drivers, and disciplines across the motorsport world, there is arguably no other watchmaker with a deeper, more authentic bond to motor racing than TAG Heuer.”
To celebrate this momentous occasion for TAG Heuer of once again being the official timekeeper of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the brand has created a special timepiece paying homage to the partnership between the two. The brand has taken its iconic Carrera Chronograph as the base and given it a special Festival of Speed livery. As the festival is held in the West Sussex countryside, the timepiece features aesthetic codes from British automotive culture.
Case Design:
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph X Festival of Speed retains the signature Carrera case design that has become an icon of modern motorsport-inspired watchmaking. The case comes crafted in stainless steel, and measures a comfortable 42mm, offering a strong wrist presence as we know the Carrera does, without compromising on wearability. The sharp and refined lugs and various polished surfaces of the case give it a dynamic profile, while those pump-style chronograph pushers give a vintage aesthetic that reminds us of those classic racing chronograph designs of the 1960s.
Dial Design:
For the dial design, TAG Heuer has taken a classic approach to make the timepiece stand out among the rest of its collection. While the sub-dial layout remains the same with other standard Carrera chronograph models, especially the minimalistic seconds sub-counter at 6 o’clock, TAG Heuer has styled them in a way that gives the classic vintage chronograph aesthetic. The elements of the dial come together beautifully, such as the clou de Paris patterned dial contrasting nicely against the “azurage” patterned subcounters. What makes this dial pop, and also tie it firmly to its motorsport inspiration, is the British racing green colour. When paired with the subtle red accent on the hands, it gives the timepiece a beautiful, refined presence, a nod to classic racing liveries that feel fresh and nostalgic.
Movement:
The engine sitting inside the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph X Festival of Speed is the brand’s trusted TH20-00 automatic self-winding chronograph movement. The movement comes with an impressive 80-hour power reserve and blends reliability and performance together as it beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 VpH). The TH20-00 movement makes this timepiece great for daily wear, but also perfect for those weekend drives! It’s a fitting calibre for a timepiece that is inspired by high-speed precision, combining motorsport heritage with a modern beating mechanical heart.
Initial Thoughts:
As TAG Heuer returns as the official timekeeper for the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Formula 1 in the same year, this timepiece feels like the perfect tribute to a motorsport legacy that continues to evolve. This is a subtle reminder that motorsport isn’t just about machines, it’s about precision, timing, and the thrill of chasing victory!
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Festival of Speed is more than just a commemorative release; it’s a celebration of shared values of two icons of speed, heritage, and performance. With a dial that draws inspiration from the golden age of racing and dressed in the unmistakable British racing green colour scheme, this limited edition timepiece captures the spirit of Goodwood Festival of Speed, while still remaining a Carrera at its core. TAG Heuer is presenting the watch in a limited edition run of 100 models that will initially be offered to members of the Goodwood Road Racing Club, before going on general sale.
Specification: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Festival of Speed (CBN2010-NS)
- Dimensions: 42mm x 48.55mm lug-to-lug and 14.5mm thick
- Case Material: Steel, fine brushed and polished
- Dial: British racing green clou de Paris dial with green “azurage” chronograph counters (3 and 9 o’clock).
- Water Resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic Calibre TH20-00
- Movement Power reserve: 80 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: Perforated brown calfskin leather with white stitching. Steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons; TAG Heuer logo