TAG Heuer pushes the boundaries of modern sport-luxury with the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport Twin-Time. A bold fusion of technical design, dual-time functionality, and everyday wearability, it’s the Carrera reimagined for a new generation. Lightweight, futuristic, and full of attitude, this is modern TAG Heuer at its best!
What We Love
- The futuristic take on the Carrera has never looked better: the skeletonised dial is visually stunning and full of depth.
- The GMT functionality adds genuine, real-world practicality to the timepiece.
- Wrist presence is undeniable. It’s a watch you can’t take your eyes off, offering excellent value for money.
What We Don’t
- The case thickness remains on the larger side; even with the added function, it could be refined further.
- It would’ve been great to see the winding rotor colour-matched to the dial, perhaps in the same teal green.
- The hour and minute hands can occasionally get lost within the skeletonised dial during certain lighting conditions.
Overall Rating: 8.6/10
- Value for money: 9/10
- Wearability: 8.5/10
- Design: 8.5/10
- Build quality: 8.5/10
TAG Heuer launched the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport in late 2024 as a bold new evolution of the Carrera line, sharing much of the collection’s DNA while having a “futuristic” aesthetic look. The Chronograph Extreme Sport collection brings together the brand’s racing heritage with now a more refined, sharper, and aggressive look, all the while using new cutting-edge materials. This collection allows TAG Heuer to create more “daring” designs of the iconic Carrera (hence the name Extreme), without needing to worry about damaging the brand image of their signature line.
What the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport does well is that, even with the skeletonised dial and the aesthetic framework, it still retains the core design of what made the Carrera instantly recognisable. The central theme behind the Carrera is its racing DNA. The original Carrera models, as we know, were used to time motorsporting events, so chronograph functionality was of vital importance to the collection. The signature tachymeter scale on the bezel, the chronograph pump-pushers along with the tri-counter layout are all retained in the Chronograph Extreme Sport collection, as a way of tying the model back it its roots.
What TAG Heuer has done with this collection is reimagine the same racing pedigree of the iconic Carrera, through now a modern, performance-driven view, one that matches today’s demand for technical innovation, bold materials, and utility. By introducing the Extreme Sport range, TAG Heuer has created a more robust, avant-garde expression of the Carrera, one that takes the Carrera collection to the edge.
Matt had the chance to review one of the very first Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport models, a month after the collection was unveiled last year. The standout viewpoint was that this was a bold new design that had him hooked at first glance. And rightfully so, as the model he reviewed featured beautiful rose gold paired with black accents. The black and gold combination is stunning when executed correctly, and TAG Heuer nailed it out of the park, especially with the way the dial’s architecture was in black while the movement mechanics underneath were done in gold. It set a new benchmark for the Carrera, proving that TAG Heuer could evolve the collection into something bolder and more contemporary while still honouring its racing roots.
Now, in 2025, TAG Heuer is evolving the collection again with added complications, in particular this time with a GMT function. The core design of the Extreme Sport collection remains the same; however, the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport Twin-Time takes a more “colourful” approach, donning black and green accents that inject a sense of new energy into the line.
Initial Impressions of Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time
When I first saw this latest rendition of the Carrera Extreme Sport, what immediately stood out to me was the colourway. I had the privilege of handling the TAG Heuer Carrera Date Twin-Time for review, and while I thought it was a fantastic traveller’s watch, what stood out to me was the green and white colour combo. This colour combination has become a signature look now for models featuring the “Twin-Time” name, as can be seen through this latest Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time.
What gives the Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time a more elevated aesthetic, of course, is the dial’s architecture, which TAG Heuer has beautifully executed without being too flashy. It’s the sort of detail that draws you in, as it certainly did with me, and reminds you why the Carrera remains such an icon. It balances technical depth with visual harmony in a way few modern sports chronographs can.
Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time Case Design
The case specifications of 44mm and lug-to-lug distance of 49.7mm for this new Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time remain relatively unchanged from the original Extreme Sport model, bar the thickness, which now sits at 16.7mm. The visual aesthetic remains intact as well, with the sharp and refined detailing being the central theme of the case design. While other versions of the Carrera Extreme Sport are presented with precious metals, TAG Heuer has opted for Grade 2 titanium for the 44mm case, which I think is the perfect choice.
Firstly, as we know, titanium offers superior wearability compared to steel and even precious metals, thanks to its being lighter and more durable. Secondly, the colour of titanium perfectly matches the dial aesthetics, especially the architectural framework of the skeletonised dial, providing a balanced and well-thought-out look.
The sides of the case also feature the horizontal grooves, which, for the Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time, are blackened out so that it’s more prominent against the titanium material. This subtle contrast not only enhances the watch’s rugged, technical character but also highlights the layered case architecture that defines the Extreme Sport design language. This case structure is enhanced further through the polished and brushed finishing techniques. The lugs feature a vertical brushed finish, while elements like the chronograph pushers and crown have a polished finish. This contrast allows light to play beautifully across the surfaces, giving the case design a sense of depth and refinement.
Speaking of refinement, the lug aesthetics have a different appearance in the Extreme Sport Twin-Time compared to the other models in the collection. For example, the Extreme Sport that Matt had for his review featured the central link on the case lug that is “colour matched” to the rubber strap, giving the impression of a seamless, uniform strap integrated into a traditional two-lug design. In the Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time, however, the central link is finished in titanium, drawing greater attention to the integrated strap design and reinforcing the watch’s technical and contemporary design.
Another contemporary design element of the Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time is the bezel. Now fitted with a 24-hour time scale instead of the tachymeter that’s featured in the rest of the Extreme Sport collection, TAG Heuer has for the first time created a single-piece ceramic bezel with two different colours. This is a rare feat in the watch industry, as producing a dual-tone ceramic component requires precise control of temperature and material fusion to ensure both colours bond seamlessly without compromising structural integrity. The end result is a beautiful two-tone teal and black bezel with contrasting white 24-hour indications.
Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time Dial Design
One of the main appeals of this timepiece is the dial construction. The Carrera Extreme Sport dial represents a radical shift in design for TAG Heuer over the past few years, with the brand leaning more into skeletonised designs with a unique architectural framework. With the Carrera line-up also being more vintage-inspired recently (particularly through the Glassbox models), these Extreme Sport editions serve as the modern, high-performance counterpart.
While this unique skeletonsied architecture of the dial remains the same as the other models in the Carrera Extreme Sport collection, what has changed is the use of the teal colour and the addition of GMT functionality. The teal colour has been used for the chronograph seconds hand as well as the date wheel that sits underneath the skeletonised framework. This date wheel has been well thought-out. While it’s hard to see it around the dial as the teal colour somewhat blends in with the movement, the actual date window at 6 o’clock has a white background, which presents a nice contrast against the teal colour. I say this is a well-thought-out design, as there have been skeletonised dials from various manufacturers where the date window and wheel are mismatched, making it hard to see the date.
The latest addition to the Carrera Extreme Sport collection is the GMT complication. The GMT hand, which is the same design as the Carrera Date Twin-Time, features a red hand that indicates the second timezone shown through the 24-hour bezel. The design of the GMT hand presented a nice aesthetic on the Carrera Date Twin-Time; however, it feels more at home on this Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time due to the hand also being skeletonised. The red tip of the hand also provides a stark contrast against the mechanical layers of the dial underneath, making it easy to read the second time zone at a glance. The words “TWIN TIME” are also highlighted in red on the 6 o’clock constant seconds counter, which adds another colourful touch to the timepiece.
TAG Heuer Calibre TH20-02 Movement
Powering the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport Twin-Time is TAG Heuer’s in-house automatic chronograph movement: the Calibre TH20-02. This calibre builds on the foundations of the successful Calibre TH20-00 movement architecture, however, now with added GMT functionality. This showcases TAG Heuer’s progression towards more versatile, daily usable, high-performance movements. What’s impressive about this timepiece is that it comes with an 80-hour power reserve, further adding to the value proposition of the timepiece! The movement beats at 4Hz (28,800 vph), delivering smooth chronograph operation and precision across both time zones.
The caseback of the timepiece reveals the aesthetically decorated side of the Calibre TH20-02 movement. What you are treated to is the TAG Heuer signature shield-shaped skeletonised rotor, finished with a brushed finish for a contemporary look. Underneath the rotor are Geneva stripes on the bridge, along with the various jewels and balance wheel for a touch of colour. The TH20-02 embodies TAG Heuer’s ongoing commitment to modernising its mechanical calibres, proving that innovation in function can still go hand in hand with design flair.
How Does The Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time Wear?
Matt mentioned in his review of the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport that the case dimensions of 44mm in diameter, 16.7mm thick, and with a lug-to-lug distance of 49.7mm, are somewhat misleading due to how well the watch actually fits on the wrist, and I have to wholeheartedly agree. This is certainly a case of needing to try the watch on in person. A 44mm case might sound oversized for a 16cm wrist; however, thanks to the tapered lugs and manageable lug-to-lug distance, the watch conforms beautifully to the wrist’s contours. It also helps that the watch is offered on a rubber strap, as it hugs the wrist nicely without feeling too bulky.
The use of titanium material also enhances the wearability of the timepiece. With the watch being lighter, it feels great on the wrist despite its larger 44mm size. The mix of brushed and polished finishes on the case also enhances the visual depth of the timepiece, preventing it from looking too industrial or dull, as you would normally get with the titanium material.
The green integrated rubber strap is flexible and perfectly suited for this Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time. Not only does the rubber strap fit nicely around the wrist, but it is also the perfect strap option for the hot Australian summers. The soft, durable texture of the rubber strap ensures that comfort all day long is maintained, while the integrated design of the strap creates a seamless transition between it and the case, enhancing the overall design aesthetics.
The dial presence of the Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time is undeniable. Personally, the teal, white, and black colour combination of this Twin-Time has to be my favourite in the whole collection. The teal colour complements the black accents of the watch nicely, being a backdrop to the stunning, intricate architecture on display on the dial. The GMT function is easy to use, and thanks to the red-tipped hand, it is easily noticeable at first glance. Overall, it strikes a perfect balance between presence and practicality. Powerful enough to feel special, yet light and versatile enough for daily wear.
Final Thoughts
While the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport Twin-Time may be aimed at enthusiasts who prefer larger case sizes, this is a timepiece that needs to be experienced in person. On paper, the 44mm case dimension might seem intimidating, but on the wrist, the timepiece feels far more balanced and refined than expected. The ergonomic case profile, refined lugs, and lightweight titanium construction, combined with the rubber strap, contribute to a comfortable fit all day round.
Priced at just $13,750 AUD, the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport Twin-Time presents excellent value for money. The titanium case, paired with the brand’s first-ever single-piece dual-colour ceramic bezel, gives the watch an unmistakable premium edge. Add to this the skeletonised dial with the unique, intricate architectural design, the sort you would find on much higher-priced timepieces, and you have a watch that delivers both technical achievement and aesthetic sophistication in one timepiece.
Another standout point of this timepiece is its dual functionality. This dual-function layout provides real-world usability. I personally think that the GMT function stands as one of the most convenient and functional features on a timepiece in the world of watchmaking. Whether you’re a constant traveller or someone who has business in another country, the GMT function on a timepiece is the quickest way to check the time in another country, even faster than looking on your phone!
At the end of the day, though, what you get is a timepiece that is still imbued with the racing DNA of the iconic Carrera line. As I mentioned earlier in this article, the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport collection still carries the traits that have defined and made the Carrera timepiece stand out for the past six decades. The Carrera Extreme Sport Twin-Time feels like TAG Heuer’s way of saying the future of the Carrera is here: modern, functional, and confidently built for everyday life.
Specification: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport Twin-Time (Ref. CBU2084.FT6297)
- Dimensions: 44mm x 16.7mm thick x 47.4mm lug-to-lug distance
- Case Material: Grade 2 titanium with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces
- Dial: Skeletonised dial with teal green elements. Chronograph and GMT functionality. Date window at 6 o’clock.
- Water Resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic winding Calibre TH20-02
- Movement Power reserve: 80 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Bracelet/Strap: Teal green fitted rubber strap, titanium folding clasp