LVMH Watch Week 2026: TAG Heuer has elevated the Carrera by a few notches, introducing a split-second Rattrapante function. And it’s good!
A familiar silhouette, racing heritage and now, one of the most complicated chronograph complications you can have. Introducing the new TAG Heuer Carrera Split-Second Chronograph, or Rattrapante, as we say in the watch world. Now, we had a hunch that this would be coming soon. When TAG Heuer released the Only Watch Monaco Rattrapante, it was clear that TAG Heuer was elevating the game when it came to their movements – something that TAG Heuer’s Movement Director, Carole Forestier-Kasapi, discussed when we caught up with her at Watches & Wonders 2024. To quote her:
Mr. Arnault (talking about Frédéric Arnault) asked me to create an exceptional piece for the Only Watch auction, so I said we have to do something around the Rattrapante, the split second, because, you know, at the beginning of the 20th century, the Maison was very well known for Rattrapante and chronograph stopwatches because it is the beginning of international competition of racing.“
So it was only a matter of time before this movement, the TH81-00 found its way into the broader collection, which it now has with the TAG Heuer Monaco Split Seconds range and with this, we thought that the Carrera would then get the Rattrapante treatment – something Carole alluded to: “As I said, this is the first chapter of TAG Heuer’s return to Haute Hologerie. So you can imagine that next year we have the second chapter, for example, and we continue to tackle quality and reliability, so we can keep evolving”. And TAG Heuer has.
So, for 2026’s LVMH Watch Week, TAG Heuer is kicking off the year in a big way, with the introduction of a new Carrera in the form of the split-seconds chronograph. This is not your ordinary Carrera; it has been redesigned, refined and is now more sporty to reflect TAG Heuer’s race timing heritage, not to mention the more technical movement inside.
But first, for those asking, what is a rattrapante complication? In a nutshell, it allows you to time two independent events at once via the dual chronograph seconds hand via the start/stop pusher at 2 o’clock and on the side at 9 o’clock. A good example of this is two cars doing a timed lap or drag race. Start the chronograph when the flag drops, when the first car crosses the line, hit the left-hand side pusher and the red hand stops, while the white seconds hand keep time until the second car crosses the line.
The case is made from Grade-5 Titanium and keeps it signature peaked lugs. The chronograph pushers are now more streamlined and ergonomic, trading the pump pushers for a more modern, clean look that flows with the case. After the success of the Glassbox models in 2023, this is now a core line for TAG Heuer, and the Carrera Split Second Chronograph keeps this going, with the Glassbox crystal that is domed and flows down to meet the case, along with the sloped outer flange that makes reading the tachymetre scale easy from any angle.
The dial is a standout here. The translucent sapphire glass dial allows for the finishing of the movement to be clearly visible. Added to this, the sub dials are individually constructed from the same material as the main dial, giving the watch an enhanced depth when looking at it from any angle. This is even more enhanced thanks to the openworked movement that sits underneath, essentially letting you peer into the heart of the watch.
It is no surprise that TAG Heuer would build on the TH81-00 movement found in the Monaco Split Second Chronographs. Inside the new Carrera Rattrapante is the TH81-01, based onthe TH81-00. The Calibre was developed in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, and tested thoroughly in TAG Heuer’s Laboratory – the same department that brought us the new TH-Carbonspring late last year.
Comprising of more than 350 individual components, which are all hand-finished utilising more than 10 different techniques, including the checkered flag pattern done by hand through a grating technique, or graté technique, the TH81-01 is TAG Heuer saying to the industry, we’re back! It also beats at 5Hz for better accuracy, and has a 65-hour power reserve, perfect for daily wear. And why would you not want to wear this daily?
Initial Thoughts
As I mentioned, we had a funny feeling that a Carrera Split Second Chronograph was coming and soon, especially after last year’s Monaco releases with the special limited edition Formula 1 in white ceramic, and then late last year at Dubai Watch Week, the Monaco AIR. It makes sense that TAG Heuer’s most famous (arguably) chronograph would find itself with a rattrapante function. It makes sense. TAG Heuer has a rich history with motor racing, and timing events since 1882, when Edouard Heuer patented the brand’s first ever recorded chronograph pocket watch.
The other aspect that is to note is that it is more of an unassuming watch when compared to its sister Monaco Split Second models. The case isn’t the TH-Titanium that looks like it is made from steel camouflage, nor does it have the flair of the Monaco AIR. This is a Carrera through and through, but give it a second glance, and you know it’s not your ordinary Carrera.
But don’t expect it to be kind on the wallet – at CHF 110,000, and expected to retail at around A$200,000, it’s for TAG Heuer fans who have some cash to splash. But, that said, I feel it is warranted with a piece such as this, especially knowing the number of hours of work that it takes to assemble and finish the TH81-01 calibre, not to mention the years it took Carole and the team to develop the original TH80-00, which this is based on.
Reference: CDD2180.FT8120
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 42mm x 48.6mm lug-to-lug x 15.17mm thick
- Case Material: Fine-brushed, sandblasted, and polished grade 5 titanium case
- Dial: Translucent sapphire glass dial with anthracite translucent acrylic glass flange. Fine brushed, polished rhodium-plated curved applied indexes with white Super-LumiNova®
- Crystal: Glassbox domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 30m (3 Bar)
- Movement: Calibre TH81-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph
- Movement Frequency: 5Hz (36,000 VpH)
- Power reserve: 65 hours (chrono off) / 55 hours (Chrono on)
- Bracelet: Black rubber strap with textile embossing & red stitching. Fine brushed, polished titanium grade folding clasp with double safety push-buttons.