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In this review, I take a closer look at the new TAG Heuer Carrera Date Twin-Time, a watch that blends heritage with modern functionality. From its striking green dial to its versatile GMT design, this is a timepiece built for both everyday wear and global travel.

Introduced during this year’s Watches & Wonders is the revamped TAG Heuer Carrera three-hander collection. As you would have seen by now, a total of six new Carrera models were released, with the collection taking on the same silhouette as the older Carrera Day-Date with changes that make the timepiece modern and impactful.

The New TAG Heuer Carrera Takes A Victory Lap

When this collection was released, our very own Mario covered each model, dubbing the collection ‘Victory’ due to TAG Heuer’s upgrading their collections over the last five years with new in-house movements, designs, and innovation, to now the classic Carrera collection finally getting the update it deserved. “For Watches and Wonders 2025, I can happily say that they have done just that, just in the nick of time! With a grand total of six new references, the 2025 TAG Heuer Carrera range (‘Victory,’ as I like to call them) has been revealed, and will be taking their place as a permanent instalment of the brand’s ever-expanding catalogue.”

While the classic Carrera time and date models feature the brand’s signature sleek and refined styling, the Twin Time model takes a different approach with a classic design featuring Arabic numerals, and there’s a reason for this. To begin to understand why the Twin Time is an important part of TAG Heuer’s history, we have to step back in time to its origins.

Although the Carrera and the GMT function are synonymous with each other, this was not the case originally. In fact, TAG Heuer’s first “Twin-Time” model with a GMT function appeared well before the Carrera collection came out. The Twin-Time first appeared in 1955, marking Heuer’s earliest GMT models. The 1940s and 50s were a period in which world travel became more and more popular, incentivising watchmakers to create timepieces that aided travellers in telling the time in different time zones. With this interest growing, “GMT” (Greenwich Mean Time) designs became a simple and effective solution to world travel, while still keeping the dial easy to read and simple.

In 1955, Rolex released the GMT Master, which was a timepiece designed specifically for Pan American pilots who needed to tell time when they crossed from one timezone to another. In the same year, Heuer released their own version of a “GMT” timepiece, named the Twin-Time, their unique take on a dual time zone watch. The dial was certainly different from most GMT models, as it featured a revolving “GMT” hour track on the outer part of the dial. This second hour track was operated by a second crown and adjusted accordingly to indicate the second time zone. What this design allowed for was a very clean dial with only three hands being in use, a design that Jack Heuer was looking to implement throughout most of the Heuer collection, with “readability” being a key concept.

In 1963, Jack Heuer unveiled another historic piece, the Heuer Carrera, a watch that, as TAG Heuer explains, “explored the purity of form with crystal clear design language, with the dial bearing only three lines of text: Carrera – Heuer – Swiss Made”. While both models experienced turbulent times from the 60s to 90s, with the Twin-Time collection disappearing as Heuer watches veered away from simple utilitarian objects, both models made a comeback as fashion cycles changed. In the early 2000s, the first Three Hands Carrera returned, this time with a GMT model in the collection named the “Twin-Time,” a beautiful callback to the original 1955 model.

The Legacy Of Iconic Watch Designs – TAG Heuer Carrera

As the TAG Heuer Carrera evolved over the decades, the brand consistently found ways to keep the Twin-Time relevant, bringing the dual-time concept into modern iterations without ever losing sight of its origins. Fast forward to today, and the 2025 Carrera collection marks a milestone moment for the brand. With sharp design language and modern in-house movements, the latest Carrera Twin-Time positions itself as a vital link between the brand’s rich history and its modern vision.

Initial Impressions Of The Carrera Date Twin-Time

I’ve always been a fan of TAG Heuer’s Carrera collection, having previously owned a chronograph version. So naturally, I found myself liking the Carrera’s signature details on the case design, which is now home to a time and date model with GMT functionality. What made this model stand out for me was its balance of sportiness and refinement. The green sunburst dial brings a fresh and eye-catching aesthetic to this new Carrera collection, shifting beautifully under different lighting conditions while still maintaining the Carrera’s signature legibility.

The initial impression I had of this watch is one of versatility. The Twin-time feels equally at home as a daily wearer or as a purposeful travel companion. The GMT function adds practicality, but the way TAG Heuer has executed it on the dial also turns it into something that is visually appealing, while still retaining the clean design of the Carrera collection.

Carrera Date Twin-Time Case Design

The updated Carrera collection comes with a few subtle design changes to the case. The new models retain the same iconic sporty silhouette as the earlier Carrera Day-Date references, measuring 41mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug distance of 47.5mm and a thickness of 12.6mm. These measurements aren’t a massive change — the case is only about 0.5mm longer and 0.2mm thicker than the previous generation.

As Matt pointed out in his review of the latest Carrera Day-Date, TAG Heuer has kept the classic sporty case design elements we’ve come to know and love. From the angular, tapered lugs to the sharp, refined geometric surfaces of the case, this modern reinterpretation of the Carrera preserves the signature details that make the model stand out.

What I’ve always loved about the Carrera, and in particular this latest update, are the various finishing techniques on the case that elevate the model from an everyday traveller’s watch to something far more elegant and luxurious. The sides of the case feature a smooth satin-brushed finish, while the tapered surfaces and bezel are given a mirror-like polish that catches the light beautifully. Whether indoors or out in the sunlight, these details reveal themselves gradually, making you appreciate the watch more and more each time you wear it.

The integrated H-link bracelet continues the refined aesthetic, with the outer links finished in vertical satin brushing, while the central links display a mirror-like polished shine. As with most current GMT models, the crown is used to adjust both the time and the date, and in this case, it also controls the GMT function.

Carrera Date Twin-Time Dial Design

As mentioned previously, one of the things that excited me most about this Carrera Date Twin-Time is the green dial colour. It offers a different aesthetic compared to the rest of the latest Carrera collection, while still following the same sunburst finish effect. I have to say, in person, the green looks absolutely stunning. Under different lighting conditions, it shifts between three distinct shades: from teal, to dark green, and at times, an almost complete black.

The 24-hour scale used for the second time zone has been executed in a way that makes it both easy to read and visually appealing. This fixed scale features a day-and-night indicator, with the daytime portion (6 AM to 6 PM) in white, while the nighttime portion (6 PM to 6 AM) is finished in a shade that complements the green dial. The result is a uniform, balanced aesthetic that allows the watch to maintain a subtle and refined appearance.

While the rest of the collection features baton-style hour indices, the Carrera Date Twin-Time stays true to its origins with Arabic numerals paired with elegant, refined hands. Compared to last year’s model, which used baton indices, I find this version far more appealing. Not only does it differentiate itself from the rest of the Carrera collection, but it also pays homage to the original 1955 Twin-Time design.

What has also changed considerably from last year’s model is the GMT hand itself. Previously a simple hand with a triangular pointer at the tip, it has now been redesigned to mirror the skeletonised style of the hour and minute hands, featuring an elongated red tip that extends into the hour and minute track of the dial. This not only unifies the overall aesthetic of the hands but also provides a striking contrast against the teal background. The red-tipped GMT hand ties in perfectly with the red “Twin-Time” inscription on the dial, a subtle but meaningful tribute to the 1955 original model.

The applied rhodium-plated Arabic hour numerals give off a beautiful shine that complements the dial’s hands nicely. During the daytime, this adds to the luxurious aesthetic of the timepiece. However, in low-light or nighttime conditions, the absence of lume on the indices does reduce overall readability. That said, it’s not a major issue, as the hour and minute hands still feature lume for essential visibility.

One subtle detail I really like about the newly designed Carrera Date Twin-Time is the date window at 6 o’clock. Previous editions placed it above the 6 o’clock marker and used a date wheel that wasn’t colour-matched to the dial, which created an unbalanced look and made the date stand out more than it should for what is, in my view, a subtle design element. In this modern rendition, TAG Heuer has executed it perfectly. The date wheel is now fully colour-matched to the dial and replaces the 6 o’clock marker seamlessly, fitting in naturally alongside the Arabic numerals for a cleaner, more harmonious appearance.

TH31-03 Calibre Movement

At the heart of the new TAG Heuer Carrera Date Twin-Time is the TH31-03 Calibre movement. This movement has been developed in collaboration with AMT (Advanced Movement Technology) Manufacture, a premium movement manufacturer owned by Sellita. Built on the foundation of reliability and accuracy, the TH31-03 offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve, which ensures the watch keeps running even after a long weekend!

What sets the TH31-03 calibre movement apart is how it balances technical performance with everyday practicality. The movement has been specifically designed not only for precision, as it operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH), but also for accessibility. By pairing the GMT complication with a robust and high-performing calibre, it ensures that TAG Heuer’s Carrera Date Twin-Time is more than just a simple design refresh. It’s a modern traveller’s companion that is backed by mechanical strength and reliability.

How does the Carrera Date Twin-Time Wear?

The Carrera Date Twin-Time strikes a balance between a sports watch and an everyday traveller’s piece, and that’s exactly how it feels on the wrist. On my 16cm wrist, it sits comfortably thanks to the angular, tapered lugs, while the 12.6mm case thickness gives it a slightly bulky presence — an aesthetic I personally enjoy.

The added luxury of the polished surfaces on both the case and bracelet means that, even though this is a sporty-looking timepiece, it can be worn just as comfortably on more formal occasions. As seen in the photos above, it pairs effortlessly with a dinner jacket without ever looking out of place.

The sunray-brushed green dial is one of the true highlights of this timepiece, and I have to say that photos don’t do it justice. In person, the green really comes alive, shifting through the various shades I mentioned earlier when viewed under sunlight. The red details on the dial, such as the GMT hand and the Twin-Time inscription, provide just the right amount of contrast to catch the eye, without ever stealing the spotlight.

The H-link bracelet tapers nicely around the wrist and enhances the overall luxury aesthetic of the piece with its mix of polished and satin-brushed finishes. It also features quick-change bars, allowing it to be swapped out for any strap of your choosing, adding a welcome level of personalisation, and I personally think a dark green leather strap would complement the dial beautifully! The bracelet itself also debuts a unique design feature, and it’s the first time I’ve personally been able to try it on a TAG Heuer timepiece. While it doesn’t offer on-the-fly micro-adjustments, the links can be individually removed without the use of tools, an ingenious idea that I believe could become a standard in the future of watchmaking.

To remove the links, it’s only the end links that need to be adjusted using the horizontal rods on the bracelet. Simply pull the end of the H-link outward to detach it from the rods, then twist the link so it stays disengaged. From there, you can slide the centre link out from the rods to separate the bracelet. Once you get the hang of it, the process becomes quick and straightforward, allowing you to remove as many links as needed to achieve the perfect fit on the wrist.

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoyed my time with the TAG Heuer Carrera Date Twin-Time. While I didn’t get the chance to experience it fully by travelling abroad, I can easily see this becoming an excellent everyday watch that also serves as a reliable companion for frequent travellers. This timepiece brings together three distinct personas: first, it exudes elegance and luxury through its refined craftsmanship and case finishing; second, it channels the sporty DNA of the Carrera with its bold yet practical design; and finally, it delivers as a true traveller’s watch, with the green sunburst dial adding a daily dose of character and charm.

The H-Link bracelet was another highlight for me. It tapers beautifully around the wrist and enhances the watch’s overall luxury aesthetic with its mix of polished and satin-brushed finishes. More importantly, the standout feature is the one I’ve never experienced before on a TAG Heuer watch: removing links without the need for professional tools. This innovative design not only makes sizing quicker and easier, but it also gives a glimpse into the future of everyday watchmaking.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Date Twin-Time brings together versatility, functionality, and style in a way that makes it suitable for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re in a boardroom meeting, out on the weekend, dinner date, or crossing time zones as it’s intended, the watch feels comfortable on the wrist regardless of the situation. For anyone that’s considering their next GMT, this is a watch that honours TAG Heuer’s heritage while quietly pushing the envelope with a thoughtful modern design.

Reference: WDA2114.BA0043

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 41mm case x 47.5mm lug-to-lug x 12.6mm thick
• Case Material: Steel Fine-Brushed/Polished
• Dial: Green sunray brushed dial with rhodium-plated applied Arabic indexes. Hour & Minute hands filled with Super-LumiNova. GMT hand with red tip.
• Crystal: Dome sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
• Movement: Automatic TH31-03 with date and GMT complications
• Power Reserve: 80h
• Water Resistance: 100m (10bar)
• Strap: H-link steel bracelet with fine-brushed/polished finishes. Folding Clasp Double-Security – Fine Brushed Steel

Australian RRP: A$7,400

Availability: Available now through TAG Heuer boutiques, retailers and online at TAGHeuer.com