The House of La Chaux-de-Fonds is launching six new Carrera models under the new Extreme Sport trim, four of them in chrono version and two combining the chronograph with the tourbillon device.
Introduced in 1969, the Carrera collection is one of the most iconic within the TAG Heuer production, as well as the world of watchmaking more generally. The name of the collection, as is well known, is chosen by Jack Heuer in reference to the legendary car race Carrera Panamericana Road Race, icon of extreme challenges on four wheels along the roads of Mexico.
The new TAG Heuer's Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport, first launched in 2016, is now redefined with a new design, which places even more emphasis on the Racing DNA of the collection. In addition, Compared to the 2016 models, diameter, thickness and lug-to-lug distance have been reduced. TAG Heuer's new Carrera Extreme Sport collection consists of 6 models, 4 'simple' chronographs and 2 chronographs with tourbillon device.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport: four versions
The new Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport is available in four versions, which differ in the colours and/or materials used.
In the new chronographs of the Carrera Extreme Sport collection by TAG Heuer immediately catching the eye is the skeleton dial, which also opens the movement to view from the dial side. On the same dial, there are green-emitting SuperLuminova luminescent hands and indices, supplementary counters (chrono minutes at 3 o'clock, continuous seconds at 6 o'clock, chrono hours at 9 o'clock) and the date window, with its visible disc, at 6 o'clock. On the grade 2 titanium case back is a sapphire crystal porthole. The movement is the IWC-manufactured TH20.00 calibre (on a Heuer 02 base, 28,800 vibrations per hour, 80-hour power reserve), mechanical automatic and with column-wheel chrono functions.
The bezel with tachymeter scale is black ceramic in all four versions. The 44 mm diameter by 15.1 mm thick case, on the other hand, is available in satin-brushed grade 2 titanium (variants with details in blue or orange), in grade 2 titanium with black DLC treatment, or in 18-carat rose gold. Worth noting are the grooves cut in the profiles of the case itself, that contribute to giving the collection a particularly recognisable design.
The crown and push-buttons are made of grade 5 titanium, the glass is anti-reflective sapphire and water resistance to 10 atmospheres. Note the adoption of the integrated rubber strap, which in the areas near the case draws design inspiration from the air intake systems found on racing cars. The folding clasp is made of grade 2 titanium, with safety buttons and engraved company logo.
Carrera Extreme Sport: the tourbillon chronograph
Alongside the 'simple' chronographs, TAG Heuer also offers two tourbillon versions of the Carrera Extreme Sport chronograph.
The tourbillon chronograph from TAG Heuer's Carrera Extreme Sport collection is available in two versions, with a grade 2 titanium case combined with a forged carbon bezel, or entirely in 18-carat rose gold. The dimensions are the same as the chronographs, i.e. 44 mm in diameter and 15.1 mm thick. Buttons and crown are made of grade 5 titanium, the back is blackened grade 2 titanium (sapphire glass also makes an appearance here) and water resistance is up to 10 atmospheres.
On the beautiful skeleton dial, the one-minute tourbillon device is on display at 6 o'clock. At 3 o'clock are the chrono minutes, and at 9 o'clock the chrono hours. The movement that moves it is the manufacture calibre TH20.09 (based on Heuer 02, 28,800 vibrations per hour, 65-hour power reserve), automatic mechanical and with chrono functions sorted by column wheel. Note the skeletonised rotor in the shape of the company logo, also present on chronographs without a tourbillon. Finally, all new TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport are covered by a 5-year warranty.
Prices8,050 to 12,100 euros (Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport); 25,700 euros (Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport with titanium case); 32,500 euros (Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport with 18-carat rose gold case).
