TAG Heuer has continued to push the creative boundaries of watchmaking with the introduction of the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport and the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport. These fresh models, which build on the legacy of the mid-2010s series, blend the brand’s rich history in motorsport with cutting-edge design and materials to meet the demands of both track and everyday wear.
Legacy Revisited
First introduced in 1963, the TAG Heuer Carrera line is steeped in the high-octane world of motorsport. Named after the perilous Carrera Panamericana road race of the 1950s, the original Carrera was a groundbreaking timepiece, designed with the needs of race and rally drivers in mind. Its clean, legible dial, combined with functional features such as large pushers and a high-contrast bezel, set a new standard for chronographs.
Fast forward to today and TAG Heuer continues to honour this legacy with the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport and Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport. These new models are a nod to the more recent, rugged design language introduced during Jean-Claude Biver's tenure as TAG Heuer CEO in the mid-2010s, a period that ushered in a modernised expression of the brand’s racing roots.
Technical Look
A standout feature of these new releases is their technical-looking, skeletonised dials. Designed for maximum readability, the dials feature a striking interplay of intersecting straight and curved lines, with brushed and grained finishes that create a dynamic yet balanced aesthetic. The subdials are finished in azuré, providing contrast and depth, while the signature Heuer shield subtly anchors the design at the centre.
For the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport model, the open-worked date disc adds another layer of sophistication, echoing the intricate mechanics of a high-performance engine.
Streamlined Proportions
While the Carrera has always been known for its robust design, these new models take ergonomics to the next level. The cases have been refined to a diameter of 44mm, with a lug-to-lug length of 49.70mm and a thickness of 15.10mm. These proportions ensure that the watches are not only visually striking but also comfortable to wear. Water resistance of up to 100 metres adds to their versatility.
What’s more, the new integrated rubber strap, whose design is inspired by the air intake systems of racing cars, further enhances both the aesthetic and the comfort of these timepieces.
Noble and High-Tech Materials
The Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport and Tourbillon Extreme Sport models showcase TAG Heuer’s expertise in materials. Depending on the model, the cases are crafted from natural or black DLC Grade 2 titanium, or 18K 5N rose gold. The fixed-bezel tachymeters are made from sandblasted ceramic, forged carbon or rose gold. Each material is chosen for its unique properties and aesthetic appeal.
The chrono pushers, made from natural or blackened Grade 5 titanium, provide a smooth, responsive feel that complements the overall design.
Eye-Catching Hues
Each model in this new series is defined by a distinctive colour scheme. The Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport in blazing orange draws inspiration from the energy and heat of the racetrack, while the blue edition pays homage to a colour long associated with TAG Heuer.
For both the Chronograph Extreme Sport and the Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport, black DLC titanium versions explore a monochromatic look with a NAC-treated movement, while rose gold versions play with a popular sport luxe combination that blends gold tones and black accents.
Finely-Tuned Engines
Under the hood, these watches’ indications are driven by TAG Heuer’s in-house movements. The Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport features the TH20-09 calibre, an advanced iteration of the Heuer 02. It boasts a vertical clutch column wheel chronograph and a new shield-shaped rotor that offers bidirectional winding and a 65-hour power reserve.
Likewise, the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport houses the TH20-00 movement with date, which shares many of the same cutting-edge features but extends the power reserve to an impressive 80 hours. Both models are backed by a five-year warranty and feature a transparent display back, allowing the manufacture movement to be admired.
Unique Blend
With prices starting at CHF 8,000 for the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport and CHF 25,000 for the Carrera Tourbillon Extreme Sport, these new releases offer a unique blend of historical reverence, modern materials and contemporary design. For more details, please visit TAG Heuer’s website.
