In 2023, TAG Heuer celebrated the Carrera’s 60th anniversary with a raft of new releases. 2024 will follow suit – at least, it looks that way, given how the year started. Coming on the heels of variations in gold and aluminium set with synthetic diamonds, automatic versions in a range of bold colours, and sailing-specific models – 2024 opens with two new variations of the iconic chronograph, featuring a teal green dial.
On track
The very first Carrera Chronograph made a calculated nod to the past. Its retro inspiration drew from the iconic aesthetic of a historic model, the 1968 Carrera 45 Dato, which had the unusual feature of a date window at 9 o’clock, opposite the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. This was one of the first Carrera developments designed by Jack Heuer in 1963. It was immediately highly sought-after, both because of its inimitable styling, and because of its legibility – a key focus for Jack Heuer.
The new Carrera Chronograph leans into this heritage. The date at 9 o’clock, the 30-minute register at 3 o’clock, the retro glassbox crystal with its 1970s vibe, which provides a clear view of the canted minutes and seconds track – all these distinctive features hark back to the Carrera Dato 45, with a subtle contemporary twist that makes all the difference: the 39 mm steel case opens onto a teal green dial with luminous reflections of blue and green.
This distinctive colour also makes an appearance on another new model, the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon. Aside from the dial colour, the design of this 42 mm steel tourbillon shares a number of features with the Carrera Dato: the circular brushed finish on the green-blue dial, the faceted rhodium-plated hands coated with Super-LumiNova and the choice of a glassbox to accentuate the retro look. And, of course, its legibility. Inside, the Carrera is driven by the automatic Heuer 02-TH20-09 calibre developed in-house by TAG Heuer’s director of movements, Carole Forestier, and her team.
A spirit of adventure
Another favoured playground of TAG Heuer is the world of diving and, by extension, outdoor sports in general. Although the name of the Aquaracer collection places it firmly in the underwater domain, TAG Heuer has broadened its horizons, particularly with the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph. To charge its battery, or rather, its movement, this Aquaracer needs sunlight. The technology debuted two years ago in a 40 mm Aquaracer with carbon dial, and appeared once again in a model crafted from titanium. The family continues to expand, welcoming several new models with the unusual diameter of 34 mm. The other specs are the same: unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, 200 m depth rating, luminescence and a double safety clasp. But the model comes in 5 different versions: a classic version with dark blue dial; a more delicate version with white mother-of-pearl dial; an opulent version with diamond indices and bezel; and an eye-catching Aquaracer with a Polar Blue dial.
Whatever the aesthetic, each model is infused with TAG Heuer’s spirit of performance and innovation thanks to its solar drive. The use of mother-of-pearl proved a technical challenge, since it had to be thin enough for light to pass through and drive the Solargraph technology inside. Solar energy is limitless, and even artificial light can be used. There’s no need to change the battery – it takes 2 minutes to store enough charge for an entire day. After 40 hours in sunlight, and a full charge, the watch will continue to run for 10 months, even in complete darkness. There’s little chance of that happening, however, given that the Aquaracer is made for braving the elements and exploring the great outdoors. It’s practical and robust, looks good in any situation, it’s equally happy underwater or in the mountains – it’s the ultimate outdoor watch.
