TAG Heuer's frequent collaborations with Porsche have made the two brands nearly synonymous. Given its name, I initially assumed the TAG Heuer Carrera series was probably an existing collaboration with Porsche. I later discovered that the name “Carrera” really originated from the legendary Carrera Panamericana Road Race in Mexico, once considered the most demanding and dangerous road race in the world. With such high expectations to live up to, it makes sense why the Carrera timepieces are renowned for their durability and performance in the motorsports world. TAG Heuer is now reimagining its Carrera Extreme Sport series with the introduction of two striking new models, a chronograph and a tourbillon variation.
The new models in the series share a cohesive design in its DNA, featuring integrated rubber straps inspired by the air intake systems of racing cars. The redesigned case, now reduced in diameter, integrates a single container with two barrels on the side. Its skeletonised dial is accentuated with bold black lines that remind the eyes of a car’s rim, while the dial disk has been redesigned to include an open-worked date disc. Both the hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring visibility even during those late-night drives.
Leading the lineup is the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport, which boasts a 44mm grade-2 titanium case, available in four distinct colourways. The vibrant orange colourway draws inspiration from the heat of the racetrack, while the blue variant pays homage to TAG Heuer’s signature colour. For those with a more refined taste, there's a monochromatic black option. The final chronograph combines titanium, ceramic, and 18K 5N rose gold for a look that feels both luxurious and sporty. The engine powering the watch is the TH20-00 in-house caliber, which delivers an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport, on the other hand, feels like the more sophisticated sibling of the two. Powered by the TH20-09 in-house caliber, this model offers a shorter power reserve at 65-hours but a vertical clutch and column wheel propels a bidirectional automatic rewinding system. This allows the watch to wind efficiently with minimal movement and ensures a longer lifespan by evenly distributing wear and tear across its components.
Coming in similarly at a leaner 44mm case, two striking variations will be on offer: a sleek all-black and luxurious gold and titanium version. The black model features a forged carbon tachymeter bezel, known for its scratch resistance, and rhodium-plated indices for enhanced reflectivity. Conversely, the gold and titanium version showcases an 18K 5N rose gold case and bezel, fortified with a black DLC-coated titanium container. Its indices are rose gold plated, striking a delicate balance between elegance and masculinity. Both versions feature a skeletonised dial that reveals the complexity of the tourbillon and movement that delivers a water resistance of up to 100 metres.
