Hot Take: Brand-New TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport References
TAG Heuer isn’t shying away from ultra-modern styling lately. Or, I should say, the brand offers a choice of modern and classic watches, even within the racing-themed Carrera line. For those who tend to prefer vintage looks, there is the Carrera Glassbox. If, however, you are more into futuristic designs, we have something for you today — the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport. What’s in a name? Well, in this case, everything. These are some pretty extreme sports chronographs but still slap-bang on-brand for the TAG Heuer Carrera collection.
We took the chance to get a sneak peek at three of the four new chronographs. In addition to the watches you see here, there is a fourth one in blue. TAG Heuer is also releasing two versions with tourbillons — one in titanium (CHF 25,500) and one in rose gold (CHF 32,000). I will, however, focus on the watches we got to see in real life for now. Let’s dive in!
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport
So, what do we have here? Well, imagine you handed a highly skilled sculptor a very fine, sharp chisel and a TAG Heuer Carrera Sport. Oh, and plenty of time. The result might just be the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport. Its case and dial have both been intricately carved out to form something that looks much more radical.
Okay, I am oversimplifying matters somewhat. Although the base of the watch is very similar, there aren’t actually that many parts shared between the normal chronograph and these new models. For starters, the steel and ceramic of the regular model make way for a titanium and ceramic combo here. The Heuer 02 movement is upgraded to the (extremely similar) TH20-00. The rubber strap is different too, lifted from the Porsche 963 limited edition.
These new chronographs, however, have tons of added detail. The skeletonized dials look like something out of Tony Stark’s workshop. The intricacies continue on the case flanks, which TAG Heuer hollowed out and adorned with deep ridges. It all looks very futuristic and intricate.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport specs
The case measures 44mm in diameter by 49.7mm lug-to-lug and 15.1mm thick. This, then, is no watch for the faint of heart. The case itself is Grade 2 titanium and topped off with a fixed ceramic bezel. TAG media blasts the ceramic bezel, resulting in a very cool matte texture. Speaking of matte textures, TH applies also media blasts and brushes the entire case, except for the 18K rose gold model, which features some polished surfaces. The black model features a DLC-coated titanium case. All cases offer a 100m water resistance rating.
The dials are a fest of hard angles, rhodium plating, and polished and brushed surfaces. Some of the models feature an accent color on the flange and the fully exposed date wheel. The date indicator at 6 o’clock features a contrasting backplate to show that this is the one to look at.
Behind this eye-catching dial ticks caliber TH20-00. This is an evolution of the Heuer 02, which can, in turn, trace its roots to the CH80. The automatic column-wheel chronograph beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has an 80-hour autonomy. The differences with the Heuer 02 are mainly cosmetic aside from the addition of bidirectional winding and a longer five-year warranty.
What do we think?
These will surely be divisive watches. You’ll either hate ‘em or love ‘em. TAG Heuer made no effort whatsoever to make these modest and acceptable to everyone. And that, my dear Fratelli, is always admirable. It is better to be loved by some and hated by others than to be “meh” to everyone. At the very least, then, you are something worth talking about.
A few things stand out to me. I love the matte ceramic bezel. In broader terms, I am delighted that we get to see more and more dull textures on ceramics in the watch world. In my humble opinion, the glossy alternative is just too shiny. I also love the consistency in design. TAG Heuer did not just throw a skeleton dial into a standard watch. Instead, the case itself features a similar aesthetic treatment, bringing everything together nicely. Similarly, the rubber strap, with its air-intake-inspired cutout, integrates neatly.
The vintage-esque Carrera Glassbox and these Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport references share subtle design cues. They are radically different watches, yet they clearly stem from a common family tree. Designing such watches is no mean feat.
Pricing and availability
The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport in titanium is available now and priced at CHF 8,000. An additional 200 francs gets you the DLC-coated version (CHF 8,200). If you lust after the 18K rose gold version, you will have to part ways with CHF 12,000.
What do you think of the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport? Let us know in the comments below!
