Introducing: The TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph — A European Limited Edition
At last year’s edition of Watches and Wonders in Geneva, TAG Heuer introduced its new Carrera Chronograph collection with the so-called “Glassbox” design. We are big fans of the regular 39mm version in its blue and black/silver configurations. Maybe that’s why we didn’t dedicate too much attention to the 42mm blue-dial tourbillon version that came out at the same time. Thomas already made up for that somewhat by introducing the teal version to you in January. Today, I’ll also contribute by introducing a new European limited edition of the TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph.
The first Glassbox version of the Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph was quite close to the regular Carrera Chronograph. Both had a circularly brushed blue dial, but the Tourbillon version also had some orange accents to highlight its sporty character. Then came the second version, which debuted alongside the Carrera Dato Chronograph. Both sported an exciting teal-colored dial. However, as exciting as it was, it was also quite particular. That’s why some people loved it while others didn’t know what to think of it. I think the new “blue panda” version we’re looking at today is a bit more on the safe side, but it isn’t necessarily less exciting. Let’s take a quick look.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph European Limited Edition
Let me fill you in on the most important specs first, especially if you’re not that familiar with this model just yet. The TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph is a stainless steel watch with a 42mm case. Including its highly domed sapphire crystal, it’s 14.3mm thick, and its lugs span 48.6mm from tip to tip. The shape of the brushed and polished case is inspired by the Heuer Carrera chronographs from the ’60s.
This case stands in nice contrast to the modernized dial design. The dramatically curved flange encircling the dial is visually magnetic, especially in combination with the Glassbox crystal. This new European Limited Edition of the Carrera Tourbillon features a snowy white and deep blue colorway. The press release mentions that this configuration was inspired by “the legendary automobile races on frozen tracks of the Alps.” To emphasize the watch’s sporty character, the central chrono hand is red, just like the TAG Heuer logo.
The TH20-09 automatic caliber
The new Carrera Tourbillon houses the same TH20-09 automatic movement as the previous two versions. It features a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock, and, of course, the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. That last element sits in a glass case and, with no markings surrounding it, serves better as a running indicator than a sub-seconds register. That said, with a little imagination, you could use it as one. The movement runs at a frequency of 28,800vph and holds a comfortable power reserve of 65 hours. It’s good to know that even with its two pushers and the push/pull crown, this watch is water resistant down to 100 meters.
Final thoughts
I think this is my favorite version of the TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph. The first one was a bit dull, and the teal one just wasn’t my thing. This blue panda version looks nice and sporty, especially on its matching blue perforated leather strap. I also love how the tourbillon seems to perfectly fit in with the other two sub-dials. Finally, I’m also glad that the slightly lumed and applied indexes still partially sink into the dial flange to accentuate its elegant curve.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph is available now for €24,850. As mentioned, this is a limited edition for the European market, so only 50 numbered pieces will be made. For more information, check out the official TAG Heuer website.
Let me know what you think of the new TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph in the comments below!
