Hands-On With The TAG Heuer Carrera CH80
With our personal love for sports chronographs, we were very pleased to see the Baselworld novelties from TAG Heuer. Especially the TAG Heuer Carrera CH80 chronograph. Inspired by the first generation of Carrera chronograph watches and faithful to the original design by Jack Heuer back in the 1960s. ‘Powerful design, pure lines and optimal ergonomics with an easy-to-read layout’ as TAG Heuer proudly quotes on their website.
During the introduction of the TAG Heuer Carrera CH80, both dial configurations were shown to us. The high-contrast color combination of black and white on the dial with the sporty looking red accents makes the new TAG Heuer Carrera CH80 a very attractive watch in our opinion. The perforated racing strap, that comes close to the design of the original leather Carrera straps, is made with a red lining, matching the red details on the dial.
The new TAG Heuer Carrera CH80 features an in-house manufactured movement. Made in the Chevenez (in the Swiss Jura region) workshop and has an impressive 80-hour power reserve. These two facts were the key components for the naming of this movement – the CH80 – which measures just 6.5 millimetres in thickness and consists of no less than 233 parts in total.
Where the base design was kept as close to the original Carrera as possible, the case diameter has ‘matured’ to a more time-correct 41 mm. Although I personally, and as an owner of a late 1990s re-edition of the 35 mm Heuer Carrera CS3110, would have opted for a bit more modest increase of the case diameter. The added date is a new feature and, with its position at 4:30 o’clock, leaves the original layout untouched.
The new TAG Heuer Carrera CH80 will also be available on a metal bracelet.
More information on the new CH80 Carrera models and technical details can be found on the TAG Heuer website.
