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Brands come and go but icons are for ever. Tag Heuer has pushed the boundaries of modern watchmaking for the past 160 years since its foundation in 1860. In order to celebrate this anniversary the Chaux-de-Fonds watchmaker is launching a very special limited edition of its Carrera watch: TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition.

An Icon For Another Icon

In order to celebrate such an outstanding anniversary, only another strong icon could set up the right level: The Tag Heuer Carrera watch. Back in the sixties, Jack Heuer (CEO) heard the story of the legendary Carrera Panamericana, one of the most treacherous road races in the world.

Carrera-Panamericana

The word “Carrera”, which in Spanish means any and all of road, race, career, and course, caught his attention: he knew immediately that this would be the perfect name for a new timepiece. The following year, 1963, Heuer Carrera chronographs left the factory.

1963-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-heritage

As a lover of modern and clean design, Jack Heuer wanted the aesthetics of the Heuer Carrera chronograph to be pure and well-proportioned – features that make the watch perfect for drivers who need to see the time at a glance during adrenaline-pumping races. The renowned monochrome silver-dial model of 1964, with its three azurage counters and starburst silver-coloured dial, is a prime choice to honour the 160th anniversary of the brand. Often referred to as “2447S”, this model is now being re-introduced with some twenty-first-century updates.

The New Carrera Limited Edition: The Quintessence Of The Watch

The new stainless-steel chronograph features many of the same design highlights as its predecessor, such as an eternally elegant dial and polished case and pushers. However, the shape is slightly different and the timepiece now measures 39 mm instead of the original 36 mm.

The permanent second indicator is at 6 o’clock instead of at 9 o’clock due to the difference in the construction of the Valjoux 72 from 1963 and today’s Heuer 02 movement. Another change from the original is the shape of the central hour and minute hands, which are now facetted and coated with beige SuperLuminova®.

New-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-Limited-Edition
New-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-Limited-Edition-back

The unmistakable Carrera name and HEUER shield are printed on the dial, which is protected by a domed sapphire crystal that gives the watch a retro appearance reminiscent of the original Heuer Carrera.

Presented on a black alligator strap, this model is limited to 1860 pieces – a nod to the year that Heuer was founded – and “One of 1860” and “LIMITED EDITION” are engraved on the case-back. The redesigned oscillating weight, visible through the screwed-down sapphire crystal, is adorned with a lacquer-filled engraving that distinguishes the timepiece as an anniversary edition. This model is presented in special packaging. 

New-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-Limited-Edition

The Carrera watch has linked Tag Heuer to car racing decade after decade and still today, it is one of the most iconic watches of Swiss-made industry. Each detail of this new watch will talk deeply to Tag Heuer’s fan heart. It is a beautiful watch that deserves the perfect wrist to wear it.

Arsène Wargas
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.