A race car lover himself, Jack Heuer set off on the Carrera adventure in 1963. Heuer wanted the name to be an homage to the Mexican “Carrera Panamericana” rally, outlawed in 1955 after only five editions: “the name’s simple sonority – elegant, dynamic, easy to pronounce in every language – is filled with emotion.” But the Carrera timepiece’s success is without a doubt linked to its unique design. The watchmaker’s grandson thus imagined a watch characterized by a large dial, as well as a waterproof and robust casing made to support the inherent shocks of extreme driving. The modern and minimalist aesthetic of its design is inspired by the pure architecture of Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. But in 1969, Carrera took a new sharp turn. The watchmaker began equipping its watches with the Chronomatic 11, the world’s first automatic stopwatch, that contained the famous oscillating pinion, invented by Edouard Heuer in 1887. Ever since, the Carrera has been a definitive part of the essence of TAG Heuer style. Worn by the greatest racers like Joe Siffert or Jacky Ickx, the Carrera has also acquired the status of historic timekeeper for sports racing.
From the tachometer edition Panda to the Chromatic calibre 11, a half century after its hard landing into the world of auto racing, the emblematic Carrera is taking on new momentum and being released in various series for its 50th anniversary. Not just for professionals anymore, these Carrera are equiped with an 1887 calibre – a definite homage to the past and to the Formula 1 universe. These pieces are nostalgic in appearance and, through the techniques and materials used, still manage to hide an extreme modernity. The steel and titanium carbide bezel is hand-softened while a tachometer and a pulse monitor both anchor themselves on the dial.
And this year, the watchmaking brand is releasing two new Carrera stopwatches with a vintage look. Presented pre-Baselworld, the Carrera Calibre 6 is composed of three hands, blue, silver, and red, for a retro look that’s a reference to the creation of the original Carrera 1963. This new performance is also equipped with a certified COSC movement, who’s mass is decorated with “Côtes de Genève” and benefits from a reserve life of 44 hours. The second style boasts a bicompax counter and a small diameter of 39 mm that unequivocally brings the 60s to mind. The two watches are equipped with a sapphire “Glassbox” that refines their design. This is a return to basics for the Carrera; a true best-seller in the making.
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