TAG Heuer recently introduced the new Carrera Chronograph model, designed in memory of its former CEO and current Honorary President Jack Heuer, who celebrated his 88th birthday.
The new model comes from the Carrera Chronograph family, which is a slightly more modern re-issue of the original Carrera, inspired by motorsports and produced in 1963 by Jack Heuer. Dating back to the 1970s, this model is known for being given to the Ferrari Formula 1 team pilots such as Clay Regazzoni, Niki Lauda, and Ronnie Peterson by then CEO Jack Heuer as gifts. Engraved with the name and blood type of the driver on the case back, Ref. 1158CHN watches remain among the most sought after vintage Heuer models. The newly introduced modern model also makes the return of the 18K pink gold material to the current TAG Heuer product line significant.
The new model comes in a case made of 18K 5N rose gold material. Designed with a diameter of 42mm and a height of 14.55mm, the front of the case features a double anti-reflection coated and curved sapphire crystal. The case, which offers both matte and glossy surfaces, is accompanied by piston-style chronograph pushers, a winding crown with TAG Heuer emblem, and a sapphire crystal display case back. The model is resistant to water pressure up to 100 meters.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Jack Heuer Birthday Gold Limited Edition comes with a white opaline dial. The dial hosts pink gold hands and a pair of black-background chronograph sub-dials. Just below the small second's hand at 6 o'clock, which does not have its own sub-dial, the window for the date display and the phrase "Heuer 02 - 80 Hours" that refers to the movement inside the model catch the eye. Below the center of the dial, you can see the twin infinity symbol that nods to both Jack Heuer’s age and his famous motto: Time never stops, why should we?
The model is powered by the manufacture Caliber Heuer 02 movement. 33-jewels automatic movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers up to 80 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The movement, which features hour, minute, small seconds, and date functions as well as a column wheel and vertical clutch chronograph feature, can be viewed through the sapphire crystal case back. The sapphire exhibition case back reveals the visible oscillating mass engraved again with Jack Heuer's motto: Time never stops, why should we? and with his signature, just below that quote.
Limited to 188 pieces only, the model comes on a black alligator strap and a TAG Heuer signed pin buckle made of 18K 5N pink gold material. The model, with a price tag of 18,000 Swiss Francs, is currently available for pre-order only. The model is expected to be available on-line and at TAG Heuer boutiques in March 2021.
