Last year, to mark the 60th anniversary of the very first Carrera from TAG Heuer, the watchmaker launched a series of spectacular new products – most notably the Carrera Glassbox Chronograph in gold. 60 years ago, we hadn’t yet been graced with Ryan Gosling’s existence, yet today, the actor is the main protagonist for the iconic watch. It’s a natural fit – not only is Gosling a gifted actor and heartthrob, but his role as a ruthless getaway driver for robberies in the film Drive has created a certain association with motorsport, the genre for which the TAG Heuer Carrera has also become famous.
Heuer 1158 CHN from 1971 (left) und TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox Chronograph in Gold (right)
For the 60th anniversary campaign, TAG Heuer produced a lavish, entertaining advert with cult director David Leitch, in which Gosling once again becomes a getaway driver because he doesn’t want to part with his Carrera after a shoot. He seems to have caught Carrera fever in real life too. In his last big blockbuster Barbie, he wore three different vintage Heuer Carreras in his film role as Ken. In September 2023, Gosling was then seen wearing an original gold Heuer Ref. 1158 CHN as a guest at the Gucci runway show during Milan Fashion Week.
The watch, which was given to Formula 1 driver Ronnie Peterson in 1972,
is now in the TAG Heuer Museum.
The 1158 CHN was first presented in 1971 with an all-gold dial and the legendary automatic chronograph movement calibre 12, with the crown on the left-hand side of the cushion-shaped case. A reinterpretation of this icon was presented last year with the Carrera Glassbox Chronograph in gold, making it a dream come true for many watch fans. Gosling made our hearts beat even faster when we spotted an all-gold Carrera on his wrist at the BAFTA Awards in London last weekend. It’s the same TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph with a 39mm 18-carat 3N gold case from last year, but with a matching gold Milanese bracelet. TAG Heuer made it specially for the actor at Gosling’s request – meaning unfortunately, it’s a one-off. But who knows what the future has in store for the Carrera?
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 39 mm for Ryan Gosling
