TAG Heuer and Porsche are announcing a major new partnership. The two brands already share a common history in motorsport. In addition to joint sponsorship projects, new products are also expected to appear as a result. The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph Special Edition is the first of these. Featuring an asphalt-look dial, it is reminiscent of the race track. Inside, the in-house Heuer 02 ticks away with a column-wheel chronograph.
Both brands have been involved in motorsport for years. Porsche quickly achieved world fame after its founding in 1948. After a class victory in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, Porsche gave the name “Carrera” to its most powerful engine. Meanwhile, Jack Heuer ran the Heuer family business for decades. Furthermore, in 1963 he presented the Heuer Carrera chronograph, a special watch for racing drivers. Porsche’s Carrera models and Heuer’s fast-paced timepieces unite the two brands.
Both embody ambition, speed and technology. But formal ties also already exist between TAG Heuer and Porsche. The TAG Porsche engine was the result of a partnership that saw the McLaren team win the Formula One world title three years in a row: in 1984 and 1985 with Niki Lauda, and in 1986 with Alain Prost.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph Special Edition is housed in a 44 mm stainless-steel case. The design is based on the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph with its distinctive tachymeter scale. The ceramic bezel here bears the Porsche lettering in the manufacturer’s signature font. The recognisable Porsche-colour red is also frequently found in the watch. For example, the crown at 3 o’clock has a red ring, and the subdial counters also pick up on the colour.
Furthermore, domed, beveled and double anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the dial. Likewise, the caseback uses the same material, allowing for a clear view of the mechanics. Last but not least, the watch withstands water pressure up to 10 bar or approximately 100 m.
The grey dial with asphalt effect is reminiscent of racing. Likewise, the Arabic numerals evoke the instrument display of a Porsche. The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche indicates the time with rhodium-plated hour and minute hands. In addition, there is a small seconds at 6 o’clock. The hands of the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and the 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock bear a red tip, which is also visible on the central chronograph hand.
For optimal readability, both the numerals and main hands use white Super-LumiNova. At 6 o’clock, a date window switches to the next day within about 20 minutes. At the bottom of the dial, the “HEUER 02 80 HOURS” inscription refers to the built-in movement and power reserve.
Inside the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph Special Edition works the in-house calibre Heuer 02, which has automatic winding and a power reserve of 80 hours. The chronograph switches by column wheel. In addition, the timepiece integrates a vertical clutch. In total, the Heuer 02 consists of 168 components and 33 jewels. The oscillating weight is in the shape of a Porsche steering wheel, and the skeletonisation reveals the ornate movement.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph Special Edition is available with two different options. The black calfskin strap has decorative stitching reminiscent of the interior of a Porsche. It features a stainless-steel folding clasp with double safety pushers. Meanwhile, the stainless-steel bracelet picks up the shape of the case and also operates with double pushers.
As a special edition, the watch arrives in special packaging, featuring the TAG Heuer and Porsche logos. Also included is a watch case with a red interior. The price for the model with leather strap is 5,550 euros. By contrast, the version with a stainless-steel bracelet, the watch costs 5,700 euros.
