TAG Heuer concludes its year-long celebration of Carrera with a classy ode to a much-coveted gold-cased Carrera Ref. 1158 CHN from 1972.
The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph retains the original’s 39mm 18-karat gold case and integrated lugs, adding a modern chronograph movement and pushers, all set under TAG Heuer’s new domed and ultra-curved Glassbox crystal.
You may recall that TAG Heuer added the Glassbox crystal design to many models in the 2023 Carrera collection earlier this year.
The new design’s curves, more acute than earlier examples from the 1970s, are amplified with an equally curved flange that enhance’s the dial’s visibility while also simplifying the ability to read the 60-second/minute scale.
TAG Heuer also maintains the original’s luxe appeal with a yellow gold-plated dial and all-new contrasting black sub-dials at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, recalling the original’s reverse panda configuration.
Inside TAG Heuer fits its excellent in-house chronograph movement TH20-00, boasting bi-directional winding and an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
TAG Heuer attaches the watch to a black perforated calfskin leather strap and yellow gold pin buckle.
Price; $21,500.
Specifications: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph (gold case)
(Ref. CBS2240.FC8319)
Movement: Chronograph caliber TH20-00, automatic with date and 80-hour power reserve.
Dial: 18-karat 3N yellow gold-plated vertical brushed dial and flange, with 60 second / minute scale, 3 counters. 18-karat 3N yellow gold-plated facetted, polished hour and minute hands with white SuperLumiNova. Black lacquered central hand, Black TAG HEUER printed logo, 6 o’clock date.
Case: 39mm by 13.9mm 18-karat 3N solid yellow gold fine-brushed, polished case with Glassbox domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment, solid yellow gold standard crown at 3 o’clock, fine brushed, polished solid yellow gold round push button at 2 o’clock. Fine brushed, polished solid yellow gold round push button at 4 o’clock and yellow gold screw-down sapphire caseback. Water resistance: 100 meters.
Bracelet: Perforated black calfskin leather strap, fine brushed, polished yellow gold pin buckle, TAG Heuer shield.
Price: $21,500.
The polished and satin-finished 39mm steel diver’s watch is water-resistant to 300 meters and is attached to a dark blue textured rubber strap or a white alligator strap.
These included a buff file for beveling, a hammer and punch for hand-punching and nine-micron sandpaper for the fine charbonnage finishing of the bridge and the base of the tourbillon cage.
Artisans then protect each dial with a coat of ruthenium, enhancing its natural color while also shielding the surface from oxidation.
You may recall the watchmaker first developed this movement in 2008, fitting it with a silicon escapement wheel and anchor, both of which are visible thanks to the clear sapphire back.
