Beyond Limits
TAG Heuer takes its rich racing heritage to another level with the release of new extreme watches.
By The Time Place Magazine
Throughout its 164-year history, TAG Heuer has upheld its avant-garde watchmaking spirit and commitment to innovation. A legendary figure in the world of haute horlogerie, the esteemed watch marque continues to push the limits of invention with every timepiece it presents to the world.
This year, TAG Heuer takes watch connoisseurs and racing enthusiasts for an incredible ride with the release of the new TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport timepieces. Merging cutting-edge materials and innovative design with its celebrated racing heritage, these bold new offerings signify an evolution of the brand’s timepieces exclusively made for sport.
To the Extreme
A reimagining of the acclaimed 2016 series, the updated TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport collection showcases a highly charged spirit and technical mastery synonymous with the brand. Comprised of two distinct models—the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport and the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport—the line takes its inspiration from the death-defying road race that piqued Jack Heuer’s imagination.
The Carrera Panamericana road race was a border-to-border racing event in Mexico, which was held from 1950-1954. Dubbed the world’s first open road endurance competition, the extremely dangerous event was ultimately banned in 1954. Despite its discontinuation, the race left a lasting impression on young Jack Heuer and inspired the first Heuer Carrera chronograph in 1963.
TAG Heuer takes its cues from the Carrera Panamericana and redefines the thirst for adrenaline in the 2024 TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport watches. Tailored for true motorsport enthusiasts, the series has marked watch aficionados since its inception in 2016, with its daring approach to racing and performance. Now, the brand further deepens the connection with its racing DNA in six models that demonstrates its unwavering commitment to innovation and watchmaking excellence.
Captivating Chronographs
The first four variants in the TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport line are chronographs that herald a new era in watchmaking. The timepieces feature a unique case construction that allows for the smooth blending of materials as it integrates one container and two barrels on the side. This novel approach improves durability and reflects the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. On the side is a hollowed structure with sandblasted finishing that displays a vigorous yet sophisticated aesthetic that is in line with the adrenaline-fuelled spirit of motorsport.
Serving as the centrepiece of all the chronographs is an exclusive skeleton dial, which has been reconfigured for better legibility. Bearing an intricate design, now enhanced with the addition of bold black lines, the skeleton structure ensures easy readability while also hiding things in plain sight, including a shield anchored at its centre, reminiscent of the brand’s iconic logo. This singular configuration, much like that of a car engine, invites the wearer to look deeper into the mechanical allure of the impeccable watch.
Further elements entice the eye such as a layered open-worked date disc, designed to be similar to the interior of a high-powered engine, while the expert utilisation of Super-LumiNova® affords superior legibility in low-light conditions. Elevating the racing appeal of the timepieces is a new integrated rubber strap that is inspired by air intake systems of racing cars. This, along with other ergonomic developments such as the reduction in diameter size, guarantees increased comfort and wearability.
To showcase TAG Heuer’s expertise in high-end materials, the watches are created using advanced materials such as titanium, ceramic, and forged carbon. Three versions boast a fine-brushed and sandblasted grade-2 titanium case paired with a sandblasted ceramic bezel. A fourth model, on the other hand, is set apart for the usage of luxurious 18-carat 5N solid rose gold barrels, complete with gold lugs and a ceramic bezel, whereas its central body retains the grade-2 titanium construction.
A slew of vibrant colours distinguish these dynamic timepieces. First is a variant in blazing orange with bright details—orange outline on the flange, orange lacquered central second hand, grade -5 titanium crown with an orange lacquered ring, and an integrated orange rubber strap—that reflect the heat and speed of the racetrack. The second continues the legacy of TAG Heuer’s iconic colour with a blue flange on the rhodium-plated skeleton dial, a grade-5 titanium crown with blue lacquered ring, a blue lacquered central second hand, and an integrated blue rubber strap. For a more monochromatic look, the third model in black offers refinement and utmost modernity. The grade-2 titanium case is coated in black DLC, while the ceramic bezel in black features grey markings. The complementary combination of black and grey is displayed in the NAC-coated skeleton dial, particularly on the black grained details and grey outline. Rounding off the watch is a black date disc and an integrated black rubber strap with a black DLC grade-2 titanium fine brushed, sandblasted central link.
Meanwhile, the fourth and last version heightens the sophistication of the TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport. Marrying grade-2 titanium, ceramic, and 18-carat 5N rose gold, the attractive timepiece boasts a black ceramic bezel with gold markings, a NAC-coated skeleton dial and black flange with a golden outline, as well as 18-carat 5N gold-plated indexes and hands. An integrated black rubber strap rounds off the watch and completes its polished aesthetics.
At the heart of all four TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport variants is the self-winding Calibre TH20-00 chronograph movement, complete with a column wheel and vertical clutch. The mechanism provides the watches with an impressive 80-hour power reserve and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Dynamic Tourbillons
Completing the 2024 launch are two TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport timepieces. Delving deeper into the brand’s watchmaking prowess, these models are a beautiful representation of the brand’s extreme mastery of tourbillon savoir-faire. But before we get to the details of these new offerings, let us first take a look at what makes them tick.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport variants are powered by the advanced TH20-09 in-house calibre. An evolution of the Heuer 02, this power-packed movement features a vertical clutch, column wheel, and a new shield-shaped rotor for a unique modern touch that also reflects the brand’s storied history. Equipped with a bidirectional automatic winding system, the calibre provides the watches with a 65-hour power reserve and is backed by a 5-year extended warranty. These attributes showcase TAG Heuer’s commitment to superior craftsmanship and reliability.
Further showcasing this dedication to quality watchmaking are the models themselves. Rendered in a substantial 44 mm diameter, the timepieces cater to both laidback and more expressive personalities. First up is the more subdued version in all-black. Exuding an ultra-modern allure, it features a bezel crafted from forged carbon with grey markings. Carbon was especially chosen for its lightweight yet durable properties, two characteristics that are much sought after in a sports watch. Beyond the bezel is the skeleton NAC-coated dial with black grained details and a black flange with grey outline. This monochromatic display is enhanced with rhodium-plated indexes and hands.
In contrast, the variant in gold takes the sporty model to an entirely new level. Exuding luxury and elegance, the watch boasts a bi-material construction, with its 18-carat 5N solid rose gold fine-brushed case, polished stretchers, and a black DLC-coated grade-2 titanium container. The sides of the gold stretchers are hollowed, with a fine-grained finishing that elevates its aesthetic charm. Continuing the striking design is the 18-carat 5N solid rose gold bezel featuring gold markings. The bezel surrounds the NAC-coated skeleton dial beautifully, highlighting its black grained details and black flange with a golden outline. Rounding off this sophisticated display are rose gold-plated indexes and hands that provide ideal legibility, as well as a crown with an 18-carat 5N rose gold-plated ring.
However, the beauty of the timepieces does not stop there as both watches feature an open case back. Through this clear opening, Calibre TH20-09 can be seen in all its glory. The most notable elements are the movement’s intricate laser-engraved checkered pattern, as well as the coloured column wheel. Additionally, the decorated movement plate can be viewed from the skeletonised dial.
For those who want a semblance of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph and Tourbillon Extreme Sport series, they are now also available as a connected watch face, extending the extreme spirit of these timepieces onto the beloved TAG Heuer Connected. This move enables passionate haute horlogerie fans with a number of viable options.
A brand that takes its motto “Don’t Crack Under Pressure” to heart, TAG Heuer continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking with these latest offerings. Taking inspiration from its important connection to the world of motorsports, the brand continues to imbue its watches with true racing appeal.
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