A Continued Partnership of Endurance and Precision - the New Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Panamericana Limited Edition

Ready to take to the racetrack is the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana, complete with several design elements that recall the profile of the Porsche 550 Spyder race car.

TAG Heuer watches represent the pinnacle of luxury chronograph craftsmanship. The brand’s commitment to meticulous detail and its penchant for supreme accuracy is propelled by its many partnerships in the sporting world. One of those partnerships is with Porsche, fuelled by both companies’ shared history in motor racing, precision and functionality.

Both at the forefront of their respective industries, TAG Heuer and Porsche have been enjoying an extensive partnership for many years. The fruitful and authentic alliance brought about innovations like the brand’s very first Carrera Porsche Chronograph with the car manufacturer. And designs keep coming, with its latest release – the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana, representing the spirit of the race and man’s competitive vision. The new design represents the heritage of both companies, rooted in the legendary Panamericana race.

To produce such a timepiece, a requirement of meticulous skill, a devotion to detail and a commitment to reliability are all necessary. The new Porsche and TAG Heuer watch hits the mark with an ergonomically designed case and an avante garde style that we can only associate with that of the classic Carrera – a design that Jack Heuer himself brought to life having been inspired by the race. This new an exclusive timepiece is limited to just 255 pieces worldwide and will appeal to TAG Heuer collectors, as well as fans of Porsche. The watch celebrates 70 years of Porsche’s achievements and its victories at the Panamericana race. More specifically, back in 1954, Porsche secured a triumphant win with the 550 Spyder, which came 1st and 2nd in the Under 1500cc sports car class, not to mention securing 3rd and 4th position in the race overall.

The Panamericana Race

The legendary Panamericana race spans 3000 kilometres from the northern tip of the Mexican border to the southern. The race was conceptualised back in 1950 and is known for its thrilling course. The gruelling race tested drivers beyond their limits and was infamous for its deadly route. It was banned after five years but returned as a much safer race thereafter. The terrains and temperatures of the race, not to mention the temperatures drivers were performing in, went down in history, culminating in one of the most famous racing tracks in the entire world. The race has left an indelible mark on the history of motorsport and the stories and legends of those who were ever dating enough to encounter it. As such, they are still telling their stores today. A significant chapter of the Panamericana race’s history involves Porsche who cinched a class victory in this daunting race. That one important win laid the foundations for the company’s prowess in endurance racing, solidifying its successful reputation thereafter. The 550 Spyder itself had a memorable sleek design with an advanced double overhead-cam engine which this new TAG Heuer collaborative Carrera watch takes inspiration from. As a symbol of innovation and performance, TAG Heuer celebrates the racing car through this new timepiece, which is sure to prove a solid investment and a beautiful collectable for avid fans.

The Carrera watch collection itself is inspired by Jack Heuer’s visit to Mexico. The design, released in 1962, became the reality of his vision – to produce a watch that not only captured the spirit of racing Mexican legends Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez, who founded the race but also promised precision, robustness, a classic chronograph design and a reliable, solidly-built aesthetic. The result was the clean and uncluttered design of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph, which in 2023, celebrated its 60th anniversary.

The New TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana Watch

Launched in celebration of the race, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana tightens and strengthens the relationship between the two companies. It draws direct inspiration from the silhouette of the Porsche 550 Spyder race car. The elaborate detail on the dial echoes the wheels of the 550 Spyder through a skeletonised finish, which simultaneously exposes the intricacies of a mechanical heart at the centre of the case. The watch’s colours of silver, black and yellow are infused with sportiness and are faithful to the car’s livery. One particularly attractive feature is the vibrant yellow-coated central chronograph hand, which moves gracefully and smoothly around the dial when the pusher at 2 o’clock on the watch’s 42mm stainless steel case is activated. The colour is repeated in the small hands of the sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock for an extra distinctive touch of sportiness.

The dial plate and sub-dials of this new TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche watch evoke the bodywork of the sleek race car, while the skeletonised dial itself has a grained effect and is designed to reflect the asphalt surface of the racing track. The movement sitting just shy of the dial surface is made visible with snailed effects – the entire arrangement of which is framed by the model’s perfectly crafted steel case, water-resistant to 100 meters. Said case boasts a mix of brushed and polished finishes to bring the sporty presence of the car to the forefront of the design. Turn the case to the side, and you’ll also see a reference made to the car via the “Spyder” logo in an original 1950s-style font. A reference to the Panamericana name is also made at 6 o’clock, while the Porsche logo features on the case’s curved flange. 

One key design element that is worth noting in the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana is the domed (or boxed) sapphire crystal glass front, which TAG Heuer chooses for the top of the case. The shape of the glass is similar to the brand’s 1970s Hesalite crystal. It curves effortlessly over the flange, blending into the case and offering a superb view of the dial from all angles. 

Inside the case of this new collaborative effort between TAG Heuer and Porsche is the TH20-00. This is a tourbillon movement that offers a 65-hour power reserve. As seen in all previous Porsche collaborations, the oscillating mass recalls the steering wheel of a racing car and serves as a unique tribute to the automotive heritage of both companies in their own respect.

This limited edition of just 255 pieces is bound to be a hugely sought-after design, both with TAG aficionados and those akin to the race track. The emphasis on the “55” part of the number nods to the Spyder 550’s notorious run during the Panamericana race back in 1954, with the “55” number emblazoned onto its bodywork. There is no doubt this watch feels special, from its fine skeletonised dial detailing to bolder choices like its classic black perforated leather strap. As with lots of sports watches from TAG Heuer’s portfolio, the perforated leather enables the skin to breathe and gives the watch an overall sporty look.

If you’d like to make the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana a part of your collection, call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453 or email us on help@jurawatches.co.uk