Introducing the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon “Glassbox” Watch
Sunday - 02 April 2023
TAG Heuer unveils the new tourbillon version of the classic Carrera Chronograph, complete with the in-house designed TH20-09 movement and harnessing the original “glassbox” design of the 1960s Carrera watches first designed by Jack Heuer.
TAG Heuer is celebrating 60 years of its flagship Carrera watch this year and for Watches & Wonders 2023 has revealed a series of eye-catching Carrera Chronograph watches and date models. The new Carrera Chronograph “Glassbox” watches, however, are possibly the most attractive out of all, with DNA that clearly tips its hat to Jack Heuer’s original design, with a crystal glass structure that envelopes the top of the case, fitting down onto the sides. The innovative design feature not only helps seal the case and protect the internal engine from dust and moisture but also offers the wearer a better view of the tachymeter or tourbillon feature from all angles.
TAG Heuer has released a contemporary dark blue and classic black version of this covetable “glassbox” Carrera chronograph in a respective 42mm and 39mm diameter. Both models are chronograph complications with dials that look slightly different. Whilst the modern blue Carrera Chronograph watch reference CBS2212.FC6535 features tone-on-tone azure-filled chronograph sub-counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and a date window at 6 o’clock - the classically-inspired black version reference CBS2210.FC6534 features black-filled counters with raised silver rings and a date window located at the top of the dial at 12 o’clock. These models are also fitted with an improved engine compared to former Carrera Chronograph watches. The TH20-00 self-winding movement is a COSC-certified engine that offers a useful 80-hour power reserve. Released alongside these two eye-catching Carrera Chronographs is the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon watch reference CBS5010.FC6543, outfitted with a different movement. Its style, however, takes on the popular “glassbox” style of the 1960s and comes fitted on a comfortable leather band to enjoy daily as a casual companion.
The design concept of the original Carrera watch
There is no better time to recap on the successful heritage of the popular Carrera watch than on its 60th birthday. Back in 1962, Jack Heuer designed the Carrera with motorsport enthusiasts in mind. The practical and functional tool was the result of his love for the racetrack, backed by his electrical engineering knowledge and his fascination with the border-to-border sedan rally racing event in Mexico, which ran for a short time during the 1950s. The Carrera Panamericana rally was associated with speed, adrenaline and the spirit of adventure. The daring rally reflected the courageous and determined spirit of Jack Heuer at the time of designing the chronograph and thus the collection was named Carrera – a word that means “path”, “career” and “race”. The dial was intended to be legible, offering wearers an easy way to keep track of the time at a sweeping glance. The domed hesalite crystal front of the original models also served as an easy way of measuring speed based on distance and, along with the model’s distinctive lugs, became a recognisable element of the Carrera’s DNA. The new Carrera Chronograph watches for 2023 denote a harmonious blend of flowing curves and sharp, angular and chiselled features. The clever mix brings elements of the past through to the current and contemporary design of the sporty chronograph.
The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon watch reference CBS5010.FC6543 reveals a unique glimpse of the tourbillon cage through the front of the watch at 6 o’clock. The tourbillon – a rotating cage that surrounds the escapement, is designed to outweigh the negative effects of gravity on the movement and is still a complex form that many watchmakers can only aspire to master. The tourbillon combines with the classic racing-inspired dial perfectly – the display of which is heavily based on the speedometer dial of racing cars from the 1960s. It protects the performance of the TH20-09 movement – part of TAG Heuer’s latest series of in-house movements. The TH20-09 self-winding engine can perform at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and produces a power reserve of 65 hours once fully wound. The movement is also put on show through the rear of the case via a sapphire crystal glass exhibition feature.
The open-heart feature exposing the tourbillon of the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph watch for 2023 is supported by a rich blue sunray dial adorned with stick rhodium-plated hour markers and a set of rhodium-plated faceted hour and minute hands that have been treated with plenty of Super-LumiNova. Splashes of vivid orange can be seen across the dial, further enhancing the energy and the adrenaline captured in this racing-inspired line of wristworn chronographs. The orange detailing can be seen at each hour location around the periphery of the dial and the central chronograph seconds hand, finished with a triangular base to keep in line with traditional models from the collection. The two chronograph sub-counters at 3 and 9 o’clock have been trimmed with an upraised silver ring. They offer the wearer a 30-minute chronograph function and a 12-hour totaliser that can be operated via the newly designed pump pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock against the watch’s 100-meter water-resistant stainless steel case.
The new TAG Heuer Carera Chronograph Tourbillon “Glassbox” watch reference CBS5010.FC6543, offering a view of its open-heart feature from a wider range of angles, can be enjoyed on a smooth deep blue leather band with a stainless steel folding clasp. The clasp is engraved with the famous TAG Heuer logo and features a double safety push button.
If you’d like more information on the new TAG Heuer Chronograph Tourbillon “Glassbox” watch, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453
