The TAG Heuer Carrera is a renowned collection of timepieces that has its roots in the world of motorsports. Introduced in 1963 by TAG Heuer, the Carrera has become synonymous with endurance, precision, and high performance. The watch was named after the legendary Carrera Panamericana, one of the most gruelling road races in the world.
Inspired by the Spanish word “Carrera” meaning both “road” and “race,” Jack Heuer created the TAG Heuer Carrera. Featuring a larger dial with enhanced legibility, two small counters, and easily accessible lateral push buttons, the Carrera became an instant success and a genre-defining chronograph.
Designed for racing enthusiasts, it evolved into a comprehensive collection, maintaining its commitment to precision and durability. The Carrera watch’s famous design and racing history make it highly desired, representing the lasting spirit of motorsports on the wrist.
For further reading, click here to read our article on the Tag Heuer Carrera.
In December 1963, Heuer introduced the Carrera driver’s chronograph, featuring a 36mm steel case, a Valjoux 72 manual-wind movement, and carrying the reference number 2447D. The base model, known as the ‘Carrera-12’ due to its 12-hour totalizer at six o’clock, was priced at $98.45 in the U.S.
The Carrera swiftly gained popularity, becoming the preferred choice for both professional drivers and enthusiastic amateurs. Its success prompted the release of various iterations, not only catering to sports enthusiasts but also appealing to engineers and scientists. The Carrera’s versatility and timeless design cemented its status as an iconic timepiece.
As the years unfolded, TAG Heuer’s Carrera continued to evolve, witnessing the creation of multiple distinctive designs. Over two decades of uninterrupted production, Carrera timepieces adorned the wrists of the world’s foremost racing legends. Icons such as Bruce McLaren, Jo Siffert, Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, and Clay Regazzoni, among others, proudly sported various iterations of the Carrera.
This enduring presence on the wrists of racing elites not only solidified the Carrera’s status as a symbol of performance and precision but also showcased its timeless appeal in the fast-paced world of motorsports.
In the context of TAG Heuer watches, “calibre” refers to the movement or the internal mechanism that powers the watch. The movement serves as the engine of the timepiece, driving the motion of the hands on the dial and any additional complications or features the watch may have.
The Carrera collection offers a diverse range of options, including men’s and women’s models, and features magnificent Tag Heuer Carerra Calibre 5, 9, and 16 models, showcasing the brand’s dedication to providing a variety of choices that cater to different tastes and preferences.
The TAG Heuer Calibre 1887 stands as a pioneering force in the world of watchmaking, embodying precision and reliability at its core. Introduced in 2010, this in-house movement showcases TAG Heuer’s commitment to excellence and innovation. The Calibre 1887, named in homage to the original Heuer oscillating pinion patented in 1887, combines tradition with cutting-edge technology.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 stands as a testament to precision and classic design within the renowned Carrera collection. Powered by the Calibre 5 automatic movement, this timepiece combines traditional watchmaking craftsmanship with modern technology. The Carrera Calibre 5 caters to those who appreciate the essence of mechanical watchmaking with the convenience of an automatic movement.
In celebration of the Carrera’s 55th anniversary in 2018, TAG introduced the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16, a collection of designs that beautifully pay homage to vintage chronographs while seamlessly incorporating the sports watch DNA that has made the Carrera famous.
The Carrera Calibre 16 derives its power from the eponymous Calibre 16 movement, which is based on the esteemed ETA Valjoux 7750. Renowned for its reliability, this self-winding movement boasts a power reserve of 42 hours and operates at a balance frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
The TAG Heuer Grand Carrera, a standout series within the TAG Heuer Carrera collection, takes the essence of sportiness to new heights. Designed for those with a passion for precision and a love for dynamic aesthetics, these timepieces go beyond conventional chronographs.
One of the hallmark features that defines the Grand Carrera is its remarkable ability to measure time intervals with unparalleled accuracy, down to a mere tenth of a second. This exceptional precision caters to the needs of those who demand exact timing, whether in the world of professional racing or other high-performance activities.
Tastefully designed, day date display, 41 mm stainless steel case, and bracelet, and an automatic movement with a healthy power reserve of 38 hours, protected by sapphire crystal, makes this timepiece the most understated and the smartest classic Carrera out there.
In the world of horology, where tradition often meets innovation, the Grand Carrera stands as a testament to TAG Heuer’s commitment to pushing boundaries. By incorporating cutting-edge features like the rotating disc system, TAG Heuer not only maintains the sporty and adventurous spirit of the Carrera collection but also introduces a contemporary flair that resonates with those who appreciate bold, high-performance timepieces.
In the 2021 Carrera collection, TAG Heuer embraced a distinctive approach to elevate the timepieces, infusing a sense of urban sophistication and refined elegance into the design. The brand took steps to give the case a contemporary and metropolitan flair, making it more fitting for diverse occasions, whether casual or formal.
The updated Carrera watches reflect a blend of modern and dressy elements, showcasing TAG Heuer’s commitment to staying in tune with current trends while maintaining the timeless essence of the Carrera collection.
If you’re looking for a TAG Heuer Carerra timepiece, BQ Watches has you covered. We carry all of the popular models in our carefully curated inventory from all the top luxury brands. Whether you need a watch for everyday, or for a more special occasion, we have a timepiece for you.
BQ Watches has a vast inventory of pre-owned luxury watches, and we’re ready to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you don’t see the watch you want in our current inventory, be sure to let our team know. We have comprehensive sourcing services to help you find your dream watch. Get in touch with the team at BQ Watches today to talk watches!
