TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 42mm

The brand had been very clear at the beginning of this year: 2020 will be the year of the Carrera, TAG Heuer’s most emblematic watch. To coincide with the 160th anniversary of the brand, TAG has launched multiple editions of the Carrera, from the ultra-cool vintage-inspired Silver Edition to entirely remodelled core-collection models, such as the sporty 44mm chronograph with ceramic bezel. Today, we review its more classic counterpart, another non-limited and commercially important watch, the sleek and timeless-looking TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 42mm in the video above.

The Carrera is a watch that needs no introduction anymore. It is, without a doubt, among the most iconic watches of the industry, and one that gave Heuer and later TAG Heuer their success. With its name inspired by the perilous Carrera Panamericana race, the powerful angular lugs, bi-compax layout and clean, legible design created by Jack Heuer in 1963, the Carrera became the epitome of the sports watch for professional drivers and sports car enthusiasts. For 2020, in addition to the sporty 44mm version with an external tachymeter bezel, the brand also introduces a sleeker and more classic and elegant version, the Carrera Chronograph 42mm.

The first obvious thing here regards the size and design of the watch. Now displaying more classic proportions with its 42mm diameter, the watch also plays on the classic codes of early 1960s models, with a smooth, thin bezel and, obviously, the powerful angular lugs typical of this watch. The overall look feels more classic, more suitable for daily wear while retaining modern dimensions.

Available with four different dials – black, blue, anthracite and silver with golden accents, which can all be seen in the video – the major evolution compared to previous classic Carreras is the use of the brand’s in-house movement, the Calibre Heuer 02. Powerful and modern, it adds to the perceived quality of the watch and gives it true watchmaking credentials, thanks to a comfortable power reserve and a state-of-the-art column wheel and vertical clutch architecture.

To find more about the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 42mm, don’t miss our video review and visit tagheuer.com for availability and orders.