Born from the fifth year of the esteemed partnership between
TAG Heuer and Porsche, the Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye watches are more than just a nod to the past—they're a celebration of speed, precision, and the enduring bond between two icons of their respective crafts.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
Inspired by the historic Heuer dashboard timers that were crucial to competitors' success in the grueling Monte Carlo Rally, these watches embody the spirit of the race. The 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, a race known for its treacherous conditions and demanding course, saw the debut of the Porsche 911, a car that would go on to become a legend. Specifically, it was the Porsche 911 with the starting number “147” that captured the attention of the racing world. Piloted by Herbert Linge and co-driver Peter Falk, this car, a lightly modified road version, defied expectations by finishing fifth overall and second in its class. This incredible feat was achieved under harsh conditions, with snow-covered roads and limited visibility, highlighting not only the car's performance but also the precision of the Heuer timing instruments. The success of Linge and Falk with the 911 laid the foundation for Porsche's lasting legacy in rallying, a legacy that would see the 911 dominate in subsequent years, including outright victories at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1968, 1969, and 1970.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye watches are a direct homage to this pioneering spirit. Available in two distinct variations—one in steel and the other in 18K 3N solid yellow gold—these timepieces are a blend of historical reverence and modern innovation. The steel version, limited to 911 pieces, is a special nod to the Porsche 911, a car that has forever changed the face of motorsport. The yellow gold version, limited to just 11 pieces, adds an extra layer of exclusivity and luxury.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
The design of these watches is deeply rooted in the shared motorsport heritage of TAG Heuer and Porsche. The partnership's roots trace back over a century to Heuer's early innovations in timekeeping for automobiles. In 1911, Heuer created the "Time of Trip," the first dashboard-mounted chronograph, which evolved into the Autavia dashboard timer by 1933. These devices became critical tools in prestigious racing events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monte Carlo Rally. Their precision made them indispensable in both amateur and professional motorsport events. During the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, the Porsche 911 “147” relied on Heuer’s Rally Master set to navigate the highly demanding course. These timekeeping tools were invaluable, serving as a reliable reference point for pilots in low-visibility conditions. As Peter Falk later recalled, during some of the snowstorms, they could only use a compass and their timing equipment to navigate.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye watches carry forward this pioneering spirit while introducing modern advancements. Both versions of the watch are powered by the in-house TH20-08 Chronosprint movement, a chronograph that offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The chronograph module of the TH20-08 is unique to the Porsche partnership, with its two snail-shaped wheels resulting in the central seconds hand completing the first 15 seconds of every stopped minute at an accelerated pace, before slowing to complete the loop of the minute perfectly. This unique mechanism simulates the acceleration curve of a Porsche engine, with a hand on the dial accelerating rapidly before progressively slowing—a nod to the thrill of a race start. A Porsche steering wheel-shaped rotor, visible through the sapphire glass case back, forms another striking connection between the timepiece and the car’s engineering heritage.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
The dials of these watches are a study in contrasts and legibility. The black dial, a nod to the Heuer Master Time / Monte Carlo stopwatches from 1965, enhances legibility with its strong contrast, an essential element in the context of racing in low-visibility conditions. Beige markings reference the original car’s steering wheel, while the dial’s finish evokes the shimmering effect of its bodywork, adding a refined touch. The red lines on the right side of the flange are a graphical representation of speed, paying homage to the 0 to 100 km/h sprint achieved by the 1965 Porsche 911 “147” during the Monte Carlo Rally, a calculated acceleration of 8.4 seconds—an improvement over the initial 1963 901’s time of 9.1 seconds. Intricate detailing on the dial brings the watch full circle. The azuré subdials, with contrasting silver rings, add visual depth.
Both the steel and gold versions of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye feature the TAG Heuer Carrera double glassbox construction. This design allows for an uninterrupted view of the movement while improving the watch's ergonomic profile, ensuring comfort and seamless wearability. The front sapphire dome elegantly frames the dial, while the case back reveals the Porsche-inspired rotor. The steel version comes with a classic H-shaped bracelet and an additional black perforated leather strap with beige stitching, offering a versatile look for any occasion. The gold version takes luxury to another level, crafted from 18K 3N solid yellow gold and paired with a black perforated leather strap with beige stitching and an additional light brown perforated calfskin strap, allowing for personalization.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
The attention to detail extends beyond the watches themselves to their packaging. Each timepiece comes in a special box made from lacquered wood, finished in the same ruby red as the original Porsche 911 “147”. Inside, the watch rests on a perforated cushion, a subtle link to the perforated leather used in the straps. The packaging for the steel version features silver accents, while the gold edition has golden detailing. Each box also includes a miniature model of the exact Porsche 911 “147” that conquered the trials of the Monte Carlo Rally, further connecting the timepiece to the iconic car.
Visually, these watches are striking. The 42mm case, available in either steel or gold, is a perfect balance of presence and wearability. The polished and fine-brushed finishes add depth and sophistication. The black shimmery dial, with its bold red, black, and beige markings, is instantly recognizable and pays direct homage to the colors of the iconic race car. The applied indices and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in all conditions. The chronograph pushers are robust and responsive, reflecting the watch's motorsport DNA. The steel version's bracelet is both comfortable and durable, with a sleek design that complements the watch’s bold aesthetic. The leather straps on both versions add a touch of classic racing style, with the perforations echoing the design language of vintage racing gloves.
Courtesy of TAG Heuer
From a collector's perspective, these watches are a treasure. The limited production numbers, combined with the rich historical context and meticulous craftsmanship, make them highly desirable. The steel version, limited to 911 pieces, is priced at $10,250, while the gold version, limited to just 11 pieces, is priced at $24,600. These prices reflect the exclusivity and the high level of craftsmanship involved in their production. The inclusion of the miniature Porsche 911 model with each watch adds an extra layer of collectibility and appeal.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye (Steel)Case: 42 mm diameter, 14.9 mm thickness, 22.1 mm lug width. Steel, fine-brushed/polished. Sapphire caseback, steel crown, 100 m water resistance.
Movement: Calibre TH20-08, automatic, in-house movement. 80-hour power reserve, 28,800 (4Hz) frequency. Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph: 1/4 second, 30 minutes counter, 12 hours counter.
Dial: Black shimmery finish, applied indices.
Strap: Steel, fine-brushed/polished. Folding clasp push-buttons, steel. Additional black perforated leather strap.
Price: $10,250
Reference Number: CBS2015.EB0381
Notes: Limited to 911 pieces. Celebrates the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. Unique Chronosprint function simulates acceleration.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye (Gold)Case: 42 mm diameter, 14.6 mm thickness, 22.1 mm lug width. Gold 3N, fine-brushed/polished. Sapphire caseback. 100 m water resistance.
Movement: Calibre TH20-08, automatic, in-house movement. 80-hour power reserve, 28,800 (4Hz) frequency. Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph: 1/4 second, 30 minutes counter, 12 hours counter.
Dial: Black opalin finish, applied indices.
Strap: Leather, black. Pin buckle, fine-brushed/polished. Additional light brown perforated calfskin strap.
Price: $24,600
Reference Number: CBS2041.EB0382
Notes: Limited to 11 pieces. 18K yellow gold case. Commemorates the Porsche 911's 1965 Monte Carlo Rally performance.