• TAG Heuer Carrera Purple Innovation in Color
  • TAG Heuer Carrera Purple

    Innovation in Color

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    January 23, 2025
  • In the world of luxury watchmaking, TAG Heuer consistently pushes boundaries, merging innovation with a rich heritage. This year, the Swiss watchmaker ignites excitement with two stunning additions to its iconic Carrera collection: the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph and the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon. These timepieces showcase a captivating smoky black-to-purple gradient dial, a bold design choice that follows the acclaimed release of the purple TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph.

    The TAG Heuer Carrera, a name synonymous with precision and racing spirit, has been a cornerstone of the brand since its introduction in 1963. Named after the perilous Carrera Panamericana race, Jack Heuer's vision was to create a timepiece that embodied legibility and functionality, essential qualities for both racing drivers and watch enthusiasts. Over the past six decades, the Carrera has evolved while staying true to its core principles, becoming a coveted timepiece among collectors and a symbol of TAG Heuer's commitment to excellence.

    Courtesy of TAG Heuer
    Courtesy of TAG Heuer


    The 60th anniversary of the Carrera in 2023 marked a significant milestone, and the introduction of the "Glassbox" design further enhanced the watch's legendary legibility. This innovative design, featuring a domed sapphire crystal that extends over the dial, allows for time to be read at any angle, a testament to Jack Heuer's original vision. The Glassbox design has become a defining feature of the modern Carrera, and the new purple models continue this tradition, offering a fresh perspective on the collection's depth and versatility.

    The decision to incorporate a smoky purple hue into the Carrera Glassbox series is a stroke of genius, building upon the success of the 2022 TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph in purple. The dials of the new models are a visual feast, featuring a smooth gradient effect that transitions from a deep, mysterious black at the edges to a vibrant, rich purple at the center. This smoky sunray-brushed finish adds an incredible dimension to the design, playing with light and shadow to create a captivating interplay of color.

    The chronograph counters on both models feature a full black azuré finish, providing a stark contrast to the purple backdrop. This design choice ensures optimal legibility, a hallmark of the Carrera collection. Silver accents highlight the counters, further enhancing clarity and adding a touch of visual interest. The iconic domed sapphire crystal of the Glassbox amplifies the dial's curved structure, creating a sense of depth and making the watch a bold statement on the wrist. The visual play between the gradient and the curve of the watch almost make it feel like a window into another dimension, or some sort of space age piece of technology on the wrist.

    Courtesy of TAG Heuer
    Courtesy of TAG Heuer


    The cases of both the Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon models are crafted from stainless steel and feature a sunray-brushed finish that complements the dial's gradient. This meticulous attention to detail creates a dynamic contrast between the black outer ring and the purple center, adding to the overall visual appeal. Rhodium-plated hour markers and silver accents provide a refined touch, balancing the boldness of the purple hue with a subtle, understated style. The hands are sleek and are almost dagger or sword like, especially the central chronograph hand. The thin hands of the counters make it seem almost as if the watch could be made for racing, as originally intended.

    Turning our attention to the inner workings, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph houses the in-house Heuer 02 (TH20-00) movement, a testament to the brand's commitment to precision and performance. This automatic movement is celebrated for its reliability and boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve, ensuring that the watch will keep ticking even after a weekend off the wrist. The movement is visible through the open caseback, allowing owners to admire the intricate mechanics at play. The 39mm stainless steel case features alternating polished and brushed finishes, adding texture and visual interest to the overall design. The polished finish really makes the case look reflective like a mirror, and in high contrast with the brushed portions. The finishing on the case are sleek and well designed, adding a luxury flair to the piece.

    The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon, on the other hand, is a true horological masterpiece, showcasing the brand's expertise in high-end watchmaking. Limited to just 200 pieces, this timepiece is a collector's dream, as indicated by the engraving XXX/200 on the caseback. The watch is powered by TAG Heuer's in-house Heuer 02 (TH20-09) tourbillon movement, which offers a 65-hour power reserve. The tourbillon, a complex mechanism designed to counteract the effects of gravity on accuracy, is framed within the smoky purple dial, drawing attention to its intricate beauty and precision. The tourbillon is visible through the watch's Glassbox domed sapphire crystal, providing a mesmerizing view of this horological marvel in action. The tourbillon itself looks almost like a mini turbine engine spinning away inside the watch. The tourbillon is also surrounded by a rhodium plated circle that makes it stand out from the purple of the dial.

    Courtesy of TAG Heuer
    Courtesy of TAG Heuer


    Both the Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon models are fitted with black perforated leather straps, adding to their sporty and elegant aesthetic. The straps feature black stitching on the front, while the reverse side boasts a luxurious purple calfskin lining with tone-on-tone stitching. This attention to detail demonstrates TAG Heuer's commitment to creating a cohesive and visually appealing timepiece, from the dial to the strap. The perforations in the leather strap also add to the sporty nature of the watch, paying homage to the racing heritage that the Carrera Collection is known for.

    The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon, with its 42mm case diameter, exudes a bold presence on the wrist. The bezel-free construction and signature glassbox domed sapphire crystal create a seamless transition from the case to the dial, further emphasizing the watch's modern aesthetic. The screw-down sapphire caseback offers an unparalleled view into the intricate mechanics of the in-house Heuer 02 (TH20-09) tourbillon movement. The limited-edition nature of this timepiece, coupled with its exceptional craftsmanship, makes it a true statement piece for the discerning watch connoisseur. The lugs look almost like they're pointed inwards, like an extension of the hands. The chronograph pushers are well designed, and are almost like they were made to look like pistons on an engine.

    Courtesy of TAG Heuer
    Courtesy of TAG Heuer


    The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph, with its more accessible 39mm case size, offers a versatile option for both men and women. The fine-brushed and polished stainless steel case houses the manufacture Calibre TH20-00 automatic movement, a testament to TAG Heuer's commitment to in-house production and quality. The bezel-free, signature glassbox design ensures durability while maintaining a sleek, modern look. The black perforated, purple-lined calfskin leather strap complements the dial, while the CAPSA self-interchangeable system provides versatility for any wrist, enhancing everyday wearability. The smaller size of this watch allows it to be considered "unisex" and will be more suitable for smaller wrists.

    The smoky purple sunray-brushed dial is a defining feature of both models, adding depth and sophistication to the overall design. The contrasting black subdials on the Chronograph model further elevate the striking design, creating a harmonious balance between color and functionality. The use of rhodium-plated faceted, polished applied indexes and hands with white Super-LumiNova® ensures legibility in all lighting conditions, a crucial aspect of any sports watch.

    Courtesy of TAG Heuer
    Courtesy of TAG Heuer


    In terms of functionality, both the Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon models offer a range of features that cater to the needs of watch enthusiasts. The Chronograph model features a date display at 6 o'clock, adding a practical touch to the watch's sporty design. Both models have a water resistance of 100 meters, making them suitable for everyday wear and light water activities. The polished crown and push-buttons are ergonomically designed, ensuring ease of use and adding to the overall refined aesthetic.

    The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is priced at $6,650, making it an accessible entry point into the world of high-end Swiss watchmaking. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon, with its limited production run and complex movement, is priced at $34,850, reflecting its exclusivity and horological significance. Both models are available for purchase online and will be available at select TAG Heuer boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide starting January 2025. It is also worth noting that purchasing either of these watches from the official TAG Heuer website will come with a complimentary travel pouch, which is a nice bonus.

    TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon

    Case: 42mm diameter. Steel, fine brushed and polished case. Bezel free construction. Glassbox domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment. Steel polished crown at 3 o’clock. Fine brushed, polished steel round push-button at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock. Steel screw-down sapphire caseback. Water resistance: 100 meters. Lug-to-lug: 48.6mm. Thickness: 14.33mm

    Movement: Caliber TH20-09. In-house Heuer 02 (TH20-09) tourbillon movement. Automatic. 65-hour power reserve. Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, tourbillon.

    Dial: Smokey purple sunray brushed dial. Black flange with 60 second / minute scale. 3 counters: 3 o’clock black “azuré” minute chronograph counter with rhodium plated polished hand, 6 o’clock rhodium plated tourbillon, 9 o’clock black “azuré” hour chronograph counter with rhodium plated polished hand. Rhodium plated faceted, polished applied indexes. Rhodium plated faceted, polished hour and minute hands with white Super-LumiNova®. Rhodium plated polished central hand. Silver TAG HEUER printed logo. “CARRERA”, “SWISS” printed.

    Strap: Perforated black calfskin leather strap with black stitching and purple calfskin lining on the reverse with tone-on-tone stitching. Fine brushed, polished steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons. TAG Heuer shield.

    Price: $34,850.00

    Reference Number: CBS5017.FC6605

    Notes: Limited edition of 200 pieces. Online Exclusivity. Complimentary Travel Pouch with purchase.



    TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

    Case: 39mm diameter. Steel, fine brushed and polished case. Bezel free construction. Glassbox domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment. Steel polished crown at 3 o’clock. Fine brushed, polished steel round push-button at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock. Steel screw-down sapphire caseback. Water resistance: 100 meters. Lug-to-lug: 46mm. Thickness: 13.86mm.

    Movement: Caliber TH20-00. In-house Heuer 02 (TH20-00) movement. Automatic. 80-hour power reserve. Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph.

    Dial: Smokey purple sunray brushed dial. Black flange with 60 second / minute scale. 3 counters: 3 o’clock black “azuré” minute chronograph counter with rhodium plated polished hand, 6 o’clock purple permanent second indicator with rhodium plated polished hand, 9 o’clock black “azuré” hour chronograph counter with rhodium plated polished hand. Rhodium plated facetted, polished applied indexes. Rhodium plated facetted, polished hour and minute hands with white Super-LumiNova®. Rhodium plated polished central hand. Silver TAG HEUER printed logo. 6 o’clock angled date. “CARRERA”, “SWISS” printed.

    Strap: Perforated black calfskin leather strap with black stitching and purple calfskin lining on the reverse with tone-on-tone stitching. Fine brushed, polished steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons. TAG Heuer shield. CAPSA self-interchangeable system.

    Price: $6,650.00

    Reference Number: CBS2219.FC6607

    Notes: Available January 2025. Online Exclusivity. Complimentary Travel Pouch with purchase.
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