The year 2020 is a special one for TAG Heuer, which is marked with the special edition release of the Carrera Sports Chronograph.
Thus as the curtain falls on what has been an eventful year, many of us look back and reflect on its trials and tribulations. But while things have been far from smooth sailing, there remains room enough for celebration. For TAG Heuer, 2020 marks the 160th anniversary of its founding. It also sees the birth of the Carrera 160 Years series. The brand now ushers in the third and final entry. The Carrera Sport Chronograph 160 Years Special Edition takes design cues from the iconic 1965 Heuer Carrera “Dato 45”.
Visual Appeal
First up, the Carrera Sport Chronograph 160 Years Special Edition is presented in a blue bi-colour dial, and a white “panda” dial. Beyond this adoption of sporty colours however, the timepieces also possess the same bold language of the Carrera “Dato 45”.
The chronograph sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock feature a stepped design on their chapter rings. Snailing also features on the dial surface. By contrast, a recessed chapter ring creates the illusion of a raised running seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock.
A date aperture at 12 o’clock, undoubtedly a provocative feature, contributes to an unconventional dial configuration. Meanwhile, splashes of red (notably on the chronograph seconds hand, date numerals and portions of the 30-minute totaliser) create a sense of derring-do that suits the motor racing heritage of the timepieces.
form meets function meets form
A 44-millimetre steel case and H-linked bracelet give the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 160 Years Special Edition a boldness and wearability that are typical of the Carrera’s sportier offerings. Ticking at the heart of the watch is the Heuer 02. This, of course, is TAG Heuer’s premier in-house movement, which maintains a hefty power reserve of 80 hours. Indeed, this is impressive when one considers its single-barrel design and four-hertz frequency rate.
The Carrera Sport Chronograph 160 Years Special Edition also features a tachymeter bezel. This can be used in conjunction with the chronograph to calculate frequency over a second-defined period of time.
Treasurably rare
Because it marks a special moment for the brand, the Carrera Sport Chronograph 160 Years Edition is available in only 1,860 examples. An open case back, engraved with the words “One of 1860” on its periphery, celebrates the limited-edition status. Additional commemorative visuals come by way of a specially decorated rotor, denoting TAG Heuer’s 160th anniversary.
Along with its siblings – the Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition and the Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition – the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 160 Years Special Edition forms a rather compelling collection. One that succeeds in highlighting the history of the brand, while keeping things punchy and exciting.
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