TAG Heuer Carrera Chrono
Just when you believed TAG Heuer couldn’t surprise you with another chronograph option, the brand introduces what could be the perfect counterpart to the classic Carrera “Glassbox” model: the Carrera Extreme Sport. While newer fans might associate certain Monaco models with the Extreme Sport, more experienced enthusiasts will remember this coveted “open dial” style from 2016. Although this specific look has never truly exited the TAG Heuer lineup, it has been quietly existing within the Carrera range. However, that changes now as the new Carrera Extreme Sport confirms what TAG Heuer devotees have recognized since the debut of this iconic style: it’s a keeper.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chrono & Tourbillon Extreme Sport
While the “Glassbox” design will certainly attract collectors longing for the essence of 1960s Formula 1, the Extreme Sport appears poised to race into the future. This was the premise in 2016, and it returns with six new models showcasing even bolder aesthetics. There are four standard chronographs, all driven by the automatic TH20-00 calibre, and two chronograph tourbillons (still powered by the formidable calibre TH20-09). Initially, the previous models would have utilized the Heuer 02 movements. With more evolution than mere extension, these new offerings replace all existing Extreme Sport versions.
TAG Heuer Tourbillon Extreme Sport
The aesthetic appeal of the Extreme Sport has always resonated with TAG Heuer fans – the years it dominated the Carrera collection coincided with when the brand reportedly sold the highest number of watches in the past decade, according to Morgan Stanley reports. Given that the movements are all contemporary and seem unchanged, we won’t dwell on them further. Instead, the striking transparency deserves some attention, particularly because you might not see the movement works as clearly here. This design truly garners attention, especially from enthusiasts who can appreciate the date feature. However, this does not apply to the chronograph tourbillon TH20-09, which lacks a date function.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chrono
TAG Heuer Carrera Chrono
Watch collectors who believe that ‘more’ is better will be delighted to find that all the models feature bold material combinations. These include Grade 2 titanium, rose gold, ceramic, forged carbon, and rubber; bezels in the tourbillon chronograph variants are made of forged carbon while the standard models use ceramic. All watches are 44mm in size and boast water resistance up to 100 meters. The aforementioned playful mix of materials has been integral to the TAG Heuer narrative for a period – a characteristic it shares with fellow LVMH brands like Hublot and Zenith.
TAG Heuer Tourbillon Extreme Sport
We have yet to see the watches in person, as they say, so we hold off on rendering a judgment on how all components harmonize. Additionally, legibility is crucial, and TAG Heuer has highlighted this in recent years, marking the latest versions of the Carrera chronograph. This will also necessitate handling the actual watches, as we have not even analyzed the various dial colors used. This is most apparent in the date ring but also applies to the chronograph subdials. To conclude for now, the Extreme Sport is undeniably about ‘more,’ which calls for more examination.
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