TAG treats us to four principal releases for this year, all with natural design flair. This new selection typifies the continued rise of TAG Heuer to the top tier of the Swiss watch industry—where it should be. Thankfully, the days of them slipping dangerously close to mid-field are in the rearview mirror of Max Verstappen's Red Bull F1 car.
So, what has been released today?
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph
Coming in at a hefty £6100, the new Carrera chronograph is a 39mm steel bi-compax that is fashionably advertised on the wrist of Ryan Gosling. The watch is considered a rebirth of the Carrera legend and pays tribute to the iconic panda look, which is still so sought after in the vintage Heuer 7753 SN.
The new watch's classic glass box design with subtle splashes of red has an unmistakable racing heritage. The steel-on-steel grey dial variant is by far the most striking.
TAG Heuer Carrera Date
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- £128.00
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- £128.00
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- £128.00
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- £128.00
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Three new models of the Carrera Date 36mm have also been released. These subtle tool watches offer understated luxury and sophistication, starting at £4200 and rising to £6050. As we see in so many Swiss giants this year, the dials are Mother-of-Pearl offset against multiple diamonds. Even the basic steel model of this watch has a white Mother-of-Pearl dial with 76 diamonds, although they are very small and only amount to 0.288 carats.
The most expensive variant also has an iridescent Mother-of-Peral dial, but its central links on the bracelet, bezel and crown are fashioned in 18K rose gold. A complete gold dial model is also available, with no diamonds, although the colour looks more copper – which really works well.
All models have the Calibre 7 automatic, which offers 56 hours of power reserve.
TAG Heuer Skipper
The Skipper is an old model that is fun to see appropriately revived. Although following the current trend, it has not been re-released as the steel tool watch it once was, but it is now a £18,000 gold chronograph. It's probably not ideal to bash around on a yacht.
Nevertheless, the 2024 Skipper is a fine-looking bi-compax with striking colours. The case is 18K rose gold, and the dial teal colour somehow seems appropriate for water sports and regattas. The exhibition case back shows the in-house TH20-06 movement. A very well-made fabric strap further enhances the natural look.
The watch retains the traditional 15-minute counter, which is called before a regatta race.
TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph
- Regular price
- £138.00
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- £138.00
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- £138.00
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- £138.00
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- £138.00
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- £138.00
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To many fans, the Heuer chronograph is the definitive racing watch. Its square style is instantly recognizable on the current iteration and has changed very little from the iconic days of Steve McQueen. However, the same cannot be said for the 2024 release, which, whilst recognizable as a Monaco, is fundamentally different in both construction and price.
Two titanium versions are available: one brushed and one DLC black. The watch is made from grade 5 titanium, which offers superior resistance against scratching. It has a very large sapphire crystal lens through which you can see a semi-skeletonized movement. The new movement, designated TH81-00, benefits from the ingenuity of the rattapante function, which offers simultaneous interval measurement and a split-second chronograph.
Both watches are striking, but you will pay for the privilege of ownership to the tune of £121,000. Perhaps one just for F1 drivers.
Conclusions
TAG Heuer's 2024 offerings are innovative and striking, with superb use of colour in a subtle, ungarish way. We expected some design flair from them, and they have not disappointed. The Carrera chronograph and 39mm steel will for sure be a best seller because it typifies everything about that particular family of watches, expressing pure understated luxury.
