As a symbol of TAG Heuer’s sporty spirit, the TAG Heuer Carrera collection’s purest and most elegant watch model has been updated: the TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands. The result is a new collection of 13 pieces whose design reinterprets in a modern style the innate elegance of this timepiece reimagined in four versions: the TAG Heuer Carrera Day Date 41 mm, the TAG Heuer Carrera Twin-Time 41 mm. The TAG Heuer Carrera Date 39 mm and the TAG Heuer Carrera Date 29 mm, all expressing the brand’s undying obsession with readability, since 1963.
TAG Heuer Carrera, a heritage of sportsmanship and elegance
The TAG Heuer Carrera collection has always been the ultimate showcase for the brand’s fascinating motor racing heritage, and is best known for its timeless, sporty and elegant chronographs. Since their introduction more than 60 years ago by visionary Jack Heuer, these timepieces, with their smooth, clean lines and perfect proportions, have become instantly recognisable and elevated to the ranks of horological icon.
Favouring pure and modern design, Jack Heuer’s aim at the time was to create a Heuer Carrera chronograph that was both uncluttered and perfectly harmonious – ideal characteristics for drivers who need to be able to tell the time at a glance in the heat of the action. In 1962, Jack Heuer, CEO of the watchmaker at the time, heard about the famous Carrera Panamericana car race, one of the most dangerous in the world. The Spanish word Carrera, which means road, race, career or course, immediately caught his attention. It would be the perfect name for a new timepiece.
The obsession with readability
“Legend has it that TAG Heuer’s obsession with readability started in 1958 when Jack Heuer dropped from first to third in a Swiss rally he was competing in because he was unable to read the dashboard timer correctly. After that, Jack decided to focus on and improve this specific pain point, and he embraced his love of modern design to create an incredibly legible watch.” explains Nicholas Biebuyck Heritage Director at TAG Heuer. “This is the reason why the Carrera launched in 1963 looks already radically different from any other watches the company had produced before. You can see in the Carrera a focus on the typography and the desire to explore the purest form possible. Its design language is so clear and minimal that there are only three lines of text on the watch dial: Carrera – Heuer – Swiss Made – removing any risk of getting confused or distracted by superfluous decorations.”
In the early 2000’s, the TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands version was introduced and since that time, this line has been the embodiment of TAG Heuer’s unwavering quest for perfect readability and clarity, particularly with regards to telling time.
If the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is the sharpest and most legible way of recording time, the Carrera Three Hands is the sharpest and most legible way of telling time and as such, is the natural successor of the dashboard timers which had been produced by Heuer since the 1930’s.
In 2021, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands collection abides by the same master time philosophy and revisits this rich heritage with a touch of modernity and the same passion for creating timepieces with a striking design that ensures perfect readability for drivers, as well as for all owners of this legendary watch. A commitment that has fuelled the company for nearly 100 years.
Frédéric Arnault, TAG Heuer’s CEO, said “Since its first introduction more than two decades ago, the TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands has become a centrepiece of our offering, and we are delighted to introduce a new line that ties the watch firmly to its illustrious roots, while projecting bold modernity and refinement. With 4 variations and 13 new timepieces, our clients and collectors will undoubtedly find the TAG Heuer Carrera that uniquely matches their lifestyle while enjoying its signature understated design and unrivalled legibility, features which have made it the lasting success it is.”
TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands: the new generation
The new-generation TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands collection is presented in a wide range of sizes to fit all uses and tastes. The line consists of 13 references within four sub-collections – from a 29 mm to a 41 mm diameter – all of which incorporate and echo the stylistic codes of the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 chronographs launched last year. The result is a refined and modern look inspired by the pure style that first made the TAG Heuer Carrera iconic.
All references will be offered in a stainless-steel case – twelve on a steel bracelet and one on a leather strap – with the choice of black, blue, white or silver dials which feature the new Carrera logo. The steel bracelets are equipped with the brand-new H-shaped links, an innovative design which is even more ergonomic and comfortable on the wrist.
TAG Heuer Carrera Date 39 mm and TAG Heuer Carrera Day Date 41mm
The TAG Heuer Carrera in the sizes 39 mm and 41 mm have a Calibre 5 automatic movement and are equipped with a new case with refined lugs. The watches have the new H-shaped bracelet for the steel version and a brown alligator leather strap for the leather version.
The dial readability is always a central asset, especially with the bolder hands and refined index integration. The Carrera Date 39 mm is fitted with a date at 6 o’clock, and for the Day Date 41 mm, a thinner date frame has been designed.
TAG Heuer Carrera Twin-Time Date 41 mm
The TAG Heuer Carrera Twin-Time is equipped with the Caliber 7 automatic movement.
The Twin-Time version has the new H-shaped bracelet. The dial offers bolder hour and minute hands, and a refined Twin-Time hand tip.
The elegant and sporty design is highlighted by a new, refined flange in bicolour, silver and blue, to indicate day and night.
TAG Heuer Carrera Date 29 mm
The TAG Heuer Carrera Date 29 mm, Calibre 9 automatic, has a new case with refined lugs and a new H-shaped bracelet.
For better readability, the dial integrates bolder hands and a new refined index, which reflects the light and is inspired by the Carrera’s origins. The 29mm size line also integrates a date at 6’o clock new refined version with diamond indexes.
The introduction of the TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands collection marks a new chapter in TAG Heuer’s Carrera history. Pure design, readability, refinement … The new generation of the Carrera Three Hands is a new interpretation of an iconic watch and a worthy representative of the readability obsession of Jack Heuer. An obsessive quest which is deeply anchored in the brand’s DNA.
