Perhaps one of the most defining moments in TAG Heuer’s history is the birth of the Carrera. Inspired by the thrill of the Mexican Carrera Panamericana, Jack Heuer decided to create a timepiece to capture the bold, daring element that made the race so (in)famous and deadly.
Now, as TAG Heuer celebrates its 160th year, it highlights this icon by releasing a limited re-edition of the Carrera—the 2477S—with the Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition. There will be only 1,860 pieces, a nod to the brand’s founding year, made available globally. The original 2477S was a hit with collectors, not just because it is an early execution of the Carrera line, but also because of its clean, minimalist style.
The Silver Limited Edition flaunts the same design DNA as the 1960 Carrera but come with a few modifications in size, form, and movement but it is unmistakably the spitting image of the handsome, vintage timepiece. The re-edition traces back the brand’s heritage in motorsports with the renowned monochrome silver-dial model of 1964, reliving the glory days of the brand with its all-silver dial and polished case and equally placed pushers. The silver dial presents an elegant feel complemented by the signature Carrera name and HEUER shield printed on the dial. You’ll also find that the domed sapphire crystal against the monochromatic face gives the watch a retro appearance reminiscent of the original Heuer Carrera.
The Silver Limited-Edition manages to marry vintage and modern styles but retains the essence of the Carrera. The shape is slightly different and the timepiece now measures a larger 39 mm instead of the original 36 mm, which was common during its time. Its chronograph complication holds a second, minute, and hour counter which is set in a circular grooved surface that contrasts the polished watch face. The 1963 Valjoux 72 movement is replaced with the modern Heuer 02 movement. The Heuer 02 movement is an improved version of the Heuer 01, with an astounding 80-hour power reserve with a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour). It sports the addition of a vertical clutch that improves the precision of start-stop functions as well as the running of the chronograph second hand, ensuring accurate timekeeping.
Due to the different construction of the movements, the permanent second indicator also shifted from 9 o’clock to 6 o’clock. Another change from the original is the shape of the central hour and minute hands, which are now facetted and coated with beige SuperLuminova. The indexes vary slightly in shape from the original but have the same design and also have dots of beige SuperLuminova on one end and little squares of alternating black and white on the other end.
The Silver Limited Edition is presented on a black alligator strap with “One of 1860” and “LIMITED EDITION” engraved on the caseback. The redesigned oscillating weight, visible through the screwed-down sapphire crystal, is adorned with a lacquer-filled engraving that distinguishes the timepiece as an anniversary edition. The Silver Limited Edition is set for release on June 2020.
