TAG Heuer has just launched the new Carrera Sport Chronograph. The new redesign models are part of the brand’s 160th-anniversary releases. With a very modern and bold look, powered by the Heuer 02 manufacture calibre, the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph makes a statement for the future. We review today the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm Calibre HEUER02 Automatic Reference CBN2A5A.FC6481.
Hands-on TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm Calibre HEUER02 Automatic
With an exceptional racing pedigree, the new Carrera Chronograph has big shoes to fill. Will the new pieces be able to match and maybe overtake the reins of the kingdom? Certain is that TAG Heuer invested, at the first look, in all the right directions.
After publishing the press release, I have reached to TAG Heuer. They were kind and send me the Reference CBN2A5A.FC6481 for a few days to review it, together with a few props used in creating the article’s photos.
As usual, we start with a hands-on video, the details being punctual discussed in the article:
A bold wrist presence
TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Calibre HEUER02 Automatic is a bold appearance. The 44mm stainless steel case is not for those weak at heart. The watch impresses not only with its dimensions but also with the overall powerful look – a racing machine.
The caseband presents a mirror polish that extends on the side of the lugs. The top is finely vertical brushed. The brushing is also present on the top of the slightly bent lugs. The watch is well proportioned.
The new Carrera is covered by a domed, bevelled sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment. The crystal is fixed in a raised black ceramic bezel. The fixed bezel is engraved with a very good looking tachymeter scale. In the picture below can be observed the ceramic bezel profile and crystal integration.
Rose gold accents
The right side of the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm Calibre HEUER02 Automatic presents the rose gold crown and pushers. The combination of black and gold is awesome. The bevelled pushers are fixed on the case via 5N rose gold cylindrical holders.
The gold crown has a good grip. The rubber ring contributes even more to it. The TAG Heuer logo on the crown is an absolute stunner. When it comes to handling, personal taste is a strong judge. Setting the date is completely effortless. The time setting has good feedback but requires a bit of force to get the crown in the third position (1st – winding, 2d – date set, 3d – time set).
To use the chronograph, one requires a bit of accommodation time to get the most accurate results. The pushers have quite a long stroke. The actuation requires a solid push and a good hold of the watch. The reset push-button goes fairly easily in comparison. During the video shoot, I had some difficulties in using the chrono. But on the wrist, using my thumb as contra-force, the actuation felt more precise and natural.
The Carrera Chronograph HEUER02 Reference CBN2A5A.FC6481 is fitted with a black alligator strap and a steel folding clasp with push release buttons. The brushed elements have a touch of polished surfaces and edges.
The clasp is decorated with the TAG Heuer logo engraved on the visible side of the clasp and with the name engraved in the clasp’s interior. The fixation system can be observed in the hands-on video. It has a solid feel.
The back of the watch reveals the Calibre Heuer 02 through a screwed-in exhibition steel caseback.
Welcome in the race
The face of TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm Calibre HEUER02 Automatic Reference CBN2A5A.FC6481 breeds pure race air. The generous tachymeter scale and the well organised chrono layout makes this watch to be a remarkable piece.
The watch face is very well organised. The central horizontal line comprises, from left to right, the 12h-counter, central chrono seconds and the 30min-counter. This arrangement creates a natural and exceptional good legibility for the chronographic function.
The recession of the chrono sub-dials is done in two steps. At first, a ring bears the printed indexes. The centre is decorated with a circular pattern and the print of Arabic numerals baton indexes.
The chronograph central seconds uses as scale the printed track present on the inner bezel. For even more legibility, the inner bezel was chamfered and engraved with another set of indexes. This addition increases the charm of the Carrera Chronograph’s face.
The time display uses baton rose gold plated hands with white Super-LumiNova™ and black lacquered centre. As hour indexes, the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph Calibre HEUER02 uses complex-shaped indexes. In the case of Reference CBN2A5A.FC6481, the indexes are rose gold plated.
The TAG Heuer logo predominates the upper side of the dial. The 18K 5N rose gold plated piece looks outrageously good on the very fine circular brushed black background of the dial.
The date window is placed at 6 o’clock, as part of the running seconds’ sub-dial. While I usually consider that the date should respect the dial thematic colour, I was not really disturbed by the black on white theme. This comes as a result of the good integration of the date window. And permits some savings on the costs side that will have been, eventually, reflected in the customer’s end price.
The low light view of the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph is superb. The lack of luminescent material on the chrono hands and indexes will prevent the chronograph to be used in complete darkness, but the time legibility is quite good.
Calibre Heuer 02
TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph is powered by the in-house calibre Heuer o2. The 168 components movement is entirely Swiss made in the brand’s Chevenez manufacture.
The movement boasts a generous power reserve of 80 hours. That means you can enjoy an entire extended weekend at the races without taking care of winding (by moving or winding).
The watch beats at 4Hz and has a single barrel design. As architecture, Heuer 02 uses a column wheel and a vertical clutch system. Some more details of the Heuer 02 can be observed in The Naked Watchmaker’s deconstruction of Autavia.
Calibre Heuer 02 is a big achievement for TAG Heuer and they have all the right to be proud of their work. The movement is nicely decorated. The technological advances in industrialisation can be seen in the clean and nice look.
The black rotor weight with Geneva waves gives an outstanding appearance to the back of the watch.
The promises of fun
TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm Calibre HEUER02 Automatic is an astonishing piece and Reference CBN2A5A.FC6481 is my favourite of the series. I was thrilled when I found out that it is available for a review loan. I find the combination of black & gold simply superb on this piece.
The Carrera racing pedigree is impressive. Considering the TAG Heuer history, well tight to the racing history, one might easily understand the passion involved but also the expertise.
The legibility is excellent, in any light condition. One might use the chrono in a glimpse of light since the hands are quite visible.
The watch is somehow heavy but its weight is given by its size. Of course, the bracelet version will carry the metal’s extra weight. This should be no problem for someone used to bracelet pieces. A small wrist accustomed with light/dress watches will need some accommodation time. It looks nice and it feels good on the wrist.
Priced at 6.200€, the Carrera Calibre HEUER02 Reference CBN2A5A.FC6481 is a nice chronograph proposal from TAG Heuer.
TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm Calibre HEUER02 Automatic Reference CBN2A5A.FC6481
MOVEMENT
- Calibre HEUER02 Automatic
- Automatic Chronograph
- Power reserve: 80 H
- Balance Frequency: 28800 (4Hz)
- Functions:
- Hours, Minutes, Seconds,
- Chronograph: 1/4 second, 30 minutes counter, 12 hours counter,
- Date
DIAL
- Black circular brushed dial
- 3 counters:
- 3 o’clock: black “azurage” minute chronograph counter
- 9 o’clock: black “azurage” hour chronograph counter
- 6 o’clock: black opaline permanent second indicator counter
- 18K 5N rose gold plated applied indexes with white Super-LumiNova™
- 5N rose gold plated hour and minute hands with white Super-LumiNova™ and black lacquered
- Central hand and TAG HEUER applied logo plated with 18K 5N rose gold
- 6 o’clock date
- CARRERA HEUER 02 80 HOURS printing
CASE
- 44 mm diameter
- Steel polished, fine-brushed case
- Ceramic black tachymeter fixed bezel
- Domed, bevelled sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
- 18K 5N rose gold crown push-buttons
- Screw-down sapphire case back
- Water resistance: 100 meters
BRACELET
- Black alligator strap
- Steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons
SALES PRICE
- 6.200, – €
Available from July 2020
TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm Calibre HEUER02 Automatic Gallery
