A New Blue Panda TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon

When TAG Heuer released its Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon in 2016, it created a sensation on the watch market. It was not because of its double complications or its imposing 45mm case and skeletonised dial but because it featured an in-house integrated chronograph movement with a tourbillon regulator (Heuer 02T) and a hyper-aggressive price tag of CHF 15,000. Returning to celebrate the 60^th birthday of the Carrera chronograph in 2023, a new Chronograph Tourbillon model was issued in a more compact and refined 42mm case with a glassbox crystal and a more classical closed dial, barring the tourbillon aperture at 6 o’clock. The latest edition of the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon is an attractive Blue-Panda model that TAG Heuer has surreptitiously dropped on its website.

Already available with a blue or teal green circular-brushed dial, the new 50-piece limited edition has a two-tone blue and white dial. The brand’s website describes the latest combination of colours as a reflection of the “pure and bright atmosphere of the Alps.”

The white background of the dial also features a circular-brushed finish contrasting with the recessed blue chronograph counters at 9 and 3 o’clock with their snailed interiors and crisp white markings. Matching the colour of the totalisers, the blue flange with the minutes/seconds is indicated by a lacquered bright red central chronograph seconds hand.

In line with its more classical spirit, luminescence is kept to a minimum with a thin strip of Super-LumiNova applied to the rhodium-plated central hour and minute hands and the pips above the applied hour markers. Held in place by an openworked three-spoked bridge is the one-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock.

Sharing identical specifications to the blue and green models, the case has a diameter of 42mm and a height of 14.3mm. The case is water-resistant to 100 metres and features the signature piston-style pushers, angular lugs and a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. The glassbox crystal that engulfs the bezel is a nod to the domed hesalite crystals of Carrera watches in the 1970s.

Powered by the in-house automatic calibre TH20-09, an evolution of the Heuer 02 redesigned by Carole Forestier-Kasapi, the new and improved column-wheel chronograph movement features bidirectional winding, a redesigned gear train to reduce the rotor’s noise and a five-year warranty. Beating at 4Hz, the movement is COSC chronometer certified and delivers a robust 65-hour power reserve. The watch comes on a blue rally-style perforated leather strap with a steel folding clasp.

Availability & Price

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon is a limited edition of 50 pieces and retails for EUR 25,200. For more information, please consult tagheuer.com.