TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph

Following its first collaboration watch with Fragment Design’s Hiroshi Fujiwara, a well-known name of the streetwear community, TAG Heuer renews its partnership and the two names create another limited edition watch with sleek, modern design and minimalist dial. But this time, this watch isn’t based on an existing Carrera model; instead, it introduces a new concept for TAG that takes us back to 1970s motor racing-inspired watches! Meet the new TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph.

Hiroshi Fujiwara is the founder of Fragment Design, a multidisciplinary label created in 2003. He has since collaborated with some of the biggest and most renowned names in fashion, design and art. He collaborated with TAG Heuer in 2019 to create a very handsome Carrera watch with a black dial and a vintage-inspired shape and design, which we introduced to you here. Today, the “Godfather of Streetwear” once again brings his touch to a chronograph watch, but not one that will be part of the permanent collection – yet!

The latest TAG Heuer x Fragment is new yet feels familiar at the same time. Its 44mm case is inspired by the signature motor racing-inspired C-case models from the 1960s and 1970s – found on the second generation Autavia watches – a case shape also found in TAG Heuer’s present-day collections. Indeed, it is the base for the current entry-level Formula 1 watches. However here, the case has been refined, enlarged and modified to meet with the higher-end mechanics inside.

This C-case now features a combination of brushed surfaces and polished accents on the sides of the lugs. It features classical pushers and a screw-down crown protected by well-integrated guards. The watch is water-resistant to 100m and features a sapphire crystal on both faces – the one found on the caseback is tinted in red, a signature element of Fujiwara’s design. Also similar to what is found in the Formula 1 watches is the fixed, notched bezel equipped with a glossy black ceramic insert and engraved with a tachymeter scale – the graduation is the same as the one used on 1970s Autavia watches.

The dial is the main attraction here with its bold yet minimalistic approach. The concept was to clear the dial of all extraneous embellishment. No textures, no applied markers, just the basic elements that are necessary to read the watch. The black opaline dial features white tracks and indications and is enlivened with red accents – on the hour markers and the hands. The lightning logo at 12 o’clock and the “Fragment” inscription at 5 o’clock recalls the watch’s provenance. Once again, this sleek design is a nod to 1970s motor racing watches, such as the Autavia.

To power this TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph, the brand relies on its in-house integrated chronograph with column wheel and vertical clutch. The Calibre Heuer 02 is a modern chronograph movement, fully-equipped and highly capable. It boasts 80h of power reserve and runs at a 4Hz frequency.

The Fragment Design Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph is worn on a new 5-link stainless steel bracelet with a concealed butterfly steel clasp and safety push-buttons. Like the case, it alternates brushed and polished surfaces.

What’s interesting here is the fact that this model seems to be suggesting a new model in the Formula 1 line-up, which is now mostly focused on quartz chronograph movements (with the exception of some Sellita SW500 models) and accessible prices. This TAG Heuer x Fragment Design could well be a teaser for an upcoming Formula 1 Heuer 02 watch, as the top model in this motor racing-oriented range.

Price and availability

The TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph (ref. CAZ201A.BA0641) will be limited to 500 pieces and available from 27 July 2020. It will be priced at CHF 6,000.

More details at tagheuer.com.