TAG Heuer Carrera Date and Twin-Time [live photos, availability, price] replica watches
replica watches
The Carrera by TAG Heuer made watchmaking history as a model with the complication of a chronograph. Variants without a stopwatch are less popular, but this is definitely an undeserved state of affairs, which we will prove to you in a moment. replica watches
You probably all know the romantic story of how Jack Heuer invented the Carrera model inspired by his automotive passion – because the story is also thankful,
concerning the undoubtedly iconic timepiece (and if you didn’t, check HERE). Named after the legendary Carrera Panamericana race, the Carrera is in many ways the quintessential sports watch with petrol-scented roots and a classic, highly consistent design.
In fact, it is a model so closely related to one particular complication that without it Carrera appears – at least in the imagination – like a peacock plucked of feathers. In theory, it can’t work, as many other watches with a similar identity problem prove. Do any of you remember
Zenith El Primero shown not so long ago without a stopwatch? Or, more interestingly, a Speedmaster without a chronograph? Probably not, because, after all,
watch DNA is bound to certain models so strongly that it cannot be torn apart. In my opinion, however, it is a bit different with Carrera. While it is definitely primarily a sports chronograph, TAG Heuer recently proved that it can be a great, simple watch for everyday use and for everyone.
Simplicity is in the details
Carrera slimmed down with a stopwatch has already appeared in the TAG collection, but its latest version – the one you are just reading about – debuted on the market in
October last year. Heuer refreshed the entire line with three models – Date 39 mm, Day Date 41 mm and GMT 41 mm. The numbers next to the names are of course the size of the case, which means that there are two options – for a smaller or larger wrist. I will not write that for ladies or gentlemen,
because it is neither fashionable nor true – each of the watches can be worn according to your preferences. replica watches
The new Carreras are made entirely of steel and carefully finished by TAG with alternating polished and satin surfaces. This applies to both the cases and the bracelets, nicely integrated into the widely spaced lugs. In hand (or as the English say – “in the metal”) the watches are very solid, suitably “heavy”, but with not exaggerated proportions. This translates into the wearing comfort,
which is almost identical – this is a big plus – in the case of the 39 mm model and the one by 2 mm larger. The envelopes are topped with an appropriately wide, polished bezel with a polished edge with a slightly convex sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating. On the right, there is a bare, serrated lace with the TAG logo embossed on the top. replica watches
Since there are differences between the two versions, let’s look at them separately.
Date 39 mm
The most modest 39-millimeter model in the entire set may turn out to be the most interesting proposition for many of you. Its size, proportions, casual form and a set of indications perfectly match the parameters of an everyday watch for someone who appreciates minimalism, restraint and a pinch of nice, elegant details. At 39 mm in diameter, the watch is 11.5 mm thick, and it fits perfectly on my rather modest wrist. TAG took care of the proportions and good balance of the whole.
This version of the Carrera comes in three dial colors: silver, blue or black. The first two are finished with a sunburst that gives an interesting shine,
as well as indexes and applications made of polished steel. The black variant has been slightly changed. First of all, the surface is decorated with a concentric snail cut,
which works with the sun’s rays in an interesting way. Secondly, the indices and hands are plated with 5N rose gold, polished to a shine. The composition from the form side is like in typical Carreras – with simple,
geometric elements, a rather scant amount of luminium and a date window located at 6 (surrounded by a golden frame). Gold, also present in the form of an overlay logotype at 12, adds a bit of luxury to the design in a pleasant, non-intrusive way.
Under the sapphire case back you can see the work of the automatic caliber 5, i.e. the Sellita SW200 with a power reserve of 38 hours. The Werk has a rather basic finish, but its functionality cannot be objected to. Well, maybe except for the rather unimpressive power reserve. replica watches uk
Twin-Time (GMT) 41 mm
The Caliber 7 Automatic (Sellita SW300) – with a slightly more power reserve of 50 hours – powers the Twin-Time model. With this neat linguistic procedure, TAG Heuer described the watch with the classic GMT complication, i.e. the time indication in the second zone. This time, the manufacture also decided not to combine and solved the complication in a classic way – with a central, dedicated pointer and a 24-hour ring surrounding the dial. replica watches
The watch face is light blue –
and this is the only option offered by TAG. The surface
is decorated with sunburst,
thanks to which the blue shimmers with many shades,
giving the whole a bit of life. The applications, hands and the date frame are made of polished steel,
as is the aforementioned GMT hand with a red tip. Its top “targets” a scale that is divided into day and night with two colors, white and blue, respectively. The entire composition is flawlessly readable, and the color adds a sporty character. As in the Date 39 model, the details are carefully finished,
nice polishers and polishes, which show that TAG approached watches very seriously,
even if they are models from the lower shelf of the offer. Each piece fits the entire puzzle.
The GMT also wears well, because with a diameter of 41 mm, the thickness of the watch is 12.3 mm, which is relatively small. Good case design and downward-facing lugs
(plus a well-fitting bracelet) make the whole fit flat to the wrist and provide more than satisfactory everyday wearing comfort. While it could be expected with the 39 mm version,
41 mm positively surprises, because the “user experience” is almost identical.
Carrera – not only with chrono
I always approached TAG Heuer Carrera with a slight hint of skepticism in any version other than the classic one, with a stopwatch – preferably with an edition referring to
the history (eg THIS). After all, it is a watch devised as a chronograph, and I have rejected any attempts to change this nature. At the beginning, I also looked at the new Carrery Date and Twin-Time with a rather unfavorable eye and with the conviction that it was just an attempt to fill a certain niche in the brand’s offer. In fact,
it is different, because it is simply a series of very successful timepieces that should ideally meet the expectations of a person looking for a casual everyday watch with a slightly sporty touch.
TAG’s new Carrera performed very well – I would say even unexpectedly. The watches are pampered in details, with a carefully finished case, bracelet and dial. There are a lot of details, from nicely intertwined cuts on the casing, through a perfectly integrated bracelet clasp,
to three-dimensional indexes on the dial.
On top of that, you should add a design that is simply very attractive to the eye (at least for mine). However, the most surprising thing about the new Carreras was the general, purely functional impression.
Every time I fastened one or the other model on my wrist, I certainly had the impression of a perfect fit. This is crucial, because even the prettiest watch with the best mechanics and the highest degree of watchmaking art will be lost if it is worn badly or uncomfortably. The TAG Heuer
Carrera Date and Twin-Time are doing great. If you are looking for a watch of this type, with a bracelet and a piece of cool history in the background, you should definitely consider both options. For the Date 39 mm model in the tested
version with a bit of gold you have to pay PLN 13,500, for the Twin-Time (GMT) 41 mm model a bit more,
i.e. PLN 15,300. Quite a lot for models with Sellit movements, but all the positives I have mentioned should compensate for the mechanical deficiency even for the biggest purists.
