Introducing the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Purple
It would be fair to say that TAG Heuer had one hell of a 2024 and that 2025 looks to be even better. The Swiss brand, founded over 165 years ago, has made a return to the world of Formula 1 as the timing partner for the sport. The brand’s ethos is really centered around motorsports and racing, with three of their collections designed for racers: the Monaco, the Formula 1, and the Carrera. As one of LVMH’s flagship watch brands, TAG Heuer are taking all of their designs up a notch, with each new iteration bettering the last. Today, TAG Heuer are renewing their involvement in this dynamic sporting world by releasing a brand-new Carrera Chronograph.
The Basics:
Brand: TAG Heuer
Model: Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Purple
Case Material: Steel
Case Size: 42mm in diameter, lug-to-lug 48.6mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Movement: Automatic, TH20-09
Movement Specs: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph, Tourbillon
Strap Options: Black calfskin leather strap
The Juice:
The Carrera collection has, in recent years, become extremely popular, stepping out of the shadow cast by the iconic Monaco and reaffirming itself as one of TAG Heuer’s stalwart designs. First released in 1963, the Carrera has undergone very few changes in its history: TAG keep bringing it up to date with new calibres, new complications, and new styles without massively changing the iconic design.
As previously mentioned, the Carrera has not changed massively in the 60+ years of its existence. The sharp and curvaceous are still the same. However, this one has a small trick up its sleeve. It’s not the 39mm diameter case that we’ve become so used to seeing. TAG has used the rarer and thicker 42mm case to house this new iteration of the Carrera. The lug-to-lug is only 48mm so it still remains very wearable. The slight increase in thickness to 14.3mm will be slightly noticeable in terms of weight but not in terms of proportions, so it will still look the same.
The dial is one of the main talking points of this model. The vibrant shade of purple is a new addition to the line up. Previously only seen on the Monaco chronograph, TAG is really making the Carrera more than just a ‘vintage’ chronograph. The sunburst finish and the black to deep purple gradient is just sublime. If you want a watch that has some retro charm, as well as a dynamic and vibrant feel, then this is definitely an option. The layout of the dial remains almost identical to what has come before except for one small detail nestled at the six o’clock position, the tourbillon of course.
The TH20-09 is the genius behind this masterpiece. This chronograph calibre is extremely high-performance. It boasts a tourbillon and automatic winding, a rare combination for a chronograph. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the calibre is beautifully finished and gives us a small insight into the complexity of the micro-machinery. Equipped with a 65 hour power-reserve, this watch will be able to make it through the weekend to Monday when you put it down on the nightstand on Friday.
This piece comes on an ultra-classic black leather strap, in the iconic ‘rally’ style with the perforation, paying further tribute to the watch’s motoring heritage. It comes on a deployant clasp, which is a great change compared to the standard pin buckles we see on most other watches.
Limited to 200 pieces, this TAG Heuer Carrera is certainly an item of desire. Whether it is the tourbillon-chronograph combination, or the deep purple dial, this is an absolutely mind-blowing piece. If you want to get your hands on one, but cannot get the limited edition, TAG are also launching a regular Carrera also in purple.
How much will the TAG heuer carrera chronograph Tourbillon purple cost?
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Purple will retail for 34,000 CHF and more information about the watch is available here.