Category Archives for Tag Heuer Carrera

1:1 Super Clone TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Panda Watch

The glassbox revolution seems to be nearing completion. replica TAG Heuer’s incredible revamp of its Carrera chronographs, introduced last year, was met with almost unanimous acclaim, and the brand is not holding back. replica TAG Heuer has already released a number of special editions, and the standard editions are already available in crowd-pleasing blue and reverse panda dials, not to mention the Skipper and a solid-gold version with a matching dial. For Watches and Wonders 2024, the brand is expanding the line with another non-limited model, the panda dial replica TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph CBS2216.BA0041.

The new version of the Carrera Chronograph uses the same case as its siblings, measuring 39mm across and 46mm lug-to-lug. If you’ve had a chance to wear the new glassbox Carreras, you know they wear incredibly well, even with its 13.86mm thickness, which is mitigated quite a bit by the all-encompassing sapphire crystal that covers the dial and bezel. The stainless steel case features pump pushers and a branded crown with 100 m water resistance. The lugs feature the Carrera collection’s signature internal bevel and the watch is paired with a stainless steel bracelet, a first for a glassbox model. Unfortunately, replica TAG has not fitted it with its micro-adjustment mechanism (currently only offered on the Aquaracer), nor is there any sign here that the brand has developed and introduced a quick-release mechanism (making replica TAG one of the few major brands without it). On the wrist, the watch wears easily given its size, and with the newly added bracelet, I found it less top-heavy and bulbous than it was on a strap, which is a common experience I’ve had when comparing watches on bracelets versus straps.

The dial here offers what many people have probably been clamoring for with its panda design. The red accents trace their roots back across multiple generations of the Carrera, with the brand identifying the Heuer 7753 SN from the late 1960s. That watch, too, had a silver dial with black subdials (the S was for silver, the N was for noir). There have been plenty of other panda Carreras since then, and this watch is simply the latest, incorporating the colorway into the latest generation’s design. The dial has a sunburst finish, with red accents on the concave chapter ring and at the tip of the chrono seconds and the subdial hands. The hands receive lume, and there are pips just outside of each applied, polished hour marker. The subdials have the same snailed grooving as the other new Carrera chronographs, except for the running seconds at 6 o’clock, which is simply printed and indicated with a black hand.

Even with the framed date nestled within it, I found myself almost forgetting the small seconds was there, so much more subtle is it than the other two subdials. I think that’s kind of the point, though; Fake TAG wanted to provide that running seconds functionality in a way that doesn’t detract from the main attraction of the chronograph. Finally, the entire dial is encircled by the black 60-second chronograph bezel, which, in previous generations, would have been outside the sapphire crystal. When you experience it in person, it’s this contrasting chronograph bezel that sets this model apart from the other three glassbox Carrera chronographs. The sloping of the surrounding crystal makes it pop much more than the others, giving this an almost exciting look on the wrist.

Powering this replica TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is the in-house TH-20 automatic chronograph movement. On display through a sapphire caseback, the movement has an impressive 80-hour power reserve at 28,800 vph. The bridges feature Côtes de Genève finishing and the rotor is skeletonized in the form of the replica TAG shield. The caliber features a column wheel chronograph mechanism that provides a wonderfully tactile yet smooth operating experience.

Super Clone TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph Watch With Teal-Green Dial

Dramatically, we could say it feels like a decade for those of us who have waited for replica TAG Heuer to place its competitively priced tourbillon chronograph movement into a more refined and subtle design. Originally launched in 2016, the Heuer-02T was a futuristic, bulky, sporty chronograph featuring one of the most affordable tourbillon movements from any major Swiss watchmaker. In 2023, as part of the TAG Heuer Carrera’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, this initial concept evolved into the Fake TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph watch, now available with a new teal dial version.

Here are the key changes over the eight years since the replica TAG Heuer’s Heuer-02T (or Heuer02T) was introduced. First, the movement is now named TH20-09, though the brand sometimes still calls it the Heuer02T. The TH20-00 caliber, which includes the TH20-09, is an advancement of the Heuer02T. Still produced at TAG Heuer’s Chevenez facility, it now boasts an extended warranty of up to five years, a bidirectionally winding rotor through a noise-dampened bearing and gear train, and a winding speed among the fastest on the market.

There is also a new oscillating weight design and significant aesthetic changes to the caliber: TAG Heuer has opted for more classic decorations, such as brushed and striped surface treatments, replacing the dark, futuristic black plating of the Heuer02 and Heuer02T calibers with a traditional rhodium-plated movement.

The power reserve and operating frequency remain at 65 hours and 4Hz, respectively. The power reserve is 15 hours less than the non-tourbillon Heuer02 (TH20-00), likely due to the added weight of the tourbillon assembly. While the TH20-09 might still run for 80 hours when fully wound, the mainspring can’t deliver enough torque through the heavy tourbillon to the escapement for reliable timekeeping during the last 15 hours.

Interestingly, TAG Heuer seems to have quietly dropped the COSC chronometer certification during this update. Since 2016, the Heuer02T was praised for its aggressive pricing and for shaming historic brands offering significantly more expensive tourbillons without backing up their claims of accuracy. Adjusting and fine-tuning a tourbillon for high timekeeping performance is very challenging, and many brands realized they could charge high prices for tourbillons without proof of accuracy.

TAG Heuer was among the few to produce a tourbillon that performed well in series production. This step back from proven chronometric performance is odd, especially given that the teal-dial-equipped replica TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph watch is more expensive than the COSC-certified original: MSRP has increased from $15,950 USD to $24,050 USD. Additionally, TAG Heuer still lists the “old” Heuer02T-equipped Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon (reference CAR5A90.BH0742) with a COSC-certified movement, a ceramic case, and a full ceramic bracelet for $22,850 USD on its website, which is a great deal for that price.

The new replica TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph with a teal dial might rely on its attractive design to justify its higher price. Watch design is subjective, but the “glassbox” execution — eliminating a traditional bezel — combined with a color-shifting teal dial, long Carrera lugs, applied hour markers, and a large tourbillon cut-out at 6 o’clock create a striking piece. At 42mm wide, it looks more mature and elegant than the early Heuer02T watches. While it remains thick at 14.33mm, the large, domed crystal and the depth of the dial compensate for much of that.

1:1 Clone TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma Tourbillon Nanograph Watches

The two Carrera family watches featured in this article are among the priciest timepieces that replica TAG Heuer has ever produced. These two “Plasma Diamant” watches are undoubtedly unusual and expensive, but they are also incredibly rare and fascinating examples of modern luxury watches. This journey began in 2022 when the brand released the replica TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma Tourbillon Nanograph (Ref. XCBN5A90.FC8315). This model took the 44mm wide Carrera Chronograph case concept and transformed the traditional sports watch style into something far more decorative and modern. The large asymmetrically set baguette-cut diamonds in the matte black case, the machined diamond crown, the baguette-cut diamond hour markers, and the diamond texture face are all designed to catch the viewer’s eye. The watch features a traditional polished black ceramic tachymeter-style bezel and a simple black strap. It was priced at a staggering 350,000 Swiss Francs.

In 2023, Fake TAG Heuer took this concept even further with the introduction of the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma Diamant d’Avant Garde (Ref. CNBN5A91.BZ0000). This watch retained the same movement and 44mm wide black aluminum case, but added a black bezel and bracelet set with large lab-grown diamonds for a bolder, more decorative effect. The price reached CHF 500,000, and we had the chance to review this upgraded version hands-on. Building on that review, I offer my perspective on these watches and how people might perceive them.

In 2019, replica TAG Heuer introduced a new mainspring technology called Isograph, intended to be a carbon-based alternative to silicon mainsprings in watches, replacing the more traditional metal mainsprings. Non-metallic hairsprings are resistant to magnetism and have advantages such as lower friction. The Isograph hairsprings were produced in-house by LVMH and were intended for the lower-priced Autavia collection of TAG Heuer timepieces. However, the technology proved difficult to mass-produce, and the idea of using them in mainstream TAG Heuer watches was shelved. The Isograph name has seemingly been changed to Nanograph, and TAG Heuer still uses the technology for higher-end watches where more money can be spent on the movement. Both watches feature what TAG Heuer refers to as “Carbon Tourbillons,” essentially the Heuer 02-T automatic chronograph movement with an Isograph/Nanograph hairspring.

The Heuer 02 and 02T automatic chronograph movements are impressive, even if they aren’t exactly high horology. (If you are looking for that in a modern high-end TAG Heuer, the 2024 Monaco Split Second Chronograph might be a better option.) The Heuer 02-T is a durable and accurate chronograph movement fitted with a tourbillon. It operates at 4Hz with 65 hours of power reserve and is a COSC-certified Chronometer. Although this movement was originally designed for entry-level Swiss Made tourbillon watches, it has proven to be reliable and has been enhanced with additional decoration and carbon hairsprings for these Carrera Chronograph Plasma Nanograph Tourbillon watches.

These two models elevate their design with lab-grown crystals, sourced through a collaboration between TAG Heuer and Capsoul. Similar to the popularity of synthetic sapphire crystal, many in the watch industry see a bright future for creative uses of lab-grown diamonds. These uses are not only for decorative purposes but also for other applications where diamond as a material could be beneficial and playful. For example, the crowns of these watches begin as large grown diamonds and are then machined into the shape of a crown. This complicated process has led TAG Heuer to introduce these crowns (in other colors as well) to some of its other “Plasma” watches in both pink and yellow.

The original model had an aluminum case with a more traditional black ceramic chronograph bezel, but the new D’Avant Garde model abandons subtlety and restraint. The new model uses aluminum for the entire construction: case, bezel, and bracelet. This material allows for setting the entire watch with diamonds, a process completed by Geneva-based specialist Salanitro, with the bracelet featuring a waterfall effect as the frequency of diamonds diminishes around the wrist. While TAG Heuer outsourced most of the diamond work, it chose to cut and mount the crown diamond in-house.

Both the replica TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Nanograph Plasma Diamant D’Avant Garde and the replica TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma Tourbillon Nanograph are incredible timepieces. They may not be traditionally beautiful, but they are fun, spirited, and eye-catching. For me, the most surprising aspect is the price, especially considering how many parts of these watches were never intended to be top-tier. The Nanograph technology, lab-grown diamonds, and the Heuer 02T movement are all meant to offer excellent value. While these watches require a lot of time to make and develop, I wonder if TAG Heuer missed part of the story when trying to reconcile all of these concepts with the enthusiasts who have been following the brand’s developments over the past decade.

Super Clone TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber 36 Flyback Chronographs

It’s 1963, and motor racing is a popular pastime worldwide, including in America. The American muscle car companies and well-known European car manufacturers are all competing for dominance on the track. As they do today, these races serve as testing grounds for the latest engines, tires, chassis, and overall race car designs.

In this context, Jack Heuer, the honorary chairman of the now replica TAG Heuer company, made one of the boldest moves in the Swiss watch industry. Driven by a passion for the sport and their finely crafted mechanical chronographs, under Jack’s leadership, Heuer became the first watch company to be the official timekeeper for various racing circuits. In a brilliant business strategy, Heuer chronographs also adorned the wrists of many leading drivers.

Famous names like Jo Siffert, Jacky Ickx, Niki Lauda, and many others not only wore Heuer watches but also displayed Heuer signs on their race suits. Heuer’s dominance in time measurement on the racetrack was so significant that when Steve McQueen filmed Le Mans, he emulated Jo Siffert with a similar Heuer sign on his suit and the now-famous Heuer Monaco on his wrist.

One of the original chronographs to gain mainstream popularity from Heuer at that time was the fake Carrera, named and conceived by Jack himself. The name was inspired by a grueling race across Central and North America: the Carrera Panamericana Mexico race. Since then, the Carrera has remained one of the most popular chronographs in the Heuer catalog. Various iterations have since existed with different movements and features, yet it has always stayed true to its origins with excellent proportions, legible dials, and precise movements. It is a watch line that perfectly evokes its design purpose: being in a fast-moving automobile. Last year, I reviewed my Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper here on aBlogToWatch.com.

Fast forward 50 years, and replica TAG Heuer Carrera continues to impress with two new releases of the same Calibre 36 version, now with a flyback feature. There are two primary models. First, the “Racing” version in super-light, grade 2 titanium, sandblasted and treated with black titanium carbide. The dial is anthracite colored with a sun-ray pattern and markers for 60 minutes at five-minute increments, giving the watch the feel of the handheld chronographs the brand is famous for. At the center, there are two sub-dials: one for the running seconds at 9 o’clock and the other for the 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock. Red accents on the tips of the counter hands and around the bezel for the tachymeter’s cardinal markers complete the sporty look.

The second model (reference CAR2B11.BA0799) also features the flyback addition to the Calibre 36 but comes in stainless steel with a silver finish, reminiscent of the old Heuer stopwatches. The white dial includes the same anthracite sun-ray pattern but only for the inner part of the dial that houses the sub-dials. Instead of the race-inspired perforated leather strap, this model includes an option for a steel bracelet with a TAG Heuer deployment clasp.

The case back of both watches features a sapphire crystal showcasing the Zenith El-Primero-based Calibre 36 high-beat movement with the custom flyback addition. This new feature allows the chronograph to be reset and immediately restarted on the fly. This is particularly useful for quickly measuring laps around the track or any periodic activity.

Replica TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 36 Racing Watch Review

Since the early 1960s, the Carrera has been a cornerstone model for Heuer, and later for replica TAG Heuer. Designed as a lifestyle racing watch, the Carrera has remained one of the most significant timepiece families of the 20th century, both as a collectible and for its influence on watch design for over 50 years. Today, I am examining a rather distinctive version of the Carrera that stands out at the higher end of the collection. This is the replica TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 36 Racing watch, and this article marks the third time we’ve covered it.

The Replica Carrera Calibre 36 Racing made its debut at Baselworld 2013. It was introduced as part of a series of watches equipped with the Calibre 36 movement, and the “Racing” aspect of the name reflects its unique color scheme, strap, and titanium case construction. Interestingly, if you look at our previous articles, you’ll see that during the design and production phases, TAG Heuer realized the hands were too short. The model I’m reviewing has the correct hand size, but early images showed it with hands that were too short. It baffles me why designers continue to produce watches with short hands. Fortunately, brands like replica TAG Heuer catch these issues before production, but many others do not.

Besides the titanium case, what sets the Calibre 36 Racing watch apart from most other Carrera models is the movement. In recent years, TAG Heuer has been positioning the Carrera as a more upscale collection, leading to an increase in the average price. Along with this trend, there has been a remarkable diversity of movements available in the Carrera line. As of 2014, there are at least five different chronograph movements available in the Carrera, including in-house movements by TAG Heuer (like the Calibre 1887 and 1969) and those sourced externally.

The Calibre 36 is not made by TAG Heuer itself but comes from the larger LVMH group that owns Clone TAG Heuer. The Calibre 36 is essentially another name for the “El Primero” movement. Produced by Zenith and used in timepieces by both Zenith and its sister companies, the El Primero is a modern marvel of mechanical watchmaking, with an interesting backstory.

Others have recounted the story in more detail, but the basics are straightforward. During the quartz crisis, Zenith nearly shut down and was sold. The new management ordered the destruction of many tools and plans for movements, including those for the newly developed El Primero. The El Primero was intended to be a groundbreaking movement, but due to the shift to quartz watches, it seemed obsolete. No one at the time would have believed that a few decades later, these high-performance mechanical movements would be valued in luxury watches.

The person tasked with destroying the El Primero plans did not do so and secretly saved everything. He later revealed what he had preserved, much to everyone’s relief. Later, brands like Rolex used the El Primero in their Daytona watches for many years (including much of the 1990s). Today, the El Primero remains a benchmark for high-end, high-performance mechanical chronograph movements. Given that TAG Heuer and Zenith are both part of the LVMH Group, it makes sense for them to share movements. This is why a re-branded Zenith movement is found inside a replica TAG Heuer Carrera.