Celebrating a Century of Excellence
To commemorate its 100th anniversary, Watches of Switzerland, a prominent luxury watch retailer, has teamed up with Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer to introduce a special edition Carrera Tourbillon timepiece. This collaboration represents a fusion of historical significance and innovative design, celebrating both the retailer’s century-long presence in the industry and TAG Heuer’s legacy of precision engineering.
A Legacy of Racing-Inspired Design
The TAG Heuer Carrera collection, originally introduced in 1963, draws inspiration from the Carrera Panamericana road race. Jack Heuer, the brand’s founder, aimed to capture the adventurous spirit of the race in a chronograph that has since become iconic. Over the decades, the Carrera has established itself as a symbol of refined elegance and mechanical excellence, making it a favorite among both racing enthusiasts and watch collectors.
The Reverse Panda Dial: A Nod to the 1960s
The new Watches of Switzerland Exclusive edition honors this rich heritage with a distinctive black-and-silver “reverse panda” dial. This design, featuring black dials contrasted by white or silver subdials, is reminiscent of some of the most sought-after Heuer Carreras from the 1960s. The centenary model is further enhanced by red accents on the flange and hands, framing the silver subdials and highlighting the open aperture that reveals the tourbillon mechanism—a complex and highly respected feature in watchmaking.
Advanced Movement and Mechanical Mastery
At the heart of this 42mm timepiece lies the Heuer 02 – TH20-09 movement, known for its bidirectional automatic winding mechanism and advanced engineering. The tourbillon, a rotating cage designed to counteract gravitational effects on the watch’s accuracy, is prominently displayed at the 6 o’clock position. TAG Heuer is among the few elite manufacturers that have mastered this intricate feature, underscoring the brand’s commitment to horological excellence.
Design and Craftsmanship: A Tribute to Heritage
The watch also features TAG Heuer’s signature Glassbox design, a nod to the domed crystal designs of the 1970s, offering a panoramic view of the tourbillon and enhancing the watch’s legibility. The 39mm steel case is topped with a curved sapphire crystal, while the rhodium-plated indexes are subtly curved to complement the crystal’s edge, creating a seamless aesthetic that extends over the tachymeter scale.
Luxury Finishes and Exclusive Details
Accompanied by a high-end black alligator leather strap with a stainless-steel folding clasp, the watch exudes luxury. The open case back reveals a shield-shaped rotor, a symbol closely associated with TAG Heuer, and is engraved with “ONE OF 10” and “Watches of Switzerland 1924 – 2024,” marking the exclusive nature of this limited-edition release.
Statements from TAG Heuer and Watches of Switzerland
Commenting on the launch, Rob Diver, Managing Director of TAG Heuer UK & Ireland, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “The elegant centenary model not only presents the very best of TAG Heuer’s automotive history and avant-garde, in-house movements, but also reflects the dedication shared with Watches of Switzerland to offering clients the most exciting timepieces, and our joint passion for the finest Swiss watchmaking.” Craig Bolton, President of the Watches of Switzerland Group UK and Europe, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shared commitment to heritage craftsmanship and innovation.
Availability and Further Information
The Watches of Switzerland TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Centenary Exclusive is available for purchase exclusively through Watches of Switzerland showrooms and online platforms, offering collectors and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece of watchmaking history. For further details, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official website.
