TAG Heuer x Hodinkee Carrera Chronograph Seafarer

Charles d’Ancona

August 8, 2024

TAG Heuer and Hodinkee Collaborate on Modern Take of a Vintage Classic: The Carrera Chronograph Seafarer

In a striking blend of past and present, TAG Heuer has partnered with Hodinkee to introduce the Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee, a watch that reimagines the iconic 1968 “2446C Seafarer” for the modern adventurer. This latest release showcases a thoughtful balance of vintage aesthetics and cutting-edge watchmaking, marking yet another chapter in the ongoing collaboration between the two brands.

The Carrera Chronograph Seafarer is housed in TAG Heuer’s 42mm Carrera “Glassbox” case, which is crafted from polished stainless steel. The case features a domed sapphire crystal, offering the look of a vintage plexiglass crystal while providing enhanced durability and clarity—an essential feature for those taking the watch out on the water. Inside the case lies the newly developed TH20-13 In-House Tide Indicator Chronograph Caliber, an evolution of the Heuer 02 movement. This caliber powers the Seafarer’s tide indicator function, a nod to the watch’s historical roots, while also reflecting TAG Heuer’s commitment to innovation.

“The story of the Seafarer captures so much that makes watchmaking exciting: technical innovation, design, collaboration, and a chance to understand how business was conducted in the mid-20th century,” said Nicholas Biebuyck, Heritage Director at TAG Heuer. “America was the key market during the period and thanks to the friendship between Walter Haynes, President of Abercrombie & Fitch, and the Heuer family, not only did this great innovation come into the world, but it helped Heuer build its incredible reputation for timekeeping excellence in a region that would become vital to its future. Given that it was a US retailer who launched the Seafarer originally, it made perfect sense to debut this piece with our great friends at Hodinkee for our limited edition together.”

“TAG Heuer is one of Hodinkee’s first partners, and we don’t take that lightly,” said Jeff Hilliard, Sr. Director of Limited Editions at Hodinkee. “For our third Limited Edition collaboration with them, we wanted to do something special. But when we asked them to bring back the tide complication, we figured it was a longshot, since we knew there would be significant research and development that was involved. To our surprise, they agreed to the concept, and we are super excited to bring a piece of TAG Heuer’s incredible history back to the forefront using the incredible glassbox chronograph.”

The dial of the new Seafarer is black opaline, accented with shades of sky and royal blue, true to the original’s color scheme. The Seafarer logo is subtly positioned within the sub-dial at six o’clock, utilizing a Carrera font that draws inspiration from the characterful typography of the late reference. In a nod to modernity, the present-day TAG Heuer and Carrera logos are prominently displayed at 12 o’clock, while the date window, often seen in contemporary Carrera models, has been deliberately omitted to maintain a clean, focused design.

The watch is complemented by a black textured rubber strap, designed for durability and comfort, making it well-suited for maritime adventures. The combination of modern materials and vintage design elements ensures that the Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee is a watch that honors its heritage while being perfectly adapted to today’s lifestyle.

Hodinkee, known for its appreciation of purpose-driven, vintage-inspired timepieces, has a history of collaborating with TAG Heuer on limited editions that pay homage to the brand’s storied past. Previous collaborations, such as the Skipper and Dato 45, have similarly celebrated TAG Heuer’s legacy while pushing the design forward. The new Seafarer continues this tradition, embodying a blend of playful mid-century spirit and contemporary watchmaking.

This latest release underscores TAG Heuer and Hodinkee’s shared passion for watches that marry vintage aesthetics with modern innovation. With a water resistance of 100 meters and a robust automatic movement, the Carrera Chronograph Seafarer x Hodinkee is not only a tribute to a legendary watch but also a reliable companion for today’s explorers.

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