HANDS-ON: The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 6 COSC

The story in a second:

Confused that the Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 6 COSC isn’t an chronograph? We were too – but not anymore.

Smart and simple time-only watches might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of the TAG Heuer Carrera. Far from it. But the Calibre 6, released earlier this year? That’s exactly what it is.

Inspired by the original Carreras, the Calibre 6 is an interesting move by TAG Heuer – a watch full of old-school Carrera DNA, but free from complication. And at first glimpse on a computer screen, we weren’t sure what we’d think of it in real life. Thankfully, once it found its way onto our wrists, all concerns evaporated.

First up, the Calibre 6 movement itself is an ETA or Sellita base movement that’s been Chronometre certified, so accuracy and reliability are not concerns. The case, meanwhile, is a perfectly sized 39mm, with crisp lines and finishing and – appropriately for a historically-inspired piece – has a solid caseback. Likewise, the dial’s silver starburst finish has been used before by TAG Heuer on their heritage ‘Heuer’ models, and it looks great, adding a slight retro touch.

But if they’d stopped there, this offering would be a little plain. Happily, they didn’t, and the beauty of this timepiece is in the details. For example, the bold red of the small seconds hand and ’60’ on the chapter ring, match the Heuer logo beautifully, balanced by the raised minutes register in blue and the seconds subdial with an azurage finish. Then there’s the chapter ring which effectively frames the dial and the subdial that adds texture. The one slight jarring note is the Cal. 6 text in the subdial. The only text that’s italicised, it draws the eye and makes you question why it’s there at all. Still, no biggie.

Overall, the TAG Heuer Calibre 6 COSC combines strong colourful elements with the subtle vintage touches of the polished and faceted indices, and the perforated rally-style strap – details that really tie the Carrera aesthetic and narrative into a simple, three-handed watch. If you like the style of TAG Heuer, but don’t need the extra complication of a chronograph in your life, or on your wrist, then this proposition starts looking very sweet indeed.

TAG Heuer Calibre 6 COSC Australian pricing

The Calibre 6 COSC has an RRP of $4,400.

Images by Kristian Dowling/Time+Tide Images.