HANDS-ON: Withstand the heat with the new TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing
Ricardo SimeThe sun sets at the 24 hours of Le Mans. It’s your umpteenth time around the track. And, as you make your way down the Mulsanne Straight, the sparks from your Porsche 911 RSR light up the night sky. That’s the image Porsche and TAG Heuer had in mind with their newest release, the fiery hot Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing. A chronograph for the speed demon in us all.
Let’s take a closer look at the newest addition to the Carrera line.
The case
The case of this new Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing is built on the 44mm modern stainless-steel Carrera case. It features a diamond-like carbon finish, slightly twisted lugs that are brushed on the top edges and a highly legible fixed ceramic tachymeter bezel. Thickness comes in at 15.2mm and the lug-to-lug clocks in at 49.2mm.
All together, the watch has a commanding presence on the the wrist. Yes, it’s large yet it’s designed in a way to disguise that mass. Short lugs and the DLC treatment all help in making the watch a reasonable wear for even those with a smaller wrist.
The dial
That high legibility I referenced earlier continues with the dial. The white on black is already a great place to start. It continues with the large minute numerals being used instead of hour markers – which instantly remind you of a car speedometer. And, finally, there is the orange trim which perfectly frames all the information TAG Heuer managed to fit on the dial. But, of all those things, what I liked most about this dial is the vertical brushing. It’s subtle and adds another layer of depth to a dial that is very much appreciated.
The strap
Securing the watch to your wrist is a black calfskin leather strap. It features a crosshatched design with orange contrast stitching. That crosshatching is reminiscent of carbon fibre, another tie-in to the racing theme. When on the wrist, these details lead to a cohesive design between case and strap. And beyond that, features like the minimalist folding clasp and soft leather backing of the strap mean you’re left with a very comfortable feel on the wrist.
The movement
Powering this dedication to speed is the Heuer 02 movement. It can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback. And in terms of specifications, it has an above average 80 hour power reserve and runs at 28,800 vph.
Though the Heuer 02 movement is a workhorse for TAG, they still go out of their way to customise some of the details here. There is the Côtes de Genève finishing on the back plate. The black steering wheel rotor with orange lettering. Even the column wheel gets that orange treatment.
The verdict
The partnership between Porsche and Tag has existed for years. And the Carrera has been the canvas they have used for many of the creations. Rightfully so as its high legibility and comfortable form factor lead to a pleasurable experience on the wrist.
With the TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing, that strong foundation is built open with an eye-catching colourway. The burnt orange used pops and the new vertical brushing on the dial adds to the experience. It’s just enough to make this watch feel unique and wanted by those who have a love affair with either brand. Or anyone who has that racing spirit in their blood.
TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing pricing and availability:
The TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing is currently available on the brand’s website. Price: US$7050
| Brand | TAG Heuer |
| Model | Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing |
| Case Dimensions | 44mm (D) x 15.2mm (T) x 49.2 (L2L) |
| Case Material | DLC Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Black Dial with Orange accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Strap | 22mm Black calfskin leather strap |
| Movement | Heuer 02 |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, 30min and 12 hr chronograph, |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$7050 |