TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Editions
Zach BlassEditor’s note: We had the opportunity to go hands-on with the pre-production TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche models months before it launched, though please note that the dial font for the Carrera script changed for the production model to block lettering as you’ll see in the images below. Having said that, we still wanted to bring you some of Marcus’ magic b-roll.
Most collaborative models present strictly an aesthetic tie-in, be it colours or co-branding that signify the partnership. For the 60th anniversary of the TAG Heuer Carrera and the Porsche 911, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Editions utilise a functional tribute as well – delivered through a new in-house chronograph calibre with a twist.
There are two editions to explore, each with a 100-metre water-resistant 42mm case that is 14.9mm thick and 48.6mm lug-to-lug. The stainless steel edition has a shimmery silver dial and flange, while the 18k 5N rose gold edition goes for shimmery beige. They each utilise the recently introduced Glassbox framework, with a box-domed sapphire crystal and outer flange scale that is seemingly magnified and very easy to discern. Both dials have three counters for the chronograph complication, and a date complication embedded within the 6′ counter. So, what is the twist?
Through a new automatic in-house chronograph calibre, the TH20-08, TAG Heuer offers a unique functional tribute through a tweak to their 80-hour power reserve movement. With two snail-shaped wheels, the calibre’s central chronograph seconds hand mimics the speedometer of a Porsche 901 racing forward – accelerating swiftly for 9.1 seconds across the dial. Then, the hand will gradually decelerate completing its full revolution in 60 seconds. This is a functional nod to the Porsche 901 (later renamed to the iconic 911 thanks to a naming right dispute with Peugeot) which, upon its introduction 60 years ago, accelerated from to 100km/hr in the aforementioned 9.1 seconds.
This period of time is represented on the dial via the red colouring on the rehaut, extending from 12 o’clock to 4 o’clock with a tweaked outer Chronosprint scale. Of course, the Chronosprint name is a reference to this unique functionality of the central chronograph seconds hand. While I am an NYC native, nearly 30 years old, and still without a drivers license, I do not have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate this collaborative release. With its distinct and unheard of Chronosprint twist on a chronograph’s functionality, it certainly has me horologically curious. I see it as a fun, functional Easter egg that does not disrupt the standard functionality expected of the complication.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Editions pricing and availability:
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Editions will both be available for purchase starting September 2023, and each come in special presentation packaging. Price: A$13,350, CHF 9,000 (Steel Edition), A$34,100, CHF 23,000 (Gold Edition)
| Brand | TAG Heuer |
| Model | Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Editions |
| Reference Number | CBS2011.FC6529 (Steel Edition) CBS2040.FC8318 (Gold Edition) |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 14.9mm (T) x 48.6mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel 18k 5N rose gold |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Box-domed sapphire front, sapphire back |
| Dial | Shimmery silver or beige |
| Strap | Black calfskin, steel folding clasp (Steel Edition) Brown calfskin, rose gold-plated pin buckle (Gold Edition) |
| Movement | TH20-08, in-house, automatic, column wheel chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph |
| Availability | September 2023 |
| Price | A$13,350, CHF 9,000 (Steel Edition) A$34,100, CHF 23,000 (Gold Edition) |