Why tourbillons are more accessible than ever thanks to the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T

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Editor’s note: The tourbillon is an anachronism that is representative of the watch industry as a whole in a little way. It was conceived hundreds of years ago to solve problems that were pressing at the time, but despite being technologically surpassed by other devices in the meantime, it is currently facing its heyday with more being produced than ever before for an audience with a growing appetite. TAG Heuer are one tourbillon producer with a difference — they are working very hard to democratise the complication by making them less wildly expensive than other brands. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three tourbillon chronographs in the current TAG Heuer lineup that are more accessible than ever before. 

Fun fact: TAG Heuer is the largest Swiss producer of tourbillons. It’s a statement that if made a decade ago would have emitted oh-so-Swiss snickers of disbelief in the rarefied halls of Baselworld or SIHH. Tourbillons, according to the narrative, are the epitome of hand-crafting — tiny components that take precious hours to intricately assemble. But here we are, and TAG Heuer has upset the applecart with its CNC-produced tourbillon, which offers the same visceral, whirling coolness at a price that — while still clocking in at five figures — is, what market analysts would say, aggressively competitive. And while the Heuer 02T tourbillon has been around for a while now, the newest darling is the very impressive Nanograph, which serves as a heroic standard-bearer for TAG Heuer’s carbon alternative to silicon technology. Watch on to check out our picks of the current collection.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T

Pairing black steel and matt ceramic, this TAG Heuer tourbillon offers all the hi-tech you could want, with a pleasingly warm brown calf strap. RRP $22,050

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Carbon

If you want even less weight and more futuristic-ness, how about a Heuer 02T clad in black titanium and carbon fibre? Light, sporty and very, very cool. RRP $28,250

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Nanograph

And finally, the pièce de résistance. Cool hexagonal dial structure, popping yellow highlights and some serious science in the escapement … there’s a whole lot of awesome going on in this Nanograph. RRP $33,540

Made in partnership with TAG Heuer. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.