TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T, a symbol of the accessible luxury
Presented in preview of Baselworld, the Heuer Carrera-02T has all chances from unanimous among fans of beautiful mechanics. By mastering industrial processes and manufacturing costs, TAG Heuer has indeed, neither more nor less, succeeded to create the only COSC automatic Swiss Made chronograph with Tourbillon at less than 15 000 CHF in the market (available in june at € 14,950). A futur success story
Just six months after the release of the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01, the backbone of a new collection of contemporary manufacture chronographs, comes the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T, a COSC-certified automatic chronograph combined with a titanium and carbon flying tourbillon.
A symbol of the accessible luxury so dear to TAG Heuer, this watch symbolises technology, exemplary quality, performance, manufacture expertise, and the perfect mastery of industrial processes and manufacturing costs which have made it the only COSC automatic chronograph with Tourbillon produced by the Swiss watch industry for under 15,000 CHF. The Black Phantom version priced at 19,900 CHF, is part of a limited edition of 250 numbered pieces. Both instruments will be available in June, with respective prices of € 14 950 and € 19 950.
It was developed directly from the DNA of the CH-80 chronograph, used as a basis to interpret two of traditional watchmaking’s most famous complications: the chronograph (one of TAG Heuer’s key strengths), and the aesthetically pleasing tourbillon.
TAG Heuer Calibre HEUER-02T
At 4 Hz, and 28,800 vibrations/hour, the main technical challenge was to house a single barrel, the chronograph functions, the automatic winding mechanism and the flying tourbillon within a diameter of 32 mm, whilst ensuring the counters were well spaced to create a modern, balanced look.
An industrial framework was developed to optimise assembly in TAG Heuer’s Chevenez workshops. It houses a lightweight tourbillon hand-crafted by 4 watchmakers, inspired by the Monaco V4’s tourbillon, which has central sections made from titanium and a carbon top section. This tourbillon offers a power reserve in excess of 65 hours.
All the fitting, assembly and adjustment work is performed by hand. The main components are manufactured in the workshops of the TAG Heuer Manufacture. At the heart of the tourbillon, the balance spring is produced by the brand’s Swiss partner, Atokalpa.
Each watch must undergo a protocol involving a total of 21 days of testing. Each movement is certified by the independent testing body, Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), which guarantees that the chronometer meets the highest accuracy standards when worn.
The movement is housed in the latest generation case. Made from grade 5 titanium, lightweight and more shock-resistant, it uses a different form of construction with 12 modular components. This design opens up a huge range of possibilities, with an infinite combination of materials, colours, treatments and finishes. This assembly is complemented by a black alligator strap sewn onto rubber, ensuring it boasts TAG Heuer’s signature refined, yet sporty look. Waterproof to 100 metres.
Finally, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T symbolises the continued investment and creativity of the TAG Heuer brand, which has been, and continues to be, at the forefront the Swiss Avant-Garde since 1860. More than a slogan, it is a spirit, a culture and a philosophy.