TAG Heuer is in Timer Fusion Mode

After starting the festivities and celebrating its 160th anniversary with a Carrera Heuer 02 Special Edition, the Swiss manufacturer is unveiling a second anniversary model that is the result of a combination between the aesthetic lines of the emblematic Carrera chronograph, and those of the historic 1972 “Montreal” model. This Carrera Montreal Special Edition 160 Years Edition is limited to 1,000 pieces, already available both in boutiques and on the TAG Heuer website.

By Chloé Redler

*When the Carrera merges with the Montreal, TAG Heuer creates a very beautiful special edition to celebrate its 160 years of existence*

As the first anniversary model, the Carrera collection has been chosen yet again to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the TAG Heuer house. And with good reason: the Carrera chronograph was designed in 1963 by Jack Heuer in homage to the Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico, and it is indeed the most iconic model of the house. Confirmed drivers and simple lovers of beautiful mechanical engineering both have always been as much seduced by its sober and modern curves as by its watchmaking technicality and the great legibility of its dial—an indisputable asset during motor races.

*A competitor in the 2017 edition of the famous Carrera Panamericana.*

And while the new Carrera Montreal Special Edition 160 Years Old is aesthetically well anchored in this line, its identity design takes after the colour codes—and certain other details—from the “Montreal.” It indeed features a shaped case that was equipped with a crown at 9 o’clock opposite the push-pieces which appeared in 1972, and has nowadays become a collector’s item of great rarity.

*As this advertisement in a magazine of the time shows, the Heuer Montreal chronograph was offered in different versions.*

This steel anniversary edition is a beautiful watchmaking mix that remains as faithful to the Carrera codes as it is to the white-blue-yellow-red chromatic DNA of the original Montréal. The instrument features a highly brazen dial, with its matt white background that contrasts with its azure blue counters and yellow minute markers for the chronometer. Blue, yellow and red markers, hands, ladder sections and markers complete this bold statement. It is also worth noting the presence of the CARRERA inscription and of the historic HEUER logo.

*The Montreal of 1972 and the Carrera Montreal of 2020.*

While its look is undeniably and deliciously vintage, the watch is nevertheless equipped with the latest-generation high-performance calibre. TAG Heuer has indeed succeeded in housing its Heuer 02 automatic chronograph movement (which is only 6.95 mm thick) in the small 39 mm case, which has a power reserve of 80 hours. The gears of this column-wheel and vertical clutch mechanism—which mark a remarkable Manufacture calibre—are, of course, visible on the back. Collectors will also discover the presence of an openworked, blackened oscillating weight adorned with a special anniversary chequerboard lacquered motif.

*TAG Heuer Carrera Caliber Heuer 02 Special Edition 160 years reappropriates the color codes of Montreal.*

Combined with a blue alligator strap, this timepiece, limited to 1,000 pieces, is presented in a special case. It has already met with great success for the few weeks that it has been available in the TAG Heuer boutiques and online www.tagheuer.com

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 automatic – Special Edition Montrel 160 Years – Limited to 1,000 pieces – Special packaging – Recommended retail price: 6,400 euros.