Feature53 years of the Carrera – And our Top 10 TAG Heuer Carrera watches

From the very beginning, ever since it was launched, ‘Carrera’ become synonymous with TAG Heuer. An icon that was modified and improved for years to follow so that even today it is as reliable, advanced and attractive as it was half a century ago. The role ‘Carrera’ has played in both TAG Heuer’s history and the modern chronograph watch cannot be ignored. The watch, along with the Rolex Cosmograph, set a benchmark in the world of chronograph watches which other brands, even today are still struggling to achieve.

Over the years, we’ve seen the icon in different avatars: new colours, different designs, and materials. While some watches of the collection went on to achieve a cult status among watch lovers, some remain unnoticed, even today. But we’ve done our homework to bring  you our top 10 Carrera watches and why you should add at least one to your bucket list:

10. Carrera Calibre 16 Day-Date:

We’ll start the list with ‘the classic’. There’s no way you can go wrong with a watch that’s been the best seller for the brand itself, for so many years.

The Carrera Day-date is a significant watch in the brand’s roster as well with an illustrious history behind it. And with the tried and tested, ever efficient calibre 16 under the hood, there’s no reason why this watch shouldn’t be in any watch lover’s bucket list.

9. Carrera Nismo (Special Edition: Le Mans):

TAG’s association with this race started back in the 1970s with Ferrari, the then leading team. But this time on the brand has partnered with the Nissan Nismo Team, who currently race in the top category of LMP1, and thus released a special edition ‘Carrera Nismo’ to celebrate it.

What’s special about this watch? Apart from its trusted Calibre 16 chronograph movement, the 43mm case is made of titanium, micro-blasted with titanium carbide with makes the watch lighter than steel. If you’re a fan of Nissan’s in-house tuning ‘Nismo’ and/or own one of their street cars, then this watch may well and truly be the one made for you.

8. Caliber 5 Drive Timer:

The most unusual Carrera you might have ever seen. And the simplest one too, considering it has no chronograph counters or a cluttered dial, even very unusual numerals! But the watch is called a ‘Drive Timer’ for a reason. If you notice, the watch has two crowns, one is at its usual 3 o’clock position, which performs the usual functions (of setting the time). The second one at 10 is what rotates the inner bezel, and makes this simple watch a 60-minute timer (surprise surprise!)

Rotating the bezel until the ‘red’ triangle sits level with the minute hand means that you now have a 60-minute timer on your wrist without a cluttered dial. So feel free to time your drives while you zip through the hilly roads of Rishikesh in your BMW, or when you’re battling traffic to the market in your Volkswagen.

7. Carrera Calibre 7 Twin-Time:

The danger of adding more functionalities to a watch is overwhelming the wearer with too much detail on the dial. Though there is a following for a plethora of functionalities in a timepiece, TAG, however, follows the “less is more” mantra, visible clearly here with the Carrera Calibre 7 Twin Time. Trust us when we say, you won’t find a cleaner GMT display watch out there.

6. Carrera Calibre 5:

Tastefully designed, day date display, 41 mm stainless steel case, and bracelet, and an automatic movement with a healthy power reserve of 38 hours, protected by sapphire crystal, makes this timepiece the most understated and the smartest classic Carrera out there.

If you’re the board room personality, this watch was made for you.

5. The Carrera Calibre 16 (White):

“The classic” makes a return to our list at number 5, with its white dial cousin (in case black dials aren’t your thing). The same dial, same trusted calibre, three chronograph counters, and a comfortable black leather strap.

4. Carrera Calibre 1887 (White and Brown):

Leo DiCaprio’s choice for many years now. If you don’t take our word, well, have a look all over the internet. This is probably his most spotted and favourite timepiece (a watch he wears at almost every movie release).

And even though ‘Gatsby’ did not wear this vintage Heuer in the movie, the new TAG Heuer Carrera 1887, with rose gold markers on a silver dial with a brown alligator strap is his choice at almost every event he goes to. Who knows, it might be his luckiest watch?

3. Carrera Calibre 6 Chronometer:

This watch means business with its COSC certified chronometer movement. But keeping the technicalities aside, the theme of this watch would remind you of the beautiful starburst silver and metallic blue combination we’ve seen in the classic Jack Heuer 80 Carreras. Good looks clubbed with an exceptional movement, which is why it’s at number 3 on our list.

2. Calibre 36 Flyback Chronograph:

A Carrera list can’t be complete without a flyback chronograph. Flyback watches play a crucial role in timing during races (where you can reset the watch without having to stop the chronograph at all).

The Carrera 36 Flyback is additionally known for its stunning dial and a superior power reserve of over 50 hours, which is why it makes it to our list at No. 2. Also, this beauty is on Cristiano Ronaldo’s list too:

1. Calibre 16 Day-Date Manuel Fangio:

Owning a watch dedicated to motorsport is one thing, owning one dedicated to the most decorated F1 racer is a bucket list for sure! For the F1 fans out there, Juan Manuel Fangio is the world’s most skilled and daring driver in the history of the sport, with a literal ‘rags to riches’ story.

From driving a ford taxi back in his home town in Argentina, Juan got a taste of F1 racing only at the age of 37, where people had obviously dismissed his abilities, owing to his age. Juan went on to win 5 consecutive F1 titles, proving once and for all that “age doesn’t matter”.

It’s strange how this watch (dedication to the man himself) didn’t get much attention as it should have, but it’s right up on our top 10 list.

Which TAG watch makes it to your top 10 cut? Let us know in the comments section below!

(Image courtesy: TAG Heuer and Calibre 11)